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Li Q, Bai Q, Sheng X, Li P, Zheng R, Yu S, Liu J. Influence of particle characteristics, heating temperature and time on the pyrolysis product distributions of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1682:463503. [PMID: 36152483 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) has been widely used for the detection of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment. However, there is a lack of thorough investigation on the effects of pyrolysis temperature and time, as well as the particle source, size and mass of MNPs on the pyrolysis efficiency and pyrolysis product distribution of MNPs. Herein, taking the common plastics polystyrene (PS) as a model, we systematically evaluated the influences of the above factors on the pyrolysis of PS MNPs. Results showed that pyrolysis temperature and time significantly affect the pyrolysis efficiency. By measuring the relative response values of the indicator compound styrene trimers to styrene monomer, the optimum condition was determined as the temperature of 510 ℃ and pyrolysis time longer than 18 s. Meanwhile, the mass of MNPs also affected the distribution of PS pyrolysis products. The proportions of styrene dimers and trimers increased slightly with PS MNP mass, while the source, particle size of MNPs have little effect on the pyrolysis product distribution. This work proposed a suitable pyrolysis temperature and time for the determination of PS by Py-GC/MS, which would contribute to the accurate analysis of PS MNPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingsheng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xueying Sheng
- China University of Petroleum Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ronggang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Sujuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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102
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Chow J, Perez‐Garcia P, Dierkes R, Streit WR. Microbial enzymes will offer limited solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 16:195-217. [PMID: 36099200 PMCID: PMC9871534 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Global economies depend on the use of fossil-fuel-based polymers with 360-400 million metric tons of synthetic polymers being produced per year. Unfortunately, an estimated 60% of the global production is disposed into the environment. Within this framework, microbiologists have tried to identify plastic-active enzymes over the past decade. Until now, this research has largely failed to deliver functional biocatalysts acting on the commodity polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), ether-based polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS) and synthetic rubber (SR). However, few enzymes are known to act on low-density and low-crystalline (amorphous) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ester-based PUR. These above-mentioned polymers represent >95% of all synthetic plastics produced. Therefore, the main challenge microbiologists are currently facing is in finding polymer-active enzymes targeting the majority of fossil-fuel-based plastics. However, identifying plastic-active enzymes either to implement them in biotechnological processes or to understand their potential role in nature is an emerging research field. The application of these enzymes is still in its infancy. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on microbial plastic-active enzymes, their global distribution and potential impact on plastic degradation in industrial processes and nature. We further outline major challenges in finding novel plastic-active enzymes, optimizing known ones by synthetic approaches and problems arising through falsely annotated and unfiltered use of database entries. Finally, we highlight potential biotechnological applications and possible re- and upcycling concepts using microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Chow
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Pablo Perez‐Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Robert Dierkes
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Wolfgang R. Streit
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
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103
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Cheng J, Eyheraguibel B, Jacquin J, Pujo-Pay M, Conan P, Barbe V, Hoypierres J, Deligey G, Halle AT, Bruzaud S, Ghiglione JF, Meistertzheim AL. Biodegradability under marine conditions of bio-based and petroleum-based polymers as substitutes of conventional microparticles. Polym Degrad Stab 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2022.110159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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104
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Herath A, Salehi M. Studying the combined influence of microplastics' intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics on their weathering behavior and heavy metal transport in storm runoff. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119628. [PMID: 35716893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The weathering and contaminant transport behavior of both primary (PMPs) and secondary microplastics (SMPs) are interrelated to their original physiochemical features and variations within the environment. This study examines the influence of PMPs' intrinsic characteristics (polymer structure and crystallinity) and SMPs' extrinsic features (surface oxidation and external sediments attachment) on the photodegradation kinetics, and subsequently Pb(II) and Zn(II) uptake from stormwater. For this purpose, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) with different degrees of crystallinities were produced as PMPs, and their photodegradation behaviors were compared with original polymers. Furthermore, the SMPs generated by abrasion and surface oxidation of PMPs and the virgin PMPs underwent accelerated photodegradation, and the changes of their crystallinity, surface chemistry, and morphology were examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) studies revealed the formation of cracks and different oxidized functionalities on MPs surface due to UV photodegradation. The vinyl and carbonyl indices calculated using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated an elevated photodegradation rate for SMPs compared to the PMPs. Moreover, the Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC) demonstrated an increasing percentage of crystallinity in all MPs due to the photodegradation. The percent crystallinity of HDPE pellets increased after photodegradation from 49.8 to 62.6 and it increased from 17.2 to 38.9 for LDPE pellets respectively. The greater level of increase in crystallinity for LDPE in comparison to HDPE upon photodegradation was referred to as LDPE's greater amorphous content and branched structure. A greater level of metal uptake was obtained for photodegraded LDPE pellets as 2526 μg/m2 for Pb(II) and 2028 μg/m2 for Zn(II) respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amali Herath
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Maryam Salehi
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA.
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105
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Saifuddin M, Ghaffari Y, Park SY, Kim CG. Rapid surface degradation of co-axially arranged polypropylene globules by nanoporous carbonized TiO 2 assisted with UV-C. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113422. [PMID: 35568235 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The degradation of plastics, especially polypropylene (PP), is difficult since it is the most hydrophobic polymer. Photocatalytic degradation of PP films has been reported to be one of the most efficient degradation techniques. However, it is still insignificant to employ it in field applications. In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles supported on amorphous carbon with nanoporosity (TiO2@NC) are used as a photocatalyst to degrade macro-sized co-axially oriented PP globules under the influence of UV-C irradiation. Surface characterization such as SEM, ATR-FTIR, and XPS of the PP globules was performed. The SEM images distinctly showed the surface degradation phenomenon. Interestingly, the ATR-FTIR spectra demonstrated a significant rise in the band intensity in the -OH radical region and fairly in the CO region as well, with the increase in the photocatalytic time. Surprisingly, in the XPS spectra, the intensity of C-1s spectra kept on falling, and the intensity of O-1s spectra kept on rising with the increase in the photocatalytic time. The higher surface area due to nanoporosity of TiO2@NC enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of PP globules than previously reported studies. TiO2@NC seems to be a potential catalyst for the degradation of different types of polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saifuddin
- Program in Environmental and Polymer Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Yasaman Ghaffari
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Goyang, 10223, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Park
- Program in Environmental and Polymer Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea; Institute of Environmental Research, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Gyun Kim
- Program in Environmental and Polymer Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea.
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106
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Jiang N, Luo W, Zhao P, Ga B, Jia J, Giesy JP. Distribution of microplastics in benthic sediments of Qinghai Lake on the Tibetan Plateau, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155434. [PMID: 35461939 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although several studies of microplastics (MPs) with size <5 mm in lake sediments focused on lakeshore areas, there have been no studies of distributions of MPs from lakeshores to the center of a lake. To test our hypothesis that MPs decrease from lakeshore to the center, a study was conducted on the largest brackish lake on the remote and high-altitude Tibetan Plateau, China. Abundances and characteristics of MPs in 14 samples of surface sediment collected from a river bay, a lake bay, and a lake central area were investigated. Distributions were influenced by river inflow, tourism, and minimal activity of humans, respectively around Qinghai Lake. The mean abundance of MPs in sediments of Qinghai Lake was 393 ± 457 items/kg, dry mass (dm). Based on the range of MP abundances in surface sediments of lakes worldwide, Qinghai Lake was classified as being moderately polluted with MPs. The dominant color, shape, size, and polymer type of MPs in sediments were transparent, fiber, 0.05-1 mm, and polypropylene, respectively. The river bay had a mean abundance of MPs two-fold greater than either the bay or central area of the lake. This indicates that the river catchment caused more pollution with MPs, while the central area of the lake was not a sink for MPs. Spatial trends of MPs in sediments from the shore to the center of the lake differed among areas, and were significantly related to wind, lake current, sedimentation rate, water- and sediment-properties, water depth, and proximity to land sources of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jiang
- Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology Research, Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Pin Zhao
- Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bila Ga
- Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junmei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Program Faculty, Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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107
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Jiang C, Ni BJ, Zheng X, Lu B, Chen Z, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Luo G. The changes of microplastics' behavior in adsorption and anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge induced by hydrothermal pretreatment. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 221:118744. [PMID: 35728495 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Waste activated sludge (WAS) contains high concentrations of microplastics (MPs), which could serve as vectors of various organic pollutants and heavy metals, causing synergistic transportation and pollution. The application of combined hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) and anaerobic digestion (AD) has raised growing concerns since the low-temperature hydrothermal treatment could enhance the biogas production of WAS. However, the changes in physicochemical properties, adsorption performances, and effects on AD of MPs by HTP have not been studied. The study used three typical MPs in WAS, and it was found that the HTP (170°C & 30min) increased MPs' specific surface area and carbonyl index (CI) while decreasing the relative crystallinity. The adsorption capacity to Cd increased through the carbonylation for polyethylene microplastic (PE-MP) and polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP) while decreasing by the dechlorination for polyvinyl chloride microplastic (PVC-MP). Meanwhile, increased hydrophilicity reduced the adsorption capacities of all three typical MPs for ofloxacin. The above results indicated that the HTP could be worth blocking the adsorption of polar MPs for polar pollutants. For the pristine MPs, only PVC-MP at the highest concentration (0.5 g kg-1 VS) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced methane production by 16.2 ± 3.3% of WAS without the HTP. However, the HTP resulted in significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of methane production of WAS at high concentrations of PE-MP and PVC-MP (e.g., 0.1 and 0.5 g kg-1 VS), which was due to the acceleration of the released toxic plastic additives (dibutyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, and bisphenol-A). Microbial analysis showed the abundances of vital anaerobes, such as acid-producing bacteria (Acetoanerrobium and Mesotoga), proteolytic bacteria (Proteiniborus), and methanogens (Methanosaeta) clearly decreased with the PE-MP and PVC-MP after the HTP, which might result in the decreased methane production. The study provided deep-insight of MPs' behaviors during the combined HTP-AD process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Jiang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Pollution Control and Resource Utilization of Organic Wastes, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Pollution Control and Resource Utilization of Organic Wastes, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Bei Lu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Pollution Control and Resource Utilization of Organic Wastes, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Pollution Control and Resource Utilization of Organic Wastes, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Bruker (Beijing) Scientific Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yalei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shicheng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Pollution Control and Resource Utilization of Organic Wastes, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Gang Luo
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Pollution Control and Resource Utilization of Organic Wastes, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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108
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Reineccius J, Waniek JJ. First long-term evidence of microplastic pollution in the deep subtropical Northeast Atlantic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 305:119302. [PMID: 35443203 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
No anthropogenic pollutant is more widespread in the aquatic and terrestrial environment than microplastic; however, there are large knowledge gaps regarding its origin, fate, or temporal variations in the oceans. In this study, we analyzed sediment trap material from the deep subtropical Northeast Atlantic (2000 m) in a long-term record (2003-2015) to assess the role of the deep ocean as a potential sink of microplastics. Microplastic particles were identified in all 110 analyzed samples with flux rates of 1.13-3146.81 items d-1 m-2. Calculated microplastic mass fluxes ranged between 0.10 and 1977.96 μg d-1 m-2, representing up to 8% of the particle flux. Between years, the composition of the different polymers changed significantly, dominated by polyethylene, whose amount was correlated with the lithogenic input. The correlation between polyethylene and the lithogenic fraction was attributed to an air transport pathway from northeast Africa and surrounding regions. The second most abundant polymer detected in our study was polyvinyl chloride, which is not correlated with lithogenic or biogenic particle flux fractions. Instead, we observed seasonality for polyvinyl chloride with recurring high fluxes in winter before the plankton bloom and significantly lower amounts in summer. Other polymers identified were polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and lower numbers of polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate. The average microplastic particle size for all samples and polymers was 88.44 ± 113.46 μm, with polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride having the highest proportion of small particles (<100 μm). Our findings provide first insights into temporal variations of sinking microplastics, which are crucial for understanding the fate of plastic in the oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janika Reineccius
- Leibniz Institute of Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, 18119, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Joanna J Waniek
- Leibniz Institute of Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, 18119, Rostock, Germany
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109
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Macro- and Microplastics in the Antarctic Environment: Ongoing Assessment and Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/environments9070093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The number of scientists and tourists visiting Antarctica is on the rise and, despite the management framework for environmental protection, some coastal areas, particularly in the Antarctic Peninsula region, are affected by plastic contamination. The few data available on the occurrence of microplastics (<5 mm) are difficult to compare, due to the different methodologies used in monitoring studies. However, indications are emerging to guide future research and to implement environmental protocols. In the surface and subsurface waters of the Southern Ocean, plastic debris >300 µm appears to be scarce and far less abundant than paint chips released from research vessels. Yet, near some coastal scientific stations, the fragmentation and degradation of larger plastic items, as well as microbeads and microfibers released into wastewater from personal care products and laundry, could potentially affect marine organisms. Some studies indicate that, through long-range atmospheric transport, plastic fibers produced on other continents can be deposited in Antarctica. Drifting plastic debris can also cross the Polar Front, with the potential to carry alien fouling organisms into the Southern Ocean. Sea ice dynamics appear to favor the uptake of microplastics by ice algae and Antarctic krill, the key species in the Antarctic marine food web. Euphausia superba apparently has the ability to fragment and expel ingested plastic particles at the nanoscale. However, most Antarctic organisms are endemic species, with unique ecophysiological adaptations to extreme environmental conditions and are likely highly sensitive to cumulative stresses caused by climate change, microplastics and other anthropogenic disturbances. Although there is limited evidence to date that micro- and nanoplastics have direct biological effects, our review aims at raising awareness of the problem and, in order to assess the real potential impact of microplastics in Antarctica, underlines the urgency to fill the methodological gaps for their detection in all environmental matrices, and to equip scientific stations and ships with adequate wastewater treatment plants to reduce the release of microfibers.
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110
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In situ laboratory for plastic degradation in the Red Sea. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11956. [PMID: 35831329 PMCID: PMC9279475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Degradation and fragmentation of plastics in the environment are still poorly understood. This is partly caused by the lack of long-term studies and methods that determine weathering duration. We here present a novel study object that preserves information on plastic age: microplastic (MP) resin pellets from the wreck of the SS Hamada, a ship that foundered twenty-nine years ago at the coast of Wadi el Gemal national park, Egypt. Its sinking date enabled us to precisely determine how long MP rested in the wreck and a nearby beach, on which part of the load was washed off. Pellets from both sampling sites were analyzed by microscopy, X-ray tomography, spectroscopy, calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, and rheology. Most pellets were made of low-density polyethylene, but a minor proportion also consisted of high-density polyethylene. MP from inside the wreck showed no signs of degradation compared to pristine reference samples. Contrary, beached plastics exhibited changes on all structural levels, which sometimes caused fragmentation. These findings provide further evidence that plastic degradation under saltwater conditions is comparatively slow, whereas UV radiation and high temperatures on beaches are major drivers of that process. Future long-term studies should focus on underlying mechanisms and timescales of plastic degradation.
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111
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Yang SS, Ding MQ, Ren XR, Zhang ZR, Li MX, Zhang LL, Pang JW, Chen CX, Zhao L, Xing DF, Ren NQ, Ding J, Wu WM. Impacts of physical-chemical property of polyethylene on depolymerization and biodegradation in yellow and dark mealworms with high purity microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154458. [PMID: 35278547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154458] [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: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Yellow and dark mealworms (Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus) biodegrade commercial polyethylene (PE) materials at a high rate. We examined the impact of physical and chemical properties on biodegradation using high purity microplastics (MPs). These included high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), all with different weight average molecular weights (Mw) and different crystallinity degrees in T. molitor and T. obscurus larvae. The biodegradation extent in the two mealworms was similar but strongly depended on the polymer type in sequence, since LDPE > LLDPE> HDPE (with respective Mw of 222.5, 110.5 and 182 kDa). When LDPE MPs with Mw of 0.84, 6.4 and 106.8 kDa and HDPE with Mw of 52, 105 and 132.7 kDa were tested, the PE MPs with lower Mw showed a greater extent of depolymerization. The results of dominance analysis indicated that less branching structure and higher crystallinity degree negatively impacted depolymerization and biodegradation. Py-GC/MS analysis confirmed the breaking of the macromolecule backbone as well as the formation of oxidized functional groups after all the tested PE materials passed through the mealworm intestine. The results demonstrated that molecular weight, PE type, branching, and crystallinity degree significantly affect the biodegradation capability of PE by the mealworms, and possibly by other biological systems as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Meng-Qi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Xin-Ran Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Zhi-Rong Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Mei-Xi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Li-Li Zhang
- China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Ji-Wei Pang
- China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Cheng-Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - De-Feng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Nan-Qi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Jie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Center for Sustainable Development & Global Competitiveness, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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112
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Erdal NB, Hakkarainen M. Degradation of Cellulose Derivatives in Laboratory, Man-Made, and Natural Environments. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2713-2729. [PMID: 35763720 PMCID: PMC9277587 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers complement recyclable materials in battling plastic waste because some products are difficult to recycle and some will end up in the environment either because of their application or due to wear of the products. Natural biopolymers, such as cellulose, are inherently biodegradable, but chemical modification typically required for the obtainment of thermoplastic properties, solubility, or other desired material properties can hinder or even prevent the biodegradation process. This Review summarizes current knowledge on the degradation of common cellulose derivatives in different laboratory, natural, and man-made environments. Depending on the environment, the degradation can be solely biodegradation or a combination of several processes, such as chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis, photodegradation, and oxidation. It is clear that the type of modification and especially the degree of substitution are important factors controlling the degradation process of cellulose derivatives in combination with the degradation environment. The big variation of conditions in different environments is also briefly considered as well as the importance of the proper testing environment, characterization of the degradation process, and confirmation of biodegradability. To ensure full sustainability of the new cellulose derivatives under development, the expected end-of-life scenario, whether material recycling or "biological" recycling, should be included as an important design parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nejla B Erdal
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, FibRe - Centre for Lignocellulose-based Thermoplastics, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Teknikringen 58, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Minna Hakkarainen
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, FibRe - Centre for Lignocellulose-based Thermoplastics, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Teknikringen 58, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
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113
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Abstract
ConspectusThis Account discusses the evolution of our strategy to conduct environmentally responsible research in the field of polymer chemistry. To contextualize our work, we begin with a broad historical overview of the modern environmental movement, the rise of sustainability as a concept, and how chemistry has responded to these forces, which were often sharply critical of our field. We then trace our own responses, from graduate school onward, chronicling a series of experiences and research projects that molded, challenged, and reshaped how we think about sustainability in polymer science.Since beginning our independent careers in 2004, we have recognized and worked to resolve the tension between designing synthetic polymers for specific desired thermomechanical properties and minimizing environmental impact. In our early years, we were most strongly guided by the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry (12PGC), which had only recently been proposed. The authors' early research agendas had a rather narrow focus on two areas, specifically catalysis and biobased monomers, which we saw as strongly linked to sustainability. Over time, we found these areas to be too narrow in their focus, ignoring important considerations such as the capacity of monomer supply to support scale-up and the impact polymers have at the end of their usage lifetimes. With respect to monomers and catalysts, we consider descriptive metrics that quantify waste production and the toxicity of compounds used during synthesis. In terms of polymer end-of-life, we discuss hydrophobicity as a tool to help understand susceptibility to degradation in the environment as well as some of the concerns with design for degradation, a critical component of 12PGC.Now, after nearly two decades of investigation, we believe that achieving sustainability in polymer science will require us to move beyond the qualitative use of the 12PGC to a portfolio of metrics. We note a heartening increase in the availability and use of such metrics and tools across the field. These include items that provide limited insight but are relatively trivial to integrate into existing workflows such as E factor or the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool. We also appreciate the increased use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is both dramatically more thorough and difficult to deploy. Finally, we propose the creation of a national LCA center, similar to instrumental core facilities. Such a resource would enable the use of this tool across multiple phases of research and we hope would more effectively guide us to a sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert T Mathers
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068, United States
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114
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Li Q, Lai Y, Li P, Liu X, Yao Z, Liu J, Yu S. Evaluating the Occurrence of Polystyrene Nanoparticles in Environmental Waters by Agglomeration with Alkylated Ferroferric Oxide Followed by Micropore Membrane Filtration Collection and Py-GC/MS Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8255-8265. [PMID: 35652387 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although nanoplastics (NPs) are recognized as emerging anthropogenic particulate pollutants, the occurrence of NPs in the environment is rarely reported, partly due to the lack of sensitive methods for the concentration and detection of NPs. Herein, we present an efficient method for enriching NPs of different compositions and various sizes. Alkylated ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) particles were prepared as adsorbents for highly efficient capture of NPs in environmental waters, and the formed large Fe3O4-NP agglomerates were separated by membrane filtration. Detection limits of 0.02-0.03 μg/L were obtained for polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) NPs by detection with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). When analyzing real water samples from different sources, it is remarkable that PS NPs were detected in 11 out of 15 samples with concentrations ranging from <0.07 to 0.73 μg/L, while PMMA were not detected. The wide detection of PS NPs in our study confirms the previous speculation that NPs may be ubiquitous in the environmental waters. The accurate quantification of PS NPs in environmental waters make it possible to monitor the pollution status of NPs in aquatic systems and evaluate their potential risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yujian Lai
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xing Liu
- National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Ziwei Yao
- National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Sujuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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115
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Zhao X, Boruah B, Chin KF, Đokić M, Modak JM, Soo HS. Upcycling to Sustainably Reuse Plastics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2100843. [PMID: 34240472 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202100843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are now indispensable in daily lives. However, the pollution from plastics is also increasingly becoming a serious environmental issue. Recent years have seen more sustainable approaches and technologies, commonly known as upcycling, to transform plastics into value-added materials and chemical feedstocks. In this review, the latest research on upcycling is presented, with a greater focus on the use of renewable energy as well as the more selective methods to repurpose synthetic polymers. First, thermal upcycling approaches are briefly introduced, including the redeployment of plastics for construction uses, 3D printing precursors, and lightweight materials. Then, some of the latest novel strategies to deconstruct condensation polymers to monomers for repolymerization or introduce vulnerable linkers to make the plastics more degradable are discussed. Subsequently, the review will explore the breakthroughs in plastics upcycling by heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalysis, as well as electrocatalysis, which transform plastics into more versatile fine chemicals and materials while simultaneously mitigating global climate change. In addition, some of the biotechnological advances in the discovery and engineering of microbes that can decompose plastics are also presented. Finally, the current challenges and outlook for future plastics upcycling are discussed to stimulate global cooperation in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Bhanupriya Boruah
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Kek Foo Chin
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Miloš Đokić
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Jayant M Modak
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Han Sen Soo
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
- Artificial Photosynthesis (Solar Fuels) Laboratory, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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116
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Schirmeister CG, Mülhaupt R. Closing the Carbon Loop in the Circular Plastics Economy. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2200247. [PMID: 35635841 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Today, plastics are ubiquitous in everyday life, problem solvers of modern technologies, and crucial for sustainable development. Yet the surge in global demand for plastics of the growing world population has triggered a tidal wave of plastic debris in the environment. Moving from a linear to a zero-waste and carbon-neutral circular plastic economy is vital for the future of the planet. Taming the plastic waste flood requires closing the carbon loop through plastic reuse, mechanical and molecular recycling, carbon capture, and use of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. In the quest for eco-friendly products, plastics do not need to be reinvented but tuned for reuse and recycling. Their full potential must be exploited regarding energy, resource, and eco efficiency, waste prevention, circular economy, climate change mitigation, and lowering environmental pollution. Biodegradation holds promise for composting and bio-feedstock recovery, but it is neither the Holy Grail of circular plastics economy nor a panacea for plastic littering. As an alternative to mechanical downcycling, molecular recycling enables both closed-loop recovery of virgin plastics and open-loop valorization, producing hydrogen, fuels, refinery feeds, lubricants, chemicals, and carbonaceous materials. Closing the carbon loop does not create a Perpetuum Mobile and requires renewable energy to achieve sustainability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl G Schirmeister
- Freiburg Materials Research Center and Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 31, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Mülhaupt
- Sustainability Center, University of Freiburg, Ecker-Str. 4, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
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117
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Cloux S, Allen-Perkins S, de Pablo H, Garaboa-Paz D, Montero P, Pérez Muñuzuri V. Validation of a Lagrangian model for large-scale macroplastic tracer transport using mussel-peg in NW Spain (Ría de Arousa). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153338. [PMID: 35092776 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris is a growing problem in recent years due to population growth around the world. The incorrect management of plastic waste causes these bodies reach the seas and oceans, becoming a worldwide problem. Once they reach the seas and oceans, they begin a long period of degradation, moving from a macro state (plastics whose diameter is greater than 0.5 cm) to a micro state (diameter less than 0.5 cm). The microplastics spread throughout the oceans, entering the food chain of marine species and, subsequently, of humans. Therefore, it is important to stop the problem while it remains at the macroscale. In this work, a validation of a recently developed Lagrangian computational model to track the movement of macro plastics in seas and oceans is presented. This validation is performed on a regional scale, in the Ría de Arousa, one of the most important estuaries for mussel cultivation in northwestern Spain. During mussel cultivation in rafts, a type of floating plastic stick are released, the mussel-pegs. The potential of this study is that we can compare the accumulation results of the model with the accumulation data collected on the Galician beaches. In a general framework, the influence of wind on the spatial distribution of the accumulations given by the model was observed. For the monitoring data, similar results were found for the accumulation trends over the entire total period. For the monthly representation, some discrepancies were observed. These differences can be attributed to particular synoptic situations, poor reproduction of the coastline or to the very orientation of the study area with respect to the intertidal dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cloux
- CRETUS, Nonlinear Physics Group, Faculty of Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Silvia Allen-Perkins
- INTECMAR, Inst. Tecnolóxico para o Control do Medio Mariño de Galicia, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Spain.
| | - Hilda de Pablo
- MARETEC, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Daniel Garaboa-Paz
- CRETUS, Nonlinear Physics Group, Faculty of Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Pedro Montero
- INTECMAR, Inst. Tecnolóxico para o Control do Medio Mariño de Galicia, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Spain.
| | - Vicente Pérez Muñuzuri
- CRETUS, Nonlinear Physics Group, Faculty of Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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118
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Giebel BM, Cime S, Rodgers L, Li TD, Zhang S, Wang T. Short-term exposure to soils and sludge induce changes to plastic morphology and 13C stable isotopic composition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153375. [PMID: 35093377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153375] [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: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is concern about the buildup of plastic waste in soil, their degradation into microplastics, and their potential to interfere with the natural processing of soil organic carbon and other nutrient cycling processes. Here we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 13C isotope ratio mass spectrometry to determine if precut consumer plastics comprised of either high density polyethylene (HDPE), a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene (L/LDPE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) would degrade or transform during a short-term, 32 day, exposure to soil or sludge in laboratory microcosms. SEM confirmed morphological changes occurred to all plastics, but the attachment of biofilm and presence of microorganisms mostly favored PETE and HDPE surfaces. These observations support the idea that abiotic and/or biotic processes may degrade plastics in soil; however distinguishable and significant changes in mean stable isotopic values (Δδ13C) of ~0.2-0.7‰ were only observed for exposed PETE and HDPE. This indicates that each plastic's degradation in soil may be dependent on their physical and chemical properties, with L/LDPE being more resistant and less prone to degradation compared to the others, and less dependent on the environmental conditions or properties of the soil or sludge. Our experiments were short-term and while the mechanisms of degradation are not clear, the results provide strong motivation for further studies of plastic fate and processing in soil systems. Direct mechanistic studies using stable isotopic approaches in combination with other characterizations and techniques are clearly warranted and may lead to a significant enhancement in our present understanding of the interactions and dynamics of plastics in the soil environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Giebel
- Environmental Sciences Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA.
| | - Schidza Cime
- Chemical Engineering Department, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Lauren Rodgers
- Environmental Sciences Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Tai-De Li
- Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Tong Wang
- Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
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119
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Aragaw TA, De-la-Torre GE, Teshager AA. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic along the shoreline of Lake Tana, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153261. [PMID: 35065109 PMCID: PMC8787314 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution has become one of the most pending environmental challenges resulting from the pandemic. While various studies investigated PPE pollution in the marine environment, freshwater bodies have been largely overlooked. In the present study, PPE monitoring was carried out in the vicinity of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. PPE density, types, and chemical composition (FTIR spectroscopy) were reported. A total of 221 PPEs were identified with a density ranging from 1.22 × 10-5 PPE m-2 (control site S1) to 2.88× 10-4 PPE m-2 with a mean density of 1.54 × 10-4 ± 2.58 × 10-5 PPE m-2. Mismanaged PPE waste was found in all the sampling sites, mostly consisting of surgical face masks (93.7%). Statistical analyzes revealed significantly higher PPE densities in sites where several recreational, touristic, and commercial activities take place, thus, revealing the main sources of PPE pollution. Furthermore, polypropylene and polyester fabrics were identified as the main components of surgical and reusable cloth masks, respectively. Given the hazard that PPEs represent to aquatic biota (e.g., entanglement, ingestion) and their ability to release microplastics (MPs), it is necessary to implement sufficient solid waste management plans and infrastructure where lake activities take place. Additionally, local authorities must promote and ensure sustainable tourism in order to maintain the ecosystems in Lake Tana. Prospective research priorities regarding the colonization and degradation of PPE, as well as the release of toxic chemicals, were identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadele Assefa Aragaw
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Alebel A Teshager
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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120
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Senathirajah K, Kemp A, Saaristo M, Ishizuka S, Palanisami T. Polymer prioritization framework: A novel multi-criteria framework for source mapping and characterizing the environmental risk of plastic polymers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128330. [PMID: 35121294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128330] [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: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are an intrinsic part of modern life with many beneficial uses for society. Yet, there is increasing evidence that plastic and microplastic pollution poses a risk to the environment and human health. Microplastics are increasingly grouped as a complex mix of polymers with different physicochemical and toxicological properties. This study attempts to assess the hazardous properties of common polymer types through the development of an integrated multi-criteria framework. The framework establishes a systematic approach to identify plastic polymers of concern. A semi-quantitative method was devised using twenty-one criteria. We used a case study from Victoria, Australia, to evaluate the effectiveness of the framework to characterize the environmental risk of common polymer types. A wide range of data sources were interrogated to complete an in-depth analysis across the material life cycle. We found that three polymers had the highest risk of harm: polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polystyrene; with dominant sectors being: building and construction, packaging, consumer and household, and automotive sectors; and greatest leakage of plastics at the end-of-life stages. Our findings illustrate the complexity of microplastics as an emerging contaminant, and its scalability supports decision-makers globally to identify and prioritize management strategies to address the risks posed by plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The hazardous nature of mismanaged plastics is an international concern. The negative impacts on the environment and human health are increasingly coming to light. Consequently, resource constraints limits the ability to address all problems. Our work adopts a holistic approach to evaluate the risk of harm from microplastics across the entire life cycle to allow for targeted management measures. The hazard assessment of common polymer types developed using a multi-criteria framework, presents a systematic approach to prioritize polymers at any scale. This allows for the development of optimal investments and interventions to ensure that high-risk environmental problems are addressed first.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kala Senathirajah
- Environmental and Plastic Innovation Cluster (EPIC), Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Alison Kemp
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Minna Saaristo
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Shige Ishizuka
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Science Division, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Environmental and Plastic Innovation Cluster (EPIC), Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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121
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Zhao S, Zettler ER, Bos RP, Lin P, Amaral-Zettler LA, Mincer TJ. Large quantities of small microplastics permeate the surface ocean to abyssal depths in the South Atlantic Gyre. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:2991-3006. [PMID: 35048454 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16089] [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: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Hundreds of studies have surveyed plastic debris in surface ocean gyre and convergence zones, however, comprehensive microplastics (MPs, ≤5 mm) assessments beneath these surface accumulation areas are lacking. Using in situ high-volume filtration, Manta net and MultiNet sampling, combined with micro-Fourier-transform-infrared imaging, we discovered a high abundance (up to 244.3 pieces per cubic meter [n m-3 ]) of small microplastics (SMPs, characteristically <100 μm) from the surface to near-sea floor waters of the remote South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. Large horizontal and vertical variations in the abundances of SMP were observed, displaying inverse vertical trends in some cases. SMP abundances in pump samples were more than two orders of magnitude higher than large microplastics (LMPs, >300 μm) concurrently collected in MultiNet samples. Higher-density polymers (e.g., alkyd resins and polyamide) comprised >65% of the total pump sample count, highlighting a discrepancy between polymer compositions from previous ocean surface-based surveys, typically dominated by buoyant polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Contrary to previous reports stating LMP preferentially accumulated at density gradients, SMP with presumably slower sinking rates are much less influenced by density gradients, thus resulting in a more even vertical distribution in the water column, and potentially longer residence times. Overall, our findings suggest that SMP is a critical and largely underexplored constituent of the oceanic plastic inventory. Additionally, our data support that weak current systems contribute to the formation of SMP hotspots at depth, implying a higher encounter rate for subsurface particle feeders. Our study unveils the prevalence of plastics in the entire water column, highlighting the urgency for more quantification of the deep-ocean MP, particularly the smaller size fraction, to better understand ecosystem exposure and to predict MP fate and impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiye Zhao
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Erik R Zettler
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Ryan P Bos
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Peigen Lin
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Linda A Amaral-Zettler
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tracy J Mincer
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
- Department of Biology, Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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122
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Hoseini M, Bond T. Predicting the global environmental distribution of plastic polymers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118966. [PMID: 35151811 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118966] [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: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study represents the first quantitative global prediction of the mass distribution of six widespread polymers, plus plastic fibers and rubber across four environmental compartments and 11 sub-compartments. The approach used probabilistic material flow analysis for 2015, with model input values and transfer coefficients between compartments taken from literature. We estimated that 3.2 ± 1.8 Mt/year of polyethylene, 1.3 ± 0.8 Mt/year of polypropylene, 0.5 ± 0.3 Mt/year of polystyrene, 0.3 ± 0.15 Mt/year of polyvinyl chloride, 1.6 ± 0.9 Mt/year of polyethylene terephthalate and 2.4 ± 1.2 Mt/year of plastic fibers enter the environment. Combining all plastic, including rubber, 4.9 ± 1.3, 4.8 ± 1.9 and 1.8 ± 1.2 Mt/year accumulated in the soil, ocean, and freshwater, respectively. Urban soils and ocean shorelines were predicted as hotspots for plastic accumulation, accounting for 33% and 25% of total plastic, respectively. The floor of freshwater systems and the ocean were predicted as hotspots for high density plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride and plastic fibers. Furthermore, 59% of environmental rubber was predicted to accumulate in soil. The findings of this study provide baseline data for quantifying plastic transport and accumulation, which can inform future ecotoxicity studies and risk assessments, as well as targeting efforts to mitigate plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hoseini
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
| | - Tom Bond
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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123
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Chu M, Liu Y, Lou X, Zhang Q, Chen J. Rational Design of Chemical Catalysis for Plastic Recycling. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c01286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Chu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiangxi Lou
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jinxing Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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124
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Caldwell J, Taladriz-Blanco P, Lehner R, Lubskyy A, Ortuso RD, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Petri-Fink A. The micro-, submicron-, and nanoplastic hunt: A review of detection methods for plastic particles. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 293:133514. [PMID: 35016963 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic particle pollution has been shown to be almost completely ubiquitous within our surrounding environment. This ubiquity in combination with a variety of unique properties (e.g. density, hydrophobicity, surface functionalization, particle shape and size, transition temperatures, and mechanical properties) and the ever-increasing levels of plastic production and use has begun to garner heightened levels of interest within the scientific community. However, as a result of these properties, plastic particles are often reported to be challenging to study in complex (i.e. real) environments. Therefore, this review aims to summarize research generated on multiple facets of the micro- and nanoplastics field; ranging from size and shape definitions to detection and characterization techniques to generating reference particles; in order to provide a more complete understanding of the current strategies for the analysis of plastic particles. This information is then used to provide generalized recommendations for researchers to consider as they attempt to study plastics in analytically complex environments; including method validation using reference particles obtained via the presented creation methods, encouraging efforts towards method standardization through the reporting of all technical details utilized in a study, and providing analytical pathway recommendations depending upon the exact knowledge desired and samples being studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Caldwell
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Taladriz-Blanco
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland; Water Quality Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), A v. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Roman Lehner
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland; Sail & Explore Association, Kramgasse 18, 3011, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andriy Lubskyy
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Diego Ortuso
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Alke Petri-Fink
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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125
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Patel D, Mamtora D, Kamath A, Shukla A. Rogue one: A plastic story. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113509. [PMID: 35290835 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic comprises of variety of polymers and has many applications, but the waste generated by plastic pose threat to environment and marine life. Plastic can be classified into two types: thermoplastics and thermosetting and are divided into 7 different categories: (Polyethylene Terephthalate [PETE], High-Density Polyethylene [HDPE], Polyvinyl Chloride [PVC], Low-Density Polyethylene [LDPE], Polypropylene [PP], Polystyrene or Styrofoam [PS] & Polycarbonate or ABS [others]). To curb the deleterious effects of plastic waste various methods have been devised and utilized that include chemical, physical and biological treatments. One of the aspects primarily focused by the researchers is the phenomenon of biodegradation and there are many microorganisms (bacteria) that have the ability to carry out this particular process. These bacteria assist biodegradation by production of several enzymes like PETases and MHETases. There are few microorganisms that have been listed which cannot be applied for industrial use due to its low biodegradation capacity. To overcome this problem, PHA is one of the alternatives to replace the synthetic plastic due to its high degrading capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhara Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, University of Innovation, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar 382426, India.
| | - Dhruv Mamtora
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, University of Innovation, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar 382426, India
| | - Anushree Kamath
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, University of Innovation, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar 382426, India.
| | - Arpit Shukla
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, University of Innovation, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar 382426, India.
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126
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Gruber ES, Stadlbauer V, Pichler V, Resch-Fauster K, Todorovic A, Meisel TC, Trawoeger S, Hollóczki O, Turner SD, Wadsak W, Vethaak AD, Kenner L. To Waste or Not to Waste: Questioning Potential Health Risks of Micro- and Nanoplastics with a Focus on Their Ingestion and Potential Carcinogenicity. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2022; 15:33-51. [PMID: 36873245 PMCID: PMC9971145 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-022-00470-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are recognized as emerging contaminants, especially in food, with unknown health significance. MNPs passing through the gastrointestinal tract have been brought in context with disruption of the gut microbiome. Several molecular mechanisms have been described to facilitate tissue uptake of MNPs, which then are involved in local inflammatory and immune responses. Furthermore, MNPs can act as potential transporters ("vectors") of contaminants and as chemosensitizers for toxic substances ("Trojan Horse effect"). In this review, we summarize current multidisciplinary knowledge of ingested MNPs and their potential adverse health effects. We discuss new insights into analytical and molecular modeling tools to help us better understand the local deposition and uptake of MNPs that might drive carcinogenic signaling. We present bioethical insights to basically re-consider the "culture of consumerism." Finally, we map out prominent research questions in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth S. Gruber
- Division of Visceral Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vanessa Stadlbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
| | - Verena Pichler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andrea Todorovic
- Materials Science and Testing of Polymers, Montanuniversitaet Leoben, Styria, Austria
| | - Thomas C. Meisel
- General and Analytical Chemistry, Montanuniversitaet Leoben, Styria, Austria
| | - Sibylle Trawoeger
- Division of Systematic Theology and its Didactics, Faculty of Catholic Theology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Oldamur Hollóczki
- Mulliken Center for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Suzanne D. Turner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP UK
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Wolfgang Wadsak
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A. Dick Vethaak
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Unit of Marine and Coastal Systems, Deltares, P.O. Box 177, 2600 MH Delft, Netherlands
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Experimental and Laboratory Animal Pathology, Department of Pathology Medical, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Unit of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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127
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Zhang L, Yao D, Tsui TH, Loh KC, Wang CH, Dai Y, Tong YW. Plastic-containing food waste conversion to biomethane, syngas, and biochar via anaerobic digestion and gasification: Focusing on reactor performance, microbial community analysis, and energy balance assessment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 306:114471. [PMID: 35026716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To manage the mixture of food waste and plastic waste, a hybrid biological and thermal system was investigated for converting plastic-containing food waste (PCFW) into renewable energy, focusing on performance evaluation, microbial community analysis, and energy balance assessment. The results showed that anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste, polyethylene (PE)-containing food waste, polystyrene (PS)-containing food waste, and polypropylene (PP)-containing food waste generated a methane yield of 520.8, 395.6, 504.2, and 479.8 mL CH4/gVS, respectively. CO2 gasification of all the plastic-containing digestate produced more syngas than pure digestate gasification. Syngas from PS-digestate reached the maximum yield of 20.78 mol/kg. During the digestate-derived-biochar-amended AD of PCFW, the methane yields in the biochars-amended digesters were 6-30% higher than those of the control digesters. Bioinformatic analysis of microbial communities confirmed the significant difference between control and biochar-amended digesters in terms of bacterial and methanogenic compositions. The enhanced methane yields in biochars-amended digesters could be partially ascribed to the selective enrichment of genus Methanosarcina, leading to an improved equilibrium between hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogenesis pathways. Moreover, energy balance assessment demonstrated that the hybrid biological and thermal conversion system can be a promising technical option for the treatment of PCFW and recovery of renewable biofuels (i.e., biogas and syngas) and bioresource (i.e., biochar) on an industrial scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Dingding Yao
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - To-Hung Tsui
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Kai-Chee Loh
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Chi-Hwa Wang
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Yanjun Dai
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yen Wah Tong
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore.
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128
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Born MP, Brüll C. From model to nature - A review on the transferability of marine (micro-) plastic fragmentation studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:151389. [PMID: 34808157 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic research has experienced almost exponential growth in publications and proceeded faster than ever throughout the last years. This increase comes with a downside in terms of missing standardizations and definitions especially concerning experiments. Furthermore, incomparability and lacking transferability of fragmentation studies onto the marine environment still hinder more realistic extrapolations and accurate numerical models. This review offers a first approach to tackle this problem by converting studies into comparable dimensions by rating their experimental settings and comparing them to in-situ values, thus, assisting future research with an unbiased and fast tool to assess the applicability of studies for their calculations. For this purpose, the main influencing factors for the environmental fragmentation of plastics were identified, ranked in terms of their impact, and, subsequently, applied to 49 setups of peer-reviewed studies. The average transferability into nature of the considered laboratory studies is 41%. Unconsidered implementation of proper mechanical wear by water and sediment movement into the test setups of around 80% of all reviewed studies explains this value. However, other parameters like UV radiation implementation, also pose an obstacle in about 50% of the laboratory studies. Nevertheless, even the reviewed in-situ fragmentation studies revealed problems in transferability in some of the weathering components caused by the fixation of the samples. This review indicates that the current database on plastic fragmentation is most likely not reliable enough for robust extrapolations or numerical models. A set of recommendations for test settings is proposed to improve upcoming experiments' quality and comparability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian P Born
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, RWTH-Aachen University, Germany.
| | - Catrina Brüll
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, RWTH-Aachen University, Germany
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129
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Okoffo ED, O'Brien S, O'Brien JW, Tscharke BJ, Rauert C, Rødland ES, Ribeiro F, Burrows SD, Toapanta T, Mueller JF, Thomas KV. Does size matter? Quantification of plastics associated with size fractionated biosolids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:152382. [PMID: 34923004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence and contribution of plastic particles associated with size fractionated biosolids to the total concentration in biosolids (treated sewage sludge) samples collected from 20 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) across Australia. This was achieved through sequential size fractionation of biosolids samples to quantify the mass concentration of 7 common plastics across a range of biosolids size fractions, including below 25 μm which has not been assessed in many previous studies. Quantitative analysis was performed by pressurized liquid extraction followed by pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Of the total quantified plastics (Σ7plastics), the greatest proportion (27%) of the total mass were identified in the nominal <25 μm sized biosolids fraction. Polyethylene dominated the polymer mass in every size fraction, even though profiles varied between WWTPs. When comparing the sum of all sites for each sized biosolids fraction, the plurality of the polyethylene, polyvinyl-chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyethylene-terephthalate concentrations were associated with the smallest size fraction (<25 μm). We confirm for the first time the presence of plastic particles in biosolids below a size fraction that is not captured by many methods. This is important, because of the potential greater significance of plastics in the low sizes to environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Stacey O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Cassandra Rauert
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Elisabeth S Rødland
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center of Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD CoE), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Francisca Ribeiro
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
| | - Stephen D Burrows
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
| | - Tania Toapanta
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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130
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Li R, Zhu L, Cui L, Zhu YG. Viral diversity and potential environmental risk in microplastic at watershed scale: Evidence from metagenomic analysis of plastisphere. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107146. [PMID: 35183943 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107146] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been considered as a new vector for the long-distance transport of pathogens in aquatic ecosystems. However, the composition of viral communities attached on MPs and their environmental risk are largely unknown. Here, we profiled the viral diversity and potential risk in five different MPs collected from the Beilun River based on metagenomic analysis. Nearly 2863 million raw reads were produced and assembled, and annotation resulted in the identification of 1719 different species of viruses in MPs. Viruses in polypropylene (PP) displayed the highest diversity, with about 250 specific viruses detected. Source tracking of viruses in MPs by the fast expectation-maximization microbial source tracking method (FEAST) demonstrated that viruses in upstream and downstream MPs are two major sources of viruses in estuary. Furthermore, the MP-type-dependent potential environmental risk of viruses was significant based on both antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs) detected in viral metagenomes, and PP was confirmed with the highest potential environmental risk. This study reveals the high diversity and potential environmental risk of viruses in different MPs, and provides an important guidance for future environmental monitoring and understanding the potential risks associated with both viral transmission and MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilong Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; College of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Longji Zhu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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131
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Dang F, Wang Q, Huang Y, Wang Y, Xing B. Key knowledge gaps for One Health approach to mitigate nanoplastic risks. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:11-22. [PMID: 38078201 PMCID: PMC10702905 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2023]
Abstract
There are increasing concerns over the threat of nanoplastics to environmental and human health. However, multidisciplinary barriers persist between the communities assessing the risks to environmental and human health. As a result, the hazards and risks of nanoplastics remain uncertain. Here, we identify key knowledge gaps by evaluating the exposure of nanoplastics in the environment, assessing their bio-nano interactions, and examining their potential risks to humans and the environment. We suggest considering nanoplastics a complex and dynamic mixture of polymers, additives, and contaminants, with interconnected risks to environmental and human health. We call for comprehensive integration of One Health approach to produce robust multidisciplinary evidence to nanoplastics threats at the planetary level. Although there are many challenges, this holistic approach incorporates the relevance of environmental exposure and multi-sectoral responses, which provide the opportunity to identify the risk mitigation strategies of nanoplastics to build resilient health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Dang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingnan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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132
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Feng X, Wang Q, Sun Y, Zhang S, Wang F. Microplastics change soil properties, heavy metal availability and bacterial community in a Pb-Zn-contaminated soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127364. [PMID: 34879561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) co-occur widely with diverse contaminants in soils. However, few data are available on their impacts on soil chemical and microbial properties of heavy metal-contaminated soils. For the first time, we investigated the changes in chemical and microbial properties of a Pb-Zn-contaminated soil as induced by six different MPs, including polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), at two doses (0.2% and 2%, w/w). After 120 days of soil incubation, significant changes were observed in soil pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), NH4+-N, NO3--N, available P, the availability of Zn and Pb, and the activities of soil enzymes. Overall, MPs especially at the dose of 2% decreased the richness and diversity of bacterial communities and altered microbial community composition, causing special enrichments of specific taxa. MPs increased predicted functional genes involved in xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism. Generally, impacts were dependent on MPs' type and dose. Changes in soil properties and heavy metal availability had significant correlations with bacterial community diversity and composition. Our findings imply that MPs co-occurring with heavy metals may change metal mobility, soil fertility, and microbial diversity and functions, thus causing a potential threat to soil ecosystem multifunctionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Feng
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Quanlong Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Yuhuan Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Shuwu Zhang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China.
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133
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Hu J, He D, Zhang X, Li X, Chen Y, Wei G, Zhang Y, Ok YS, Luo Y. National-scale distribution of micro(meso)plastics in farmland soils across China: Implications for environmental impacts. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127283. [PMID: 34564045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is increasingly appreciated as a significant environmental issue, however, the large-scale pattern of MPs in farmland soils and its associated environmental impacts are unknown. This study investigated a national-scale distribution of micro(meso)plastics (MMPs) in the soil of 30 farmlands across China. The abundance of MMPs in soils was 25.56-2067.78 items kg-1, with a mean of 358.37 items kg-1, i.e. 6.79 mg kg-1 or 0.0007% after mass conversion. MPs accounted for 93.1% of MMPs, the abundance varied greatly among different regions, high in arid or semi-arid north but relatively low in mild southwest regions. Major MPs included polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester, tending to decrease in abundance from surface to deeper soil layers. Further, meta-analysis revealed that MPs exposure influenced bulk density, soil enzymes including fluorescein diacetate hydrolase (FDAse) and urease, and crop biomass, and minimum effective concentrations (MEC) were in the range of 0.0040-10%. We found that actual abundance in the national-scale soils was lower than MEC, but partly overlapped or close, which implies various degrees of environmental impacts. These findings disclose the national-scale pollution pattern of MPs in farmlands and its latent risks to soil environments and crop growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Hu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, 500# DongChuan RD, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Defu He
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, 500# DongChuan RD, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, 500# DongChuan RD, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, 500# DongChuan RD, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yingxin Chen
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, 500# DongChuan RD, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Gao Wei
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, 500# DongChuan RD, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, 500# DongChuan RD, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Yongming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Tarazona NA, Machatschek R, Balcucho J, Castro-Mayorga JL, Saldarriaga JF, Lendlein A. Opportunities and challenges for integrating the development of sustainable polymer materials within an international circular (bio)economy concept. MRS ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY : A REVIEW JOURNAL 2022; 9:28-34. [PMID: 37521367 PMCID: PMC9127038 DOI: 10.1557/s43581-021-00015-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Highlights The production and consumption of commodity polymers have been an indispensable part of the development of our modern society. Owing to their adjustable properties and variety of functions, polymer-based materials will continue playing important roles in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)s, defined by the United Nations, in key areas such as healthcare, transport, food preservation, construction, electronics, and water management. Considering the serious environmental crisis, generated by increasing consumption of plastics, leading-edge polymers need to incorporate two types of functions: Those that directly arise from the demands of the application (e.g. selective gas and liquid permeation, actuation or charge transport) and those that enable minimization of environmental harm, e.g., through prolongation of the functional lifetime, minimization of material usage, or through predictable disintegration into non-toxic fragments. Here, we give examples of how the incorporation of a thoughtful combination of properties/functions can enhance the sustainability of plastics ranging from material design to waste management. We focus on tools to measure and reduce the negative impacts of plastics on the environment throughout their life cycle, the use of renewable sources for their synthesis, the design of biodegradable and/or recyclable materials, and the use of biotechnological strategies for enzymatic recycling of plastics that fits into a circular bioeconomy. Finally, we discuss future applications for sustainable plastics with the aim to achieve the SDGs through international cooperation. Abstract Leading-edge polymer-based materials for consumer and advanced applications are necessary to achieve sustainable development at a global scale. It is essential to understand how sustainability can be incorporated in these materials via green chemistry, the integration of bio-based building blocks from biorefineries, circular bioeconomy strategies, and combined smart and functional capabilities. Graphic abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Tarazona
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Kantstraße 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
| | - Rainhard Machatschek
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Kantstraße 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jennifer Balcucho
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Kantstraße 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
| | - Jinneth Lorena Castro-Mayorga
- Department of Bioproducts, Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (Agrosavia), 250047 Mosquera-Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Juan F. Saldarriaga
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Universidad de los Andes (UniAndes), 111711 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andreas Lendlein
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Kantstraße 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
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135
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Alimi OS, Claveau-Mallet D, Kurusu RS, Lapointe M, Bayen S, Tufenkji N. Weathering pathways and protocols for environmentally relevant microplastics and nanoplastics: What are we missing? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:126955. [PMID: 34488100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
To date, most studies of microplastics have been carried out with pristine particles. However, most plastics in the environment will be aged to some extent; hence, understanding the effects of weathering and accurately mimicking weathering processes are crucial. By using microplastics that lack environmental relevance, we are unable to fully assess the risks associated with microplastic pollution in the environment. Emerging studies advocate for harmonization of experimental methods, however, the subject of reliable weathering protocols for realistic assessment has not been addressed. In this work, we critically analysed the current knowledge regarding protocols used for generating environmentally relevant microplastics and leachates for effects studies. We present the expected and overlooked weathering pathways that plastics will undergo throughout their lifecycle. International standard weathering protocols developed for polymers were critically analysed for their appropriateness for use in microplastics research. We show that most studies using weathered microplastics involve sorption experiments followed by toxicity assays. The most frequently reported weathered plastic types in the literature are polystyrene>polyethylene>polypropylene>polyvinyl chloride, which does not reflect the global plastic production and plastic types detected globally. Only ~10% of published effect studies have used aged microplastics and of these, only 12 use aged nanoplastics. This highlights the need to embrace the use of environmentally relevant microplastics and to pay critical attention to the appropriateness of the weathering methods adopted moving forward. We advocate for quality reporting of weathering protocols and characterisation for harmonization and reproducibility across different research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubukola S Alimi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Dominique Claveau-Mallet
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada; Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Rafael S Kurusu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lapointe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bayen
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Lakeshore, Ste Anne de Bellevue, 21111, Canada
| | - Nathalie Tufenkji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.
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136
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Hoseini SM, Khosraviani K, Hosseinpour Delavar F, Arghideh M, Zavvar F, Hoseinifar SH, Van Doan H, Zabihi E, Reverter M. Hepatic transcriptomic and histopathological responses of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, to copper and microplastic exposure. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113401. [PMID: 35144215 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The combined effects of copper and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microparticles were investigated on the metal accumulation, histopathological biomarkers, and targeted transcriptomics in Cyprinus carpio liver. The fish were exposed to 0.25 mg/L copper and/or 0.5 mg/L PVC microparticles over a 14-d period. The results showed that hepatic copper accumulation is facilitated by the PVC microparticles presence in water. All treatments induced significant hepatic stress and inflammation; however, the transcriptional responses involving in detoxification pathways and apoptotic mechanisms were mixed and often down-regulated in the fish exposed to copper and/or PVC microparticles. Exposure to copper and/or PVC microparticles induced hypermeia, leukocyte infiltration and increase in melanomacrophage centers number and area. Generally, the severity of the lesions was in the following order: PVC microparticles < copper < copper+ PVC microparticles. In conclusion, PVC MPs act as a copper vector, facilitating accumulation of copper in the fish liver and increasing the tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyyed Morteza Hoseini
- Inland Waters Aquatics Resources Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Kave Khosraviani
- College of Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hosseinpour Delavar
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Arghideh
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zavvar
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hien Van Doan
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Science and Technology Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Keaw Rd., Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Erfan Zabihi
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Miriam Reverter
- Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany; Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
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137
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Wu P, Li J, Lu X, Tang Y, Cai Z. Release of tens of thousands of microfibers from discarded face masks under simulated environmental conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150458. [PMID: 34592275 PMCID: PMC9752784 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150458] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
While mechanical abrasion by water and sediment is a primary and critical step in weathering process, the upsurge of discarded face masks will undoubtedly become a potential source of micro-/nanofibers owing to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia. However, effects of mechanical abrasion on discarded face masks have neither been seriously addressed nor understood. Therefore, we conducted a simulated experiment to explore abundance, size distribution and morphology of microfibers released from common, surgical and face filtering piece (FFP) masks after mechanical abrasion. Technologies such as Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used. Results showed that the abundance of released microfibers followed order of surgical > common > FFP in both water and sediment environments, and the maximum abundance reached 272 ± 12.49 items per square centimeter of mask (items·cm-2) after sediment abrasion. Taking surgical mask for further investigation, the length of released fiber was observed to vary from 47.78 μm to 3.93 mm, and 72.41-89.58% of the total number of released microfibers fell in the range of 0.1-1 mm. However, microfibers with a very small length (1-100 μm) can occupy 0.09-13.59% of the total number of released fibers in sediment environment. The roughness of fiber surface after sediment abrasion was successively increased. Furthermore, the morphology analysis showed significant changes with countless cracks and many prominent protrusions on fiber surface after sediment abrasion. The cracks and protrusions may further accelerate mask decomposition, thereby potentially resulting in the adsorption of other contaminants and the release of self-containing chemicals. This study provides a valuable database of microfibers released from discarded face masks at the primary but critical stage, and further contributes knowledge on environmental impact of discarded personal protective equipment due to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Jiangpeng Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Xiao Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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138
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Stubbs C, Worch JC, Prydderch H, Wang Z, Mathers RT, Dobrynin AV, Becker ML, Dove AP. Sugar-Based Polymers with Stereochemistry-Dependent Degradability and Mechanical Properties. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:1243-1250. [PMID: 35029980 PMCID: PMC8796236 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c10278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Stereochemistry in polymers can be used as an effective tool to control the mechanical and physical properties of the resulting materials. Typically, though, in synthetic polymers, differences among polymer stereoisomers leads to incremental property variation, i.e., no changes to the baseline plastic or elastic behavior. Here we show that stereochemical differences in sugar-based monomers yield a family of nonsegmented, alternating polyurethanes that can be either strong amorphous thermoplastic elastomers with properties that exceed most cross-linked rubbers or robust, semicrystalline thermoplastics with properties comparable to commercial plastics. The stereochemical differences in the monomers direct distinct intra- and interchain supramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions in the bulk materials to define their behavior. The chemical similarity among these isohexide-based polymers enables both statistical copolymerization and blending, which each afford independent control over degradability and mechanical properties. The modular molecular design of the polymers provides an opportunity to create a family of materials with divergent properties that possess inherently built degradability and outstanding mechanical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor
J. Stubbs
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, U.K.
| | - Joshua C. Worch
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, U.K.
| | - Hannah Prydderch
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, U.K.
| | - Zilu Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of North Carolina−Chapel
Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Robert T. Mathers
- Department
of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068, United States
| | - Andrey V. Dobrynin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of North Carolina−Chapel
Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Matthew L. Becker
- Department
of Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Biomedical
Engineering and Orthopedic Surgery, Duke
University, Durham, North Carolina 20899, United States
| | - Andrew P. Dove
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, U.K.
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139
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Lee WS, Kim H, Sim Y, Kang T, Jeong J. Fluorescent Polypropylene Nanoplastics for Studying Uptake, Biodistribution, and Excretion in Zebrafish Embryos. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:2467-2473. [PMID: 35071934 PMCID: PMC8771955 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging environmental pollutants and are a significant concern for human health. The small size of NPs allows them to accumulate within and adversely affect various tissues by penetrating the gastrointestinal barrier. However, most toxicity studies on NPs have been based on commercial polystyrene nanoparticles. Among plastics, polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used, and it is continuously micronized in the environment. Although PP has high potential for forming NPs by weathering, little is known about the biological effects of polypropylene nanoplastics (PPNPs) due to a lack of particle models. Here, we present a simple and high-yield method for PPNP production by nonsolvent-induced phase separation. The synthesized PPNPs were spherical in shape, with an average diameter of 562.15 ± 118.47 nm and a high yield of over 84%. These PPNPs were fluorescently labeled by the combined swelling-diffusion method to study their biodistribution after exposure to developing zebrafish embryos (ZFEs). We found that the fluorescent PPNPs were internalized by ingestion, distributed in the intestine of developing ZFEs, and eventually excreted. This study will aid evaluations of the potential risks of environmentally relevant plastics at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Sik Lee
- Environmental
Disease Research Center, Korea Research
Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Kim
- Environmental
Disease Research Center, Korea Research
Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yugyeong Sim
- Environmental
Disease Research Center, Korea Research
Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department
of Nanobiotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic
of Korea
| | - Taejoon Kang
- Bionanotechnology
Research Center, Korea Research Institute
of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic
of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Jeong
- Environmental
Disease Research Center, Korea Research
Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department
of Nanobiotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic
of Korea
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140
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Krauklis AE, Karl CW, Rocha IBCM, Burlakovs J, Ozola-Davidane R, Gagani AI, Starkova O. Modelling of Environmental Ageing of Polymers and Polymer Composites-Modular and Multiscale Methods. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:216. [PMID: 35012240 PMCID: PMC8747293 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Service lifetimes of polymers and polymer composites are impacted by environmental ageing. The validation of new composites and their environmental durability involves costly testing programs, thus calling for more affordable and safe alternatives, and modelling is seen as such an alternative. The state-of-the-art models are systematized in this work. The review offers a comprehensive overview of the modular and multiscale modelling approaches. These approaches provide means to predict the environmental ageing and degradation of polymers and polymer composites. Furthermore, the systematization of methods and models presented herein leads to a deeper and reliable understanding of the physical and chemical principles of environmental ageing. As a result, it provides better confidence in the modelling methods for predicting the environmental durability of polymeric materials and fibre-reinforced composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey E. Krauklis
- Institute for Mechanics of Materials, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia;
| | | | - Iuri B. C. M. Rocha
- Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands;
| | - Juris Burlakovs
- Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 5 Kreutzwaldi St., 51014 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Ruta Ozola-Davidane
- Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia, Raina Blvd 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Abedin I. Gagani
- Siemens Digital Industries Software, Via Werner von Siemens 1, 20128 Milan, Italy;
| | - Olesja Starkova
- Institute for Mechanics of Materials, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia;
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141
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Li P, Lai Y, Li Q, Dong L, Tan Z, Yu S, Chen Y, Sharma VK, Liu J, Jiang G. Total Organic Carbon as a Quantitative Index of Micro- and Nano-Plastic Pollution. Anal Chem 2022; 94:740-747. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yujian Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qingcun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lijie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Sujuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Virender K. Sharma
- Department of Environment and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 212 Adriance Lab Rd. 1266 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
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142
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Su Y, Hu X, Tang H, Lu K, Li H, Liu S, Xing B, Ji R. Steam disinfection releases micro(nano)plastics from silicone-rubber baby teats as examined by optical photothermal infrared microspectroscopy. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 17:76-85. [PMID: 34764453 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-021-00998-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Silicone-rubber baby teats used to bottle-feed infants are frequently disinfected by moist heating. However, infant exposure to small microplastics (<10 μm) potentially released from the heated teats by hydrothermal decomposition has not been studied, owing to the limitations of conventional spectroscopy in visualizing microplastic formation and in characterizing the particles at the submicrometre scale. Here both the surfaces of silicone teats subjected to steam disinfection and the wash waters of the steamed teats were analysed using optical-photothermal infrared microspectroscopy. This new technique revealed submicrometre-resolved steam etching on and chemical modification of the teat surface. Numerous flake- or oil-film-shaped micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) (in the size range of 0.6-332 μm) presented in the wash waters, including cyclic and branched polysiloxanes or polyimides, which were generated by the steam-induced degradation of the base polydimethylsiloxane elastomer and the polyamide resin additive. The results indicated that by the age of one year, a baby could ingest >0.66 million elastomer-derived micro-sized plastics (MPs) (roughly 81% in 1.5-10 μm). Global MP emission from teat disinfection may be as high as 5.2 × 1013 particles per year. Our findings highlight an entry route for surface-active silicone-rubber-derived MNPs into both the human body and the environment. The health and environmental risks of the particles are as yet unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Su
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Hu
- Quantum Design (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjie Tang
- Quantum Design (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huimin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sijin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Rong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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143
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Thomsen B, Cousins T, Copeland K, Thomsen J, Coose S, Mensah A, Fennell SR, Deshwal A, Guzman J, Copeland S, Nickerson D, Duggan M, Schneider A, Taylor M, Hernandez Saez A, Gosler A. Posthumanist Pluralities: Advocating for nonhuman species’ rights, agency, and welfare in ecosystem governance. ADV ECOL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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144
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Robuck AR, Hudak CA, Agvent L, Emery G, Ryan PG, Perold VA, Powers KD, Pedersen J, Thompson MA, Suca JJ, Moore MJ, Harms C, Bugoni L, Shield G, Glass T, Wiley DN, Lohmann R. Birds of a feather eat plastic together: high levels of plastic ingestion in Great Shearwater adults and juveniles across their annual migratory cycle. FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE 2022; 8:719721. [PMID: 36248700 PMCID: PMC9558492 DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2021.719721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Limited work to date has examined plastic ingestion in highly migratory seabirds like Great Shearwaters (Ardenna gravis) across the their entire migratory range, although this species is prone to ingest plastic as a wide-ranging procellariiform. We examined 217 Great Shearwaters obtained from 2008-2019 at multiple locations spanning their yearly migration cycle across the Northwest and South Atlantic to assess accumulation of ingested plastic as well as trends over time and between locations. A total of 2,328 plastic fragments were documented in the ventriculus portion of the gastrointestinal tract, with an average of 9 plastic fragments per bird. The mass, count, and frequency of plastic occurrence (FO) varied by location, with higher plastic burdens but lower FO in South Atlantic individuals from the breeding colonies. No fragments of the same size or morphology were found in the primary forage fish prey, the sand lance, (Ammodytes spp., n = 202) that supports Great Shearwaters in Massachusetts Bay, USA, suggesting the birds directly ingest the bulk of their plastic loads rather than accumulating via trophic transfer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that low- and high-density polyethylene were the most common polymers ingested, within all years and locations. Individuals from the South Atlantic contained a higher proportion of larger plastic items and fragments compared to juveniles and non-breeding adults from the NW Atlantic, possibly due to increased use of remote, pelagic areas subject to reduced inputs of smaller, more diverse, and potentially less buoyant plastics found adjacent to coastal margins. Different signatures of polymer type, size, and category between similar life stages at different locations suggests rapid turnover of ingested plastics commensurate with migratory stage and location, though more empirical evidence is needed to ground-truth this hypothesis. This work is the first to comprehensively measure the accumulation of ingested plastics by Great Shearwaters over the last decade and across multiple locations spanning their yearly trans-equatorial migration cycle, and underscores their utility as sentinels of plastic pollution in Atlantic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R. Robuck
- University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI 02882
| | | | - Lindsay Agvent
- University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI 02882
| | - Gwenyth Emery
- University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI 02882
| | - Peter G. Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Vonica A. Perold
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Kevin D. Powers
- Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Scituate, MA 02066, USA
| | | | - Michael A. Thompson
- Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Scituate, MA 02066, USA
| | - Justin J. Suca
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, MA 02540, USA
| | | | - Craig Harms
- Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, North Carolina State University, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
| | - Leandro Bugoni
- Waterbirds and Sea Turtles Lab, Unviersidade Federal do Rio Grande – FURG, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Gina Shield
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Woods Hole, MA 02543
| | - Trevor Glass
- Conservation Department, Government of Tristan da Cunha, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Tristan da Cunha TDCU 1ZZ, UK (South Atlantic Ocean)
| | - David N. Wiley
- Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Scituate, MA 02066, USA
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI 02882
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Shin JW, Chan Choe J, Lee JH, Han WB, Jang TM, Ko GJ, Yang SM, Kim YG, Joo J, Lim BH, Park E, Hwang SW. Biologically Safe, Degradable Self-Destruction System for On-Demand, Programmable Transient Electronics. ACS NANO 2021; 15:19310-19320. [PMID: 34843199 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05463] [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] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The lifetime of transient electronic components can be programmed via the use of encapsulation/passivation layers or of on-demand, stimuli-responsive polymers (heat, light, or chemicals), but yet most research is limited to slow dissolution rate, hazardous constituents, or byproducts, or complicated synthesis of reactants. Here we present a physicochemical destruction system with dissolvable, nontoxic materials as an efficient, multipurpose platform, where chemically produced bubbles rapidly collapse device structures and acidic molecules accelerate dissolution of functional traces. Extensive studies of composites based on biodegradable polymers (gelatin and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) and harmless blowing agents (organic acid and bicarbonate salt) validate the capability for the desired system. Integration with wearable/recyclable electronic components, fast-degradable device layouts, and wireless microfluidic devices highlights potential applicability toward versatile/multifunctional transient systems. In vivo toxicity tests demonstrate biological safety of the proposed system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Woong Shin
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Chan Choe
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong Hoon Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Bae Han
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Min Jang
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwan-Jin Ko
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Min Yang
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Gyeong Kim
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesun Joo
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Hee Lim
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunkyoung Park
- Department of Medical and Mechatronics Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, 22, Soonchunhyang-ro, Sinchang-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do 31538, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Won Hwang
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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146
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Kobayashi Y, Ueda T, Ishigami A, Ito H. Changes in Crystal Structure and Accelerated Hydrolytic Degradation of Polylactic Acid in High Humidity. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13244324. [PMID: 34960875 PMCID: PMC8707235 DOI: 10.3390/polym13244324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly crystallized polylactic acid (PLA) is suitable for industrial applications due to its stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. However, crystal lamellae in PLA products might delay PLA decomposition in the environment. This study clarifies how the initial crystal structure influences the hydrolytic degradation of PLA under accelerated conditions. Crystallized PLA was prepared by annealing amorphous PLA at a specific temperature under reduced pressure. Specimens with varied crystal structure were kept at 70 °C and in a relative humidity (RH) of 95% for a specific time. Changes in crystal structure were analyzed using differential calorimetry and wide-angle X-lay diffraction. The molecular weight (MW) was measured with gel permeation chromatography. The crystallinity of the amorphous PLA became the same as that of the initially annealed PLA within one hour at 70 °C and 95% RH. The MW of the amorphous PLA decreased faster even though the crystallinity was similar during the accelerated degradation. The low MW chains of the amorphous PLA tended to decrease faster, although changes in the MW distribution suggested random scission of the molecular chains for initially crystallized PLA. The concentrations of chain ends and impurities, which catalyze hydrolysis, in the amorphous region were considered to be different in the initial crystallization. The crystallinity alone does not determine the speed of hydrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Kobayashi
- Research Center for GREEN Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP), 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (H.I.); Tel.: +81-238-26-3430 (Y.K.); +81-238-26-3081 (H.I.)
| | - Tsubasa Ueda
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
| | - Akira Ishigami
- Research Center for GREEN Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP), 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Research Center for GREEN Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP), 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (H.I.); Tel.: +81-238-26-3430 (Y.K.); +81-238-26-3081 (H.I.)
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147
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Vilas-Boas C, Neves AR, Carvalhal F, Pereira S, Calhorda MJ, Vasconcelos V, Pinto M, Sousa E, Almeida JR, Silva ER, Correia-da-Silva M. Multidimensional characterization of a new antifouling xanthone: Structure-activity relationship, environmental compatibility, and immobilization in marine coatings. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:112970. [PMID: 34775347 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of marine biofouling on ship hulls causes material damage, the spread of invasive species, and, indirectly, an increase in full consumption and subsequent pollutant gas emissions. Most efficient antifouling (AF) strategies rely on the conventional release of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic biocides incorporated in marine coatings. A simple oxygenated xanthone, 3,4-dihydroxyxanthone (1), was previously reported as a promising AF agent toward the settlement of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae, with a therapeutic ratio higher than the commercial biocide Econea®. In this work, a structure-AF activity relationship study, an evaluation of environmental fate, and an AF efficiency in marine coatings were performed with compound 1. Hydroxy or methoxy groups at 3 and 4 positions in compound 1 favored AF activity, and groups with higher steric hindrances were detrimental. Compound 1 demonstrated low water-solubility and a short half-life in natural seawater, contrary to Econea®. In silico environmental fate predictions showed that compound 1 does not bioaccumulate in organism tissues, in contrast to other current emerging biocides, has a moderate affinity for sediments and slow migrates to ground water. No toxicity was observed against Vibrio fischeri and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Polyurethane-based marine coatings containing compound 1 prepared through an innovative non-release-strategy were as efficient as those containing Econea® with low releases to water after 45 days. This proof-of-concept helped to establish compound 1 as a promising eco-friendly AF agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Vilas-Boas
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Neves
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Francisca Carvalhal
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Sandra Pereira
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Maria José Calhorda
- BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vitor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, P 4069-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Madalena Pinto
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Joana R Almeida
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Elisabete R Silva
- BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; CERENA - Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Marta Correia-da-Silva
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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148
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Zrimec J, Kokina M, Jonasson S, Zorrilla F, Zelezniak A. Plastic-Degrading Potential across the Global Microbiome Correlates with Recent Pollution Trends. mBio 2021; 12:e0215521. [PMID: 34700384 PMCID: PMC8546865 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02155-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradation is a plausible route toward sustainable management of the millions of tons of plastic waste that have accumulated in terrestrial and marine environments. However, the global diversity of plastic-degrading enzymes remains poorly understood. Taking advantage of global environmental DNA sampling projects, here we constructed hidden Markov models from experimentally verified enzymes and mined ocean and soil metagenomes to assess the global potential of microorganisms to degrade plastics. By controlling for false positives using gut microbiome data, we compiled a catalogue of over 30,000 nonredundant enzyme homologues with the potential to degrade 10 different plastic types. While differences between the ocean and soil microbiomes likely reflect the base compositions of these environments, we find that ocean enzyme abundance increases with depth as a response to plastic pollution and not merely taxonomic composition. By obtaining further pollution measurements, we observed that the abundance of the uncovered enzymes in both ocean and soil habitats significantly correlates with marine and country-specific plastic pollution trends. Our study thus uncovers the earth microbiome's potential to degrade plastics, providing evidence of a measurable effect of plastic pollution on the global microbial ecology as well as a useful resource for further applied research. IMPORTANCE Utilization of synthetic biology approaches to enhance current plastic degradation processes is of crucial importance, as natural plastic degradation processes are very slow. For instance, the predicted lifetime of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle under ambient conditions ranges from 16 to 48 years. Moreover, although there is still unexplored diversity in microbial communities, synergistic degradation of plastics by microorganisms holds great potential to revolutionize the management of global plastic waste. To this end, the methods and data on novel plastic-degrading enzymes presented here can help researchers by (i) providing further information about the taxonomic diversity of such enzymes as well as understanding of the mechanisms and steps involved in the biological breakdown of plastics, (ii) pointing toward the areas with increased availability of novel enzymes, and (iii) giving a basis for further application in industrial plastic waste biodegradation. Importantly, our findings provide evidence of a measurable effect of plastic pollution on the global microbial ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Zrimec
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mariia Kokina
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sara Jonasson
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Francisco Zorrilla
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksej Zelezniak
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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149
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Nishida K, Anada T, Kobayashi S, Ueda T, Tanaka M. Effect of bound water content on cell adhesion strength to water-insoluble polymers. Acta Biomater 2021; 134:313-324. [PMID: 34332104 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion of cells on biomaterials plays an essential role in modulating cellular functions. Although hydration of biomaterials occurs under biological conditions, it is challenging to systematically evaluate the correlation of hydrated water content in biomaterials with the cell adhesion strength. In this report, we investigated the effect of bound water content on the adhesion strength of cells on poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) analogue substrates. Water-insoluble PMEA analogues were synthesized to fabricate substrates with a systemically controlled bound water content. To assess the surface properties of their substrates, contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and fluorescence measurement were conducted. To reflect the effect of bound water of PMEA analogues, the relationship between the bound water content and cell adhesion behavior was evaluated under serum-free condition. From the single cell force spectrometry (SCFS) and microscopic analysis, it revealed that the increment of bound water content on the substrates decreased cell adhesion strength and cell spreading on the substrates. The bound water content exhibited a good correlation with adhesion strength, spreading area, circularity, and aspect ratio of cells. Our findings indicate that the bound water content could contribute to the development of a novel biomaterial and evaluation of cell behaviors on biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: For coordinating cell functions, such as growth, mobility, and differentiation, modulating the adhesion strength between cells and their environments is important. Although the hydration to biomaterials has been reported to be closely related to a antifouling property, the effect of hydration water on the cell adhesion behavior is not well understood. We present the first demonstration of essential relationship between cell adhesion strength and hydrated water on a biomaterials surface using the water-insoluble polymers with different hydrated water content. The results reveal that the hydrated water content of polymer substrates strong correlation with adhesion strength of cells. Collectively, the hydrated water content of the biomaterials will be a predominant factor affecting the cell adhesion strength and behavior.
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150
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Coons AK, Busch K, Lenz M, Hentschel U, Borchert E. Biogeography rather than substrate type determines bacterial colonization dynamics of marine plastics. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12135. [PMID: 34603853 PMCID: PMC8445087 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the middle of the 20th century, plastics have been incorporated into our everyday lives at an exponential rate. In recent years, the negative impacts of plastics, especially as environmental pollutants, have become evident. Marine plastic debris represents a relatively new and increasingly abundant substrate for colonization by microbial organisms, although the full functional potential of these organisms is yet to be uncovered. In the present study, we investigated plastic type and incubation location as drivers of marine bacterial community structure development on plastics, i.e., the Plastisphere, via 16S rRNA amplicon analysis. Four distinct plastic types: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyamide (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and glass-slide controls were incubated for five weeks in the coastal waters of four different biogeographic locations (Cape Verde, Chile, Japan, South Africa) during July and August of 2019. The primary driver of the coastal Plastisphere composition was identified as incubation location, i.e., biogeography, while substrate type did not have a significant effect on bacterial community composition. The bacterial communities were consistently dominated by the classes Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidia, irrespective of sampling location or substrate type, however a core bacterial Plastisphere community was not observable at lower taxonomic levels. Overall, this study sheds light on the question of whether bacterial communities on plastic debris are shaped by the physicochemical properties of the substrate they grow on or by the marine environment in which the plastics are immersed. This study enhances the current understanding of biogeographic variability in the Plastisphere by including biofilms from plastics incubated in the previously uncharted Southern Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley K Coons
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Kathrin Busch
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Mark Lenz
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Ute Hentschel
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.,Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Erik Borchert
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
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