201
|
Ussia M, Urso M, Oral CM, Peng X, Pumera M. Magnetic Microrobot Swarms with Polymeric Hands Catching Bacteria and Microplastics in Water. ACS NANO 2024; 18:13171-13183. [PMID: 38717036 PMCID: PMC11112980 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The forefront of micro- and nanorobot research involves the development of smart swimming micromachines emulating the complexity of natural systems, such as the swarming and collective behaviors typically observed in animals and microorganisms, for efficient task execution. This study introduces magnetically controlled microrobots that possess polymeric sequestrant "hands" decorating a magnetic core. Under the influence of external magnetic fields, the functionalized magnetic beads dynamically self-assemble from individual microparticles into well-defined rotating planes of diverse dimensions, allowing modulation of their propulsion speed, and exhibiting a collective motion. These mobile microrobotic swarms can actively capture free-swimming bacteria and dispersed microplastics "on-the-fly", thereby cleaning aquatic environments. Unlike conventional methods, these microrobots can be collected from the complex media and can release the captured contaminants in a second vessel in a controllable manner, that is, using ultrasound, offering a sustainable solution for repeated use in decontamination processes. Additionally, the residual water is subjected to UV irradiation to eliminate any remaining bacteria, providing a comprehensive cleaning solution. In summary, this study shows a swarming microrobot design for water decontamination processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ussia
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Urso
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Cagatay M. Oral
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Xia Peng
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future
Energy and Innovation Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
- Advanced
Nanorobots & Multiscale Robotics Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical
University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava 70800, Czech Republic
- Department
of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Hsueh-Shih Road 91, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro
50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
202
|
Liu Z, Liang T, Liu X. Characteristics, distribution patterns and sources of atmospheric microplastics in the Bohai and Yellow Seas, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171906. [PMID: 38531455 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Although the prevalence of microplastics in the atmosphere has recently received considerable attention, there is little information available regarding the distribution of atmospheric microplastics over oceanic regions. In this study, during the summer and autumn months of 2022, we investigated atmospheric microplastics in four marine regions off the eastern coast of mainland China, namely, the southern, middle, and northern regions of the Yellow Sea, and the Bohai Sea. The abundance of atmospheric microplastics in these regions ranged from 1.65 to 16.80 items/100 m3 during summer and from 0.38 to 14.58 items/100 m3 during autumn, although we detected no significant differences in abundance among these regions. Polyamide, chlorinated polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were identified as the main types of plastic polymer. On the basis of meteorological data and backward trajectory model analyses, we established that the atmospheric microplastics detected during summer were mainly derived from the adjacent marine atmosphere and that over the continental landmass in the vicinity of the sampling area, whereas microplastics detected during autumn appear to have originated mainly from the northeast of China. By influencing the settlement and migration of microplastics, meteorological factors, such as relative humidity and wind speed, were identified as potential factors determining the distribution and characteristics of the detected microplastics. Our findings in this study, revealing the origin and fate of marine atmospheric microplastics, make an important contribution to our current understanding of the distribution and transmission of microplastics within the surveyed region and potentially worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjinhao Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ting Liang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoshou Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
203
|
Luo Y, Su W, Rabbi MF, Wan Q, Xu D, Wang Z, Liu S, Xu X, Wu J. Quantitative analysis of microplastics in water environments based on Raman spectroscopy and convolutional neural network. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171925. [PMID: 38522540 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
With the increasing interest in microplastics (MPs) pollutants, quantitative analysis of MPs in water environment is an important issue. Vibrational spectroscopy, represented by Raman spectroscopy, is widely used in MP detection because they can provide unique fingerprint characteristics of chemical components of MPs, but it is difficult to provide quantitative information. In this paper, an ingenious method for quantitative analysis of MPs in water environment by combining Raman spectroscopy and convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed. It is innovatively proposed to collect the average mapping spectra (AMS) of the samples to improve the uniformity of Raman spectroscopy detection, and to increase the effective detection range of concentration by filtering different volumes of the same MP solutions. In order to verify the universality and effectiveness of the proposed method, 6 different sizes of Polyethylene (PE) MPs were used as detection objects and mixed into 5 different actual water environments. The R2 and RMSE of CNN for identifying the concentration of PE solutions could reach 0.9972 and 0.033, respectively. Meanwhile, by comparing machine learning models such as Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were compared, and CNN combined with Raman spectroscopy has significant advantages in identifying the concentration of MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinlong Luo
- College of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University, Changzhou 213200, China
| | - Wei Su
- College of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University, Changzhou 213200, China.
| | - Mir Fazle Rabbi
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University, Changzhou 213200, China
| | - Qihang Wan
- College of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Dewen Xu
- College of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University, Changzhou 213200, China
| | - Zhenfeng Wang
- College of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University, Changzhou 213200, China
| | - Shusheng Liu
- College of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University, Changzhou 213200, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University, Changzhou 213200, China
| | - Jian Wu
- College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410003, China
| |
Collapse
|
204
|
Liang Y, Yang Y, Lu C, Cheng Y, Jiang X, Yang B, Li Y, Chen Q, Ao L, Cao J, Han F, Liu J, Zhao L. Polystyrene nanoplastics exposure triggers spermatogenic cell senescence via the Sirt1/ROS axis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116461. [PMID: 38763051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) have been reported to accumulate in the testes and constitute a new threat to reproductive health. However, the exact effects of PS-NPs exposure on testicular cells and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. The C57BL/6 male mice were orally administered with PS-NPs (80 nm) at different dosages (0, 10, and 40 mg/kg/day) for 60 days, and GC-1 cells were treated with PS-NPs in this study. Enlarged seminiferous tubule lumens and a loose and vacuolated layer of spermatogenic cells were observed in PS-NPs-exposed mice. Spermatogenic cells which may be one of the target cells for this reproductive damage, were decreased in the mice from PS-NPs group. PS-NPs caused spermatogenic cells to undergo senescence, manifested as elevated SA-β-galactosidase activity and activated senescence-related signaling p53-p21/Rb-p16 pathways, and induced cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment suggested the key role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PS-NPs-induced spermatogenic cell senescence, and this result was confirmed by measuring ROS levels. Moreover, ROS inhibition partially attenuated the senescence phenotype of spermatogenic cells and DNA damage. Using the male health atlas (MHA) database, Sirt1 was filtrated as the critical molecule in the regulation of testicular senescence. PS-NPs induced overexpression of the main ROS generator Nox2, downregulated Sirt1, increased p53 and acetylated p53 in vivo and in vitro, whereas these disturbances were partially restored by pterostilbene. In addition, pterostilbene intervention significantly alleviated the PS-NPs-induced spermatogenic cell senescence and attenuated ROS burst. Collectively, our study reveals that PS-NPs exposure can trigger spermatogenic cell senescence mediated by p53-p21/Rb-p16 signaling by regulating the Sirt1/ROS axis. Importantly, pterostilbene intervention may be a promising strategy to alleviate this damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuehui Liang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yurui Yang
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Chunsheng Lu
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ya Cheng
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiao Jiang
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Binwei Yang
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yawen Li
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qing Chen
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lin Ao
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jia Cao
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fei Han
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Jinyi Liu
- State Key Lab of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Lina Zhao
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
205
|
Akbulut S, Akman PK, Tornuk F, Yetim H. Microplastic Release from Single-Use Plastic Beverage Cups. Foods 2024; 13:1564. [PMID: 38790864 PMCID: PMC11121293 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted considerable attention as one of the most remarkable food and drink pollutants in recent years. Disposable cups, which are widely used as single-use containers, have been suspected as the primary sources of MPs found in cold and hot beverages. In this study, the effect of different exposure times (0, 5, 10 and 20 min) and temperatures (4 °C, 50 °C and 80 °C) on MP release from the single-use cups made of four different materials [polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) coated paper cups and expanded polystyrene (EPS)] into the water was investigated. The number of MPs ranged from 126 p/L to 1420 p/L, while the highest and lowest counts were observed in the PP (50 °C for 20 min) and PE-coated paper cups (4 °C 0 min), respectively. Washing the cups with ultrapure water prior to use reduced the MP release by 52-65%. SEM images demonstrated the abrasion on the surface of the disposable cups as a result of hot water exposure. Intensities of FTIR absorbance levels at some wavelengths were decreased by the water treatment, which could be evidence of surface abrasion. The annual MP exposure of consumers was calculated as 18,720-73,840 by the consumption of hot and cold beverages in disposable cups. In conclusion, as the level and potential toxicity of MP exposure in humans are not yet fully known, this study sheds light on the number of MPs transferred to cold and hot beverages from single-use disposable cups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selen Akbulut
- Department of Food Technology, Vocational School of Health Services, Uskudar University, 34674 Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349 Istanbul, Türkiye; (P.K.A.); (F.T.)
| | - Perihan Kubra Akman
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349 Istanbul, Türkiye; (P.K.A.); (F.T.)
| | - Fatih Tornuk
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349 Istanbul, Türkiye; (P.K.A.); (F.T.)
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Türkiye
| | - Hasan Yetim
- Food Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, 34303 Istanbul, Türkiye;
| |
Collapse
|
206
|
Mou L, Zhang Q, Li R, Zhu Y, Zhang Y. A powerful method for In Situ and rapid detection of trace nanoplastics in water-Mie scattering. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134186. [PMID: 38574664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in environmental media has raised significant concerns regarding their implications for environmental safety and human health. However, owing to their tiny size and low level in the environment, there is still a lack of effective methods for measuring the amount of NPs. Leveraging the principles of Mie scattering, a novel approach for rapid in situ quantitative detection of small NPs in low concentrations in water has been developed. A limit of detection of 4.2 μg/L for in situ quantitative detection of polystyrene microspheres as small as 25 nm was achieved, and satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviations were obtained. The results of three self-ground NPs showed that the method can quantitatively detect the concentration of NPs in a mixture of different particle sizes. The satisfactory recoveries (82.4% to 110.3%) of the self-ground NPs verified the good anti-interference ability of the method. The total concentrations of the NPs in the five brands of commercial bottled water were 0.07 to 0.39 μg/L, which were directly detected by the method. The proposed method presents a potential approach for conducting in situ and real-time environmental risk assessments of NPs on human and ecosystem health in actual water environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mou
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Qinzhou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science of China, Xiamen University, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Yaxian Zhu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science of China, Xiamen University, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
207
|
Zhang L, Zhao W, Yan R, Yu X, Barceló D, Sui Q. Microplastics in different municipal solid waste treatment and disposal systems: Do they pose environmental risks? WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121443. [PMID: 38492313 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a significant worldwide environmental and health challenge. Municipal solid waste (MSW) can be an important source of MPs in the environment if treated and disposed of inappropriately, causing potential ecological risks. MSW treatment and disposal methods have been gradually shifting from landfilling/dumping to more sustainable approaches, such as incineration or composting. However, previous studies on MP characteristics in different MSW treatment and disposal systems have mainly focused either on landfills/dumpsites or composts. The lack of knowledge of multiple MSW treatment and disposal systems makes it difficult to ensure effective MP pollution control during MSW treatment and disposal. Therefore, this study systematically summarizes the occurrence of MPs in different MSW treatment and disposal systems (landfill/dumpsite, compost, and incineration) on the Eurasian scale, and discusses the factors that influence MPs in individual MSW treatment and disposal systems. In addition, the paper assesses the occurrence of MPs in the surrounding environment of MSW treatment and disposal systems and their ecological risks using the species sensitivity distribution approach. The study also highlights recommendations for future research, to more comprehensively describe the occurrence and fate of MPs during MSW treatment and disposal processes, and to develop appropriate pollution control measures to minimize MP pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ruiqi Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xia Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish Council for Scientific Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Qian Sui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
208
|
Liu C, Jiao Y, Guo J, Li B, Gu C, Qian T, Liu X. Tracing the entry process of submicrometre plastics in soybean sprouts by leaf-derived fluorescent carbon dots. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134272. [PMID: 38613953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
As a global emerging contaminant, microplastics (MPs) in water or soil can accumulate in vegetables, making them easily ingested through the diet. With excellent and tunable optical properties, carbon dots (CDs) are highly advantageous for tracing the entry process of MPs. Originally, long-wavelength CDs were synthesized from leaf-derived extracts, and fluorescent submicrometer plastics (CDs-MPs) with clean surfaces and concentrated particle sizes were obtained by soap-free microemulsion polymerization. The concentration of CDs-MPs exhibits a significant linear relationship with long-wavelength fluorescence intensity (λEx/λEm: 415/676 nm). Soybean sprouts (SBS), as an important type of food, are susceptible to contamination of MPs due to their soft epidermis and rapidly growing biomass. The results showed that CDs-MPs could be embedded into the cortex of SBS and enter the plant with cell division and elongation, leading to an increase in pore size on the cell wall surface. After entering the root system, CDs-MPs will pass through the Casparian strip and migrate in the vessels. Then, CDs-MPs enter the leaves through vascular bundles, and the distribution and size of epicuticular wax on leaves have changed. Furthermore, SBS showed resistant growth and increased levels of oxidative response when exposed to MPs/CDs-MPs. It is the first study to demonstrate the application of leaf-derived CDs in the prevention of MPs pollution by revealing the migration behavior of submicrometre plastics in SBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Yuan Jiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Junmei Guo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Changxin Gu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China
| | - Tianwei Qian
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China.
| | - Xiaona Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin, Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Low Carbon Remediation for Water and Soil Pollution in Yellow River Basin, Jinzhong 030600, China.
| |
Collapse
|
209
|
Kaur M, Sharma A, Bhatnagar P. Vertebrate response to microplastics, nanoplastics and co-exposed contaminants: Assessing accumulation, toxicity, behaviour, physiology, and molecular changes. Toxicol Lett 2024; 396:48-69. [PMID: 38677566 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Pollution from microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has gained significant public attention and has become a serious environmental problem worldwide. This review critically investigates MPs/NPs' ability to pass through biological barriers in vertebrate models and accumulate in various organs, including the brain. After accumulation, these particles can alter individuals' behaviour and exhibit toxic effects by inducing oxidative stress or eliciting an inflammatory response. One major concern is the possibility of transgenerational harm, in which toxic consequences are displayed in offspring who are not directly exposed to MPs/NPs. Due to their large and marked surface hydrophobicity, these particles can easily absorb and concentrate various environmental pollutants, which may increase their toxicity to individuals and subsequent generations. This review systematically provides an analysis of recent studies related to the toxic effects of MPs/NPs, highlighting the intricate interplay between co-contaminants in vitro and in vivo. We further delve into mechanisms of MPs/NPs-induced toxicity and provide an overview of potential therapeutic approaches to lessen the negative effects of these MPs/NPs. The review also emphasizes the urgency of future studies to examine the long-term effects of chronic exposure to MPs/NPs and their size- and type-specific hazardous dynamics, and devising approaches to safeguard the affected organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manjyot Kaur
- Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anju Sharma
- Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Pradeep Bhatnagar
- Department of Zoology, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| |
Collapse
|
210
|
V L Leonard S, Liddle CR, Atherall CA, Chapman E, Watkins M, D J Calaminus S, Rotchell JM. Microplastics in human blood: Polymer types, concentrations and characterisation using μFTIR. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108751. [PMID: 38761430 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an everyday part of life, and are now ubiquitous in the environment. Crucially, MPs have not just been found within the environment, but also within human bodies, including the blood. We aimed to provide novel information on the range of MP polymer types present, as well as their size and shape characteristics, in human whole blood from 20 healthy volunteers. Twenty-four polymer types were identified from 18 out of 20 (90 %) donors and quantified in blood, with the majority observed for the first time. Using an LOQ approach, five polymer types met the threshold with a lower mean ± SD of 2466 ± 4174 MP/L. The concentrations of plastics analysed in blood samples ranged from 1.84 - 4.65 μg/mL. Polyethylene (32 %), ethylene propylene diene (14 %), and ethylene-vinyl-acetate/alcohol (12 %) fragments were the most abundant. MP particles that were identified within the blood samples had a mean particle length of 127.99 ± 293.26 µm (7-3000 µm), and a mean particle width of 57.88 ± 88.89 µm (5-800 µm). The MPs were predominantly categorised as fragments (88 %) and were white/clear (79 %). A variety of plastic additive chemicals were identified including endocrine disrupting-classed phthalates. The procedural blank samples comprised 7 polymer types, that were distinct from those identified in blood, mainly resin (25 %), polyethylene terephthalate (17 %), and polystyrene (17 %) with a mean ± SD of 4.80 ± 5.59 MP/L. This study adds to the growing evidence that MPs are taken up into the human body and are transported via the bloodstream. The shape and sizes of the particles raise important questions with respect to their presence and associated hazards in terms of potential detrimental impacts such as vascular inflammation, build up within major organs, and changes to either immune cell response, or haemostasis and thrombosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie V L Leonard
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Catriona R Liddle
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A Atherall
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Chapman
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Watkins
- College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Simon D J Calaminus
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom.
| | - Jeanette M Rotchell
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom; College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
211
|
Demirelli E, Tepe Y, Oğuz U, Aydın H, Kodat M, Tok DS, Sönmez MG, Öğreden E. The first reported values of microplastics in prostate. BMC Urol 2024; 24:106. [PMID: 38745203 PMCID: PMC11092166 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-024-01495-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics are ubiquitous, widespread environmental pollutants with unavoidable human exposure. Herein, it was aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue. METHODS Prostate tissues from 12 patients who underwent Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TUR-P) were analyzed to investigate the presence of microplastics. Initially, the prostate tissues were analyzed for microplastic particles using a light microscope after extraction. Subsequently, the chemical composition of the particles found in the prostate tissues was characterized using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrophotometry. RESULTS Microplastic particles of various types were detected in 6 out of 12 patients. All detected plastic particles in this study were microplastics, with sizes below 26 μm in size. These microplastics exhibited different shapes as pellets, spheres or fibers. Overall, among the 12 analyzed prostate tissue samples, four different types of plastic were identified in six samples. The most common type of microplastic detected was Polyamide (Nylon 6), found in samples from three patients. Other detected types, Polypropylene, Polyacrylic Acid and Poly (dimethylsiloxane) were each determined in samples from one patient. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue, serving as an exploratory investigation, which can trigger further research to validate the results in a larger patient cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erhan Demirelli
- Department of Urology, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Yalçın Tepe
- Department of Biology, Giresun University Faculty of Arts and Scienc, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Ural Oğuz
- Department of Urology, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey.
| | - Handan Aydın
- Department of Biology, Giresun University Faculty of Arts and Scienc, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Murat Kodat
- Department of Biology, Giresun University Faculty of Arts and Scienc, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Doğan Sabri Tok
- Department of Urology, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Giray Sönmez
- Department of Urology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ercan Öğreden
- Department of Urology, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
212
|
Borgatta M, Breider F. Inhalation of Microplastics-A Toxicological Complexity. TOXICS 2024; 12:358. [PMID: 38787137 PMCID: PMC11125820 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Humans are chronically exposed to airborne microplastics (MPs) by inhalation. Various types of polymer particles have been detected in lung samples, which could pose a threat to human health. Inhalation toxicological studies are crucial for assessing the effects of airborne MPs and for exposure-reduction measures. This communication paper addresses important health concerns related to MPs, taking into consideration three levels of complexity, i.e., the particles themselves, the additives present in the plastics, and the exogenous substances adsorbed onto them. This approach aims to obtain a comprehensive toxicological profile of deposited MPs in the lungs, encompassing local and systemic effects. The physicochemical characteristics of MPs may play a pivotal role in lung toxicity. Although evidence suggests toxic effects of MPs in animal and cell models, no established causal link with pulmonary or systemic diseases in humans has been established. The transfer of MPs and associated chemicals from the lungs into the bloodstream and/or pulmonary circulation remains to be confirmed in humans. Understanding the toxicity of MPs requires a multidisciplinary investigation using a One Health approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Borgatta
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté-Lausanne), University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Breider
- Central Environmental Laboratory, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
213
|
Alijagic A, Suljević D, Fočak M, Sulejmanović J, Šehović E, Särndahl E, Engwall M. The triple exposure nexus of microplastic particles, plastic-associated chemicals, and environmental pollutants from a human health perspective. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108736. [PMID: 38759545 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) is increasing at a dramatic rate globally, posing risks for exposure and subsequent potential adverse effects on human health. Apart from being physical objects, MP particles contain thousands of plastic-associated chemicals (i.e., monomers, chemical additives, and non-intentionally added substances) captured within the polymer matrix. These chemicals are often migrating from MPs and can be found in various environmental matrices and human food chains; increasing the risks for exposure and health effects. In addition to the physical and chemical attributes of MPs, plastic surfaces effectively bind exogenous chemicals, including environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants). Therefore, MPs can act as vectors of environmental pollution across air, drinking water, and food, further amplifying health risks posed by MP exposure. Critically, fragmentation of plastics in the environment increases the risk for interactions with cells, increases the presence of available surfaces to leach plastic-associated chemicals, and adsorb and transfer environmental pollutants. Hence, this review proposes the so-called triple exposure nexus approach to comprehensively map existing knowledge on interconnected health effects of MP particles, plastic-associated chemicals, and environmental pollutants. Based on the available data, there is a large knowledge gap in regard to the interactions and cumulative health effects of the triple exposure nexus. Each component of the triple nexus is known to induce genotoxicity, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, but knowledge about long-term and inter-individual health effects is lacking. Furthermore, MPs are not readily excreted from organisms after ingestion and they have been found accumulated in human blood, cardiac tissue, placenta, etc. Even though the number of studies on MPs-associated health impacts is increasing rapidly, this review underscores that there is a pressing necessity to achieve an integrated assessment of MPs' effects on human health in order to address existing and future knowledge gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andi Alijagic
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Damir Suljević
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71 000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Muhamed Fočak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71 000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasmina Sulejmanović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71 000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Elma Šehović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71 000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Eva Särndahl
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Magnus Engwall
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
214
|
Wang M, Chen S, Cheng S, Nederstigt TAP, Poelmann RE, DeRuiter MC, Lamers GEM, Willemse JJ, Mascitelli C, Vijver MG, Richardson MK. The biodistribution of polystyrene nanoparticles administered intravenously in the chicken embryo. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108723. [PMID: 38744045 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics can cause severe malformations in chicken embryos. To improve our understanding of the toxicity of nanoplastics to embryos, we have studied their biodistribution in living chicken embryos. We injected the embryos in the vitelline vein at stages 18-19. We injected polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) tagged with europium- or fluorescence. Their biodistribution was tracked using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry on tissue lysates, paraffin histology, and vibratome sections analysed by machine learning algorithms. PS-NPs were found at high levels in the heart, liver and kidneys. Furthermore, PS-NPs crossed the endocardium of the heart at sites of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation; they also crossed the liver endothelium. Finally, we detected PS-NPs in the allantoic fluid, consistent with their being excreted by the kidneys. Our study shows the power of the chicken embryo model for analysing the biodistribution of nanoplastics in embryos. Such experiments are difficult or impossible in mammalian embryos. These findings are a major advance in our understanding of the biodistribution and tissue-specific accumulation of PS-NPs in developing animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiru Wang
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Shuhao Chen
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Shixiong Cheng
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A P Nederstigt
- Centrum voor Milieuwetenschappen Leiden (CML), Van Steenis Building, Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert E Poelmann
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marco C DeRuiter
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, LUMC Onderzoeksgebouw, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda E M Lamers
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost J Willemse
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Mascitelli
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martina G Vijver
- Centrum voor Milieuwetenschappen Leiden (CML), Van Steenis Building, Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michael K Richardson
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
215
|
Ghirga G, Ghirga P, Orchi C. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:1726-1727. [PMID: 38718365 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc2404154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ghirga
- , International Society of Doctors for the Environment, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paola Ghirga
- , International Society of Doctors for the Environment, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Orchi
- , International Society of Doctors for the Environment, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
216
|
Ruggles A, Benakis C. Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Potential Implications for Stroke Risk via the Gut- and Lung-Brain Axis. Cells 2024; 13:803. [PMID: 38786027 PMCID: PMC11119296 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that exposure to environmental toxins, both short-term and long-term, can increase the risk of developing neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer's disease and other dementias) and acute brain injury (i.e., stroke). For stroke, the latest systematic analysis revealed that exposure to ambient particulate matter is the second most frequent stroke risk after high blood pressure. However, preclinical and clinical stroke investigations on the deleterious consequences of environmental pollutants are scarce. This review examines recent evidence of how environmental toxins, absorbed along the digestive tract or inhaled through the lungs, affect the host cellular response. We particularly address the consequences of environmental toxins on the immune response and the microbiome at the gut and lung barrier sites. Additionally, this review highlights findings showing the potential contribution of environmental toxins to an increased risk of stroke. A better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying exposure to environmental toxins has the potential to mitigate stroke risk and other neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Corinne Benakis
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81337 Munich, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
217
|
Kadac-Czapska K, Ośko J, Knez E, Grembecka M. Microplastics and Oxidative Stress-Current Problems and Prospects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:579. [PMID: 38790684 PMCID: PMC11117644 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles between 0.1 and 5000 µm in size that have attracted considerable attention from the scientific community and the general public, as they threaten the environment. Microplastics contribute to various harmful effects, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, cell membrane breakages, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal defects, inflammation, and apoptosis. They affect cells, tissues, organs, and overall health, potentially contributing to conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease. They pose a significant danger due to their widespread occurrence in food. In recent years, information has emerged indicating that MPs can cause oxidative stress (OS), a known factor in accelerating the aging of organisms. This comprehensive evaluation exposed notable variability in the reported connection between MPs and OS. This work aims to provide a critical review of whether the harmfulness of plastic particles that constitute environmental contaminants may result from OS through a comprehensive analysis of recent research and existing scientific literature, as well as an assessment of the characteristics of MPs causing OS. Additionally, the article covers the analytical methodology used in this field. The conclusions of this review point to the necessity for further research into the effects of MPs on OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Grembecka
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.K.-C.); (J.O.); (E.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
218
|
Yang Z, DeLoid GM, Baw J, Zarbl H, Demokritou P. Assessment of Ingested Micro- and Nanoplastic (MNP)-Mediated Genotoxicity in an In Vitro Model of the Small Intestinal Epithelium (SIE). NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:807. [PMID: 38727401 PMCID: PMC11085749 DOI: 10.3390/nano14090807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have become ubiquitous contaminants of water and foods, resulting in high levels of human ingestion exposure. MNPs have been found in human blood and multiple tissues, suggesting that they are readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and widely distributed. Growing toxicological evidence suggests that ingested MNPs may pose a serious health threat. The potential genotoxicity of MNPs, however, remains largely unknown. In this study, genotoxicity of primary and environmentally relevant secondary MNPs was assessed in a triculture small intestinal epithelium (SIE) model using the CometChip assay. Aqueous suspensions of 25 and 1000 nm carboxylated polystyrene spheres (PS25C and PS1KC), and incinerated polyethylene (PEI PM0.1) were subjected to simulated GIT digestion to create physiologically relevant exposures (digestas), which were applied to the SIE model at final MNP concentrations of 1, 5, and 20 μg/mL for 24 or 48 h. PS25C and PS1KC induced DNA damage in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. To our knowledge, this is one of the first assessment of MNP genotoxicity in an integrated in vitro ingestion platform including simulated GIT digestion and a triculture SIE model. These findings suggest that ingestion of high concentrations of carboxylated PS MNPs could have serious genotoxic consequences in the SIE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenning Yang
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (Z.Y.); (G.M.D.)
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Glen M. DeLoid
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (Z.Y.); (G.M.D.)
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Joshua Baw
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (Z.Y.); (G.M.D.)
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| |
Collapse
|
219
|
Liu S, Wang C, Yang Y, Du Z, Li L, Zhang M, Ni S, Yue Z, Yang K, Wang Y, Li X, Yang Y, Qin Y, Li J, Yang Y, Zhang M. Microplastics in three types of human arteries detected by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133855. [PMID: 38428296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment. Human body can be exposed to microplastics through inhalation and ingestion and some microplastics can enter the blood and accumulate in various tissues and organs throughout the body. Animal experiments have suggested that microplastics may promote atherosclerosis. However, data on microplastics in human arteries and clinical evidence supporting a link between microplastics and atherosclerosis are currently lacking. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was used in this study to detect microplastics in three types of human arteries: coronary and carotid arteries with atherosclerotic plaques, as well as the aorta without plaques. Microplastics were detected in all 17 arterial samples, with an average concentration of 118.66 ± 53.87 μg/g tissue. Four types of microplastics were identified: polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 73.70%), polyamide-66 (PA-66, 15.54%), polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 9.69%), and polyethylene (PE, 1.07%). Most importantly, the concentration of microplastics in arteries containing atherosclerotic plaques, both coronary arteries (156.50 ± 42.14 vs. 76.26 ± 14.86 μg/g tissue, P = 0.039), and carotid arteries (133.37 ± 60.52 vs. 76.26 ± 14.86 μg/g tissue, P = 0.015), was significantly higher than that in aortas which did not contain atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting that microplastics might be associated with atherosclerosis in humans. This study provides valuable data for further hazard assessments of microplastics on human cardiovascular health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Liu
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyang Wang
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxiao Yang
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Du
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Li
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Siyao Ni
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijian Yue
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Yanqing Township Community Health Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Yang
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaochen Yang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Civil Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanwen Qin
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianrong Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoguo Yang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
220
|
Vojnits K, de León A, Rathore H, Liao S, Zhao M, Gibon J, Pakpour S. ROS-dependent degeneration of human neurons induced by environmentally relevant levels of micro- and nanoplastics of diverse shapes and forms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134017. [PMID: 38518696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Our study explores the pressing issue of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) inhalation and their subsequent penetration into the brain, highlighting a significant environmental health concern. We demonstrate that MNPs can indeed penetrate murine brain, warranting further investigation into their neurotoxic effects in humans. We then proceed to test the impact of MNPs at environmentally relevant concentrations, with focusing on variations in size and shape. Our findings reveal that these MNPs induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and neurodegeneration in human neurons, with cortical neurons being more susceptible than nociceptors. Furthermore, we examine the role of biofilms on MNPs, demonstrating that MNPs can serve as a vehicle for pathogenic biofilms that significantly exacerbate these neurotoxic effects. This sequence of investigations reveals that minimal MNPs accumulation can cause oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in human neurons, significantly risking brain health and highlights the need to understand the neurological consequences of inhaling MNPs. Overall, our developed in vitro testing battery has significance in elucidating the effects of environmental factors and their associated pathological mechanisms in human neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Vojnits
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Andrés de León
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Harneet Rathore
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sophia Liao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Zhao
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Julien Gibon
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Office of Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sepideh Pakpour
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
221
|
Domenech J, Villacorta A, Ferrer JF, Llorens-Chiralt R, Marcos R, Hernández A, Catalán J. In vitro cell-transforming potential of secondary polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid nanoplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134030. [PMID: 38493621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Continuous exposure to plastic pollutants may have serious consequences on human health. However, most toxicity assessments focus on non-environmentally relevant particles and rarely investigate long-term effects such as cancer induction. The present study assessed the carcinogenic potential of two secondary nanoplastics: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles generated from plastic bottles, and a biodegradable polylactic acid material, as respective examples of environmentally existing particles and new bioplastics. Pristine polystyrene nanoplastics were also included for comparison. A broad concentration range (6.25-200 μg/mL) of each nanoplastic was tested in both the initiation and promotion conditions of the regulatory assessment-accepted in vitro Bhas 42 cell transformation assay. Parallel cultures allowed confirmation of the efficient cellular internalisation of the three nanoplastics. Cell growth was enhanced by polystyrene in the initiation assay, and by PET in both conditions. Moreover, the number of transformed foci was significantly increased only by the highest PET concentration in the promotion assay, which also showed dose-dependency, indicating that nano PET can act as a non-genotoxic tumour promotor. Together, these findings support the carcinogenic risk assessment of nanoplastics and raise concerns regarding whether real-life co-exposure of PET nanoplastics and other environmental pollutants may result in synergistic transformation capacities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josefa Domenech
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Box 40, Työterveyslaitos, 00032 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aliro Villacorta
- Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Facultad de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | | | | | - Ricard Marcos
- Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alba Hernández
- Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Julia Catalán
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Box 40, Työterveyslaitos, 00032 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Genetics, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
222
|
Gupta P, Saha M, Naik A, Kumar MM, Rathore C, Vashishth S, Maitra SP, Bhardwaj KD, Thukral H. A comprehensive assessment of macro and microplastics from Rivers Ganga and Yamuna: Unveiling the seasonal, spatial and risk factors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133926. [PMID: 38484661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
There have been growing apprehensions and concerns regarding the increasing presence of plastic pollutants in the holiest river of India, the Ganga, and its major tributary, Yamuna. In response to this issue, the current study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the seasonal and spatial distribution of macro to microplastics (MPs) in the surface water, water column, and sediments from the River Ganga and Yamuna. MP samples were collected from various points of these Rivers, including upstream, downstream, and drainage points around the vicinity of Haridwar, Agra, Prayagraj, and Patna cities. With a significant seasonal variation, the estimated MPs and plastic flux were higher during the wet season than during the dry season. MPs sized 300 µm-1 mm and fibre-shaped blue and black colored MPs were pre-dominant in both rivers. Polyacrylamide, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride were the most ascertained polymers. MPs including hazardous polymers (hazard score >1000) may pose a risk to the population of Indo-Gangetic Plain via direct and indirect exposure to MPs. The information provided in this study could serve as a starting point for the action plan required by municipal corporations to mitigate plastic pollution and target the possible sources at each location.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Akshata Naik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | - M Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | - Chayanika Rathore
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Shrish Vashishth
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | | | - K D Bhardwaj
- National Productivity council, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Harsh Thukral
- National Productivity council, New Delhi 110003, India
| |
Collapse
|
223
|
Ompala C, Renault JP, Taché O, Cournède É, Devineau S, Chivas-Joly C. Stability and dispersibility of microplastics in experimental exposure medium and their dimensional characterization by SMLS, SAXS, Raman microscopy, and SEM. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134083. [PMID: 38513443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The plastic production that contributes to the global plastic reservoir presents a major challenge for society in managing plastic waste and mitigating the environmental damage of microplastic (MP) pollution. In the environment, the formation of biomolecular corona around MPs enhance the stability of MP suspensions, influencing the bioavailability and toxicity of MPs. Essential physical properties including MP stability, dispersibility, agglomeration, and dimensional size must be precisely defined and measured in complex media taking into account the formation of a protein corona. Using static multiple light scattering (SMLS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Raman microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we measured the particle size, density, stability, and agglomeration state of polyethylene and polypropylene MPs stabilized in aqueous suspension by BSA. SEM analysis revealed the formation of nanoplastic debris as MP suspensions aged. Our results suggest that protein adsorption favors the formation of secondary nanoplastics, potentially posing an additional threat to ecosystems. This approach provides analytical methodologies by integrating SEM, SMLS, and SAXS, for characterizing MP suspensions and highlights the effect of the protein corona on size measurements of micro/nanoplastics. Our analysis demonstrates the detectability of secondary nanoplastics by SEM, paving the way for monitoring and controlling human exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chardel Ompala
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, NIMBE, 91191 Gif Sur Yvette, France; Laboratoire National de métrologie et d'Essais, Nanometrology, CARMEN Platform, 29 avenue Roger Hennequin, 78197 Trappes Cedex, France
| | | | - Olivier Taché
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, NIMBE, 91191 Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Émeline Cournède
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, NIMBE, 91191 Gif Sur Yvette, France
| | - Stéphanie Devineau
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, NIMBE, 91191 Gif Sur Yvette, France; Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - Carine Chivas-Joly
- Laboratoire National de métrologie et d'Essais, Nanometrology, CARMEN Platform, 29 avenue Roger Hennequin, 78197 Trappes Cedex, France.
| |
Collapse
|
224
|
Liu S, He Y, Yin J, Zhu Q, Liao C, Jiang G. Neurotoxicities induced by micro/nanoplastics: A review focusing on the risks of neurological diseases. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134054. [PMID: 38503214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Pollution of micro/nano-plastics (MPs/NPs) is ubiquitously prevalent in the environment, leading to an unavoidable exposure of the human body. Despite the protection of the blood-brain barrier, MPs/NPs can be transferred and accumulated in the brain, which subsequently exert negative effects on the brain. Nevertheless, the potential neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerative risks of MPs/NPs remain largely unexplored. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of recent studies related to the neurotoxicity of MPs/NPs. It covers the environmental hazards and human exposure pathways, translocation and distribution into the brain, the neurotoxic effects, and the possible mechanisms of environmental MPs/NPs. MPs/NPs are widely found in different environment matrices, including air, water, soil, and human food. Ambient MPs/NPs can enter the human body by ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact, then be transferred into the brain via the blood circulation and nerve pathways. When MPs/NPs are present in the brain, they can initiate a series of molecular or cellular reactions that may harm the blood-brain barrier, cause oxidative stress, trigger inflammatory responses, affect acetylcholinesterase activity, lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, and impair autophagy. This can result in abnormal protein folding, loss of neurons, disruptions in neurotransmitters, and unusual behaviours, ultimately contributing to the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative changes and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Key challenges and further research directions are also proposed in this review as more studies are needed to focus on the potential neurotoxicity of MPs/NPs under realistic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yinling He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jia Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
225
|
Paul I, Mondal P, Haldar D, Halder G. Beyond the cradle - Amidst microplastics and the ongoing peril during pregnancy and neonatal stages: A holistic review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133963. [PMID: 38461669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in research concerning the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in human blood, sputum, urine, and breast milk samples have piqued the interest of the scientific community, prompting further investigation. MPs present in the placenta, amniotic fluid, and meconium raise concerns about interference with embryonic development, leading to preeclampsia, stillbirth, preterm birth, and spontaneous abortion. The challenges posed by MPs extend beyond pregnancy, affecting the digestive, reproductive, circulatory, immune, and central nervous systems. This has spurred scientists to examine the origins of MPs in distinct environmental layers, including air, water, and soil. These risks continue after birth, as neonates are continuously exposed to MPs through everyday items such as breast milk, cow milk and infant milk powder, as well as plastic-based products like feeding bottles and breast milk storage bags. It is the need of the hour to strike a balance amidst lifestyle changes, alternative choices to traditional plastic products, raising awareness about plastic-related health risks, and fostering collaboration between the scientific community and policymakers. This review aims to provide fresh insights into potential sources of MP pollution, with a specific focus on pregnancy and neonates. It is the first compilation of its kind so far that includes critical studies on recently reported discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indrani Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, Brainware University, Kolkata 700125, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritam Mondal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India
| | - Dibyajyoti Haldar
- Division of Biotechnology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore 641114, India
| | - Gopinath Halder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
226
|
Liu P, Shao L, Zhang Y, Silvonen V, Oswin H, Cao Y, Guo Z, Ma X, Morawska L. Atmospheric microplastic deposition associated with GDP and population growth: Insights from megacities in northern China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134024. [PMID: 38493631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is evolving into one of the most pressing environmental concerns worldwide. This study assessed the impact of economic activities on atmospheric MP pollution across 17 megacities in northern China, analyzing the correlation between the deposition flux of atmospheric MPs and variables such as city population, gross domestic product (GDP), and industrial structure. The results have shown that the MP pollution is obviously impacted by human activities related to increased GDP, population, as well as tertiary service sector, in which the MP pollution shows most close relationship with the GDP growth. Polypropylene, polyamide, polyurethane, and polyethylene were identified as the primary components of atmospheric MPs. The average particle size of MPs in atmospheric dustfall is 78.3 µm, and the frequency of MP particles increases as the particle size decreases. The findings highlight the complex relationship between socio-economic development and atmospheric MP accumulation, providing essential insights for the formulation of targeted emission reduction strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Longyi Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yaxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ville Silvonen
- Aerosol Physics Laboratory, Physics Unit, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere 33014, Finland
| | - Henry Oswin
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Yaxin Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ziyu Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuying Ma
- College of Geomatics, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
227
|
Chen J, Qi R, Cheng Y, Wang L, Cao X. Effects of micro/nanoplastics on oxidative damage and serum biochemical parameters in rats and mice: a meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:197. [PMID: 38696118 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01972-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/17/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging as environmental pollutants with potential threats to human health. The accumulation of MNPs in the body can cause oxidative stress and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). With the aim to systematically evaluate the extent of MNPs-induced oxidative damage and serum biochemical parameters in rats and mice, a total of 36 eligible articles were included in this meta-analysis study. The results reported that MNPs can significantly increase the levels of oxidants such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05), and resulted in notable increase in serum biochemical parameters including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.05). Conversely, MNPs significantly reduced levels of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that smaller MNPs with oral administration and prolonged treatment, were associated with more pronounced oxidative stress and enhanced serum biochemical parameters alteration. In addition, after affected by MNPs, the levels of ALT and AST in liver group (SMD = 2.26, 95% CI = [1.59, 2.94] and SMD = 3.10, 95% CI = [1.25, 4.94]) were higher than those in other organs. These comprehensive results provide a scientific foundation for devising strategies to prevent MNPs-induced damage, contributing to solution of this environmental and health challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Chongshan Road 66, Shenyang, 110036, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiquan Qi
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Chongshan Road 66, Shenyang, 110036, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Cheng
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Chongshan Road 66, Shenyang, 110036, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Chongshan Road 66, Shenyang, 110036, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Cao
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Chongshan Road 66, Shenyang, 110036, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
228
|
Xin L, Huang M, Huang Z. Quantitative assessment and monitoring of microplastics and nanoplastics distributions and lipid metabolism in live zebrafish using hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108679. [PMID: 38657405 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) pollutions pose a rising environmental threat to humans and other living species, given their escalating presence in essential resources that living subjects ingest and/or inhale. Herein, to elucidate the potential health implications of MP/NP, we report for the first time by using label-free hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging technique developed to quantitatively monitor the bioaccumulation and metabolic toxicity of MP/NP within live zebrafish larvae during their early developmental stages. Zebrafish embryos are exposed to environmentally related concentrations (3-60 μg/ml) of polystyrene (PS) beads with two typical sizes (2 μm and 50 nm). Zebrafish are administered isotope-tagged fatty acids through microinjection and dietary intake for in vivo tracking of lipid metabolism dynamics. In vivo 3D quantitative vibrational imaging of PS beads and intrinsic biomolecules across key zebrafish organs reveals that gut and liver are the primary target organs of MP/NP, while only 50 nm PS beads readily aggregate and adhere to the brain and blood vessels. The 50 nm PS beads are also found to induce more pronounced hepatic inflammatory response compared to 2 μm counterparts, characterized by increased biogenesis of lipid droplets and upregulation of arachidonic acid detected in zebrafish liver. Furthermore, Raman-tagged SRS imaging of fatty acids uncovers that MP/NP exposure significantly reduces yolk lipid utilization and promotes dietary lipid storage in zebrafish, possibly associated with developmental delays and more pronounced food dilution effects in zebrafish larvae exposed to 2 μm PS beads. The hyperspectral SRS imaging in this work shows that MP/NP exposure perturbs the development and lipid metabolism in zebrafish larvae, furthering the understanding of MP/NP ingestions and consequent toxicity in different organs in living species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Xin
- Optical Bioimaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Meizhen Huang
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- Optical Bioimaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
229
|
Wang F, Lei A, Huang S, Su L, Li M, Craig NJ, Lai Z. Impact of typhoon events on microplastic distribution in offshore sediments in Leizhou Peninsula of the South China Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123817. [PMID: 38508366 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic is an emerging pollutant and a technical fossil in Anthropocene sediments. Typhoon frequency and intensity have increased due to climate change, which has a major effect on the distribution patterns of microplastics. It is still unknown, though, how the topography of the peninsula affects the reconstruction of the distribution of microplastic in typhoons. Due to frequent typhoons, the Leizhou Peninsula (LZP) in the north part of the South China Sea is an ideal place to study the impact of topographic variations on microplastic distribution during typhoon events. This study investigated microplastics ranging in size from 50 μm to 5 mm in sediment. Microscopic inspection and μ-FTIR tests were used to identify microplastic characteristics from offshore surface sediments before and after typhoons. The average microplastic abundance in offshore sediments decreased from 18 ± 17 items/kg to 15 ± 15 items/kg after typhoons. Results show that typhoons only increase the microplastic abundance in topographically protected areas along the northeast coast of LZP, with no significant difference observed in other regions. The influence of typhoon on the morphological characteristics of microplastics in sediments is more pronounced and widespread, as evidenced by a shift in the predominant shape of microplastics from fibers to fragments and a decrease in size accompanied by an increased abundance within the 100 μm-1 mm fraction. The color of microplastics remained similar before and after typhoons, and the polymer composition of microplastics became more uniform. The alteration of microplastic morphology may be attributed to the enhancement of wave intensity induced by typhoons. This study enhances the comprehension of typhoon-induced impacts on pollutant redistribution, specifically microplastics, thereby providing essential empirical evidence and theoretical foundations for pollution regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Anhua Lei
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Shengping Huang
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Lei Su
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Change and Disaster in Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, 535011, China
| | - Mingkun Li
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Nicholas J Craig
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zhongping Lai
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China.
| |
Collapse
|
230
|
Gao H, Wang H, Wang Y, Lin Y, Yan J, Shen H. Identification and quantification of microplastics in salts by complementary approaches using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (Py-GC/QTOFMS) and laser direct infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123820. [PMID: 38527583 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have been suspected as contaminants in various foodstuffs, including salts, all over the world. Regarding the different sizes and polymer types, the mass concentrations of actual plastic particles in salt are not very clear. The purpose of this study is to develop a scalable method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs and NPs by using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Quadrupole-Time of Flight mass spectrometry (Py-GC/QTOFMS) to detect their mass concentrations in salt samples. The targeted and suspected lists of polymers in salts were compiled based on the combined results of the high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) full scanning with auxiliary MS dataset and the laser direct infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging analysis. The seven targeted MPs with polymer standards, i.e., polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polycarbonate (PC), were first subjected to a full MS scanning mode of the Py-GC/QTOFMS analysis. Subsequently, the parental masses of their pyrolysis compounds were used as the seeds to generate the related daughter masses. This process established both retention time and mass-pairs matching for the target MS/MS mode for enabling the identification and quantification of the particles. The suspected MPs with a matching degree >0.65 in the LDIR list were explored either by the full scan MS. Only PVC was identified, and PET was suspected. The Py-GC/QTOFMS result is complementary and comparable to the LDIR detection with the matching degree >0.85. We identified that PVC and PET (suspected) can be measured in both commercial and bulk sea salts, and their concentrations in sea salts are much higher than in rock salts, implying heavy contamination of the seawater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Yuchao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jianbo Yan
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Heqing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
231
|
Gao J, Zhang Y, Bi Y, Du K, Su J, Zhang S. A strong hydrogen bond bridging interface based on tannic acid for improving the performance of high-filled bamboo fibers/poly (butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA)biocomposites. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131611. [PMID: 38641288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Natural plant fiber-reinforced bio-based polymer composites are widely attracting attention because of their economical, readily available, low carbon, and biodegradable, and showing promise in gradually replacing petroleum-based composites. Nevertheless, the fragile interfacial bonding between fiber and substrate hinders the progression of low-cost and abundant sustainable high-performance biocomposites. In this paper, a novel high-performance sustainable biocomposite was built by introducing a high density strong hydrogen-bonded bridging interface based on tannic acid (TA) between bamboo fibers (BFs) and PBSA. Through comprehensive analysis, this strategy endowed the biocomposites with better mechanical properties, thermal stability, dynamic thermo-mechanical properties and water resistance. The optimum performance of the composites was achieved when the TA concentration was 2 g/L. Tensile strength as well as modulus, flexural strength as well as modulus, and impact strength improved by 22 %, 10 %, 15 %, 35 %, and 25 % respectively. Additionally, the initial degradation temperature(Tonset) and maximum degradation temperature(Tmax) increased by 12.07 °C and 14.8 °C respectively. The maximum storage modulus(E'), room temperature E', and loss modulus(E")elevated by 199 %, 75 %, and 181 % respectively. Moreover, the water absorption rate decreased by 59 %. The strong hydrogen-bonded bridging interface serves as a novel model and theory for biocomposite interface engineering. At the same time, it offers a promising future for the development of high performance sustainable biocomposites with low cost and abundant biomass resources and contributes to their wide application in aerospace, automotive, biomedical and other field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Gao
- Key Laboratory of Wood Material Science and Application (Beijing Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Wood Material Science and Application (Beijing Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yanbin Bi
- Key Laboratory of Wood Material Science and Application (Beijing Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Keke Du
- Key Laboratory of Wood Material Science and Application (Beijing Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jixing Su
- Key Laboratory of Wood Material Science and Application (Beijing Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shuangbao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Wood Material Science and Application (Beijing Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
232
|
Errázuriz León R, Araya Salcedo VA, Novoa San Miguel FJ, Llanquinao Tardio CRA, Tobar Briceño AA, Cherubini Fouilloux SF, de Matos Barbosa M, Saldías Barros CA, Waldman WR, Espinosa-Bustos C, Hornos Carneiro MF. Photoaged polystyrene nanoplastics exposure results in reproductive toxicity due to oxidative damage in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123816. [PMID: 38508369 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The increase of plastic production together with the incipient reuse/recycling system has resulted in massive discards into the environment. This has facilitated the formation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) which poses major risk for environmental health. Although some studies have investigated the effects of pristine MNPs on reproductive health, the effects of weathered MNPs have been poorly investigated. Here we show in Caenorhabditis elegans that exposure to photoaged polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNP-UV) results in worse reproductive performance than pristine PSNP (i.e., embryonic/larval lethality plus a decrease in the brood size, accompanied by a high number of unfertilized eggs), besides it affects size and locomotion behavior. Those effects were potentially generated by reactive products formed during UV-irradiation, since we found higher levels of reactive oxygen species and increased expression of GST-4 in worms exposed to PSNP-UV. Those results are supported by physical-chemical characterization analyses which indicate significant formation of oxidative degradation products from PSNP under UV-C irradiation. Our study also demonstrates that PSNP accumulate predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract of C. elegans (with no accumulation in the gonads), being completely eliminated at 96 h post-exposure. We complemented the toxicological analysis of PSNP/PSNP-UV by showing that the activation of the stress response via DAF-16 is dependent of the nanoplastics accumulation. Our data suggest that exposure to the wild PSNP, i.e., polystyrene nanoplastics more similar to those actually found in the environment, results in more important reprotoxic effects. This is associated with the presence of degradation products formed during UV-C irradiation and their interaction with biological targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Errázuriz León
- Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 7820436, Chile
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcela de Matos Barbosa
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | | | | | - Christian Espinosa-Bustos
- Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 7820436, Chile
| | | |
Collapse
|
233
|
Sharma RK, Kumari U, Kumar S. Impact of Microplastics on Pregnancy and Fetal Development: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e60712. [PMID: 38903343 PMCID: PMC11186737 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern because of its potential to impair human health, particularly with regard to fetal development. However, the origins of prenatal MP exposure and its effects on fetal development have not been well studied. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development. PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from 2010 until March 2024. Original publications exploring the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development were included in the study. After selecting papers, two independent reviewers extracted data regarding study characteristics, microplastics identified, and reproductive impacts. The quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklists for Studies created by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Twelve studies, including 234 subjects, were selected from a total of 2,809 citations for the final qualitative analysis. Articles were published between 2021 and 2024, and most were conducted in China. The results of the included studies confirmed the existence of microplastics with varying sizes (2.1 to 100 micrometers) in the placenta and the fetal body. Studies revealed correlations between lifestyle choices and the presence of microplastics in the placenta. They also reported correlations between the level of microplastics and diminished microbiome diversity, reduced birthweights, affected gestational age, and fetal growth and development. Microplastics may be detrimental to a developing fetus during pregnancy. Nonetheless, more thorough research is required to comprehend the impact of microplastic exposure on pregnancy and fetal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Usha Kumari
- Biochemistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Patna, Patna, IND
| |
Collapse
|
234
|
Shukla S, Pei Y, Li WG, Pei DS. Toxicological Research on Nano and Microplastics in Environmental Pollution: Current Advances and Future Directions. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 270:106894. [PMID: 38492287 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
This review explains the sources of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs), their release, fate, and associated health risks in the aquatic environment. In the 21st century, scientists are grappling with a major challenge posed by MPs and NPs. The global production of plastic has skyrocketed from 1.5 million tons in the 1950s to an astonishing 390.7 million tons in 2021. This pervasive presence of these materials in our environment has spurred scientific inquiry into their potentially harmful effects on living organisms. Studies have revealed that while MPs, with their larger surface area, are capable of absorbing contaminants and pathogens from the surroundings, NPs can easily be transferred through the food chain. As a result, living organisms may ingest them and accumulate them within their bodies. Due to their minuscule size, NPs are particularly difficult to isolate and quantify. Furthermore, exposure to both NPs and MPs has been linked to various adverse health effects in aquatic species, including neurological impairments, disruption of lipid and energy metabolism, and increased susceptibility to cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. It is alarming to note that MPs have even been detected in commercial fish, highlighting the severity of this issue. There are also challenges associated with elucidating the toxicological effects of NPs and MPs, which are discussed in detail in this review. In conclusion, plastic pollution is a pressing issue that governments should tackle by ensuring proper implementation of rules and regulations at national and provincial levels to reduce its health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Shukla
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China.; Department of Forensic Science, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, India
| | - Yang Pei
- Chongqing No.11 Middle School, Chongqing 400061, China
| | - Wei-Guo Li
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
235
|
Zheng Y, Xu S, Liu J, Liu Z. The effects of micro- and nanoplastics on the central nervous system: A new threat to humanity? Toxicology 2024; 504:153799. [PMID: 38608860 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Given the widespread production and use of plastics, poor biodegradability, and inadequate recycling, micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) have caused widespread environmental pollution. As a result, humans inevitably ingest MNPs through various pathways. However, there is still no consensus on whether exposure to MNPs has adverse effects on humans. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge of MNPs and the potential mechanisms of their impact on the central nervous system. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that exposure to MNPs may pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and lead to neurotoxicity through impairments in oxidative and inflammatory balance, neurotransmitter alternation, nerve conduction-related key enzymes, and impact through the gut-brain axis. It is worth noting that MNPs may act as carriers and have more severe effects on the body when co-exposed with other substances. MNPs of smaller sizes cause more severe harm. Despite the scarcity of reports directly relevant to humans, this review brings together a growing body of evidence showing that exposure to MNPs disturbs neurons and has even been found to alter the memory and behavior of organisms. This effect may lead to further potential negative influence on the central nervous system and contribute to the development of other diseases such as central nervous system inflammation and Parkinson 's-like neurodegenerative disorders. There is a need further to investigate the threat of MNPs to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanxu Zheng
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shengchao Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, 87th Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Jingyu Liu
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, 87th Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
236
|
Hossain S, Shukri ZNA, Waiho K, Ibrahim YS, Kamaruzzan AS, Rahim AIA, Draman AS, Wahab W, Khatoon H, Kasan NA. Biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) microplastics by floc-forming bacteria, Bacillus cereus strain SHBF2, isolated from a commercial aquafarm. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:32225-32245. [PMID: 38644425 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous proximity of the commonly used microplastic (MP) particles particularly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) poses a serious threat to the environment and human health globally. Biological treatment as an environment-friendly approach to counter MP pollution has recent interest when the bio-agent has beneficial functions in their ecosystem. This study aimed to utilize beneficial floc-forming bacteria Bacillus cereus SHBF2 isolated from an aquaculture farm in reducing the MP particles (PE, PP, and PS) from their environment. The bacteria were inoculated for 60 days in a medium containing MP particle as a sole carbon source. On different days of incubation (DOI), the bacterial growth analysis was monitored and the MP particles were harvested to examine their weight loss, surface changes, and alterations in chemical properties. After 60 DOI, the highest weight loss was recorded for PE, 6.87 ± 0.92%, which was further evaluated to daily reduction rate (k), 0.00118 day-1, and half-life (t1/2), 605.08 ± 138.52 days. The OD value (1.74 ± 0.008 Abs.) indicated the higher efficiency of bacteria for PP utilization, and so for the colony formation per define volume (1.04 × 1011 CFU/mL). Biofilm formation, erosions, cracks, and fragments were evident during the observation of the tested MPs using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The formation of carbonyl and alcohol group due to the oxidation and hydrolysis by SHBF2 strain were confirmed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. Additionally, the alterations of pH and CO2 evolution from each of the MP type ensures the bacterial activity and mineralization of the MP particles. The findings of this study have confirmed and indicated a higher degree of biodegradation for all of the selected MP particles. B. cereus SHBF2, the floc-forming bacteria used in aquaculture, has demonstrated a great potential for use as an efficient MP-degrading bacterium in the biofloc farming system in the near future to guarantee a sustainable green aquaculture production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahadat Hossain
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Zuhayra Nasrin Ahmad Shukri
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Khor Waiho
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Amyra Suryatie Kamaruzzan
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Ideris Abdul Rahim
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Shuhaimi Draman
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Wahidah Wahab
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Helena Khatoon
- Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Nor Azman Kasan
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
237
|
Lofty J, Valero D, Moreno-Rodenas A, Belay BS, Wilson C, Ouro P, Franca MJ. On the vertical structure of non-buoyant plastics in turbulent transport. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121306. [PMID: 38432001 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is overflowing in rivers. A limited understanding of the physics of plastic transport in rivers hinders monitoring, the prediction of plastic fate and restricts the implementation of effective mitigation strategies. This study investigates two unexplored aspects of plastic transport dynamics across the near-surface, suspended and bed load layers: (i) the complex settling behaviour of plastics and (ii) their influence on plastic transport in river-like flows. Through hundreds of settling tests and thousands of 3D reconstructed plastic transport experiments, our findings show that plastics exhibit unique settling patterns and orientations, due to their geometric anisotropy, revealing a multimodal distribution of settling velocities. In the transport experiments, particle-bed interactions enhanced mixing beyond what established turbulent transport theories (Rouse profile) could predict in low-turbulence conditions, which extends the bed load layer beyond the classic definition of the bed load layer thickness for natural sediments. We propose a new vertical structure of turbulent transport equation that considers the stochastic nature of heterogeneous negatively buoyant plastics and their singularities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Lofty
- Cardiff University, School of Engineering, Hydro-Environmental Research Centre, Wales, UK.
| | - Daniel Valero
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Water and Environment, Karlsruhe, Germany; Water Resources and Ecosystems Department, IHE Delft, Delft, the Netherlands; Presently: Imperial College London, Civil and Environmental Department, London, UK.
| | | | - Biruk S Belay
- Hydraulic Engineering Chair, Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Wilson
- Cardiff University, School of Engineering, Hydro-Environmental Research Centre, Wales, UK
| | - Pablo Ouro
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mário J Franca
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Water and Environment, Karlsruhe, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
238
|
Ramaremisa G, Tutu H, Saad D. Detection and characterisation of microplastics in tap water from Gauteng, South Africa. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 356:141903. [PMID: 38582157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
This study reports the presence, concentration, and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in tap water in three suburbs in Gauteng Province in South Africa. Physical characterisation was conducted using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy following staining of MPs with the Rose Bengal dye. The concentrations of MPs in all samples ranged from 4.7 to 31 particles/L, with a mean of 14 ± 5.6 particles/L. Small-sized (<1 mm) and fibrous-shaped MPs were most abundant in all samples. Fibers accounted for 83.1% of MPs in samples from all the three areas, followed by fragments (12.4%), pellets/beads (3.1%), and films (1.5%), with a minor variation in the distribution of shapes and sizes in samples from each area. Raman microspectroscopy was used for chemical analysis, and five polymers were identified, namely: high-density polyethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(hexamethylene terephtalamide), and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid). C.I Pigment Red 1, C.I. Solvent Yellow 4, Potassium indigotetrasulphonate, and C.I Pigment Black 7 were the colourants detected. These colourants are carcinogenic and mutagenic and are potentially toxic to humans. The prevalence of MPs in tap water implies their inadequate removal during water treatment. For instance, the presence of poly(AM-co-AA) suggests that drinking water treatment plants may be a potential source of MPs in tap water. Other polymers, e.g., high-density polyethylene may be released from pipes during the transportation of drinking water. The estimated daily consumption of MPs from tap water was 1.2, 0.71, and 0.50 particles/kg.day for children, men, and women, respectively. The findings of this study provide evidence of the presence of MPs in drinking water in South Africa, thus giving some insights into the performance of treatment plants in removing these contaminants and a benchmark for the formulation of standard limits for the amount of MPs in drinking water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gibbon Ramaremisa
- School of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Hlanganani Tutu
- School of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Dalia Saad
- School of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
239
|
Ye J, Ren Y, Dong Y, Fan D. Understanding the impact of nanoplastics on reproductive health: Exposure pathways, mechanisms, and implications. Toxicology 2024; 504:153792. [PMID: 38554767 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a pressing global environmental concern with particular urgency surrounding the issue of nanoplastic particles. Plastic products exhibit a remarkable persistence in natural ecosystems, resisting easy degradation. Nanoplastics, characterized by their diminutive size, possess distinct properties when compared to their larger counterparts, which could potentially render them more ecologically detrimental. Microplastics themselves serve as carriers for toxic and hazardous substances, such as plastic additives, that enter and persist in the environmental cycle. Importantly, nanoplastics exhibit enhanced bioavailability upon entering the food chain. Notably, studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of nanoplastics on the reproductive function of aquatic organisms, and evidence of micro- and nanoplastics have emerged within human reproductive organs, including the placenta. However, a knowledge gap persists regarding the impacts of nanoplastics on the reproductive systems of mammals and, indeed, humans. This paper aims to elucidate the less frequently discussed sources and distribution of nanoplastics in the environment, along with the pathways of human exposure. We also emphasize the extent to which nanoplastics accumulate within the reproductive systems of organisms. Subsequently, we present an in-depth analysis of the effects of nanoplastics and their associated contaminants on mammalian and human reproductive health. The mechanisms through which nanoplastics contribute to reproductive disorders are comprehensively explored, highlighting their potential to disrupt endocrine levels in mammals and humans. Additionally, we scrutinize and discuss studies on biotoxicity of nanoplastics, offering insights into potential areas for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingfan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geological Engineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geological Engineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Dongwei Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China; Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
240
|
González-Caballero MC, de Alba González M, Torres-Ruiz M, Iglesias-Hernández P, Zapata V, Terrón MC, Sachse M, Morales M, Martin-Folgar R, Liste I, Cañas-Portilla AI. Internalization and toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics on inmortalized human neural stem cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141815. [PMID: 38556182 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Global plastic production has increased exponentially in recent decades, and a significant part of it persists in the environment, where it degrades into microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs). These can enter in humans by ingestion, inhalation, and dermal routes, and there is scientific evidence that they are able to reach the systemic circulation and penetrate and accumulate in various tissues and organs. Neurodevelopmental toxicity of NPs is one of the most worrying effects, as they can cross the blood-brain barrier. In the following study, we analyzed, by transmission electron microscopy, the in vitro uptake of 30-nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) into human neural stem cells (NSCs), their accumulation and subcellular localization within the cell. Furthermore, we studied the effects of different concentrations of PS-NPs on cell death, proliferation, and cell differentiation using immunocytochemistry and quantitative real time PCR for specific markers. This study demonstrated that PS-NPs were able to enter the cell, probably by endocytosis, accumulate, and aggregated in human NSCs, without being detected in the nucleus, causing cell death by apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. This study provides new insights into the interaction and effects of PS-NPs in human NSC and supports the scientific evidence for the involvement of nanoplastic in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ma Carmen González-Caballero
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mercedes de Alba González
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Torres-Ruiz
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Iglesias-Hernández
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Unidad Funcional de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Zapata
- Unidad Funcional de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María C Terrón
- Unidad de Microscopía Electrónica, Unidades Centrales Científico Técnicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin Sachse
- Unidad de Microscopía Electrónica, Unidades Centrales Científico Técnicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Morales
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Física Matemática y de Fluidos, Facultad de Ciencias, UNED. Urbanización Monte Rozas, Avda, Esparta s/n. Ctra. de Las Rozas al Escorial Km 5, 28232, Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Martin-Folgar
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Física Matemática y de Fluidos, Facultad de Ciencias, UNED. Urbanización Monte Rozas, Avda, Esparta s/n. Ctra. de Las Rozas al Escorial Km 5, 28232, Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Liste
- Unidad Funcional de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2., 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Cañas-Portilla
- Área de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2,2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
241
|
Ling X, Cheng J, Yao W, Qian H, Ding D, Yu Z, Xie Y, Yang F. Identification and Visualization of Polystyrene Microplastics/Nanoplastics in Flavored Yogurt by Raman Imaging. TOXICS 2024; 12:330. [PMID: 38787108 PMCID: PMC11125995 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of food by microplastics has garnered widespread attention, particularly concerning the health risks associated with small-sized microplastics. However, detecting these smaller microplastics in food poses challenges attributed to the complexity of food matrices and instrumental and method limitations. Here, we employed Raman imaging for visualization and identification of polystyrene particles synthesized in polymerization reactions, ranging from 400 to 2600 nm. We successfully developed a quantitative model of particle size and concentration for polystyrene, exhibiting excellent fit (R2 of 0.9946). We established procedures for spiked flavored yogurt using synthesized polystyrene, providing fresh insights into microplastic extraction efficiency. Recovery rates calculated from models validated the method's feasibility. In practical applications, the assessment of the size, type, shape, and quantity of microplastics in unspiked flavored yogurt was conducted. The most common polymers found were polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene, with the smallest polystyrene sizes ranging from 1 to 10 μm. Additionally, we conducted exposure assessments of microplastics in branded flavored yogurt. This study established a foundation for developing a universal method to quantify microplastics in food, covering synthesis of standards, method development, validation, and application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Weirong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - He Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Dazhi Ding
- School of Microelectronics (School of Integrated Circuits), Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China;
| | - Zhilong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yunfei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Fangwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214026, China; (X.L.); (J.C.); (W.Y.); (H.Q.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| |
Collapse
|
242
|
Sofield CE, Anderton RS, Gorecki AM. Mind over Microplastics: Exploring Microplastic-Induced Gut Disruption and Gut-Brain-Axis Consequences. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4186-4202. [PMID: 38785524 PMCID: PMC11120006 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As environmental plastic waste degrades, it creates an abundance of diverse microplastic particles. Consequently, microplastics contaminate drinking water and many staple food products, meaning the oral ingestion of microplastics is an important exposure route for the human population. Microplastics have long been considered inert, however their ability to promote microbial dysbiosis as well as gut inflammation and dysfunction suggests they are more noxious than first thought. More alarmingly, there is evidence for microplastics permeating from the gut throughout the body, with adverse effects on the immune and nervous systems. Coupled with the now-accepted role of the gut-brain axis in neurodegeneration, these findings support the hypothesis that this ubiquitous environmental pollutant is contributing to the rising incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This comprehensive narrative review explores the consequences of oral microplastic exposure on the gut-brain-axis by considering current evidence for gastrointestinal uptake and disruption, immune activation, translocation throughout the body, and neurological effects. As microplastics are now a permanent feature of the global environment, understanding their effects on the gut, brain, and whole body will facilitate critical further research and inform policy changes aimed at reducing any adverse consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Sofield
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia; (C.E.S.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Ryan S. Anderton
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia; (C.E.S.); (R.S.A.)
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia
| | - Anastazja M. Gorecki
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia; (C.E.S.); (R.S.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
243
|
Ahn K, Park K, Sadeghi K, Seo J. New Surface Modification of Hydrophilic Polyvinyl Alcohol via Predrying and Electrospinning of Hydrophobic Polycaprolactone Nanofibers. Foods 2024; 13:1385. [PMID: 38731754 PMCID: PMC11083550 DOI: 10.3390/foods13091385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the excellent oxygen barrier and biodegradability of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), its poor physical properties owing to its inherent hydrophilicity limit its application. In this paper, we report a novel surface modification technique for PVA films, involving the control of the predrying conditions (i.e., amount of residual solvent) of the coated PVA film and adjusting the electrospinning process of hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers onto the PVA films. The residual solvent of the coated PVA film was varied by changing the predrying time. A shorter predrying time increased the residual solvent content significantly (p < 0.05) and the flexibility of the coated PVA film. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy depicted the improved physical binding of hydrophobic PCL nanofibers to the hydrophilic PVA surface with increased penetration depth to the PVA film with shorter drying times. The PVA/PCL composite films with different predrying times and electrospun PCL nanofibers exhibited an apparent increase in the contact angle from 8.3° to 95.1°. The tensile strength of the pure PVA film increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 7.5 MPa to 77.4 MPa and its oxygen permeability decreased from 5.5 to 1.9 cc/m2·day. Therefore, our newly developed technique is cost-effective for modifying the surface and physical properties of hydrophilic polymers, broadening their industrial applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kihyeon Ahn
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju-si 26493, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea; (K.A.); (K.P.)
| | - Kitae Park
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju-si 26493, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea; (K.A.); (K.P.)
| | - Kambiz Sadeghi
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, 501 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
| | - Jongchul Seo
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju-si 26493, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea; (K.A.); (K.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
244
|
Płuciennik K, Sicińska P, Misztal W, Bukowska B. Important Factors Affecting Induction of Cell Death, Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage by Nano- and Microplastic Particles In Vitro. Cells 2024; 13:768. [PMID: 38727304 PMCID: PMC11083305 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We have described the influence of selected factors that increase the toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) with regard to cell viability, various types of cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, and genotoxicity. These factors include plastic particle size (NPs/MPs), zeta potential, exposure time, concentration, functionalization, and the influence of environmental factors and cell type. Studies have unequivocally shown that smaller plastic particles are more cytotoxic, penetrate cells more easily, increase ROS formation, and induce oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA. The toxic effects also increase with concentration and incubation time. NPs with positive zeta potential are also more toxic than those with a negative zeta potential because the cells are negatively charged, inducing stronger interactions. The deleterious effects of NPs and MPs are increased by functionalization with anionic or carboxyl groups, due to greater interaction with cell membrane components. Cationic NPs/MPs are particularly toxic due to their greater cellular uptake and/or their effects on cells and lysosomal membranes. The effects of polystyrene (PS) vary from one cell type to another, and normal cells are more sensitive to NPs than cancerous ones. The toxicity of NPs/MPs can be enhanced by environmental factors, including UV radiation, as they cause the particles to shrink and change their shape, which is a particularly important consideration when working with environmentally-changed NPs/MPs. In summary, the cytotoxicity, oxidative properties, and genotoxicity of plastic particles depends on their concentration, duration of action, and cell type. Also, NPs/MPs with a smaller diameter and positive zeta potential, and those exposed to UV and functionalized with amino groups, demonstrate higher toxicity than larger, non-functionalized and environmentally-unchanged particles with a negative zeta potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bożena Bukowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.P.); (P.S.); (W.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
245
|
Martin L, Simpson K, Brzezinski M, Watt J, Xu W. Cellular response of keratinocytes to the entry and accumulation of nanoplastic particles. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:22. [PMID: 38685063 PMCID: PMC11057139 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00583-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic accumulation in the environment is rapidly increasing, and nanoplastics (NP), byproducts of environmental weathering of bulk plastic waste, pose a significant public health risk. Particles may enter the human body through many possible routes such as ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. However, studies on NP penetration and accumulation in human skin are limited. Loss or reduction of the keratinized skin barrier may enhance the skin penetration of NPs. The present study investigated the entry of NPs into a human skin system modeling skin with compromised barrier functions and cellular responses to the intracellular accumulations of NPs. Two in vitro models were employed to simulate human skin lacking keratinized barriers. The first model was an ex vivo human skin culture with the keratinized dermal layer (stratum corneum) removed. The second model was a 3D keratinocyte/dermal fibroblast cell co-culture model with stratified keratinocytes on the top and a monolayer of skin fibroblast cells co-cultured at the bottom. The penetration and accumulation of the NPs in different cell types were observed using fluorescent microscopy, confocal microscopy, and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The cellular responses of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast cells to stress induced by NPs stress were measured. The genetic regulatory pathway of keratinocytes to the intracellular NPs was identified using transcript analyses and KEGG pathway analysis. The cellular uptake of NPs by skin cells was confirmed by imaging analyses. Transepidermal transport and penetration of NPs through the skin epidermis were observed. According to the gene expression and pathway analyses, an IL-17 signaling pathway was identified as the trigger for cellular responses to internal NP accumulation in the keratinocytes. The transepidermal NPs were also found in co-cultured dermal fibroblast cells and resulted in a large-scale transition from fibroblast cells to myofibroblast cells with enhanced production of α-smooth muscle actin and pro-Collagen Ia. The upregulation of inflammatory factors and cell activation may result in skin inflammation and ultimately trigger immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leisha Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr, 78412, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Kayla Simpson
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr, 78412, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Molly Brzezinski
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr, 78412, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - John Watt
- Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr, 78412, Corpus Christi, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
246
|
Garcia MA, Liu R, Nihart A, El Hayek E, Castillo E, Barrozo ER, Suter MA, Bleske B, Scott J, Forsythe K, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Aagaard KM, Campen MJ. Quantitation and identification of microplastics accumulation in human placental specimens using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:81-88. [PMID: 38366932 PMCID: PMC11057519 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The exponential increase in global plastic usage has led to the emergence of nano- and microplastic (NMP) pollution as a pressing environmental issue due to its implications for human and other mammalian health. We have developed methodologies to extract solid materials from human tissue samples by saponification and ultracentrifugation, allowing for highly specific and quantitative analysis of plastics by pyrolysis-gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). As a benchmark, placenta tissue samples were analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and automated particle count, which demonstrated the presence of >1-micron particles and fibers, but not nano-sized plastic particles. Analyses of the samples (n = 10) using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated presence of rayon, polystyrene, polyethylene, and unclassified plastic particles. By contrast, among 62 placenta samples, Py-GC-MS revealed that microplastics were present in all participants' placentae, with concentrations ranging widely from 6.5 to 685 µg NMPs per gram of placental tissue, averaging 126.8 ± 147.5 µg/g (mean±SD). Polyethylene was the most prevalent polymer, accounting for 54% of total NMPs and consistently found in nearly all samples (mean 68.8 ± 93.2 µg/g placenta). Polyvinyl chloride and nylon each represented approximately 10% of the NMPs by weight, with the remaining 26% of the composition represented by 9 other polymers. Together, these data demonstrate advancements in the unbiased quantitative resolution of Py-GC-MS applied to the identification and quantification of NMP species at the maternal-fetal interface. This method, paired with clinical metadata, will be pivotal to evaluating potential impacts of NMPs on adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus A Garcia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Alex Nihart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Eliseo Castillo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Enrico R Barrozo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Melissa A Suter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Barry Bleske
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| | - Justin Scott
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Kyle Forsythe
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Matthew J Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
247
|
Boccia P, Mondellini S, Mauro S, Zanellato M, Parolini M, Sturchio E. Potential Effects of Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Microplastics: An Overview of Air Contamination. TOXICS 2024; 12:320. [PMID: 38787098 PMCID: PMC11125735 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are now ubiquitous environmental contaminants that lead to unavoidable human exposure; they have received increasing attention in recent years and have become an emerging area of research. The greatest concern is the negative impacts of MPs on marine, fresh-water, and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as human health, to the extent that the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for increased research and standardized methods to assess exposure to MPs. Many countries and international organizations are implementing or proposing legislation in this regard. This review aims to summarize the current state of legislation, indoor and outdoor contamination, and potential human health risk due to exposure to airborne MPs, considering that occupational exposure to MPs is also becoming a growing area of concern. Even though research regarding MPs has continuously increased in the last twenty years, the effects of MPs on human health have been scarcely investigated, and toxicity studies are still limited and not directly comparable, due to the lack of standardized studies in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Boccia
- INAIL—Istituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Dit, 38/40 Via Roberto Ferruzzi, 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.S.)
| | - Simona Mondellini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Simona Mauro
- Chemistry Department, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Miriam Zanellato
- INAIL—Istituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Dit, 38/40 Via Roberto Ferruzzi, 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.S.)
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Elena Sturchio
- INAIL—Istituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Dit, 38/40 Via Roberto Ferruzzi, 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
248
|
Ikuno Y, Tsujino H, Haga Y, Manabe S, Idehara W, Hokaku M, Asahara H, Higashisaka K, Tsutsumi Y. Polyethylene, whose surface has been modified by UV irradiation, induces cytotoxicity: A comparison with microplastics found in beaches. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116346. [PMID: 38669869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, plastic particles 5 mm or less in size, are abundant in the environment; hence, the exposure of humans to microplastics is a great concern. Usually, the surface of microplastics found in the environment has undergone degradation by external factors such as ultraviolet rays and water waves. One of the characteristics of changes caused by surface degradation of microplastics is the introduction of oxygen-containing functional groups. Surface degradation alters the physicochemical properties of plastics, suggesting that the biological effects of environmentally degraded plastics may differ from those of pure plastics. However, the biological effects of plastics introduced with oxygen-containing functional groups through degradation are poorly elucidated owing to the lack of a plastic sample that imitates the degradation state of plastics found in the environment. In this study, we investigated the degradation state of microplastics collected from a beach. Next, we degraded a commercially available polyethylene (PE) particles via vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation and showed that chemical surface state of PE imitates that of microplastics in the environment. We evaluated the cytotoxic effects of degraded PE samples on immune and epithelial cell lines. We found that VUV irradiation was effective in degrading PE within a short period, and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity was induced by degraded PE in all cell lines. Our results indicate that the cytotoxic effect of PE on different cell types depends on the degree of microplastic degradation, which contributes to our understanding of the effects of PE microplastics on humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Ikuno
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tsujino
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Museum Links, Osaka University, 1-13 Machikaneyamacho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan.
| | - Yuya Haga
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sota Manabe
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Wakaba Idehara
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mii Hokaku
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Haruyasu Asahara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuma Higashisaka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuo Tsutsumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
249
|
Patidar K, Ambade B, Alshehri M. Microplastics and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and sediment of the Bay of Bengal coastal area, India: sources, pathway and ecological risk. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:176. [PMID: 38649546 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01926-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In the aquatic environment around the world, microplastic contamination has been a common and ongoing issue. Particularly, the ability of microplastics to absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and then transmit these POPs to aquatic creatures has attracted a lot of interest. A stereomicroscope was used to detect the size, shape, and color of the microplastics (MPs), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the polymer composition of the MPs. To address MP transit, destiny, and mitigation, a study of MP pollution coastal areas is required. In the current study, MP pollution in the collected sample from upper layer of water and sediment of the Digha and Puri beaches along the coast of BOB was evaluated. The average concentration with SD of MPs observed in water was 5.3 ± 1.8 items/L whereas, in sediments, it was 173.4 ± 40.1 items/kg at Digha beach. The mean MPs abundance in the Puri beach was 6.4 ± 1.7 items/L in the water and 190.4 ± 28.0 items/kg in the sediments. The investigated total 16-PAHs concentrations were 164.7 ng/g, 121.9 ng/g, 73.6 ng/g, and 101.3 ng/g on the MPs surface of foam, fragment, fibers, and film respectively in the studied MPs sample. Smaller than 1000 µm size of MPs are distributed in the largest concentration. Fibers, films, fragments, and foam were the most common shapes of MPs. The molecular structure of MPs in water and sediment samples was analysed i.e., polyesters (PEs), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonates (PC), and polyurethane (PU). The obtained result offers an accurate assessment of the PLI, and the investigated polymer facilitates determining the polymer hazard levels, which emphasizes the risk associated with it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Patidar
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831014, India
| | - Balram Ambade
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831014, India.
| | - Mohammed Alshehri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
250
|
Gao X, Xu K, Du W, Wang S, Jiang M, Wang Y, Han Q, Chen M. Comparing the effects and mechanisms of exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics with different functional groups on the male reproductive system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171299. [PMID: 38423318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
After aging in the environment, some nanoplastics will carry different charges and functional groups, thereby altering their toxicological effects. To evaluate the potential impact of aging of nanoplastics on the mammalian reproductive system, we exposed C57BL/6 male mice to a dose of 5 mg/kg/d polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) with different functional groups (unmodified, carboxyl functionalized and amino functionalized) for 45 days for this study. The results suggest that PS-NPs with different functional groups triggered oxidative stress, a decreased in the testis index, disruption of the outer wall of the seminiferous tubules, reduction in the number of spermatogonia cells and sperm counts, and an increased in sperm malformations. We performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on the differentially expressed proteins, and found they were mainly enriched in protein transport, RNA splicing and mTOR signaling. We confirmed that the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway is over activated, which may lead to reduction of spermatogonia stem cells by over differentiation. Strikingly, PS-NPs with functional group modifications are more toxic than those of unmodified polystyrene, and that PS-NPs with positively charged amino modifications are the most toxic. This study provides a new understanding for correctly evaluating the toxicological effects of plastic aging, and of the mechanism responsible for the reproductive toxicity caused by nanoplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Gao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Wanting Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Shuxin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Mengling Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Yunyi Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Han
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Mingqing Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|