151
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McIlwraith HK, Lin J, Erdle LM, Mallos N, Diamond ML, Rochman CM. Capturing microfibers - marketed technologies reduce microfiber emissions from washing machines. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 139:40-45. [PMID: 30686443 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microfibers are a common type of microplastic. One known source of microfibers to the environment is domestic laundering, which can release thousands of fibers into washing machine effluent with every wash. Here, we adapted existing methods to measure the length, count and weight of microfibers in laundry effluent. We used this method to test the efficacy of two technologies marketed to reduce microfiber emissions: the Cora Ball and Lint LUV-R filter. Both technologies significantly reduced the numbers of microfibers from fleece blankets in washing effluent. The Lint LUV-R captured an average of 87% of microfibers in the wash by count, compared to the Cora Ball which captured 26% by count. The Lint LUV-R also significantly reduced the total weight and average length of fibers in effluent. While further research is needed to understand other sources of microfiber emissions, these available technologies could be adopted to reduce emissions from laundering textiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley K McIlwraith
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jack Lin
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Erdle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas Mallos
- Ocean Conservancy, 111 SW Columbia St, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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152
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He D, Luo Y, Lu S, Liu M, Song Y, Lei L. Microplastics in soils: Analytical methods, pollution characteristics and ecological risks. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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153
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Collard F, Gasperi J, Gilbert B, Eppe G, Azimi S, Rocher V, Tassin B. Anthropogenic particles in the stomach contents and liver of the freshwater fish Squalius cephalus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 643:1257-1264. [PMID: 30189542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic particles (APs) are a very broad category of particles produced directly or indirectly by human activities. Their ingestion by biota is well studied in the marine environment. In contrast, studies on AP ingestion in wild freshwater organisms are scarce despite high contamination levels in some rivers and lakes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ingestion of APs and the possible occurrence of APs in the liver and muscle of a freshwater fish, Squalius cephalus, from the Parisian conurbation. After isolation, the particles were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. In sixty stomachs, eighteen APs were found, half of which were plastics and the other half were dyed particles. Twenty-five percent of sampled individuals had ingested at least one AP. The mean length of the APs was 2.41 mm. No significant difference was found between the sites upstream and downstream of Paris. Additionally, 5% of sampled livers contained one or more APs, which were characterized as microplastics (MPs). No APs were found in the muscle tissue. The majority of APs isolated from stomach contents were fibers, which is similar to the findings of a previous river contamination study. This highlights that fish could be more exposed to fibers than previously thought and that more studies on the impacts of fiber ingestion are required. Despite their low occurrence, MPs are reported, for the first time, in the liver of a wild freshwater fish species. While the pathways and impacts are still unknown, MPs also occur in liver of marine mollusks and fish. Physiological in vitro studies are needed to better evaluate the impacts of such phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- France Collard
- Laboratoire Eau Environnement et Systèmes urbains (LEESU), Université Paris-Est Créteil, Ecole des ponts Paristech, AgroParisTech, 61 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Cedex Créteil, France.
| | - Johnny Gasperi
- Laboratoire Eau Environnement et Systèmes urbains (LEESU), Université Paris-Est Créteil, Ecole des ponts Paristech, AgroParisTech, 61 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Cedex Créteil, France.
| | - Bernard Gilbert
- Inorganic Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, B6c, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Gauthier Eppe
- Inorganic Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, B6c, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Sam Azimi
- Syndicat Interdépartemental pour l'Assainissement de l'Agglomération Parisienne (SIAAP), Direction du Développement et de la Prospective, 82 Avenue Kléber, 92700 Colombes, France
| | - Vincent Rocher
- Syndicat Interdépartemental pour l'Assainissement de l'Agglomération Parisienne (SIAAP), Direction du Développement et de la Prospective, 82 Avenue Kléber, 92700 Colombes, France
| | - Bruno Tassin
- Laboratoire Eau Environnement et Systèmes urbains (LEESU), Université Paris-Est Créteil, Ecole des ponts Paristech, AgroParisTech, 61 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Cedex Créteil, France
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154
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Sun X, Liu T, Zhu M, Liang J, Zhao Y, Zhang B. Retention and characteristics of microplastics in natural zooplankton taxa from the East China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 640-641:232-242. [PMID: 29859439 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence and persistence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments have become of particular concern in recent years. Biological interactions are among the key processes that affect the impact and fate of MPs in the oceans. Zooplankton is one of the most sensitive taxa because their prey is approximately the same size as MPs. However, the status of MPs in zooplankton within natural marine environments remains largely unknown. By focusing on zooplankton in the East China Sea, the characteristics, bioaccumulated concentration, and retention of MPs for 10 zooplankton groups were systematically studied. Three types of MPs were found in zooplankton: fibres, pellets, and fragments. The fibres (54.6%) were more common than the other two types. The average lengths of the fibres, pellets, and fragments were 295.2 ± 348.6 μm, 20.3 ± 11.0 μm, and 82.4 ± 80.5 μm, respectively. Nineteen polymers were detected in the zooplankton via the Thermo Scientific Nicolet iN10 Infrared Microscope. Polymerized oxidized organic material and polyester were dominant, accounting for 35.9% and 25.6% of the polymers, respectively. The bioaccumulated concentration of MPs in the 10 zooplankton taxa varied from 0.13 pieces/zooplankton for Copepoda to 0.35 pieces/zooplankton for Pteropoda. The bioaccumulated concentration was negatively correlated with the abundance of zooplankton, showing a significant biological dilution effect. The bioaccumulated concentration was also influenced by the feeding mode of zooplankton, showing a trend of omnivorous > carnivorous > herbivorous. High retention of MPs was found in the zooplankton community of the East China Sea, achieving 19.7 ± 22.4 pieces/m3. This is much higher than the MP retention in zooplankton from other reported sea areas. By revealing the characteristics and retention of MPs in the natural zooplankton taxa from the East China Sea, this research identified the influence that MPs have on zooplankton in a typical coastal environment. This information can be utilized for subsequent controlled experiments and risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Sun
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Ocean Mega Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Tao Liu
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingliang Zhu
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Junhua Liang
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yongfang Zhao
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
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155
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Samarghandi MR, Nemattollahi D, Asgari G, Shokoohi R, Ansari A, Dargahi A. Electrochemical process for 2,4-D herbicide removal from aqueous solutions using stainless steel 316 and graphite Anodes: optimization using response surface methodology. SEP SCI TECHNOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/01496395.2018.1512618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Samarghandi
- Research Center for Health Sciences and Dep. Environmental Engineering School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Ghorban Asgari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Reza Shokoohi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amin Ansari
- Chemistry, Bu-Ali-Sina University, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abdollah Dargahi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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156
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Suran M. A planet too rich in fibre: Microfibre pollution may have major consequences on the environment and human health. EMBO Rep 2018; 19:embr.201846701. [PMID: 30049788 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201846701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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157
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Does Use Matter? Comparison of Environmental Impacts of Clothing Based on Fiber Type. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10072524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several tools have been developed to compare the environmental impact of textiles. The most widely used are Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) and MADE-BY Fiber Benchmark. They use data from production to evaluate the environmental impacts of textiles differentiated by fiber type. The use phase is excluded from both tools. This article discusses whether there is evidence that the use of textiles differs systematically between different fiber types and examines the consequences of comparing the environmental impacts of clothing based on differences in production of fibers alone without including differences in their use. The empirical material in this paper is based on analysis of rating tools and a literature review on clothing use. It shows that fiber content contributes to the way consumers take care of and use their clothing. When use is omitted, major environmental problems associated with this stage, such as spread of microplastics, are also excluded. This one-sided focus on material production impacts also excludes the importance of product lifespans, quality, and functionality. The consequence is that short-lived disposable products are equated with durable products. Comparing dissimilar garments will not help consumers to make choices that will reduce the environmental burden of clothing. We need an informed discussion on how to use all materials in the most environmentally sustainable way possible.
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158
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Wan JK, Chu WL, Kok YY, Lee CS. Distribution of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems and Their Impacts on Aquatic Organisms, with Emphasis on Microalgae. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018:133-158. [PMID: 29872923 DOI: 10.1007/398_2018_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Plastics, with their many useful physical and chemical properties, are widely used in various industries and activities of daily living. Yet, the insidious effects of plastics, particularly long-term effects on aquatic organisms, are not properly understood. Plastics have been shown to degrade to micro- and nanosize particles known as microplastics and nanoplastics, respectively. These minute particles have been shown to cause various adverse effects on aquatic organisms, ranging from growth inhibition, developmental delay and altered feeding behaviour in aquatic animals to decrease of photosynthetic efficiency and induction of oxidative stress in microalgae. This review paper covers the distribution of microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic ecosystems, focusing on their effects on microalgae as well as co-toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics with other pollutants. Besides that, this review paper also discusses future research directions which could be taken to gain a better understanding of the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Kit Wan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Wan-Loy Chu
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yih-Yih Kok
- Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology Division, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choy-Sin Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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159
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Barrows APW, Cathey SE, Petersen CW. Marine environment microfiber contamination: Global patterns and the diversity of microparticle origins. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:275-284. [PMID: 29494921 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic and microfiber pollution has been documented in all major ocean basins. Microfibers are one of the most common microparticle pollutants along shorelines. Over 9 million tons of fibers are produced annually; 60% are synthetic and ∼25% are non-synthetic. Non-synthetic and semi-synthetic microfibers are infrequently documented and not typically included in marine environment impact analyses, resulting in underestimation of a potentially pervasive and harmful pollutant. We present the most extensive worldwide microparticle distribution dataset using 1-liter grab samples (n = 1393). Our citizen scientist driven study shows a global microparticle average of 11.8 ± 24.0 particles L-1 (mean ± SD), approximately three orders of magnitude higher than global model predictions. Open ocean samples showed consistently higher densities than coastal samples, with the highest concentrations found in the polar oceans (n = 51), confirming previous empirical and theoretical studies. Particles were predominantly microfibers (91%) and 0.1-1.5 mm in length (77%), a smaller size than those captured in the majority of surface studies. Using μFT-IR we determined the material types of 113 pieces; 57% were classified as synthetic, 12% as semi-synthetic, and 31% as non-synthetic. Samples were taken globally, including from coastal environments and understudied ocean regions. Some of these sites are emerging as areas of concentrated floating plastic and anthropogenic debris, influenced by distant waste mismanagement and/or deposition of airborne particles. Incorporation of smaller-sized microfibers in oceanographic models, which has been lacking, will help us to better understand the movement and transformation of synthetic, semi-synthetic and non-synthetic microparticles in regional seas and ocean basins.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P W Barrows
- Adventure Scientists, PO Box 1834, Bozeman, MT 59771, USA; College of the Atlantic, Department of Biology, 105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA.
| | - S E Cathey
- Adventure Scientists, PO Box 1834, Bozeman, MT 59771, USA; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - C W Petersen
- College of the Atlantic, Department of Biology, 105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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160
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Herbort AF, Sturm MT, Schuhen K. A new approach for the agglomeration and subsequent removal of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures of both from freshwater systems - a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:15226-15234. [PMID: 29675819 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Based on a new concept for the sustainable removal of microplastics from freshwater systems, a case study for a pH-induced agglomeration and subsequent removal of polyethylene and polypropylene particles from water is presented. The two-step-based process includes firstly a localization and secondly an aggregation of microplastic particles (250-350 μM) in a physicochemical process. The research describes a strong increase in the particle size independent of pH of the aquatic milieu induced by the addition of trichlorosilane-substituted Si derivatives. The resulting Si-based microplastic aggregates (particle size after aggregation is 2-3 cm) could be easily removed by use of, e.g., sand traps. Due to the effect that microplastic particles form agglomeration products under every kind of process conditions (e.g., various pH, various polymer concentrations), the study shows a high potential for the sustainable removal of particles from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Frank Herbort
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz - Landau, Fortstr. 7, 76829, Landau in der Pfalz, Germany
| | - Michael Toni Sturm
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz - Landau, Fortstr. 7, 76829, Landau in der Pfalz, Germany
| | - Katrin Schuhen
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz - Landau, Fortstr. 7, 76829, Landau in der Pfalz, Germany.
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161
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Lahens L, Strady E, Kieu-Le TC, Dris R, Boukerma K, Rinnert E, Gasperi J, Tassin B. Macroplastic and microplastic contamination assessment of a tropical river (Saigon River, Vietnam) transversed by a developing megacity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:661-671. [PMID: 29438952 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Both macroplastic and microplastic contamination levels were assessed for the first time in a tropical river estuary system, i.e. the Saigon River, that traverses a developing South East Asian megacity, i.e. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The analysis of floating debris collected daily on the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal by the municipal waste management service shows that the plastic mass percentage represents 11-43%, and the land-based plastic debris entering the river was estimated from 0.96 to 19.91 g inhabitant-1 d-1, namely 350 to 7270 g inhabitant-1 yr-1. Microplastics were assessed in the Saigon River and in four urban canals by sampling bulk water for anthropogenic fiber analysis and 300 μm mesh size plankton net exposition for fragment analysis. Fibers and fragments are highly concentrated in this system, respectively 172,000 to 519,000 items m-3 and 10 to 223 items m-3. They were found in various colors and shapes with smallest size and surface classes being predominant. The macroplastics and fragments were mainly made of polyethylene and polypropylene while the anthropogenic fibers were mainly made of polyester. The relation between macroplastic and microplastic concentrations, waste management, population density and water treatment are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Lahens
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU, UMR MA 102 - AgroParisTech, 61 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010, Créteil Cedex, France; CARE, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam
| | - Emilie Strady
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, F-38000, Grenoble, France; CARE, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam.
| | - Thuy-Chung Kieu-Le
- CARE, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam; Faculty of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam
| | - Rachid Dris
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU, UMR MA 102 - AgroParisTech, 61 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010, Créteil Cedex, France
| | - Kada Boukerma
- Ifremer, LDCM, Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Emmanuel Rinnert
- Ifremer, LDCM, Centre Bretagne, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Johnny Gasperi
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU, UMR MA 102 - AgroParisTech, 61 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010, Créteil Cedex, France
| | - Bruno Tassin
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU, UMR MA 102 - AgroParisTech, 61 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010, Créteil Cedex, France
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162
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De Falco F, Gullo MP, Gentile G, Di Pace E, Cocca M, Gelabert L, Brouta-Agnésa M, Rovira A, Escudero R, Villalba R, Mossotti R, Montarsolo A, Gavignano S, Tonin C, Avella M. Evaluation of microplastic release caused by textile washing processes of synthetic fabrics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:916-925. [PMID: 29107418 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A new and more alarming source of marine contamination has been recently identified in micro and nanosized plastic fragments. Microplastics are difficult to see with the naked eye and to biodegrade in marine environment, representing a problem since they can be ingested by plankton or other marine organisms, potentially entering the food web. An important source of microplastics appears to be through sewage contaminated by synthetic fibres from washing clothes. Since this phenomenon still lacks of a comprehensive analysis, the objective of this contribution was to investigate the role of washing processes of synthetic textiles on microplastic release. In particular, an analytical protocol was set up, based on the filtration of the washing water of synthetic fabrics and on the analysis of the filters by scanning electron microscopy. The quantification of the microfibre shedding from three different synthetic fabric types, woven polyester, knitted polyester, and woven polypropylene, during washing trials simulating domestic conditions, was achieved and statistically analysed. The highest release of microplastics was recorded for the wash of woven polyester and this phenomenon was correlated to the fabric characteristics. Moreover, the extent of microfibre release from woven polyester fabrics due to different detergents, washing parameters and industrial washes was evaluated. The number of microfibres released from a typical 5 kg wash load of polyester fabrics was estimated to be over 6,000,000 depending on the type of detergent used. The usage of a softener during washes reduces the number of microfibres released of more than 35%. The amount and size of the released microfibres confirm that they could not be totally retained by wastewater treatments plants, and potentially affect the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Falco
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Italian National Research Council -Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Gullo
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Italian National Research Council -Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gentile
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Italian National Research Council -Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Emilia Di Pace
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Italian National Research Council -Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Italian National Research Council -Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Laura Gelabert
- Leitat Technological Center, C/de la Innovació, 2, 08225 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Angels Rovira
- Leitat Technological Center, C/de la Innovació, 2, 08225 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Escudero
- Leitat Technological Center, C/de la Innovació, 2, 08225 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Villalba
- Leitat Technological Center, C/de la Innovació, 2, 08225 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raffaella Mossotti
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, Italian National Research Council, Corso G. Pella 16, 13900 Biella, Italy
| | - Alessio Montarsolo
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, Italian National Research Council, Corso G. Pella 16, 13900 Biella, Italy
| | - Sara Gavignano
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, Italian National Research Council, Corso G. Pella 16, 13900 Biella, Italy
| | - Claudio Tonin
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, Italian National Research Council, Corso G. Pella 16, 13900 Biella, Italy
| | - Maurizio Avella
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Italian National Research Council -Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
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163
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Bessa F, Barría P, Neto JM, Frias JPGL, Otero V, Sobral P, Marques JC. Occurrence of microplastics in commercial fish from a natural estuarine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 128:575-584. [PMID: 29571409 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic ingestion has been reported for several marine species, but the level of contamination in transitional systems and associated biota is less known. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of microplastic ingestion in three commercial fish species: the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), the seabream (Diplodus vulgaris) and the flounder (Platichthys flesus) from the Mondego estuary (Portugal). Microplastics were extracted from the gastrointestinal tract of 120 individuals by visual inspection and digestion solution. A total of 157 particles were extracted from 38% of total fish (96% fibers), with 1.67 ± 0.27 (SD) microplastics per fish. Significantly higher amount of ingested microplastics was recorded for D. vulgaris (73%). The dominant polymers identified by μ-FTIR were polyester, polypropylene and rayon (semi-synthetic fiber). It is reported for the first time the presence of this pollutant in fish populations from the Mondego estuary raising concerns on their potential negative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Bessa
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Pablo Barría
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João M Neto
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João P G L Frias
- MFRC - Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Galway, Ireland; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Otero
- Department of Conservation and Restoration and LAQV-REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Paula Sobral
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - J C Marques
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
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164
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Compa M, Ventero A, Iglesias M, Deudero S. Ingestion of microplastics and natural fibres in Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) and Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758) along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 128:89-96. [PMID: 29571417 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of microplastics and natural fibres (<5 mm) was assessed for two commercial fish species in the western Mediterranean Sea: Sardina pilchardus and Engraulis encrasicolus. Gastrointestinal tracts from 210 individuals from 14 stations were examined with 14.28-15.24% of the small pelagic fish S. pilchardus and E. encrasicolus having ingested microplastics and natural fibres. A latitudinal increase in condition index (Fulton's K) of S. pilchardus gave an indication that larger individuals with better physical condition are less likely to ingest microplastics and natural fibres. Fibres were the most frequent particle type (83%) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis indicated polyethylene terephthalate was the most common microplastics material (30%). Results from this study show that both microplastics and natural fibres of anthropogenic origin are common throughout the pelagic environment along the Spanish Mediterranean coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Compa
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Ana Ventero
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Magdalena Iglesias
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Salud Deudero
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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165
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Bläsing M, Amelung W. Plastics in soil: Analytical methods and possible sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 612:422-435. [PMID: 28863373 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 619] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
At least 300 Mio t of plastic are produced annually, from which large parts end up in the environment, where it persists over decades, harms biota and enters the food chain. Yet, almost nothing is known about plastic pollution of soil; hence, the aims of this work are to review current knowledge on i) available methods for the quantification and identification of plastic in soil, ii) the quantity and possible input pathways of plastic into soil, (including first preliminary screening of plastic in compost), and iii) its fate in soil. Methods for plastic analyses in sediments can potentially be adjusted for application to soil; yet, the applicability of these methods for soil needs to be tested. Consequently, the current data base on soil pollution with plastic is still poor. Soils may receive plastic inputs via plastic mulching or the application of plastic containing soil amendments. In compost up to 2.38-1200mg plastic kg-1 have been found so far; the plastic concentration of sewage sludge varies between 1000 and 24,000 plastic items kg-1. Also irrigation with untreated and treated wastewater (1000-627,000 and 0-125,000 plastic items m-3, respectively) as well as flooding with lake water (0.82-4.42 plastic items m-3) or river water (0-13,751 items km-2) can provide major input pathways for plastic into soil. Additional sources comprise littering along roads and trails, illegal waste dumping, road runoff as well as atmospheric input. With these input pathways, plastic concentrations in soil might reach the per mill range of soil organic carbon. Most of plastic (especially >1μm) will presumably be retained in soil, where it persists for decades or longer. Accordingly, further research on the prevalence and fate of such synthetic polymers in soils is urgently warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Bläsing
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Wulf Amelung
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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166
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina , Columbia, South Carolina 29205, United States
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167
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Salvador Cesa F, Turra A, Baruque-Ramos J. Synthetic fibers as microplastics in the marine environment: A review from textile perspective with a focus on domestic washings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 598:1116-1129. [PMID: 28482459 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastic materials in the environment has been, for long, a matter of discussion. Smaller particles, named microplastics (<5mm), gained attention more recently and are now the focus of many studies, especially for their particularities regarding sources, characteristics and effects (e.g., surface-area-to-volume ratio which can increase their potential to transport toxic substances). Fibers from textile materials are a subgroup of microplastics and can be originated from domestic washings, as machine filters and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are not specifically designed to retain them. Once in the environment, fibers can reach concentrations up to thousands of particles per cubic meter, being available to be ingested by a broad range of species. In this scenario, this review adds and details the textile perspective to the microplastics exploring nomenclature, characteristics and factors influencing emission, but also evidencing gaps in knowledge needed to overcome this issue. Preliminarily, general information about marine litter and plastics, followed by specific aspects regarding textile fibers as microplastics, were introduced. Then fiber sources to microplastic pollution were discussed, mainly focusing on domestic washings that pass through WWTPs. Studies that reveal domestic washing as microplastic sources are scarce and there is a considerable lack of standardization in methods as well as incorporation of textile aspects in experimental design. Knowledge gaps include laundry parameters (e.g., water temperature, use of chemicals) and textile articles characteristics (e.g., yarn type, fabric structure) orchestrated by consumers' choice. The lack of information on the coverage and efficiency of sewage treatment systems to remove textile fibers also prevent a global understanding of such sources. The search of alternatives and applicable solutions should come from an integrated, synergic and global perspective, of both environmental and textile area, which still need to be fostered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Salvador Cesa
- University of São Paulo, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, Av. Arlindo Bettio, 1000, 03828-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Alexander Turra
- University of São Paulo, Oceanographic Institute, Praca do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Julia Baruque-Ramos
- University of São Paulo, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, Av. Arlindo Bettio, 1000, 03828-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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168
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Miller RZ, Watts AJR, Winslow BO, Galloway TS, Barrows APW. Mountains to the sea: River study of plastic and non-plastic microfiber pollution in the northeast USA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 124:245-251. [PMID: 28739105 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic environments are sinks for anthropogenic contamination, whether chemical or solid pollutants. Microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles contribute to this problem. These can be plastic or non-plastic origin. Our aim was to investigate the presence and distribution of both types of anthropogenic microfibers along the length of the Hudson River, USA. Surface grab samples were collected and filtered through a 0.45μm filter paper. Abundance of fibers was determined after subtraction of potential contamination. 233 microfibers were recorded in 142 samples, averaging 0.98microfibersL-1. Subsequent micro-FTIR showed half of the fibers were plastic while the other half were non-plastic, but of anthropogenic origin. There was no relationship between fiber abundance, wastewater treatment plant location or population density. Extrapolating from this data, and using available hydrographic data, 34.4% of the Hudson River's watershed drainage area contributes an average 300 million anthropogenic microfibers into the Atlantic Ocean per day.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J R Watts
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Tamara S Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences: Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail P W Barrows
- Adventure Scientists, PO Box 1834, Bozeman, MT, USA 59771; College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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169
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Pietrelli L, Di Gennaro A, Menegoni P, Lecce F, Poeta G, Acosta ATR, Battisti C, Iannilli V. Pervasive plastisphere: First record of plastics in egagropiles (Posidonia spheroids). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 229:1032-1036. [PMID: 28778793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.07.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability of Posidonia oceanica spheroids (egagropiles, EG) to incorporate plastics was investigated along the central Italy coast. Plastics were found in the 52.84% of the egagropiles collected (n = 685). The more represented size of plastics has range within 1-1.5 cm, comparable to the size of natural fibres. Comparing plastics occurring both in EG and in surrounding sand, Polyethylene, Polyester and Nylon were the most abundant polymers in EG, while PSE, PE, PP and PET were the most represented in sand. In particular PE and PP were significantly more represented in sand, while PE, Nylon, Polyester and microfibers (as pills) were more represented in EG. Within plastics found in EG, 26.9% were microfibers as small pills (<1 cm), mainly composed of polyamide, polyester, cotton and PET mixing. These microfibers might be produced by discharges from washing machines and currently represents an emerging pollutant with widespread distribution in marine and freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessia Di Gennaro
- Department of Sciences, University of Rome III, Viale Marconi, 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianluca Poeta
- Department of Sciences, University of Rome III, Viale Marconi, 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Alicia T R Acosta
- Department of Sciences, University of Rome III, Viale Marconi, 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Battisti
- Torre Flavia LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Protected Areas Service, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Via Tiburtina, 691, 00159 Rome, Italy
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170
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Sillanpää M, Sainio P. Release of polyester and cotton fibers from textiles in machine washings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:19313-19321. [PMID: 28669092 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9621-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely spread in the environment, which along with still increasing production have aroused concern of their impacts on environmental health. The objective of this study is to quantify the number and mass of two most common textile fibers discharged from sequential machine washings to sewers. The number and mass of microfibers released from polyester and cotton textiles in the first wash varied in the range 2.1 × 105 to 1.3 × 107 and 0.12 to 0.33% w/w, respectively. Amounts of released microfibers showed a decreasing trend in sequential washes. The annual emission of polyester and cotton microfibers from household washing machines was estimated to be 154,000 (1.0 × 1014) and 411,000 kg (4.9 × 1014) in Finland (population 5.5 × 106). Due to the high emission values and sorption capacities, the polyester and cotton microfibers may play an important role in the transport and fate of chemical pollutants in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Sillanpää
- Laboratory Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Hakuninmaantie 6, FI-00430, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Pirjo Sainio
- Laboratory Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Hakuninmaantie 6, FI-00430, Helsinki, Finland
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171
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Recycling polymer residues to synthesize magnetic nanocomposites for dispersive micro-solid phase extraction. Talanta 2017; 170:451-456. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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172
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McDevitt JP, Criddle CS, Morse M, Hale RC, Bott CB, Rochman CM. Addressing the Issue of Microplastics in the Wake of the Microbead-Free Waters Act-A New Standard Can Facilitate Improved Policy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:6611-6617. [PMID: 28505424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b05812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The United States Microbead-Free Waters Act was signed into law in December 2015. It is a bipartisan agreement that will eliminate one preventable source of microplastic pollution in the United States. Still, the bill is criticized for being too limited in scope, and also for discouraging the development of biodegradable alternatives that ultimately are needed to solve the bigger issue of plastics in the environment. Due to a lack of an acknowledged, appropriate standard for environmentally safe microplastics, the bill banned all plastic microbeads in selected cosmetic products. Here, we review the history of the legislation and how it relates to the issue of microplastic pollution in general, and we suggest a framework for a standard (which we call "Ecocyclable") that includes relative requirements related to toxicity, bioaccumulation, and degradation/assimilation into the natural carbon cycle. We suggest that such a standard will facilitate future regulation and legislation to reduce pollution while also encouraging innovation of sustainable technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P McDevitt
- William and Mary Research Institute, College of William and Mary , Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, United States
| | - Craig S Criddle
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Stanford University , Stanford, Califonia 94305, United States
| | - Molly Morse
- Mango Materials, Oakland, California United States
| | - Robert C Hale
- Department of Aquatic Health Sciences, Virginia Institute of Marine Science , Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062, United States
| | - Charles B Bott
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455, United States
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S3G5, Canada
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173
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Hernandez E, Nowack B, Mitrano DM. Polyester Textiles as a Source of Microplastics from Households: A Mechanistic Study to Understand Microfiber Release During Washing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:7036-7046. [PMID: 28537711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic fibers make up a large proportion of microplastics found in the environment, especially in urban areas. There is good reason to consider synthetic textiles a major source of microplastic fibers, and it will not diminish since the use of synthetic fabrics, especially polyester, continues to increase. In this study we provide quantitative data regarding the size and mass of microplastic fibers released from synthetic (polyester) textiles during simulated home washing under controlled laboratory conditions. Consideration of fabric structure and washing conditions (use of detergents, temperature, wash duration, and sequential washings) allowed us to study the propensity of fiber shedding in a mechanistic way. Thousands of individual fibers were measured (number, length) from each wash solution to provide a robust data set on which to draw conclusions. Among all the variables tested, the use of detergent appeared to affect the total mass of fibers released the most, yet the detergent composition (liquid or powder) or overdosing of detergent did not significantly influence microplastic release. Despite different release quantities due to the addition of a surfactant (approximately 0.025 and 0.1 mg fibers/g textile washed, without and with detergent, respectively), the overall microplastic fiber length profile remained similar regardless of wash condition or fabric structure, with the vast majority of fibers ranging between 100 and 800 μm in length irrespective of wash cycle number. This indicates that the fiber staple length and/or debris encapsulated inside the fabric from the yarn spinning could be directly responsible for releasing stray fibers. This study serves as a first look toward understanding the physical properties of the textile itself to better understand the mechanisms of fiber shedding in the context of microplastic fiber release into laundry wash water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Hernandez
- Empa , Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Empa , Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Denise M Mitrano
- Empa , Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Eawag , Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology, Process Engineering, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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174
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Anderson PJ, Warrack S, Langen V, Challis JK, Hanson ML, Rennie MD. Microplastic contamination in Lake Winnipeg, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 225:223-231. [PMID: 28376390 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.02.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are an emerging contaminant of concern in aquatic ecosystems. To better understand microplastic contamination in North American surface waters, we report for the first time densities of microplastics in Lake Winnipeg, the 11th largest freshwater body in the world. Samples taken 2014 to 2016 revealed similar or significantly greater microplastic densities in Lake Winnipeg compared with those reported in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Plastics in the lake were largely of secondary origin, overwhelmingly identified as fibres. We detected significantly greater densities of microplastics in the north basin compared to the south basin of the lake in 2014, but not in 2015 or 2016. Mean lake-wide densities across all years were comparable and not statistically different. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that 23% of isolated particles on average were not plastic. While the ecological impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems is still largely unknown, our study contributes to the growing evidence that microplastic contamination is widespread even around sparsely-populated freshwater ecosystems, and provides a baseline for future study and risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Anderson
- IISD-Experimental Lakes Area, 111 Lombard Ave. Suite 325, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0T4, Canada
| | - Sarah Warrack
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 50 Sifton Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Victoria Langen
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Jonathan K Challis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, 360 Parker Building, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Mark L Hanson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 127 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Michael D Rennie
- IISD-Experimental Lakes Area, 111 Lombard Ave. Suite 325, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0T4, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 50 Sifton Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada.
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175
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Welden NA, Cowie PR. Degradation of common polymer ropes in a sublittoral marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 118:248-253. [PMID: 28267994 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Contamination by microplastic particles and fibres has been observed in sediment and animals sampled from the Firth of Clyde, West Scotland. In addition to microplastics released during clothes washing, a probable source is polymer ropes in abandoned, lost and discarded fishing and recreational sailing gear. The fragmentation of polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon exposed to benthic conditions at 10m depth over 12months was monitored using changes in weight and tensile properties. Water temperature and light levels were continuously monitored. The degree of biofouling was measured using chlorophyll a, the weight of attached macroalgae, and colonising fauna. Results indicate microplastic fibres and particles may be formed in benthic environments despite reduced photodegradation. Polypropylene, Nylon, and polyethylene lost an average of 0.39%, 1.02%, and 0.45% of their mass per month respectively. Microscope images of the rope surface revealed notable surface roughening believed to be caused by abrasion by substrate and the action of fouling organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Welden
- Department of Science, Technology and Mathematics, Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, United Kingdom.
| | - Phillip R Cowie
- Field Studies Council Millport, Marine Parade, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae KA28 0EG, United Kingdom
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176
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Campbell SH, Williamson PR, Hall BD. Microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish and the water from an urban prairie creek. Facets (Ott) 2017. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2017-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are defined as any plastic with a diameter ≤5 mm. Problems associated with these plastics such as contamination of both marine and freshwater environments and ingestion by aquatic organisms are of increasing concern. Our study quantifies the number of microplastics in a prairie creek immediately downstream of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Water samples and five species of fish were collected from sample sites upstream and downstream of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the summers of 2015 and 2016. Samples were digested in either a Fe(II)/H2O2 or NaClO solution and observed under a microscope where plastics present were enumerated by colour and type. At least one microplastic was detected in 73.5% of fish and 95.6% of water samples, showing that the creek does, in fact, contain microplastics. Concentrations were higher in water from upstream sites, likely due to dilution of creek water by the release of treated effluent. The results of this study provide baseline conditions for the presence of plastics in the creek prior to a major upgrade of the WWTP scheduled for completion in 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha H. Campbell
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Patrick R. Williamson
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Britt D. Hall
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
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177
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Carr SA. Sources and dispersive modes of micro-fibers in the environment. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2017; 13:466-469. [PMID: 28440926 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the sources and distribution of microfibers (MFs) in the environment is critical if control and remediation measures are to be effective. Microfibers comprise an overwhelming fraction (>85%) of microplastic debris found on shorelines around the world. Although primary sources have not been fully vetted, until recently it was widely believed that domestic laundry discharges were the major source. It was also thought that synthetic fibers and particles having dimensions <5 mm easily bypassed filtration and other solid separation processes at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and entered oceans and surface waters. A more thorough assessment of WWTP effluent discharges indicates, however, that fiber and particulate counts do not support the belief that plants are the primary vectors for fibers entering the environment. This finding may bolster concerns that active and pervasive shedding of fibers from common fabrics and textiles could be contributing significantly, via direct pathways, to burgeoning environmental loads. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:466-469. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve A Carr
- San Jose Creek Water Quality Control Laboratory, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, Whittier, California, USA
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178
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Rillig MC, Ingraffia R, de Souza Machado AA. Microplastic Incorporation into Soil in Agroecosystems. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1805. [PMID: 29093730 PMCID: PMC5651362 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias C. Rillig
- Institut für Biologie, Plant Ecology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Matthias C. Rillig
| | - Rosolino Ingraffia
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anderson A. de Souza Machado
- Institut für Biologie, Plant Ecology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
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