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Bermúdez M, Vilas C, Quintana R, González-Fernández D, Cózar A, Díez-Minguito M. Unravelling spatio-temporal patterns of suspended microplastic concentration in the Natura 2000 Guadalquivir estuary (SW Spain): Observations and model simulations. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112622. [PMID: 34146860 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) patterns in a weakly-stratified estuary were investigated using a combined approach of observations and modeling. The study was conducted in the Guadalquivir River Estuary, which is of high environmental value, yet significantly altered by human activities. The study aims to contribute to understanding and quantifying the land-ocean transport of MPs. Mean concentrations of MPs in the estuary were 0.041itemsm-3, with maximum values up to 0.20itemsm-3, in agreement with the range reported in other estuaries. Polyethylene floating MPs were predominant. Relationships between increases in MP concentration and local rainfall events were identified in the middle estuary when there were no significant discharges from the head dam. Modeling results mimicked observations and revealed the effects of tidal straining, density-driven, and river flow-induced circulation on the net transport. Convergence of transports favors the MPs trapping in the vicinity of Doñana National Park, overlapping the location of the Estuarine Turbidity Maximum.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Bermúdez
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA), Dept. Structural Mechanics and Hydraulics Engineering, University of Granada, Avenida del Mediterráneo s/n, Edificio CEAMA, Granada E-18006, Spain
| | - César Vilas
- Instituto de Investigación y Formación Agraria Pesquera (IFAPA), Centro El Toruño, Camino Tiro de Pichón s/n, El Puerto de Santa María E-11500, Spain
| | - Rocío Quintana
- University of Cádiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Departamento de Biología, Puerto Real E-11510, Spain
| | - Daniel González-Fernández
- University of Cádiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Departamento de Biología, Puerto Real E-11510, Spain
| | - Andrés Cózar
- University of Cádiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Departamento de Biología, Puerto Real E-11510, Spain
| | - Manuel Díez-Minguito
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA), Dept. Structural Mechanics and Hydraulics Engineering, University of Granada, Avenida del Mediterráneo s/n, Edificio CEAMA, Granada E-18006, Spain.
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152
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153
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Sun H, Chen N, Yang X, Xia Y, Wu D. Effects induced by polyethylene microplastics oral exposure on colon mucin release, inflammation, gut microflora composition and metabolism in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 220:112340. [PMID: 34015635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are plastic fragments widely distributed in the environment and accumulate in the organisms. However, the research on microplastics effects in mammals is limited. Polyethylene is the main kind of microplastics in the environment. We hypothesized that polyethylene exposure disrupts host intestine metabolism by modifying intestine microflora composition and then lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pathway. Female mice were orally exposed to 0, 0.002 and 0.2 μg/g/d polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) for 30 days. Colon mucin density was quantized after AB-PAS staining. Mucin 2 (MUC2), inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10), short-chain fatty acid receptors (GPR41 and GPR43), LPS receptors (TLR4 and MyD88) and LPS pathway downstream genes (ERK1 and NF-κB) mRNA levels in colon were measured. Feces were collected on the 15th day of exposure for gut microflora analysis. Blood biochemical analysis was performed. Results showed that 0.2 μg/g/d PE MPs exposure significantly decreased colon mucin expression (p < 0.05), decreased IL-1β (p < 0.05) and increased IL-8 and IL-10 levels (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). Microflora data showed that in 0.2 μg/g/d PE MPs group the number of Firmicutes decreased and the number of Bacteroides increased (both p < 0.01). Predicted KEGG metabolic pathways by piecrust method indicated that PE MPs enhanced amino acids metabolism in microflora. ERK1 and NF-κB mRNA were significantly lower in 0.2 μg/g/d PE MPs group (both p < 0.001). Blood total protein, albumin and globulin levels significantly increased after 0.2 μg/g/d PE MPs exposure (p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively). These results indicate that PE MPs exposure induced decreased mucin production, a slight immune response and increased the microflora amino acid metabolism in the mice colon by modifying colon microflora composition. SUMMARY: Polyethylene microplastics exposure decreased colon mucin release and increased amino acid metabolism by modifying colon microflora composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Na Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaona Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Di Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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154
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Vaid M, Sarma K, Gupta A. Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments with special emphasis on riverine systems: Current understanding and way forward. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 293:112860. [PMID: 34089959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as a severe threat in our environment. Their diverse existence in marine environments is being researched globally and thus a widely known fact; however, their presence in the freshwater counterpart has gained attention lately only. Riverine systems, the most critical freshwater resources serve as an essential link between terrestrial and marine environments and their contamination with MPs is going to create severe environmental issues. Because of their small size and unique morphology, these polymers can exhibit variable toxicity to the interacting biota and alter their habitat properties; thus, causing serious impacts on the environment and health of living beings, including humans. These microplastics can also interact with pollutants like heavy metals and organic pollutants, which further augment their harming potential. Inefficient and poor plastic waste disposal practices play an important role in the generation of microplastic pollutants. In the present COVID 19 pandemics, the excessive use of plastic to contain the spread of infection has further added the plastic load in the environment which will eventually lead to the generation of microplastic particles. Also, a significant amount of microplastic pollutants in riverine systems are delivered through wastewater treatment plant effluents. These trade-offs create a distress situation in the environment. The present study connects these key issues for a better understanding of the diverse existence of microplastic pollutants, their sources, and fate, with a special emphasis on riverine systems. A critical appraisal of the knowledge gaps and proposal of suitable solutions through this review might open up avenues for further research and effective management of the microplastics in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Vaid
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Kiranmay Sarma
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Anshu Gupta
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India.
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155
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Forero-López AD, Rimondino GN, Truchet DM, Colombo CV, Buzzi NS, Malanca FE, Spetter CV, Fernández-Severini MD. Occurrence, distribution, and characterization of suspended microplastics in a highly impacted estuarine wetland in Argentina. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 785:147141. [PMID: 33933772 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been a global concern due to their potential and widespread risks to organisms and environments. In this study, we investigated the abundance, distribution, and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in the surface waters of the Bahía Blanca Estuary (BBE), specifically in its inner and middle zone. The results showed the dominant shape of MPs were fibers, being black, transparent, and blue the main colors. The concentrations of MPs ranged from 182 to 33,373 items m-3 with a mean value of 6162 items m-3. The highest concentrations of MPs were detected in the middle zone of the estuary, a site that receives untreated sewage effluents from the city. The most abundant size ranges were from 0.5 to 1.5 mm (44.21%) and ˂0.5 mm (40.21%) and were predominant at all the sampling sites. The concentration of mesoplastics in the inner zone (16 items m-3) presented larger values than in the middle zone (5 items m-3). A wide variety of polymeric materials with predominance of microfibers such as cellulose-based, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene were identified. Polyester/alkyd resins and poli(vinyl chloride) were also found. The analysis of MPs surface through SEM/EDX detected a variety of elements such as C, O, Si, Al, K, Ca, Cl, Ti, Fe, S, and P, indicating potential contaminant carriers in the water column. Some plastic particles presented a high degree of degradation on their surface morphology. Untreated sewage discharges appear to be a significant input of MPs. Therefore, the results provided in the present study should be considered by stakeholders interested in the management and conservation of this large coastal wetland with significant ecological and economic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Forero-López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - G N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria (X5000HUA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - D M Truchet
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C V Colombo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N S Buzzi
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F E Malanca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria (X5000HUA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - C V Spetter
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Avenida Alem 1253, B8000CPB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M D Fernández-Severini
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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156
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Fernandes AJS, da Costa FM, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Selection of microplastics by Nile Red staining increases environmental sample throughput by micro-Raman spectroscopy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:146979. [PMID: 33866182 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nile Red staining enables visual identification and quantification of fluorescent particles as a proxy to microplastics at low cost and high throughput, including those of small sizes (≥2 μm), when preceded by proper natural organic matter removal, but providing no chemical characterization. On the other hand, micro-spectroscopy methods allow chemical characterization of particles based on their spectra, essential for polymer identification, but are costly and time-consuming. This work addresses the combination of both Nile Red staining with micro-Raman spectroscopy for the identification of microplastics. Besides being useful for quantification, Nile Red staining can be advantageously used as an objective criterion for pre-selection of particles for micro-Raman spectroscopy, producing little interference. The use of the 442 nm laser in micro-Raman spectroscopy induces Nile Red luminescence thus allowing to target the specific suspected microplastics when using an orange filter, reducing the number of particles subjected to identification and improving sample throughput. Staining dyes could also be used for mapping suspected microplastics before targeted analysis by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Thus, coupling Nile Red with micro-Raman spectroscopy can be useful to improve time efficiency while using this equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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157
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Bertucci JI, Bellas J. Combined effect of microplastics and global warming factors on early growth and development of the sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 782:146888. [PMID: 33848869 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to estimate the potential risk of the combined effect of global change factors (acidification, temperature increase) and microplastic (MP) pollution on the growth and development of the sea urchin P. lividus. Embryo-larval bioassays were conducted to determine growth and morphology after 48 h of incubation with MP (1000 and 3000 particles/mL); with filtered sea water at pH = 7.6; and with their combinations. A second experiment was conducted to study the effect of pH and MP in combination with a temperature increase of 4 °C compared to control (20 °C). We found that the inhibition of growth in embryos reared at pH = 7.6 was around 75%. Larvae incubated at 3000 MP particles/mL showed a 20% decrease in growth compared to controls. The exposure to MP also induced an increase in the postoral arm separation or rounded vertices. The combined exposure to a pH 7.6 and MP caused a significant decrease of larval growth compared to control, to MP and to pH 7.6 treatments. Morphological alterations were observed in these treatments, including the development of only two arms. Increasing the temperature resulted in an increased growth in control, in pH 7.6 and pH 7.6 + MP3000 treatments, but the relative stomach volume decreased. However, when growth parameters were expressed per Degree-Days the lower growth provoked by the thermal stress was evidenced in all treatments. In this work we demonstrated that MP could aggravate the effect of a decreased pH and that an increase in water temperature generated an additional stress on P. lividus larvae, manifested in a lower growth and an altered development. Therefore, the combined stress caused by ocean warming, ocean acidification, and microplastic pollution, could threaten sea urchin populations leading to a potential impact on coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Bertucci
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, 36390 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain.
| | - J Bellas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, 36390 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
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158
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Naik RK, Chakraborty P, D'Costa PM, N A, Mishra RK, Fernandes V. A simple technique to mitigate microplastic pollution and its mobility (via ballast water) in the global ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117070. [PMID: 33839622 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ballast water transport is considered as one of the major vectors for dispersal of microplastics around the global oceans. In this commentary, a simple, inexpensive solution has been proposed to reduce microplastic pollution and its mobility via ballast water. A screening chamber (with stainless steel three layered mesh) is proposed to be attached to the existing Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTSs) in cargo ships to filter back-flushed sea water from BWTSs. The three layered screens (500, 300 and 100 μm) will not only avoid clogging and easy separation of different size groups of microplastic particles but also help in smooth discharge of water to the sea. This technique is expected to remove a large number of microplastic particles (ranging from 0.0015 to 1020 million) from a single voyage. The proposed chamber may help to collect 0.0003-204 metric tons of particles/day, depending upon the geographical location of ballast intake in the global ocean. These estimations were made by considering a daily turnover of 0.033 billion tonnes of ballast water globally. This proposed screening chamber attached to the existing BWTSs in cargo ships, along with other region-specific ocean cleaning initiatives, will help in mitigating microplastic pollution in the global ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravidas Krishna Naik
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Goa, 403804, India.
| | | | - Priya M D'Costa
- School of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, 403206, India
| | - Anilkumar N
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Goa, 403804, India
| | - R K Mishra
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Goa, 403804, India
| | - Veliton Fernandes
- Department of Biotechnology, Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Margao, Goa, 403601, India
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159
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Coppock RL, Lindeque PK, Cole M, Galloway TS, Näkki P, Birgani H, Richards S, Queirós AM. Benthic fauna contribute to microplastic sequestration in coastal sediments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 415:125583. [PMID: 33773248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the marine environment, however, the mechanisms governing their uptake by, and burial within, seabed habitats are poorly understood. In this study, microplastic burial and its impact on fauna-mediated sedimentary processes was quantified at three coastal sites, and the potential contribution of burrowing faunal communities to this process assessed via functional trait diversity analysis of field data. In addition, laboratory exposures were used to assess whether sediment-processing undertaken by the brittlestar Amphiura filiformis, a key species in the sampled area, could explain the burial of microplastic fibres. Field observations confirmed broad-scale burial of microplastics across the coastal seabed, consistent across sites and seasons, with microplastic sequestration linked to benthic-pelagic exchange pathways, driven by burrowing fauna. Brittlestars were observed to bury and line their burrow walls with microfibres during experiments, and their burial activity was also modified following exposure to nylon fibres, relative to controls. Collectively, these results indicate that biodiverse and functionally important seabed habitats act as microplastic sinks, with burrowing fauna contributing to this process via well-known benthic-pelagic pathways, the rates of which are modified by plastic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Coppock
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK; University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | | | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Pinja Näkki
- Marine Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland; Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, J.A. Palménin tie 260, FI-10900 Hanko, Finland
| | - Hannah Birgani
- Department of Health and Applied Science, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Saskiya Richards
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Ana M Queirós
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
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160
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Elizalde-Velázquez GA, Gómez-Oliván LM. Microplastics in aquatic environments: A review on occurrence, distribution, toxic effects, and implications for human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146551. [PMID: 33773347 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are fragments, fibers, granules, flakes and spheres with a diameter or length of less than 5 mm. These may eventually end up in the aquatic environment by the progressive breakdown of larger plastics or via domestic and industrial sewage spillage. In order to better understand the current knowledge in this field, we carried out and extensive literature research to retrieve articles mainly focusing on the occurrence and distribution of MPs in aquatic matrix as well as their impacts on aquatic organisms and human derived cells. Once in the environment, MPs may be transported via wind and water movement, affecting their spatial distribution. Furthermore, density may also affect the buoyancy and vertical distribution of these pollutants. Consequently, MPs are ubiquitously distributed in fresh- and marine- water systems, posing a real threat to aquatic organisms. Furthermore, trophic transfer and biomagnification processes represent a viable route for the input of MPs to humans. This paper focuses on (1) Outline the occurrence of MPs in worldwide aquatic ecosystems; (2) Investigate the factors affecting the abundance and distribution of MPs in aquatic ecosystems; (3) Provide an in-depth discussion about the harmful effects that MPs poses to aquatic organisms; (4) Summarizes the possible mechanisms by which MPs may induce toxic effects on humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Axel Elizalde-Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n, Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez-Oliván
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n, Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
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161
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Kobayashi T, Yagi M, Kawaguchi T, Hata T, Shimizu K. Spatiotemporal variations of surface water microplastics near Kyushu, Japan: A quali-quantitative analysis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112563. [PMID: 34089965 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in the ocean are threatening marine ecosystems. Although plastic contaminants are ubiquitous, their distribution is thought to be heterogeneous. Here, we elucidate the spatial and temporal variations in the quanti-qualitative characteristics of microplastics near Kyushu, Japan in the East China Sea. Six surveys across nine stations were conducted over a 14-month period, and a total of 6131 plastic items were identified. The average microplastic abundance and size were 0.49 ± 0.92 (items·m-3 ± S.D.), and 1.71 ± 0.93 (mm ± S.D.), respectively. Differences between the highest and lowest abundances were 50-fold among monthly means, and 550-fold across all net tows. With respect to colour, polymer type, and shape, white and transparent polyethylene fragments were the dominant composition. There were significant differences for each of the analytical microplastic parameters among the survey months. Our results provide baseline data and lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsunefumi Kobayashi
- Department of Fisheries Science, Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Yagi
- Department of Fisheries Science, Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan; Institute of Integrated Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Toshiya Kawaguchi
- Department of Fisheries Science, Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toshiro Hata
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 7398527 Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenichi Shimizu
- Department of Fisheries Science, Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan; Institute of Integrated Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, 8528521 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Japan
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Raatikainen KJ, Purhonen J, Pohjanmies T, Peura M, Nieminen E, Mustajärvi L, Helle I, Shennan‐Farpón Y, Ahti PA, Basile M, Bernardo N, Bertram MG, Bouarakia O, Brias‐Guinart A, Fijen T, Froidevaux JSP, Hemmingmoore H, Hocevar S, Kendall L, Lampinen J, Marjakangas E, Martin JM, Oomen RA, Segre H, Sidemo‐Holm W, Silva AP, Thorbjørnsen SH, Torrents‐Ticó M, Zhang D, Ziemacki J. Pathways towards a sustainable future envisioned by early‐career conservation researchers. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kaisa J. Raatikainen
- Department of Geography and Geology, Geography Section University of Turku Turku Finland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & School of Resource Wisdom University of Jyvaskyla Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Jenna Purhonen
- Department of Music, Art and Cultural Studies, Department of Biological and Environmental Science & School of Resource Wisdom University of Jyvaskyla Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Tähti Pohjanmies
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & School of Resource Wisdom University of Jyvaskyla Jyväskylä Finland
- Natural Resources Institute Finland Helsinki Finland
| | - Maiju Peura
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & School of Resource Wisdom University of Jyvaskyla Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Eini Nieminen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & School of Resource Wisdom University of Jyvaskyla Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Linda Mustajärvi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & School of Resource Wisdom University of Jyvaskyla Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Ilona Helle
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & School of Resource Wisdom University of Jyvaskyla Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Yara Shennan‐Farpón
- ZSL Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London London UK
- UCL Department of Anthropology University College London London UK
| | - Pauliina A. Ahti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & School of Resource Wisdom University of Jyvaskyla Jyväskylä Finland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Marco Basile
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL Birmensdorf Switzerland
- Swiss Ornithological Institute Sempach Switzerland
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | | | - Michael G. Bertram
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Umeå Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Oussama Bouarakia
- SARChI Chair on Biodiversity Value and Change University of Venda Thohoyandou South Africa
- Laboratory Biodiversity Ecology Genome, Research Center BIOBIO, Faculty of Sciences Mohammed V University in Rabat Rabat Morocco
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité, MNHN, CNRS Sorbonne Université Paris France
| | - Aina Brias‐Guinart
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Science & Faculty of Social Sciences, Global Change and Conservation Lab University of Helsinki, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science Helsinki Finland
| | - Thijs Fijen
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group Wageningen University Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Jérémy S. P. Froidevaux
- Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling, Biological and Environmental Sciences Stirling UK
- University of Bristol, School of Biological Sciences Bristol UK
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO, UMR 7204) CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne‐Université, Station marine Concarneau France
- Dynafor, Université de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, INP‐EI Purpan Castanet‐Tolosan France
| | - Heather Hemmingmoore
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Riddarhyttan Sweden
| | - Sara Hocevar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science & School of Resource Wisdom University of Jyvaskyla Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Liam Kendall
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Science Lund University Lund Sweden
- University of New England, School of Environmental and Rural Science Armidale NSW Australia
| | - Jussi Lampinen
- Department of Biology & Biodiversity Research Unit University of Turku Turku Finland
| | - Emma‐Liina Marjakangas
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim Norway
- The Helsinki Lab of Ornithology, Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Jake M. Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Rebekah A. Oomen
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Centre for Coastal Research, Department of Natural Sciences University of Agder Kristiansand Norway
- Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Hila Segre
- Human and Biodiversity Research Lab, Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | | | - André P. Silva
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
| | | | - Miquel Torrents‐Ticó
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Science & Faculty of Social Sciences, Global Change and Conservation Lab University of Helsinki, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science Helsinki Finland
| | - Di Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University Beijing China
| | - Jasmin Ziemacki
- Center for Development Research University of Bonn Bonn Germany
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163
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Hamm T, Lenz M. Negative impacts of realistic doses of spherical and irregular microplastics emerged late during a 42 weeks-long exposure experiment with blue mussels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146088. [PMID: 34030367 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been found in all compartments of the environment, and numerous life forms are known to take up the anthropogenic particles. Marine filter feeders are particularly susceptible to ingest suspended microplastics, but long-term studies on the potential effects of this uptake are scarce. We exposed juvenile Mytilus spp. to environmentally realistic doses of irregularly shaped polyvinylchloride (PVC) particles (15, 1500, 15,000, 150,000, 1,500,000 particles/individual/week calibrated in the size range 11-60 μm) and regularly shaped polystyrene (PS) beads (15, 1500, 15,000 particles/individual/week, 40 μm) over 42 weeks. During this period, we monitored physiological traits such as clearance rate, byssus production, growth rate, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, and the condition index (CI). Negative effects of the tested microplastics on mussel performance emerged late in the experiment and were rather weak. Interestingly, even after having received the lowest particle dose of PS, SOD activity in the gill was significantly lower in mussels exposed to microplastics compared to a group of conspecifics that were kept in clean water. However, growth and CI, which are both closely related to the fitness of the mussels, were not found to be impaired at the end of the exposure phase. This is the so far longest laboratory microplastic exposure study on mussels and we worked with particle doses that reflect todays pollution levels. The small effect sizes we observed for the response variables assessed suggest that these specific microplastics pose only a minor threat to blue mussel populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Hamm
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany.
| | - Mark Lenz
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany
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164
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Prata JC, Godoy V, da Costa JP, Calero M, Martín-Lara MA, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Microplastics and fibers from three areas under different anthropogenic pressures in Douro river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 776:145999. [PMID: 33647658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Sources contributing to specific concentration of microplastics and fibers are still not completely understood. This study aimed at assessing the concentrations of microplastics (2-5000 μm) and fibers (18-5667 μm) in three areas of distinct influences in the Douro river, Porto, Portugal: (i) a countryside area; (ii) a wastewater treatment effluent release zone; and (iii) an area in proximity to a boat dock and maintenance station. Nile Red staining coupled with microscopy allowed the identification of small microplastics (≥2 μm) with a median concentration of the three areas of 231 MP L-1. Most were fragments (69%). Sizes <40 μm were the most abundant (84%). Highest concentrations of microplastics were found near the boat dock/maintenance and lowest in the countryside area. Fibers were mostly natural (non-synthetic, 63%). Highest concentrations of fibers were found in the area influenced by the wastewater effluent, especially of synthetic fibers, and lowest in the countryside area. Concentration of all fibers and synthetic fibers was 46 F L-1 and 6 F L-1, respectively. High concentrations of microplastics and fiber contamination suggest that the wastewater treatment plant effluent and boat dock/maintenance are the likely sources originating hotspot areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Veronica Godoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Monica Calero
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M A Martín-Lara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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165
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Bai Z, Wang N, Wang M. Effects of microplastics on marine copepods. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 217:112243. [PMID: 33915449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination has been considered as a global environmental problem in marine ecosystem. Due to small size (< 5 mm) in overlapping with that of microalgae, microplastics can easily be ingested by a wide range of marine copepods both in the laboratory and in situ. Although many studies have reported adverse effects of microplastics on marine copepods, it still lacks a systematic overview about the bioavailability of microplastics and their potential ecological consequences. As copepods dominate zooplankton biomass and provide an essential trophic link in marine ecosystem, this review indicates the bioavailability and toxicity of microplastics in such taxon depend on the shape, size, abundance, and properties of plastics. Also, ours is purposed to tease out the possible molecular mechanisms behind. Microplastic ingestion is prevalent; they impede food intake, block the digestive tract, and cause physiological stress in copepods (e.g., immune responses, metabolism disorders, energy depletion, behavioral alterations, growth retardation, and reproduction disturbance). Notably, in response to microplastic exposure, the copepods show both species- and stage-specificity. Furthermore, microplastics can serve as vectors of organic contaminants (e.g., triclosan, chlorpyrifos, and dibutyl phthalate) and thus increase their toxicity in marine copepods, consequently aggravating the adverse impacts of microplastics in marine ecosystem. Given that most previous studies have partially used pristine microplastics and their short-term exposure might have undervalued their negative effects, more multigenerational mechanistic researches (for example, via an integration of omics-based technology and phenotypic trait analysis) are urgently required for numerous marine copepods exposed to environmental-characteristics plastics as demonstrated by aged microplastics at environmentally realistic concentrations and added with other environmental pollutants; thus it will not only provide mechanistic insights into the biological impacts of microplastics, but also help make the seawater-benchmark setting and ecological assessment for microplastic pollution in marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoan Bai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Nan Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Minghua Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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166
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Fueser H, Rauchschwalbe MT, Höss S, Traunspurger W. Food bacteria and synthetic microparticles of similar size influence pharyngeal pumping of Caenorhabditis elegans. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 235:105827. [PMID: 33882407 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxicity tests using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans have shown that exposure to small microplastics such as polystyrene (PS) beads lead to high body burdens and dietary restrictions that in turn inhibit reproduction. Pharyngeal pumping is the key mechanism of C. elegans for governing the uptake of food and other particles and can be easily monitored by determining the pumping rates. In this study, pharyngeal pumping of C. elegans was examined in response to increasing quantities of food bacteria (E. coli: 106-1010 cells ml-1) and synthetic particles (107-109 beads ml-1) of similar size (1 µm). While the average pumping rate of C. elegans exposed to E. coli depended on the density of the bacterial cells, this was not the case for the synthetic beads. At 107 items ml-1, bacterial cells and synthetic beads triggered a basic stimulation of the pumping rate, independent of the nutritional value of the particle. At quantities >107 items ml-1, however, the nutritional value was essential to maximize the pumping rate, as it was upregulated only by E. coli cells, which can be chemosensorially recognized by C. elegans. Given the unselective uptake of all particles in the size range of bacteria, restricting the pumping rates for particles with low nutritional value to a basic rate, prevents the nematodes from wasting energy by high-frequency pumping, but still allows a food-quality screening at low food levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Fueser
- Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | | | - Sebastian Höss
- Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; Ecossa, Giselastr. 6, 82319 Starnberg, Germany
| | - Walter Traunspurger
- Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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167
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Blevins MG, Allen HL, Colson BC, Cook AM, Greenbaum AZ, Hemami SS, Hollmann J, Kim E, LaRocca AA, Markoski KA, Miraglia P, Mott VL, Robberson WM, Santos JA, Sprachman MM, Swierk P, Tate S, Witinski MF, Kratchman LB, Michel APM. Field-Portable Microplastic Sensing in Aqueous Environments: A Perspective on Emerging Techniques. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:3532. [PMID: 34069517 PMCID: PMC8160859 DOI: 10.3390/s21103532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been found in aqueous environments ranging from rural ponds and lakes to the deep ocean. Despite the ubiquity of MPs, our ability to characterize MPs in the environment is limited by the lack of technologies for rapidly and accurately identifying and quantifying MPs. Although standards exist for MP sample collection and preparation, methods of MP analysis vary considerably and produce data with a broad range of data content and quality. The need for extensive analysis-specific sample preparation in current technology approaches has hindered the emergence of a single technique which can operate on aqueous samples in the field, rather than on dried laboratory preparations. In this perspective, we consider MP measurement technologies with a focus on both their eventual field-deployability and their respective data products (e.g., MP particle count, size, and/or polymer type). We present preliminary demonstrations of several prospective MP measurement techniques, with an eye towards developing a solution or solutions that can transition from the laboratory to the field. Specifically, experimental results are presented from multiple prototype systems that measure various physical properties of MPs: pyrolysis-differential mobility spectroscopy, short-wave infrared imaging, aqueous Nile Red labeling and counting, acoustophoresis, ultrasound, impedance spectroscopy, and dielectrophoresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan G. Blevins
- MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science & Engineering, Cambridge and Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA; (M.G.B.); (B.C.C.)
- Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Harry L. Allen
- Emergency Response Office, Superfund Division, U.S. EPA Region 9, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA;
| | - Beckett C. Colson
- MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science & Engineering, Cambridge and Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA; (M.G.B.); (B.C.C.)
- Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anna-Marie Cook
- Kamilo, Inc., Former U.S. EPA Region 9, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA;
| | - Alexandra Z. Greenbaum
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Sheila S. Hemami
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Joseph Hollmann
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Ernest Kim
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Ava A. LaRocca
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Kenneth A. Markoski
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Peter Miraglia
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Vienna L. Mott
- Draper, Bioengineering Division, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | | | - Jose A. Santos
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Melissa M. Sprachman
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Patricia Swierk
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Steven Tate
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Mark F. Witinski
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Louis B. Kratchman
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; (A.Z.G.); (J.H.); (E.K.); (A.A.L.); (K.A.M.); (P.M.); (J.A.S.); (M.M.S.); (P.S.); (S.T.); (M.F.W.)
| | - Anna P. M. Michel
- Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
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168
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Niu Z, Vandegehuchte MB, Catarino AI, Everaert G. Environmentally relevant concentrations and sizes of microplastic do not impede marine diatom growth. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 409:124460. [PMID: 33183842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The current knowledge about the ecological effects of microplastic (MP) remains limited, and to-date ecotoxicity tests often utilize standard microplastic with one or two distinct size classes and expose the organisms to unrealistically high MP concentrations. We exposed the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to microplastic particles of a mimicked realistic size frequency distribution complemented with serial experiments with distinct size classes. To do so, we exposed this diatom to a concentration series of different sized polyethylene (PE) microbeads (sizes: 10-106 µm; 1.25 ×102-1.25 ×107 particles/L) in a 72-h growth inhibition test. No effect on the growth of P. tricornutum by virgin PE microbeads up to 1.25 × 107 particles/L (or 499 mg/L), indicating environmentally relevant concentrations and sizes of MP does not alter the growth of marine diatoms. Results of smaller sized MPs (10-20 µm) did not differ from those obtained with larger MPs (90-106 µm) and mix sized MPs (10-106 µm), i.e. no impact on the microalgae growth. As a pioneer work, our results contribute with high quality dose-response data to an improved risk assessment of microplastic under realistic present and future marine MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyue Niu
- Flanders Marine Institute, Wandelaarkaai 7, B-8400 Ostend, Belgium; Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Gert Everaert
- Flanders Marine Institute, Wandelaarkaai 7, B-8400 Ostend, Belgium
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169
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Savoca MS, McInturf AG, Hazen EL. Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:2188-2199. [PMID: 33561314 PMCID: PMC8247990 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has pervaded almost every facet of the biosphere, yet we lack an understanding of consumption risk by marine species at the global scale. To address this, we compile data from research documenting plastic debris ingestion by marine fish, totaling 171,774 individuals of 555 species. Overall, 386 marine fish species have ingested plastic debris including 210 species of commercial importance. However, 148 species studied had no records of plastic consumption, suggesting that while this evolutionary trap is widespread, it is not yet universal. Across all studies that accounted for microplastics, the incidence rate of plastic ingested by fish was 26%. Over the last decade this incidence has doubled, increasing by 2.4 ± 0.4% per year. This is driven both by increasing detection of smaller sized particles as a result of improved methodologies, as well as an increase in fish consuming plastic. Further, we investigated the role of geographic, ecological, and behavioral factors in the ingestion of plastic across species. These analyses revealed that the abundance of plastic in surface waters was positively correlated to plastic ingestion. Demersal species are more likely to ingest plastic in shallow waters; in contrast, pelagic species were most likely to consume plastic below the mixed layer. Mobile predatory species had the highest likelihood to ingest plastic; similarly, we found a positive relationship between trophic level and plastic ingestion. We also find evidence that surface ingestion-deep sea egestion of microplastics by mesopelagic myctophids is likely a key mechanism for the export of microplastics from the surface ocean to the seafloor, a sink for marine debris. These results elucidate the role of ecology and biogeography underlying plastic ingestion by marine fish and point toward species and regions in urgent need of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Savoca
- Hopkins Marine StationDepartment of BiologyStanford UniversityPacific GroveCAUSA
| | - Alexandra G. McInturf
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
- Animal Behavior Graduate GroupUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Elliott L. Hazen
- Hopkins Marine StationDepartment of BiologyStanford UniversityPacific GroveCAUSA
- Environmental Research DivisionSouthwest Fisheries Science CenterNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationMontereyCAUSA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta CruzCAUSA
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170
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Peller J, Nevers MB, Byappanahalli M, Nelson C, Ganesh Babu B, Evans MA, Kostelnik E, Keller M, Johnston J, Shidler S. Sequestration of microfibers and other microplastics by green algae, Cladophora, in the US Great Lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 276:116695. [PMID: 33601201 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Daunting amounts of microplastics are present in surface waters worldwide. A main category of microplastics is synthetic microfibers, which originate from textiles. These microplastics are generated and released in laundering and are discharged by wastewater treatment plants or enter surface waters from other sources. The polymers that constitute many common synthetic microfibers are mostly denser than water, and eventually settle out in aquatic environments. The interaction of these microfibers with submerged aquatic vegetation has not been thoroughly investigated but is potentially an important aquatic sink in surface waters. In the Laurentian Great Lakes, prolific growth of macrophytic Cladophora creates submerged biomass with a large amount of surface area and the potential to collect and concentrate microplastics. To determine the number of synthetic microfibers in Great Lakes Cladophora, samples were collected from Lakes Erie and Michigan at multiple depths in the spring and summer of 2018. After rinsing and processing the algae, associated synthetic microfibers were quantified. The average loads of synthetic microfibers determined from the Lake Erie and Lake Michigan samples were 32,000 per kg (dry weight (dw)) and 34,000 per kg (dw), respectively, 2-4 orders of magnitude greater than loads previously reported in water and sediment. To further explore this sequestration of microplastics, fresh and aged Cladophora were mixed with aqueous mixtures of microfibers or microplastic in the laboratory to simulate pollution events. Microscopic analyses indicated that fresh Cladophora algae readily interacted with microplastics via adsorptive forces and physical entanglement. These interactions mostly cease upon algal senescence, with an expected release of microplastics in benthic sediments. Collectively, these findings suggest that synthetic microfibers are widespread in Cladophora algae and the affinity between microplastics and Cladophora may offer insights for removing microplastic pollution. Macroalgae in the Laurentian Great Lakes contain high loads of synthetic microfibers, both entangled and adsorbed, which likely account for an important fraction of microplastics in these surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Peller
- Department of Chemistry, 1710 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46383, USA.
| | - Meredith B Nevers
- U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Chesterton, IN, 46304, USA
| | | | - Cassie Nelson
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | | | - Mary Anne Evans
- U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Eddie Kostelnik
- Department of Chemistry, 1710 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46383, USA
| | - Morgan Keller
- Department of Chemistry, 1710 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46383, USA
| | - Jenna Johnston
- Department of Geography, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46383, USA
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171
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De Felice B, Ambrosini R, Bacchetta R, Ortenzi MA, Parolini M. Dietary exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs) induces faster growth but not oxidative stress in the giant snail Achatina reticulata. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 270:129430. [PMID: 33388502 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the main plastic polymers contaminating natural ecosystems. Although PET microplastics (PET-MPs) have been found in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, the information concerning their potential toxicity towards terrestrial organisms is limited. The present study aimed at investigating the ingestion and the possible adverse effects induced by a 40-days exposure to irregular shaped PET-MPs toward the giant snail Achatina reticulata. Giant snails were exposed via the diet to two concentrations (1% and 10% w/w; i.e., g of PET-MPs/g of the administered food) of PET-MPs and their capability to ingest and egest PET-MPs was assessed together with an evaluation of their potential effects at biochemical and individual levels. Oxidative stress-related biomarkers (i.e., the amount of reactive oxygen species, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation) and DNA fragmentation were measured in the digestive gland isolated from snails as biochemical endpoints. Changes in growth trajectories, in terms of body weight and shell size, were considered as morphometric endpoints. Our results demonstrated that A. reticulata can efficiently ingest and egest PET-MPs. Whilst giant snails did not experience an oxidative stress condition, significant changes in their growth trajectories were observed, with PET-MPs-treated snails grew more and more quickly than the control group. Our results suggest that PET-MPs might represent a risk during early-life stages for terrestrial organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, Milan, I-20133, Italy.
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, Milan, I-20133, Italy
| | - Renato Bacchetta
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, Milan, I-20133, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, Milan, I-20133, Italy
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172
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Multiple impacts of microplastics can threaten marine habitat-forming species. Commun Biol 2021; 4:431. [PMID: 33785849 PMCID: PMC8010021 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01961-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are recognised as a potential global threat to marine ecosystems, but the biological mechanisms determining their impact on marine life are still largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of microplastics on the red coral, a long-lived habitat-forming organism belonging to the Corallium genus, which is present at almost all latitudes from shallow-water to deep-sea habitats. When exposed to microplastics, corals preferentially ingest polypropylene, with multiple biological effects, from feeding impairment to mucus production and altered gene expression. Microplastics can alter the coral microbiome directly and indirectly by causing tissue abrasions that allow the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria. These multiple effects suggest that microplastics at the concentrations present in some marine areas and predicted for most oceans in the coming decades, can ultimately cause coral death. Other habitat-forming suspension-feeding species are likely subjected to similar impacts, which may act synergistically with climate-driven events primarily responsible for mass mortalities.
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173
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Microplastic pollution in seawater and marine organisms across the Tropical Eastern Pacific and Galápagos. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6424. [PMID: 33742029 PMCID: PMC7979831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85939-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Detection of plastic debris degrading into micro particles across all oceanic environments and inside of marine organisms is no longer surprising news. Microplastic contamination now appears as one of the world's environmental main concerns. To determine the levels of microplastic pollution at sea, water samples were collected across a 4000 km-trajectory in the Tropical Eastern Pacific and the Galápagos archipelago, covering an area of 453,000 square kilometres. Furthermore, 240 specimens of 16 different species of fish, squid, and shrimp, all of human consumption, were collected along the continental coast. Microplastic particles were found in 100% of the water samples and marine organisms. Microplastic particles ranging from 150 to 500 µm in size were the most predominant. This is one of the first reports simultaneously detecting and quantifying microplastic particles abundance and their impact on marine organisms of this region.
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174
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Quantification of Microplastics in North-Western Mediterranean Harbors: Seasonality and Biofilm-Related Metallic Contaminants. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most impacted basins in terms of microplastics pollution. Land-based activities are the major sources of plastic litter to the ocean, with harbors probably representing significant hotspots. In the framework of the SPlasH! project (Stop alle Plastiche in H2O, Interreg Marittimo project), microplastics were sampled in three north-western Mediterranean harbors during summer and winter. In this study, the areal concentrations of microplastics ranged from 5576 to 379,965 items·km−2. A decreasing gradient was observed from the inner to the outer zones of the studied harbors, pointing out these enclosed systems as hotspots regarding microplastic pollution. During summer, the areal concentrations of microplastics were higher than in winter, which could be explained by an enhancement of port activities leading to MPs production. The investigation of microplastics size classes distribution in the surface waters revealed that microplastics within the size range between 300 µm and 500 µm were the least represented. In this study, we assessed trace metal (Pb, Fe, Cu, V, Cd and As) bioaccumulation by the biofilm which developed on the surface of microplastics. The results highlighted that concentrations within the biofilm were higher than those in the surrounding waters. This result strongly suggested trace metal bioaccumulation on microplastics through biofilm formation. When trace metal concentrations were normalized over the corresponding surface of microplastics and macroplastics, higher values were obtained for microplastics, evidencing their enhanced capacities to bioaccumulate contaminants when compared to macroplastics.
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175
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Bertoldi C, Lara LZ, Mizushima FADL, Martins FCG, Battisti MA, Hinrichs R, Fernandes AN. First evidence of microplastic contamination in the freshwater of Lake Guaíba, Porto Alegre, Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143503. [PMID: 33218802 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics in the aquatic environment has raised concern about their potential impacts on and risks to the biota. While the presence of microplastics in a marine environment has been well studied, the impact of microplastic contamination in freshwater bodies is understudied. In the present study, baseline data about contamination with microplastics in Lake Guaíba in southern Brazil are presented. The abundance, distribution, and composition of microplastics in the surface of this freshwater body were investigated, and these parameters were correlated with population density, land occupation, wind, and geohydrologic processes. The samples were collected with a manta net (60 μm mesh size). Microplastics were found in all the samples, with an average of 11.9 ± 0.6 to 61.2 ± 6.1 items m-3, which indicates the widespread contamination of the lake with plastic particles. The most frequent microplastic morphology was the fragment type in the size range of 100 to 250 μm, and the predominant colours were white/transparent and red. Measurement uncertainty of the visual microplastic counts showed that black colour microplastics is more susceptible to be mistaken, which might lead to an underestimation and/or overestimation of the total number of microplastics. Polypropylene and polyethylene together comprised most of the polymer types (98%). Micro-Fourier transform infrared (micro-FTIR) spectroscopy analyses showed that 58% of the analysed polymers were highly oxidised, indicating long residence of this particles in the water. In addition, our data show that the distribution of microplastics is strongly influenced by the geohydrological characteristics of the lake. Therefore, this research may provide information for further investigations of microplastic distribution in Lake Guaíba and can serve as a base to improve the regulations regarding waste management to effectively reduce microplastic pollution in freshwater systems. Additionally, the measurement uncertainty showed that black microplastics are more susceptible to variations in their measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crislaine Bertoldi
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Larissa Z Lara
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A de L Mizushima
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C G Martins
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus A Battisti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Geociências, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Ruth Hinrichs
- Departamento de Geologia, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Andreia N Fernandes
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
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176
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Gaylarde CC, Baptista Neto JA, da Fonseca EM. Nanoplastics in aquatic systems - are they more hazardous than microplastics? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 272:115950. [PMID: 33303235 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The fragmentation of plastic materials into nanoparticles of less than 1000 nm (secondary nanoplastics) and their possible accumulation in the environment is a recent matter of concern. There are still no suitable standard methods for determining the concentrations and chemical makeup of these particles in aquatic systems and the fate and effect of nanoplastics in the aquatic environment has been little explored, although there has been research using engineered nanoparticles as models. In this review, we give a summary of the (mainly laboratory-based) studies on the influences of nanoplastics. We aim to provide an updated overview of this emerging topic, reviewing the literature mainly from 2018 onwards and considering the effects of nanoplastics on ecosystems, their uptake and transport of polluting molecules, and the challenges that are faced by workers in this area. The review includes 119 references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine C Gaylarde
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, Oklahoma University, 770 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK, 73019, USA.
| | - José Antonio Baptista Neto
- Department of Geology and Geophysics/LAGEMAR, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Avenida Litorânea s/n, 24210-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Estefan Monteiro da Fonseca
- Department of Geology and Geophysics/LAGEMAR, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Avenida Litorânea s/n, 24210-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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177
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Lee J, Chae KJ. A systematic protocol of microplastics analysis from their identification to quantification in water environment: A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:124049. [PMID: 33265057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With microplastics (MPs) being detected in aquatic environments, numerous studies revealed that they caused severe environmental issues, including damage to ecosystems and human health. MPs transport persistent organic pollutants by adsorbing them, and in nanoplastics this phenomenon is exacerbated by increased surface area. Despite their environmental risk, systematic protocol for qualitative and quantitative analysis are yet to be established in environmental analytical chemistry. Current analytical technologies on MP identification have technological limits with regard to detecting small sized particles (<1 µm), underestimation of MPs with organic contaminants, and physico-chemically altered particles by weathering and photo degradation. According to the published works, MPs are spread in living organisms through the food web, and are even detected in bottled water. To determine its eco-toxicity and removal by biodegradation, its accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility should be ensured by establishing a systematic protocol of MP identification. This review compares procedures, applicability, and limitations of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermo-analytical methods for identifying MPs. Finally, it suggests systematic protocols for MPs analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, South Korea
| | - Kyu-Jung Chae
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, South Korea.
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178
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Zantis LJ, Carroll EL, Nelms SE, Bosker T. Marine mammals and microplastics: A systematic review and call for standardisation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 269:116142. [PMID: 33288297 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics receive significant societal and scientific attention due to increasing concerns about their impact on the environment and human health. Marine mammals are considered indicators for marine ecosystem health and many species are of conservation concern due to a multitude of anthropogenic stressors. Marine mammals may be vulnerable to microplastic exposure from the environment, via direct ingestion from sea water, and indirect uptake from their prey. Here we present the first systematic review of literature on microplastics and marine mammals, composing of 30 studies in total. The majority of studies examined the gastrointestinal tracts of beached, bycaught or hunted cetaceans and pinnipeds, and found that microplastics were present in all but one study, and the abundance varied between 0 and 88 particles per animal. Additionally, microplastics in pinniped scats (faeces) were detected in eight out of ten studies, with incidences ranging from 0% of animals to 100%. Our review highlights considerable methodological and reporting deficiencies and differences among papers, making comparisons and extrapolation across studies difficult. We suggest best practices to avoid these issues in future studies. In addition to empirical studies that quantified microplastics in animals and scat, ten studies out of 30 (all focussing on cetaceans) tried to estimate the risk of exposure using two main approaches; i) overlaying microplastic in the environment (water or prey) with cetacean habitat or ii) proposing biological or chemical biomarkers of exposure. We discuss advice and best practices on research into the exposure and impact of microplastics in marine mammals. This work on marine ecosystem health indicator species will provide valuable and comparable information in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Zantis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Emma L Carroll
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Centre for Circular Economy, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Thijs Bosker
- Leiden University College, Leiden University, The Hague, the Netherlands; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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179
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The potential of fluorescent dyes-comparative study of Nile red and three derivatives for the detection of microplastics. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:1059-1071. [PMID: 33415434 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-03066-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
During the last years, microplastics in the environment came to the fore in environmental science research. For an appropriate risk assessment, it is essential to know the levels of microplastic contamination in the environment. In the field of microplastic detection, extensive research has been carried out in recent years. While common methods such as Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis GC-MS are time-consuming and require trained staff and expensive equipment, there is the need for a cheap and easily applicable method. Staining microplastics with the fluorescent dye Nile red (NR) has a high potential to fulfill these criteria. In our work, we tested Nile red and newly developed derivatives, with the aim of achieving greater selectivity for plastic particles and more intense fluorescence. In addition, the influence of using different solvents and water at different pH values in the dyeing process was investigated by analyzing solid sample fluorescence spectra of dyed microplastics and natural particles. Finally, the method developed from the acquired knowledge was tested for sea salt. Graphical abstract.
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180
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Schmid C, Cozzarini L, Zambello E. Microplastic's story. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111820. [PMID: 33203604 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The problem of microplastic pollution is now the order of the day in front of everyone's eyes affecting the environment and the health of leaving creature. This work aims to retrace the history of microplastics in a critical way through a substantial bibliographic collection, defining the points still unresolved and those that can be resolved. Presence of marine litter in different environments is reviewed on a global scale, focusing in particular on micro and macro plastics definition, classification and characterization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Schmid
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Cozzarini
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Elena Zambello
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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181
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Sarijan S, Azman S, Said MIM, Jamal MH. Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: a recent review of occurrence, analysis, potential impacts, and research needs. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:1341-1356. [PMID: 33079353 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11171-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The utilization of plastics has now become a threat to the environment as it generates microplastic particles (<5 mm in size). The increasing studies on the occurrence of microplastics in different environmental compartments have raised concern about the potential effects on ecosystems and living organisms. Of these, numerous studies are focused on marine environments. The occurrence of microplastics is recently extended to the freshwater environments, including river systems, streams, lakes, pond, creek, and estuarine rivers. This paper overviews the current knowledge and research findings on the occurrence of microplastics in water, sediment, and fish in freshwater environments. The review also covers the adopted methodology and impacts of microplastics to the ecosystem. Future perspectives are discussed as well in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazani Sarijan
- Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Shamila Azman
- Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Ismid Mohd Said
- Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Hidayat Jamal
- Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
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182
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Bujaczek T, Kolter S, Locky D, Ross MS. Characterization of microplastics and anthropogenic fibers in surface waters of the North Saskatchewan River, Alberta, Canada. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are globally ubiquitous contaminants, but quantitative data on their presence in freshwater environments are sparse. This study investigates the occurrence, composition, and spatial trends of microplastic contamination in the North Saskatchewan River flowing through Edmonton, Alberta, the fifth largest city in Canada. Surface water samples were collected from seven sites throughout the city, upstream and downstream of the city, and near potential point sources (i.e., a wastewater treatment plant). Samples were spiked with fluorescent microbeads as internal standards and extracted by wet peroxide oxidation and density floatation. Microplastics were found in all samples, ranging in concentration from 4.6 to 88.3 particles·m−3 (mean = 26.2 ± 18.4 particles·m−3). Fibers were the dominant morphology recovered, and most were of anthropogenic origin and chemically identified as dyed cotton or polyester by Raman microspectroscopy. The majority of fragments were identified as polyethylene or polypropylene. No upstream to downstream differences were found in concentration, size distribution, or morphological composition suggesting nonpoint sources of microplastics to the river. This study represents one of the first investigations into the occurrence of microplastics in the freshwater environment in western Canada and will provide a baseline for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Bujaczek
- Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Sheldon Kolter
- Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - David Locky
- Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Matthew S. Ross
- Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
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183
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Bosshart S, Erni-Cassola G, Burkhardt-Holm P. Independence of microplastic ingestion from environmental load in the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) from the Rhine river using high quality standards. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115664. [PMID: 33254623 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Rivers play a crucial role in collecting and transporting microplastics. Nonetheless, the degree to which microplastic pollution of freshwaters affects its biota remains understudied. Sampling of wild fishes has so far demonstrated that microplastic ingestion occurs commonly across species with alternate feeding modes, as well as in different environmental compartments. Due to the exploratory nature of many preceding studies, drawing insight about factors driving microplastic ingestion has remained difficult. It continues unknown for instance, what the importance of varying environmental microplastic concentrations is to predict ingestion rates in fish from those areas. Here we show that ingestion rates of microplastic particles (>300 μm) in the benthic round goby from the Rhine river were negligible (1 particle in 417 fish). Among the 535 visually selected putative microplastic fragments, stringent data processing steps to reduce the number of false positives during reference library searches, revealed the importance of taking such steps into account in comparison with other data processing routines. Our observations remained consistent, despite having collected fish from a strongly polluted site of the lower Rhine, which served as contrast to a significantly cleaner site upstream. These results demonstrate that higher environmental microplastic concentrations are not necessarily mirrored by higher ingestion rates in a given fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bosshart
- Program Man-Society-Environment, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Erni-Cassola
- Program Man-Society-Environment, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Burkhardt-Holm
- Program Man-Society-Environment, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051, Basel, Switzerland.
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184
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Yap VHS, Chase Z, Wright JT, Hurd CL, Lavers JL, Lenz M. A comparison with natural particles reveals a small specific effect of PVC microplastics on mussel performance. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111703. [PMID: 33181966 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Effects of microplastics on marine taxa have become a focal point in marine experimental biology. Almost all studies so far, however, assessed the influence of microplastics on animals only in relation to a zero-particle group. Documented microplastic impacts may thus be overestimated, since many marine species also experience natural suspended solids as a stressor. Here, we compared the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and red clay (mean for both particles: ~12-14 μm) on the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis across three particle concentrations (1.5, 15, 150 mg l-1). Exposure to PVC for 35 days lowered mussel body condition index by 14% in relation to clay, but no difference in byssus production, respiration and survival rates emerged between the two particle types. This suggests that the effects of synthetic particles on filter feeders may emulate those of natural suspended solids, and highlights the importance of including natural particles in microplastic exposure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent H S Yap
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | - Zanna Chase
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Jeffrey T Wright
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Catriona L Hurd
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Mark Lenz
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
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185
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Liu K, Courtene-Jones W, Wang X, Song Z, Wei N, Li D. Elucidating the vertical transport of microplastics in the water column: A review of sampling methodologies and distributions. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 186:116403. [PMID: 32932095 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There have been numerous studies that have investigated floating microplastics (MPs) in surface water, yet little data are currently available regarding the vertical distribution in the water column. This lack constrains our ability to comprehensively assess the ecological effects of MPs and develop further policy controls. In this study, we reviewed current progress of sampling methodologies, the distribution patterns, and the physiochemical properties of MPs throughout the water column. Three sampling protocols were identified in this study: bulk, net and submersible pump/in-situ sampling. In different regions, the vertical patterns of MPs in the water column varied with depth, which is possibly related to the morphological characteristics, polymeric densities, and biofouling of the MPs. The results of this review revealed that fibrous and fragmented MPs comprised over 90% of the total MPs by quantity, of which fibrous MPs constituted the majority (43%-100%). In addition, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene have been widely identified in previous studies. To minimize the impact caused by various sampling protocols, the use of a volume gradient trail experiment and a unified mesh size of 60-100 μm for the initial concentration are recommended according to the results of this review. Given the limited knowledge regarding the vertical transport of MPs in the water column, harmonized sampling methods should first be developed. The mechanisms of this process can be separately considered for different water bodies, such as freshwater systems, coastal waters, and pelagic zones. The presence of these anthropogenic pollutants in the water column poses a threat to the largest but most vulnerable habitats of life on earth, and hence they merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Winnie Courtene-Jones
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, School of Marine Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhangyu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Nian Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China.
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186
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Christoforou E, Dominoni DM, Lindström J, Stilo G, Spatharis S. Effects of long-term exposure to microfibers on ecosystem services provided by coastal mussels. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115184. [PMID: 32683089 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The biofiltration capacity of bivalve populations is known to alleviate the effects of coastal eutrophication. However, this important ecosystem service could potentially be impaired by the increasing microplastic abundance in near shore environments. It is known that relatively large microplastics (∼500 μm) impair the filtration capacity of bivalves. However, the effect of smaller microplastics, and specifically microfibers, is not known even though they are more common in many natural systems and similar in size to phytoplankton, the main food source of mussels. Here, we investigated the effects of long-term exposure to microfibers (MFs), which are smaller than 100 μm, on the biofiltration capacity of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis. Our findings show that long-term exposure (here 39 days) to microfibers significantly reduced (21%) the clearance of phytoplankton (Tetraselmis sp). While previous studies have shown that larger microplastics can decrease the filtration capacity of mussels after short-term exposure, our findings suggest that, for smaller MFs, mussel's clearance capacity is significantly affected after long-term exposure (39 days in this study). This may be due to the accumulation of MFs in the digestive system. In addition, the most efficient phytoplankton consumers were more susceptible to MF accumulation in the digestive system. This suggests that prolonged exposure to MF of coastal mussels could negatively impact the biofiltration of more potent individuals, thus decreasing the ecosystem service potential of the population as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Christoforou
- University of Glasgow, School of Life Sciences, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK; University of Glasgow, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Davide M Dominoni
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jan Lindström
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Giulia Stilo
- University of Glasgow, School of Life Sciences, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK; University of Turin, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Sofie Spatharis
- University of Glasgow, School of Life Sciences, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK; University of Glasgow, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
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187
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Cole M, Liddle C, Consolandi G, Drago C, Hird C, Lindeque PK, Galloway TS. Microplastics, microfibres and nanoplastics cause variable sub-lethal responses in mussels (Mytilus spp.). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111552. [PMID: 32861936 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We compare the toxicity of microplastics, microfibres and nanoplastics on mussels. Mussels (Mytilus spp.) were exposed to 500 ng mL-1 of 20 μm polystyrene microplastics, 10 × 30 μm polyamide microfibres or 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics for 24 h or 7 days. Biomarkers of immune response, oxidative stress response, lysosomal destabilisation and genotoxic damage were measured in haemolymph, digestive gland and gills. Microplastics and microfibres were observed in the digestive glands, with significantly higher plastic concentrations after 7-days exposure (ANOVA, P < 0.05). Nanoplastics had a significant effect on hyalinocyte-granulocyte ratios (ANOVA, P < 0.05), indicative of a heightened immune response. SOD activity was significantly increased followed 24 h exposure to plastics (two-way ANOVA, P < 0.05), but returned to normal levels after 7-days exposure. No evidence of lysosomal destabilisation or genotoxic damage was observed from any form of plastic. The study highlights how particle size is a key factor in plastic particulate toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Cole
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom; Marine Ecology and Biodiversity Group, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - Corin Liddle
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Consolandi
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom; School of Environment, Geography and Geoscience, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3QL, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Drago
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom; Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Modelling, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Cameron Hird
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Marine Ecology and Biodiversity Group, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
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188
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Li D, Liu K, Li C, Peng G, Andrady AL, Wu T, Zhang Z, Wang X, Song Z, Zong C, Zhang F, Wei N, Bai M, Zhu L, Xu J, Wu H, Wang L, Chang S, Zhu W. Profiling the Vertical Transport of Microplastics in the West Pacific Ocean and the East Indian Ocean with a Novel in Situ Filtration Technique. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:12979-12988. [PMID: 32966052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A new technique involving large-volume (10 m3) samples of seawater was used to determine the abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the water column in the West Pacific Ocean and the East Indian Ocean. Compared to the conventional sampling methods based on smaller volumes of water, the new data yielded abundance values for the deep-water column that were at least 1-2 orders of magnitude lower. The data suggested that limited bulk volumes currently used for surface sampling are insufficient to obtain accurate estimates of MP abundance in deep water. Size distribution data indicated that the lateral movement of MPs into the water column contributed to their movement from the surface to the bottom. This study provides a reliable dataset for the water column to enable a better understanding of the transport and fate of plastic contamination in the deep-ocean ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Changjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Guyu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Tianning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Zhangyu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Changxing Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Nian Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Mengyu Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Hui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Siyuan Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Wenxi Zhu
- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific, IOC-UNESCO, 120 Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
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189
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Abstract
Every year, about four percent of the plastic waste generated worldwide ends up in the ocean. What happens to the plastic there is poorly understood, though a growing body of evidence suggests it is rapidly spreading throughout the global ocean. The mechanisms of this spread are straightforward for buoyant larger plastics that can be accurately modelled using Lagrangian particle models. But the fate of the smallest size fractions (the microplastics) are less straightforward, in part because they can aggregate in sinking marine snow and faecal pellets. This biologically-mediated pathway is suspected to be a primary surface microplastic removal mechanism, but exactly how it might work in the real ocean is unknown. We search the parameter space of a new microplastic model embedded in an earth system model to show that biological uptake can significantly shape global microplastic inventory and distributions and even account for the budgetary “missing” fraction of surface microplastic, despite being an inefficient removal mechanism. While a lack of observational data hampers our ability to choose a set of “best” model parameters, our effort represents a first tool for quantitatively assessing hypotheses for microplastic interaction with ocean biology at the global scale.
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190
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Botterell ZLR, Beaumont N, Cole M, Hopkins FE, Steinke M, Thompson RC, Lindeque PK. Bioavailability of Microplastics to Marine Zooplankton: Effect of Shape and Infochemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:12024-12033. [PMID: 32927944 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms that influence microplastic ingestion in marine zooplankton remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate how microplastics of a variety of shapes (bead, fiber, and fragment), in combination with the algal-derived infochemicals dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), affect the ingestion rate of microplastics in three species of zooplankton, the copepods Calanus helgolandicus and Acartia tonsa and larvae of the European lobster Homarus gammarus. We show that shape affects microplastic bioavailability to different species of zooplankton, with each species ingesting significantly more of a certain shape: C. helgolandicus-fragments (P < 0.05); A. tonsa-fibers (P < 0.01); H. gammarus larvae-beads (P < 0.05). Thus, different feeding strategies between species may affect shape selectivity. Our results also showed significantly increased ingestion rates by C. helgolandicus on all microplastics that were infused with DMS (P < 0.01) and by H. gammarus larvae and A. tonsa on DMS-infused fibers and fragments (P < 0.05). By using a range of more environmentally relevant microplastics, our findings highlight how the feeding strategies of different zooplankton species may influence their susceptibility to microplastic ingestion. Furthermore, our novel study suggests that species reliant on chemosensory cues to locate their prey may be at an increased risk of ingesting aged microplastics in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara L R Botterell
- Marine Ecology and Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, U.K
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, U.K
| | - Nicola Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, U.K
| | - Matthew Cole
- Marine Ecology and Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, U.K
| | - Frances E Hopkins
- Marine Biogeochemistry and Ocean Observations, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, U.K
| | - Michael Steinke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, U.K
| | - Richard C Thompson
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre (MBERC), School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Marine Ecology and Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, U.K
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191
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Gunaalan K, Fabbri E, Capolupo M. The hidden threat of plastic leachates: A critical review on their impacts on aquatic organisms. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116170. [PMID: 32698093 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic products are made from the essential polymer mixed with a complex blend of substances including catalyst remnants, polymerization solvents, and a wide range of other additives deliberately added to enhance the desirable characteristics of the final product. Additives include bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, and further emerging and legacy contaminants. With a few exceptions, additives are not chemically bound to the polymer, and potentially migrate within the material reaching its surface, then possibly leach out to the environment. Leachates are mixtures of additives, some of which belong to the list of emerging contaminants, i.e. substances that show the potential to pose risks to the environment and human health, while are not yet regulated. The review discusses the state of the art and gaps concerning the hidden threat of plastic leachates. The focus is on reports addressing the biological impacts of plastic leachates as a whole mixture. Degradation of plastics, including the weathering-driven fragmentation, and the release of additives, are analysed together with the techniques currently employed for chemically screening leachates. Because marine plastic litter is a major concern, the review mainly focuses on the effects of plastic leachates on marine flora and fauna. Moreover, it also addresses impacts on freshwater organisms. Finally, research needs and perspectives are examined, to promote better focused investigations, that may support developing different plastic materials and new regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- Interdepartment Centre for Environmental Science Research, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Elena Fabbri
- Interdepartment Centre for Environmental Science Research, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy; Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BIGEA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Marco Capolupo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BIGEA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
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