201
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Cross-Contamination as a Problem in Collection and Analysis of Environmental Samples Containing Microplastics—A Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132112123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research conducted so far on the presence of microplastics in the environment shows that these items are ubiquitous pollutants and therefore constitute an inherent part of our lives. This constitutes a significant problem in many aspects, and one of them is the correct identification of microplastics in environmental samples. Environmental samples can be easily contaminated by plastic microparticles from other sources if proper precautions are not taken during sampling and analysis. The consequence of not taking this cross-contamination into account when analysing the results may be their significant overestimation. This review aims to draw attention to the problem of cross-contamination that accompanies the collection and analysis of samples for the presence of microplastics, and to discuss this issue in a comprehensive manner. The article indicates potential sources of cross-contamination, lists the mitigation methods, and describes the possibilities of assessing this type of contamination. Moreover, the review examines how cross-contamination control appears in practice, based on the available literature data.
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202
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Curren E, Kuwahara VS, Yoshida T, Leong SCY. Marine microplastics in the ASEAN region: A review of the current state of knowledge. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117776. [PMID: 34280748 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a prevalent and serious problem in marine environments. These particles have a detrimental impact on marine ecosystems. They are harmful to marine organisms and are known to be a habitat for toxic microorganisms. Marine microplastics have been identified in beach sand, the seafloor and also in marine biota. Although research investigating the presence of microplastics in various marine environments have increased across the years, studies in Southeast Asia are still relatively limited. In this paper, 36 studies on marine microplastic pollution in Southeast Asia were reviewed and discussed, focusing on microplastics in beach and benthic sediments, seawater and marine organisms. These studies have shown that the presence of fishing harbours, aquaculture farms, and tourism result in an increased abundance of microplastics. The illegal and improper disposal of waste from village settlements and factories also contribute to the high abundance of microplastics observed. Hence, it is crucial to identify the hotspots of microplastic pollution, for assessment and mitigation purposes. Future studies should aim to standardize protocols and quantification, to allow for better quantification and assessment of the levels of microplastic contamination for monitoring purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Curren
- St. John Island National Marine Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore.
| | - Victor S Kuwahara
- Graduate School of Engineering, Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-8577, Japan
| | - Teruaki Yoshida
- Unit for Harmful Algal Bloom Studies, Borneo Marine Research Institute, University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Sandric Chee Yew Leong
- St. John Island National Marine Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
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203
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Yang H, He Y, Yan Y, Junaid M, Wang J. Characteristics, Toxic Effects, and Analytical Methods of Microplastics in the Atmosphere. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11102747. [PMID: 34685192 PMCID: PMC8538790 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) (including nanoplastics (NPs)) are pieces of plastic smaller than 5 mm in size. They are produced by the crushing and decomposition of large waste plastics and widely distributed in all kinds of ecological environments and even in organisms, so they have been paid much attention by the public and scientific community. Previously, several studies have reviewed the sources, occurrence, distribution, and toxicity of MPs in water and soil. By comparison, the review of atmospheric MPs is inadequate. In particular, there are still significant gaps in the quantitative analysis of MPs and the mechanisms associated with the toxic effects of inhaled MPs. Thus, this review summarizes and analyzes the distribution, source, and fate of atmospheric MPs and related influencing factors. The potential toxic effects of atmospheric MPs on animals and humans are also reviewed in depth. In addition, the common sampling and analysis methods used in existing studies are introduced. The aim of this paper is to put forward some feasible suggestions on the research direction of atmospheric MPs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Yang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Y.); (Y.H.); (Y.Y.); (M.J.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Zhongshan Innovation Center, South China Agricultural University, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Yinglin He
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Y.); (Y.H.); (Y.Y.); (M.J.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yumeng Yan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Y.); (Y.H.); (Y.Y.); (M.J.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Y.); (Y.H.); (Y.Y.); (M.J.)
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Y.); (Y.H.); (Y.Y.); (M.J.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Biophysical and Environmental Science Research Center, Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-20-87571321
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204
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Ali MU, Lin S, Yousaf B, Abbas Q, Munir MAM, Ali MU, Rasihd A, Zheng C, Kuang X, Wong MH. Environmental emission, fate and transformation of microplastics in biotic and abiotic compartments: Global status, recent advances and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 791:148422. [PMID: 34412398 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The intensive use and wide-ranging application of plastic- and plastic-derived products have resulted in alarming levels of plastic pollution in different environmental compartments worldwide. As a result of various biogeochemical mechanisms, this plastic litter is converted into small, ubiquitous and persistent fragments called microplastics (<5 mm), which are of significant and increasing concern to the scientific community. Microplastics have spread across the globe and now exist in virtually all environmental compartments (the soil, atmosphere, and water). Although these compartments are often considered to be independent environments, in reality, they are very closely linked. Ample research has been done on microplastics, but there are still questions and knowledge gaps regarding the emission, occurrence, distribution, detection, environmental fate and transport of MPs in different environmental compartments. The current article is intended to provide a systematic overview of MP emissions, pollution conditions, sampling and analytical approaches, transport, fates and transformation mechanisms in different environmental compartments. It also identifies research gaps and future research directions and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ubaid Ali
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Siyi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Balal Yousaf
- Department of Environment Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey; CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China.
| | - Qumber Abbas
- Department of Environment Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey.
| | - Mehr Ahmed Mujtaba Munir
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China.
| | - Muhammad Uzair Ali
- Business School of Xiangtan University, Xiangtan University, Hunan, China.
| | - Audil Rasihd
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, Pakistan.
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xingxing Kuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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205
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Wu M, Tu C, Liu G, Zhong H. Time to Safeguard the Future Generations from the Omnipresent Microplastics. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:793-799. [PMID: 34223933 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03252-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as a ubiquitous environmental pollutant have drawn growing attention, and it is concerning that children are more sensitive to MPs than adults. Unfortunately, information about the link between children and MPs is insufficient. Therefore, we review the sources and exposure routes of children to MPs and collect evidence for the potential risks. Children can ingest and/or inhale MPs derived from various foodstuffs and plastic products. Despite the limited knowledge on the toxicity to humans, current studies have proved the accumulation and translocation of MPs in different tissues and organs. Main damages including cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity can be caused by pristine polymers and/or co-contaminants. There is much more to be understood about MPs, especially their health effects, and this study has made it clear that it is time to protect our future generations from the threat of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Tu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Guangxia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
- Environmental and Life Sciences Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada.
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206
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González-Acedo A, García-Recio E, Illescas-Montes R, Ramos-Torrecillas J, Melguizo-Rodríguez L, Costela-Ruiz VJ. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies on the potential health repercussions of micro- and nanoplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 280:130826. [PMID: 34162123 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plastic is a synthetic or semisynthetic polymer with numerous physicochemical properties, and its fragmentation can give rise to microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). These particles can enter our ecosystem, where a process of constant degradation facilitates their dispersion and absorption by different species, affecting multiple organs and systems. The objective of this review was to provide an update on the potential health effects of MPs and NPs indicated by in vitro and in vivo studies. In vitro studies have described the absorption of plastic particles of different sizes and have documented their proinflammatory effects and genotoxicity, which can lead to the structural alteration of cells. MPs and NPs have also been implicated in the development of antibiotic resistance. In vivo studies have demonstrated that MPs and NPs can access organisms via dietary and respiratory pathways and through the epidermis. Their reported effects include: changes in microbiota and digestive enzyme production; inflammatory processes at respiratory level; circulatory and reproductive system disorders; and neurotoxicity, inducing behavioral changes. In vitro and in vivo studies have evidenced detrimental effects in different organs and systems as a function of the dose, size, and chemical properties of plastic particles. Further research is warranted to determine the effects on human health of these particles at environmental doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel González-Acedo
- Biomedical Group (BIO277), Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (Spain), Avda. Ilustración, 60, 18016, Spain.
| | - Enrique García-Recio
- Biomedical Group (BIO277), Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (Spain), Avda. Ilustración, 60, 18016, Spain; Instituto Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.Granada. C/ Dr. Azpitarte 4 - 4(a) Planta, 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Rebeca Illescas-Montes
- Biomedical Group (BIO277), Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (Spain), Avda. Ilustración, 60, 18016, Spain; Instituto Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.Granada. C/ Dr. Azpitarte 4 - 4(a) Planta, 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Javier Ramos-Torrecillas
- Biomedical Group (BIO277), Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (Spain), Avda. Ilustración, 60, 18016, Spain; Instituto Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.Granada. C/ Dr. Azpitarte 4 - 4(a) Planta, 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Lucía Melguizo-Rodríguez
- Biomedical Group (BIO277), Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (Spain), Avda. Ilustración, 60, 18016, Spain; Instituto Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.Granada. C/ Dr. Azpitarte 4 - 4(a) Planta, 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Víctor Javier Costela-Ruiz
- Biomedical Group (BIO277), Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (Spain), Avda. Ilustración, 60, 18016, Spain; Instituto Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.Granada. C/ Dr. Azpitarte 4 - 4(a) Planta, 18012, Granada, Spain.
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207
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Wang Y, Huang J, Zhu F, Zhou S. Airborne Microplastics: A Review on the Occurrence, Migration and Risks to Humans. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:657-664. [PMID: 33742221 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03180-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As emerging environmental contaminants, microplastics may cause potential hazard to global ecosphere (including water, soil and air) and human health. To date, the occurance and ecological effects of microplastics in water and soil were systematically summarized. However, there are few reviews of microplastics in air (i.e. airborne microplastics). Recently, microplastics have been observed in atmospheric fallout collected from some areas. Although the studies are limited, most of the researches showed that synthetic textiles are the main source of airborne microplastics, and fibers are the dominant shape. Airborne microplastics are contributors to microplastic pollution in aquatic and soil environments. In addition, airborne microplastics can be directly inhaled and posed health risks to humans. Therefore, this review summarized the current knowledge and provide insights into further research to better understand airborne microplastics and their risks to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- College of Environmental Engineering, Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211167, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Jiangsu Academy of Environmental Science Environmental Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210036, China.
| | - Fengxiao Zhu
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shaoda Zhou
- Nanjing Kaver Scientific Instruments, Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China
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208
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Microplastics in the atmospheric compartment: a comprehensive review on methods, results on their occurrence and determining factors. Curr Opin Food Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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209
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Wang P, Xiao T, Li J, Wang D, Sun J, Cheng C, Ma H, Xue J, Li Y, Zhang A, Liu Q. miR-21 in EVs from pulmonary epithelial cells promotes myofibroblast differentiation via glycolysis in arsenic-induced pulmonary fibrosis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117259. [PMID: 33965804 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As an environmental toxicant, arsenic causes damage to various organs and systems of the body and has attracted worldwide attention. It is well-known that exposure to arsenic can induce pulmonary fibrosis, but the molecular mechanisms are elusive. Glycolysis is involved in the process of various diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are mediators of cell communication through transporting miRNAs. The potential of miRNAs in EVs as liquid biopsy biomarkers for various diseases has been reported, and they have been applied in clinical diagnoses. In the present investigation, we focused on the roles and mechanisms of miR-21 in EVs on arsenic-induced glycolysis and pulmonary fibrosis through experiments with human populations, experimental animals, and cells. The results for arsenicosis populations showed that the serum levels of hydroxyproline, lactate, and EVs-miRNAs were elevated and that EVs-miR-21 levels were positively related to the levels of hydroxyproline and lactate. For mice, chronic exposure to arsenite led to high levels of miR-21, AKT activation, elevated glycolysis, and pulmonary fibrosis; however, these effects were blocked by the depletion of miR-21 in miR-21 knockout (miR-21KO) mice. After MRC-5 cells were co-cultured with arsenite-treated HBE cells, the levels of miR-21, AKT activation, glycolysis, and myofibroblast differentiation were enhanced, effects that were blocked by reducing miR-21 and by inhibiting the EVs in HBE cells. The down-regulation of PTEN in MRC-5 cells and primary lung fibroblasts (PLFs) reversed the blocking effect of inhibiting miR-21 in HBE cells. Thus, miR-21 down-regulates PTEN and promotes glycolysis via activating AKT, which is associated with arsenite-induced myofibroblast differentiation and pulmonary fibrosis. Our results provide a new approach for the construction of clinical diagnosis technology based on analysis of the mechanism of arsenite-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwen Wang
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Xiao
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Li
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dapeng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Sun
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Ma
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Junchao Xue
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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210
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Pashaei R, Loiselle SA, Leone G, Tamasi G, Dzingelevičienė R, Kowalkowski T, Gholizadeh M, Consumi M, Abbasi S, Sabaliauskaitė V, Buszewski B. Determination of nano and microplastic particles in hypersaline lakes by multiple methods. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:668. [PMID: 34553268 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09470-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics have a range of impacts on the aquatic environment and present major challenges to their mitigation and management. Their transport and fate depend on their composition, form, and the characteristics of the receiving environment. We explore the spatial and temporal dynamics of plastic particles in the world's second-largest hypersaline lake, combining information from microscopic, thermal gravimetric, and fractional methods. Studies on microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in these important environments are scarce, and there is limited understanding of their dynamics and fate. Our results for Urmia Lake (Iran) in 2016 and 2019 show a discrepancy in the composition and quantity of microplastics measured in river tributaries to the lake and the lake itself, suggesting an active microplastic sink. Potential sink mechanisms in hypersaline lakes are explored. The present study indicates that microplastics have different transport mechanisms and fate in these extreme environments, compared to lake and ocean environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Pashaei
- Marine Research Institute of Klaipeda University, Klaipeda, Lithuania.
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.
| | | | - Gemma Leone
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tamasi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Tomasz Kowalkowski
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Mortaza Gholizadeh
- Faculty of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marco Consumi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sajjad Abbasi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Boguslaw Buszewski
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
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211
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Cao Y, Zhao M, Ma X, Song Y, Zuo S, Li H, Deng W. A critical review on the interactions of microplastics with heavy metals: Mechanism and their combined effect on organisms and humans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147620. [PMID: 34029813 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Although individual toxicity of microplastics (MPs) to organism has been widely studied, limited knowledge is available on the interactions between heavy metals and MPs, as well as potential biological impacts from their combinations. The interaction between MPs and heavy metals may alter their environmental behaviors, bioavailability and potential toxicity, leading to ecological risks. In this paper, an overview of different sources of heavy metals on MPs is provided. Then the recent achievements in adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics and interaction mechanism between MPs and heavy metals are discussed. Besides, the factors that influence the adsorption of heavy metals on MPs such as polymer properties, chemical properties of heavy metals, and other environmental factors are also considered. Furthermore, potential combined toxic effects from MPs and heavy metals on organisms and human health are further summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiao Cao
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China.
| | - Mengjie Zhao
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Xianying Ma
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Yongwei Song
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Shihan Zuo
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Honghu Li
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
| | - Wenzhuo Deng
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Information and Safety Engineering, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
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Pironti C, Ricciardi M, Motta O, Miele Y, Proto A, Montano L. Microplastics in the Environment: Intake through the Food Web, Human Exposure and Toxicological Effects. TOXICS 2021; 9:224. [PMID: 34564375 PMCID: PMC8473407 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9090224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently, studies on microplastics (MPs) have increased rapidly due to the growing awareness of the potential health risks related to their occurrence. The first part of this review is devoted to MP occurrence, distribution, and quantification. MPs can be transferred from the environment to humans mainly through inhalation, secondly from ingestion, and, to a lesser extent, through dermal contact. As regards food web contamination, we discuss the microplastic presence not only in the most investigated sources, such as seafood, drinking water, and salts, but also in other foods such as honey, sugar, milk, fruit, and meat (chickens, cows, and pigs). All literature data suggest not-negligible human exposure to MPs through the above-mentioned routes. Consequently, several research efforts have been devoted to assessing potential human health risks. Initially, toxicological studies were conducted with aquatic organisms and then with experimental mammal animal models and human cell cultures. In the latter case, toxicological effects were observed at high concentrations of MPs (polystyrene is the most common MP benchmark) for a short time. Further studies must be performed to assess the real consequences of MP contamination at low concentrations and prolonged exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Pironti
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Maria Ricciardi
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Ylenia Miele
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (Y.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonio Proto
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (Y.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-FoodFertility Project), “S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital”, 84020 Oliveto Citra, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
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213
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Sridharan S, Kumar M, Singh L, Bolan NS, Saha M. Microplastics as an emerging source of particulate air pollution: A critical review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 418:126245. [PMID: 34111744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of plastic litter exerts pressure on the environment. Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a universal challenge due to the overexploitation of plastic products and unsystematic dumping of plastic waste. Initial studies on MPs and their implications had been confined to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but recent research has also focused on MPs in the air. Their impacts on urban air quality and atmospheric transport to pristine habitats have emerged to be a serious concern. However, the extent and the significance of impacts of airborne particulate matter (PM) MPs on human health are not clearly understood. Further, the influence of airborne MPs on indoor and outdoor air quality remains unknown. We highlight the human health impacts of airborne PM-MPs with a special focus on the occupational safety of the industry workers, their possible influence on Air Quality Index (AQI), their potential exposure, and accumulation in the canopy/arboreal, above-canopy and atmospheric (aerial) habitats. The present review emphasizes the data limitations and knowledge gaps on the atmospheric transport and contribution of particulate plastics to the worsening of overall urban air quality and throws critical perspectives on whether atmospheric MPs pollution is trivial or an actual matter of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinidhi Sridharan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Lal Singh
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for High-Performance Soils, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Mahua Saha
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India.
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214
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Abbasi S, Turner A. Dry and wet deposition of microplastics in a semi-arid region (Shiraz, Iran). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786:147358. [PMID: 33975117 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) have been retrieved from settled dusts and rainfall collected monthly over a period of a year and daily over an additional period of ten days in the city of Shiraz and at an elevated remote site (Mount Derak) in Iran. Total monthly deposition ranged from about 1000 to 3500 MP m-2 at Shiraz and about 200 to 600 MP m-2 at Mount Derak, with greater deposition taking place during the dry months (June to November) than in months when precipitation events occurred. Overall, MP deposition was dominated by dry deposition, with precipitation appearing to washout MP and inhibit local resuspension of material by dampening the ground. The majority of MP in dust and precipitation (>99%) was of a fibrous nature, with the finest particles measured (<100 μm in length) comprising ~20-40% of MP at Shiraz and ~70-80% of MP at Mount Derak and analysis of selected samples (n = 34) revealing the most abundant polymers to be polypropylene, polyethylene polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate. While in Shiraz, local sources of MP are likely significant, the occurrence of MP at Mount Derak and back trajectories computed with HYSPLIT suggest that distal sources, mainly carried by air masses from the north and west, are also important. The observations here add to the growing evidence of the global ubiquity and long-range transport of MP in the atmosphere and reinforce calls for more research into the potential impacts of MP in this environmental compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Abbasi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71454, Iran.
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, PL4 8AA, UK
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215
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216
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Kannan K, Vimalkumar K. A Review of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Insights Into Microplastics as Obesogens. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:724989. [PMID: 34484127 PMCID: PMC8416353 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.724989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous exposure of humans to microplastics (MPs) through inhalation of particles in air and ingestion in dust, water, and diet is well established. Humans are estimated to ingest tens of thousands to millions of MP particles annually, or on the order of several milligrams daily. Available information suggests that inhalation of indoor air and ingestion of drinking water bottled in plastic are the major sources of MP exposure. Little is known on the occurrence of MPs in human diet. Evidence is accumulating that feeding bottles and medical devices can contribute to MP exposure in newborns and infants. Biomonitoring studies of human stool, fetus, and placenta provide direct evidence of MP exposure in infants and children. MPs <20 µm were reported to cross biological membranes. Although plastics were once perceived as inert materials, MP exposure in laboratory animals is linked to various forms of inflammation, immunological response, endocrine disruption, alteration of lipid and energy metabolism, and other disorders. Whereas exposure to MPs itself is a concern, MPs can also be sources of exposure to plastic additives and other toxicants. Exposure of human cell lines to MP additives such as phthalates, bisphenols, and organotins causes adverse effects through the activation of nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, β, and γ, and retinoid X receptor (RXR), leading to oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, thyroid hormone disruption, and altered adipogenesis and energy production. The size, shape, chemical composition, surface charge, and hydrophobicity of MPs influence their toxicity. Maternal transfer of MPs to the developing fetus has been demonstrated in exposed laboratory animals and through the analysis of human placenta. In laboratory animal studies, maternal exposure to MPs altered energy and lipid metabolism in offspring and subsequent generations. Moreover, concomitant with the global increase in plastics production, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in human populations has increased over the past five decades, and there is evidence to support the hypothesis that MPs and their additives are potential obesogens. Even though MP exposures are ubiquitous and toxic effects from such exposures are a concern, systematic studies on this topic remain urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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217
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Huang Y, He T, Yan M, Yang L, Gong H, Wang W, Qing X, Wang J. Atmospheric transport and deposition of microplastics in a subtropical urban environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:126168. [PMID: 34492944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As an issue of great concern, microplastics pollution has emerged as a key environmental challenge of our time. The atmosphere is a significant compartment in the global cycle of microplastics, however, studies on the transport and deposition of airborne microplastics is limited. In the present work, atmospheric wet and dry deposition of microplastics were analyzed over one year in an urban environment of megacity Guangzhou, China. The atmospheric deposition fluxes of microplastics ranged from 51 to 178 particles/m2/d (mean: 114 ± 40 particles/m2/d). Fibers, fragments, films and microbeads were observed in the deposition samples, with fibers being the most abundant microplastics, accounting for 77.6 ± 19.1% of the total. The chemical composition of microplastics were identified using micro Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. 78.7% of the fibrous microplastics were derived from petrochemicals and most were polyethylene terephthalate (polyester), suggesting that textiles (e.g., clothes and curtains) were likely the main source. The results of back-trajectory analysis indicated that city rivers may act as secondary sources of airborne microplastics. Though no significant correlation was found between atmospheric microplastic deposition and meteorological factors such as rainfall and wind events, these factors were suggested to be positive drivers for the transport and deposition of airborne microplastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Huang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Tao He
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muting Yan
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Lian Yang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Han Gong
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xian Qing
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ecological Environment Simulation and Protection, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China.
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218
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Campos da Rocha FO, Martinez ST, Campos VP, da Rocha GO, de Andrade JB. Microplastic pollution in Southern Atlantic marine waters: Review of current trends, sources, and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 782:146541. [PMID: 33839668 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging and ubiquitous contaminants which have been gaining prominence since the last decade to nowadays. This is due to their possible adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems as well as the huge amount of plastic waste exponentially generated around the globe. Plastics may be introduced either directly to water bodies or indirectly to the aquatic systems by being carried by the wind, from emissions of contaminated effluents, and soil leaching, among other processes. In turn, these debris may interact with organic and inorganic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and trace constituents, and with microorganisms. Although the abundance of microplastics from South Atlantic waters is among the highest found worldwide, the number of studies in these marine waters regarding MP contamination is still scarce. Additionally, there still are no consensus on the best sampling conditions, which may be underestimating MPs. In this way, adequate MPs studies regarding their distribution, exposure levels, chemical and biological interactions are highly suggested in order to better understand both environmental and human health potential risks. This review assessed advances in sampling, analytical methodologies, characterization and understanding of MP sources in these marine waters in comparison to data from other regions around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele O Campos da Rocha
- Centro Universitário SENAI-CIMATEC, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 - Piatã, 41650-010 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Ambiente, CIEnAm, UFBA, CEP: 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Sabrina T Martinez
- Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Ambiente, CIEnAm, UFBA, CEP: 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Vânia P Campos
- INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Instituto de Química, Campus Ondina, 40170-270 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Gisele O da Rocha
- Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Ambiente, CIEnAm, UFBA, CEP: 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Instituto de Química, Campus Ondina, 40170-270 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Jailson B de Andrade
- Centro Universitário SENAI-CIMATEC, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 - Piatã, 41650-010 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Ambiente, CIEnAm, UFBA, CEP: 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT em Energia e Ambiente, UFBA, CEP: 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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219
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O'Brien S, Okoffo ED, Rauert C, O'Brien JW, Ribeiro F, Burrows SD, Toapanta T, Wang X, Thomas KV. Quantification of selected microplastics in Australian urban road dust. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:125811. [PMID: 33892382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (1 - 5000 µm) are pervasive in every compartment of our environment. However, little is understood regarding the concentration and size distribution of microplastics in road dust, and how they change in relation to human activity. Within road dust, microplastics move through the environment via atmospheric transportation and stormwater run-off into waterways. Human exposure pathways to road dust include dermal contact, inhalation and ingestion. In this study, road dust along an urban to rural transect within South-East Queensland, Australia was analysed using Accelerated Solvent Extraction followed by pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS). Polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, poly (methyl methacrylate) and polyethylene were quantified. Microplastic concentrations ranged from ~0.5 mg/g (rural site) to 6 mg/g (Brisbane city), consisting primarily of polyvinyl chloride (29%) and polyethylene terephthalate (29%). Size fractionation (< 250 µm, 250-500 µm, 500-1000 µm, 1000-2000 µm and 2000-5000 µm) established that the < 250 µm size fraction contained the majority of microplastics by mass (mg/g). Microplastic concentrations in road dust demonstrated a significant relationship with the volume of vehicles (r2 = 0.63), suggesting traffic, as a proxy for human movement, is associated with increased microplastic concentrations in the built environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Elvis Dartey Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Cassandra Rauert
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Francisca Ribeiro
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Stephen D Burrows
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Tania Toapanta
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
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220
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Wang X, Liu K, Zhu L, Li C, Song Z, Li D. Efficient transport of atmospheric microplastics onto the continent via the East Asian summer monsoon. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125477. [PMID: 33647626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere is a global concern because of its environmental and health impacts; however, the monsoonal transport of atmospheric MPs has not yet been investigated. To fully understand the effect of the monsoon on atmospheric MP transport, we conducted a study along the southeast coast of China during the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). We found that the EASM transports atmospheric MPs back onto the continent at a flux of up to 212.977-213.433 kg/EASM/year. The backward trajectory and wind field results indicate that the EASM provides an effective MP transport pathway from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia to southeastern China. This suggests that only some of the airborne MPs over the ocean enter the marine ecosystem. The average abundance of atmospheric MPs over the sampling area was 0.39 items/100 m3 (0.39 ± 0.43 items/100 m3) during the EASM season, with high variability among the sampling sites. This study improves our understanding of the impact of the EASM on atmospheric MP transport, which can help quantify the contributions of atmospheric MPs to marine or terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Changjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhangyu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China.
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221
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Akanyange SN, Lyu X, Zhao X, Li X, Zhang Y, Crittenden JC, Anning C, Chen T, Jiang T, Zhao H. Does microplastic really represent a threat? A review of the atmospheric contamination sources and potential impacts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 777:146020. [PMID: 33677289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are regarded as one of the major atmospheric contaminants that have gained wide attention across the globe in the current dispensation. Airborne MPs have been collected in atmospheric fallouts, in indoor and outdoor air as well as along roadways and indoor dust. The most dominating constituent shapes and forms of identified airborne MPs are fibers and synthetic textiles, respectively. With the breathing mechanism as a spontaneous practice for survival, the inhalation of airborne MPs is an inevitable deal. The level of toxicity of MPs to organisms stems from its physiochemical speciation. The smaller size and almost weightless nature make it possible to suspend in the atmosphere and be inhaled and create potential health problems. Nonetheless, the data available concerning the presence of airborne MPs and its environmental and human health impacts is limited. In this review, we extensively discuss the rigorous and suitable methodologies adopted for the analysis of airborne MPs in previous studies. The characteristics and sources of airborne MPs, the potential health impacts on humans, and some mitigating measures have also been discussed thoroughly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Nyabire Akanyange
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xianjun Lyu
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhao
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xue Li
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China.
| | - John C Crittenden
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 828 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 320, Atlanta, GA 30332-0595, USA
| | - Cosmos Anning
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Tianpeng Chen
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Tianlin Jiang
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Huaqing Zhao
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
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222
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Li L, Zhao X, Li Z, Song K. COVID-19: Performance study of microplastic inhalation risk posed by wearing masks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 411:124955. [PMID: 33445045 PMCID: PMC7773316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Wearing face masks has become the new normal worldwide due to the global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019. The inhalation of microplastics due to the wearing of masks has rarely been reported. The present study used different types of commonly used masks to conduct breathing simulation experiments and investigate microplastic inhalation risk. Microplastic inhalation caused by reusing masks that underwent various treatment processes was also tested. Results implied that wearing masks considerably reduces the inhalation risk of particles (e.g., granular microplastics and unknown particles) even when they are worn continuously for 720 h. Surgical, cotton, fashion, and activated carbon masks wearing pose higher fiber-like microplastic inhalation risk, while all masks generally reduced exposure when used under their supposed time (<4 h). N95 poses less fiber-like microplastic inhalation risk. Reusing masks after they underwent different disinfection pretreatment processes can increase the risk of particle (e.g., granular microplastics) and fiber-like microplastic inhalation. Ultraviolet disinfection exerts a relatively weak effect on fiber-like microplastic inhalation, and thus, it can be recommended as a treatment process for reusing masks if proven effective from microbiological standpoint. Wearing an N95 mask reduces the inhalation risk of spherical-type microplastics by 25.5 times compared with not wearing a mask.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zhouyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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223
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Truong TNS, Strady E, Kieu-Le TC, Tran QV, Le TMT, Thuong QT. Microplastic in atmospheric fallouts of a developing Southeast Asian megacity under tropical climate. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 272:129874. [PMID: 33582506 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in atmospheric fallouts from a developing megacity influenced by a tropical monsoon climate were investigated during a year. Three sites were selected according to the surrounding population density, the land use and occupation. The microplastic deposition fluxes varied between of 71-917 items m-2 d-1, for an observation size range of 300-5000 μm. Fibers predominated while fragments were observed occasionally. Unexpectedly, contrary to available scientific literature, deposition fluxes did not vary temporally with rainfall and wind intensity or direction, showing no effect of the tropical climate. Variations were observed between sites and were attributed to their environmental characteristics: population density and occupation space. The median length of fibers also differed between sites and could be related to in-situ fragmentation processes due to occupation space (solid waste treatment facility). Those first results from tropical climate region are showing interesting insights and are opening new perspectives on the understanding of microplastics fate from atmospheric fallouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran-Nguyen-Sang Truong
- CARE, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam; Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam
| | - Emilie Strady
- CARE, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam; Aix-Marseille Univ., Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (M I O), Marseille, Universite de Toulon, CNRS/IRD, France.
| | - Thuy-Chung Kieu-Le
- CARE, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam; Faculty of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam
| | - Quoc-Viet Tran
- CARE, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam; Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam
| | - Thi-Minh-Tam Le
- CARE, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam
| | - Quoc-Thinh Thuong
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam
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224
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Domenech J, Marcos R. Pathways of human exposure to microplastics, and estimation of the total burden. Curr Opin Food Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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225
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Kumar M, Chen H, Sarsaiya S, Qin S, Liu H, Awasthi MK, Kumar S, Singh L, Zhang Z, Bolan NS, Pandey A, Varjani S, Taherzadeh MJ. Current research trends on micro- and nano-plastics as an emerging threat to global environment: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 409:124967. [PMID: 33517026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Micro-and nano-plastics (MNPs) (size < 5 mm/<100 nm) epitomize one of the emergent environmental pollutants with its existence all around the globe. Their high persistence nature and release of chemicals/additives used in synthesis of plastics materials may pose cascading impacts on living organism across the globe. Natural connectivity of all the environmental compartments (terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric) leads to migration/dispersion of MNPs from one compartment to others. Nevertheless, the information on dispersion of MNPs across the environmental compartments and its possible impacts on living organisms are still missing. This review first acquaints with dispersion mechanisms of MNPs in the environment, its polymeric/oligomeric and chemical constituents and then emphasized its impacts on living organism. Based on the existing knowledge about the MNPs' constituent and its potential impacts on the viability, development, lifecycle, movements, and fertility of living organism via several potential mechanisms, such as irritation, oxidative damage, digestion impairment, tissue deposition, change in gut microbial communities' dynamics, impaired fatty acid metabolism, and molecular damage are emphasized. Finally, at the end, the review provided the challenges associated with remediation of plastics pollutions and desirable strategies, policies required along with substantial gaps in MNPs research were recommended for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Altensteinstr. 6, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Surendra Sarsaiya
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Shiyi Qin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Huimin Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Swedish Centre for Resource Recovery, University of Borås, Borås 50190, Sweden.
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Lal Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226 001, India; Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
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226
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Abbasi S, Turner A, Hoseini M, Amiri H. Microplastics in the Lut and Kavir Deserts, Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:5993-6000. [PMID: 33852274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, little is known about their occurrence and behavior in the terrestrial setting. In this study, MPs have been isolated from soils collected from various geomorphological features (yardangs, sand dunes, moving sands, seasonal lakes) of the Kavir and Lut Deserts on the Iranian plateau. The number of MPs identified in 300 g samples ranged from zero (not detected) in several yardang tops to 25 on some yardang hillsides, with an overall average abundance of about 0.02 MP g-1. The majority of MPs were of a fibrous nature with a size distribution (≤100 μm to ≥1000 μm) skewed toward the lower end, and analysis of a selection of particles by μ-Raman spectroscopy showed that polyethylene terephthalate and Nylon (polyamide) were the principal polymers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed intense degradation of some particles but limited weathering of others. With little evidence of meso- and macroplastics in the deserts, it appears that the majority of MPs are brought into these environments from distant sources via the wind, with smaller, seasonal contributions from runoff associated with the adjacent mountains. It is proposed that some windborne MPs are transported through the deserts relatively rapidly, while others are subject to internal recycling and significant photo-oxidation and mechanical weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Abbasi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71454, Iran
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hoda Amiri
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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227
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Jahromi FA, Keshavarzi B, Moore F, Abbasi S, Busquets R, Hooda PS, Jaafarzadeh N. Source and risk assessment of heavy metals and microplastics in bivalves and coastal sediments of the Northern Persian Gulf, Hormogzan Province. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110963. [PMID: 33675802 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of the current study are to investigate the concentration, biological risks, chemical speciation, and mobility of of heavy metals and also the determination of their distribution, physicochemical characteristics, and abundance of microplastics in coastal sediments and edible bivalves in the Persian Gulf, the coastal area of Hormozgan Province. Sampling points were selected considering the location of industrial, urban and Hara forest protected areas. In November 2017, a total of 18 sediment samples from coastal sediments (top 0-10 cm) and the most consumed bivalve species in the region were collected from two stations, Lengeh and Bandar Abbas Ports. The average concentration of heavy metals (except for Ni and Cd) in the sediments were lower than their average shale and the upper continental crust. Enrichment factors revealed significant enrichment of Ni, Mn, Cr, Cd and As. The fractionation of heavy metals using the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction scheme indicated the high bioavailability of Zn, As, Mn, and Co. In general, the highest concentration of Mo, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, Mn, Hg, and Sb was detected in areas with frequent human activities including Shahid Rajaee Port, Shahid Bahonar Port, and Tavanir station. Shahid Rajaee and Shahid Bahonar Ports are the most important ports on the coast of Hormozgan province. The Risk Assessment Code calculated for the study elements indicates that As, Co, Zn, and Cu pose a moderate environmental risk a threat to the aquatic biota. Health risks of most heavy metals arising from bivalves consumption were safe, except for As which is associated with the high target cancer risk values. With reference to the type of microplastics found, they were mainly fibeours with lengths ranging between 100 and 250 μm in sediments and bivalves. Most of the microfibers found in the sediments were made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP), and the fibers found in the bivalves were made of PP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71454, Iran.
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71454, Iran
| | - Sajjad Abbasi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71454, Iran
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Peter S Hooda
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, Kingston University London, Kingston Upon Thames, KT12EE, UK
| | - Neemat Jaafarzadeh
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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228
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Wang YL, Zheng CM, Lee YH, Cheng YY, Lin YF, Chiu HW. Micro- and Nanosized Substances Cause Different Autophagy-Related Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4787. [PMID: 33946416 PMCID: PMC8124422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With rapid industrialization, humans produce an increasing number of products. The composition of these products is usually decomposed. However, some substances are not easily broken down and gradually become environmental pollutants. In addition, these substances may cause bioaccumulation, since the substances can be fragmented into micro- and nanoparticles. These particles or their interactions with other toxic matter circulate in humans via the food chain or air. Whether these micro- and nanoparticles interfere with extracellular vesicles (EVs) due to their similar sizes is unclear. Micro- and nanoparticles (MSs and NSs) induce several cell responses and are engulfed by cells depending on their size, for example, particulate matter with a diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5). Autophagy is a mechanism by which pathogens are destroyed in cells. Some artificial materials are not easily decomposed in organisms. How do these cells or tissues respond? In addition, autophagy operates through two pathways (increasing cell death or cell survival) in tumorigenesis. Many MSs and NSs have been found that induce autophagy in various cells and tissues. As a result, this review focuses on how these particles interfere with cells and tissues. Here, we review MSs, NSs, and PM2.5, which result in different autophagy-related responses in various tissues or cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Li Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (Y.-L.W.); (Y.-F.L.)
| | - Cai-Mei Zheng
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan;
| | - Ya-Yun Cheng
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Yuh-Feng Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (Y.-L.W.); (Y.-F.L.)
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (Y.-L.W.); (Y.-F.L.)
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
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229
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Huang D, Tao J, Cheng M, Deng R, Chen S, Yin L, Li R. Microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment: Macroscopic transport and effects on creatures. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 407:124399. [PMID: 33191019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Industrial progress has brought us an important polymer material, i.e. plastic. Because of mass production and use, and improper management and disposal, plastic pollution has become one of the most pivotal environmental issues in the world today. However, the current researches on microplastics/nanoplastics are mainly focused on individual aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric environments, ignoring the fact that the natural environment is a whole. In this regard, the transport of microplastics/nanoplastics among the three environment compartments, including reciprocal contributions and inherent connections, and the impact of microplastics/nanoplastics on organisms living in multiple environments are research problems that we pay special attention to. Furthermore, this paper comprehensively reviews the transport and distribution of microplastics/nanoplastics in individual compartments and the toxicity of organisms, either alone or in combination with other pollutants. The properties of microplastics/nanoplastics, environment condition and the growth habit of organisms are critical to the transport, distribution and toxicity of microplastics/nanoplastics. These knowledge gaps need to be addressed urgently to improve cognition of the degree of plastic pollution and enhance our ability to deal with pollution. Meanwhile, it is hoped that the paper can provide a relatively complete theoretical knowledge system and multiple "leads" for future innovative ideas in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danlian Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Jiaxi Tao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Min Cheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Rui Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Sha Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Lingshi Yin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Ruijin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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230
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Wang C, Zhao J, Xing B. Environmental source, fate, and toxicity of microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 407:124357. [PMID: 33158648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are small plastic pieces with sizes less than 5 mm. Due to their widespread distribution in different environmental compartments, food, and drinking water, microplastics have attracted increasing attention across the world. Previous reports have focused on the source, distribution, fate, and toxicity of microplastics. However, many of these studies and reviews are not quite comprehensive, and most of them have only focused on marine environments. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed the available literature on the source, occurrence, and fate of microplastics in different environments, including air, freshwater, soil, and ocean, across the world. Our review suggests that the sources of microplastics are extensive and diverse and that their occurrence, transport, and fate in the environment are affected by a variety of natural factors as well as their own physicochemical properties. Studies on the toxicological effects of microplastics are also reviewed. We found that large research gaps exist in the quantitative analysis of different exposure routes of microplastics, and microplastic toxicity to organisms. Moreover, key suggestions for future research are presented, and we call for more efforts focusing on the occurrence and fate of microplastics in terrestrial environments, especially in the atmosphere and soil, and further investigations on the toxicity mechanisms of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Wang
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China; Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jian Zhao
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China; Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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231
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Rostami S, Talaie MR, Talaiekhozani A, Sillanpää M. Evaluation of the available strategies to control the emission of microplastics into the aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:18908-18917. [PMID: 33594573 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12888-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
No effective strategy has been found so far to control the emission of microplastics. The purpose of this article is to review the available control strategies, as well as barriers to developing them. Based on the estimations in the available literature, decomposition of larger plastics, clothes washing and tire abrasion play an essential part in the total emission rate of microplastics into the ocean. Nonetheless, there is no corresponding information regarding the soil, and more information is needed to prioritize the emission sources of microplastics more preciously. Generally, there have been two approaches for the management of the microplastic issues, including the substitution of non-plastic materials for plastic ones in products such as personal care products, and microplastic removal from wastewater. The former is in its infancy and has commenced only in a few developed countries. Existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as the other approach can transfer a significant portion of the microplastics into the sludge. The result is that the final destination of these microplastics can be the soil. Since there is little information on how serious the impact of microplastics is on the soil as compared with water, the currently used WWTPs cannot be considered as a final remedy. Furthermore, there has been not been any specifically designed techniques to remove microplastics from wastewater efficiently and economically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Rostami
- Chemical Engineering Department, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | | | | | - Mika Sillanpää
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
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232
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Koutnik VS, Leonard J, Alkidim S, DePrima FJ, Ravi S, Hoek EMV, Mohanty SK. Distribution of microplastics in soil and freshwater environments: Global analysis and framework for transport modeling. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 274:116552. [PMID: 33545526 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are continuously released into the terrestrial environment from sources where they are used and produced. These microplastics accumulate in soils, sediments, and freshwater bodies, and some are conveyed via wind and water to the oceans. The concentration gradient between terrestrial inland and coastal regions, the factors that influence the concentration, and the fundamental transport processes that could dynamically affect the distribution of microplastics are unclear. We analyzed microplastic concentration reported in 196 studies from 49 countries or territories from all continents and found that microplastic concentrations in soils or sediments and surface water could vary by up to eight orders of magnitude. Mean microplastic concentrations in inland locations such as glacier (191 n L-1) and urban stormwater (55 n L-1) were up to two orders of magnitude greater than the concentrations in rivers (0.63 n L-1) that convey microplastics from inland locations to water bodies in terrestrial boundary such as estuaries (0.15 n L-1). However, only 20% of studies reported microplastics below 20 μm, indicating the concentration in these systems can change with the improvement of microplastic detection technology. Analysis of data from laboratory studies reveals that biodegradation can also reduce the concentration and size of deposited microplastics in the terrestrial environment. Fiber percentage was higher in the sediments in the coastal areas than the sediments in inland water bodies, indicating fibers are preferentially transported to the terrestrial boundary. Finally, we provide theoretical frameworks to predict microplastics transport and identify potential hotspots where microplastics may accumulate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera S Koutnik
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jamie Leonard
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Alkidim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francesca J DePrima
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sujith Ravi
- Department of Earth & Environmental Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric M V Hoek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Institute of the Environment & Sustainability, Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sanjay K Mohanty
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Institute of the Environment & Sustainability, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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233
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González-Pleiter M, Edo C, Aguilera Á, Viúdez-Moreiras D, Pulido-Reyes G, González-Toril E, Osuna S, de Diego-Castilla G, Leganés F, Fernández-Piñas F, Rosal R. Occurrence and transport of microplastics sampled within and above the planetary boundary layer. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 761:143213. [PMID: 33162145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, there is no direct evidence about the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere above ground level. Here, we investigated the occurrence, chemical composition, shape, and size of MPs in aircraft sampling campaigns flying within and above the planetary boundary layer (PBL). The results showed that MPs were present with concentrations ranging from 1.5 MPs m-3 above rural areas to 13.9 MPs m-3 above urban areas. MPs represented up to almost one third of the total amount of microparticles collected. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy allowed identifying seven types of MPs with the highest diversity corresponding to urban areas. Atmospheric transport and deposition simulations were performed using the HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model. Air mass trajectory analyses showed that MPs could be transported more than 1000 km before being deposited. This pioneer study is the first evidence of the microplastic presence above PBL and their potential long-range transport from their point of release even crossing distant borders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel González-Pleiter
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carlos Edo
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Aguilera
- Centro de Astrobiología, CAB (INTA-CSIC), Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain
| | | | - Gerardo Pulido-Reyes
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600 Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | | | - Susana Osuna
- Centro de Astrobiología, CAB (INTA-CSIC), Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Leganés
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
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Newly Emerging Airborne Pollutants: Current Knowledge of Health Impact of Micro and Nanoplastics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18062997. [PMID: 33803962 PMCID: PMC7998604 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plastics are ubiquitous persistent pollutants, forming the most representative material of the Anthropocene. In the environment, they undergo wear and tear (i.e., mechanical fragmentation, and slow photo and thermo-oxidative degradation) forming secondary microplastics (MPs). Further fragmentation of primary and secondary MPs results in nanoplastics (NPs). To assess potential health damage due to human exposure to airborne MPs and NPs, we summarize the evidence collected to date that, however, has almost completely focused on monitoring and the effects of airborne MPs. Only in vivo and in vitro studies have assessed the toxicity of NPs, and a standardized method for their analysis in environmental matrices is still missing. The main sources of indoor and outdoor exposure to these pollutants include synthetic textile fibers, rubber tires, upholstery and household furniture, and landfills. Although both MPs and NPs can reach the alveolar surface, the latter can pass into the bloodstream, overcoming the pulmonary epithelial barrier. Despite the low reactivity, the number of surface area atoms per unit mass is high in MPs and NPs, greatly enhancing the surface area for chemical reactions with bodily fluids and tissue in direct contact. This is proven in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and flock workers, who are prone to persistent inflammatory stimulation, leading to pulmonary fibrosis or even carcinogenesis.
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235
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No prominent toxicity of polyethylene microplastics observed in neonatal mice following intratracheal instillation to dams during gestational and neonatal period. Toxicol Res 2021; 37:443-450. [PMID: 34631501 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-020-00086-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been recently recognized as a global environmental threat and its exposure as a risk factor to human health. Health effects through MPs exposure have been recently reported, especially through oral route of exposure. Since MPs could be exposed to humans through routes other than oral, this study was designed to evaluate whether MPs exposed through the inhalation route could be delivered to fetal mice and exhibit systemic toxicity. Polyethylene (PE) with 10-45 µm diameter were administered at 0 (distilled water, vehicle control), 6 (low administration), and 60 (high administration) µg/mouse/day to 3 pregnant dams per group from gestational day 9 to postnatal day (PND) 7 through intratracheal instillation. Dams and neonates were sacrificed at PND 7 and blood was collected. Various neonatal organs including brain, lung, heart, stomach, intestine, kidneys, and ovaries were collected for histopathological observation and weight measurement. No influence of PE-MPs administration was observed on the number of offsprings born, but the body and organs' weight were heavier overall in the high administration group of dams and neonates than the other groups with statistical significance achieved in the heart and spleen weight. Level of serum acetylcholinesterase and glutathione peroxidase activity was decreased in the high administration group of dams and neonates compared with the other groups. Lung was the organ with highest number of PE-MPs present in the both administration groups of dams, and PE-MPs were also detected in liver and intestine of the high administration dams. Whereas, PND7 neonates showed accountable numbers of PE-MPs only in kidneys of the high administration group. Overall, the present study indicates that PE-MPs instilled intratracheally could be delivered to neonates from dams. Even though adverse effects from PE-MPs exposure during pregnant and lactational period are less prominent on both dam and neonate, potential of second-generation toxicity could be considered for further investigation.
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Huang W, Song B, Liang J, Niu Q, Zeng G, Shen M, Deng J, Luo Y, Wen X, Zhang Y. Microplastics and associated contaminants in the aquatic environment: A review on their ecotoxicological effects, trophic transfer, and potential impacts to human health. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124187. [PMID: 33153780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The microplastic pollution and related ecological impacts in the aquatic environment have attracted global attention over the past decade. Microplastics can be ingested by aquatic organisms from different trophic levels either directly or indirectly, and transferred along aquatic food chains, causing different impacts on life activities of aquatic organisms. In addition, microplastics can adsorb various environmental chemical contaminants and release toxic plastic additives, thereby serving as a sink and source of these associated chemical contaminants and potentially changing their toxicity, bioavailability, and fate. However, knowledge regarding the potential risks of microplastics and associated chemical contaminants (e.g., hydrophobic organic contaminants, heavy metals, plastic additives) on diverse organisms, especially top predators, remains to be explored. Herein, this review describes the effects of microplastics on typical aquatic organisms from different trophic levels, and systematically summarizes the combined effects of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic biota. Furthermore, we highlight the research progress on trophic transfer of microplastics and associated contaminants along aquatic food chain. Finally, potential human health concerns about microplastics via the food chain and dietary exposure are discussed. This work is expected to provide a meaningful perspective for better understanding the potential impacts of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic ecology and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qiuya Niu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yuan Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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237
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Cho YM, Choi KH. The current status of studies of human exposure assessment of microplastics and their health effects: a rapid systematic review. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2021; 36:e2021004-0. [PMID: 33730791 PMCID: PMC8207003 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2021004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This rapid systematic review aims to summarize studies of human exposure to microplastics (MPs) and their health effects. For the systematic literature review, we separately searched for review articles and original articles published from 2000 to 2019 in the PubMed, NDSL, KMBASE, and Cochrane databases. A total of 276 review articles and 475 original articles were independently evaluated and eligibility of each article was assessed by two researchers. Finally, 8 review articles and 13 original articles were selected for analysis. There was no standardized methodology for determining human exposure to MPs. Therefore, the size, shape, color, and chemical composition of MPs were considered as factors that affected human exposure to MP. We ascertained that human exposure to MPs occurs through two major routes: inhalation and ingestion. The general population can be exposed to MPs through the food chain, food, and mineral water. Thus, there are multiple scenarios for the exposure process. The only exposure marker in humans is the detection and measurement of MPs in feces. Health effects of human exposure to MPs include respiratory effects from inhalation, digestive effects from ingestion, oxidative stress, and cancer. However, there are few studies of the effects of MP exposure in the general population. Based on a systematic review, we propose a standardized methodology to identify various exposure scenarios to facilitate studies of human exposure to MPs and their health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Min Cho
- Environmental Health Center, Seokyeong University, Seoul,
Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seokyeong University, Seoul,
Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Chungnam,
Republic of Korea
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238
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Jacques O, Prosser RS. A probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics in soil ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143987. [PMID: 33310577 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have a variety of applications due to their versatility, relative cost, and strength-to-weight ratio, and resistance to degradation. As a result, plastic waste can be found in all corners of the Earth. A class of plastic contaminants that have received increasing attention in terms of their potential impact on ecosystems is microplastics (≤5 mm). The greatest attention to date has been on their potential effect in marine ecosystems. However, a growing number of studies are examining their potential impact on soil ecosystems. The data reported in the literature on the environmentally-relevant concentrations of microplastics in soils and the concentration of microplastics that causes an adverse effect in soil biota were used to perform a probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics to soil biota. An environmental exposure distribution was constructed from the concentrations of microplastics reported in soil in the literature. Species sensitivity distributions were constructed using concentration of microplastics in soil that had no adverse effect on soil species (NOEC) or the lowest concentrations that had an adverse effect on soil species (LOEC) reported in the literature. The 95th centile of the environmental exposure distribution (8147 microplastic particles per gram of soil) was greater than 22 and 28% of the species sensitivity distribution constructed using NOECs and LOECs, respectively. The assessment concluded that environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics reported in the literature could pose a considerable risk to soil biota. It is also important to note that due to the continued production of large quantities of plastic and the persistence of microplastics in the environment, environmentally-relevant concentrations of microplastics in soil are likely to only rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Jacques
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Polytech Nice-Sophia, Département Génie Biologique, Nice, France
| | - R S Prosser
- University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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239
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Rahman A, Sarkar A, Yadav OP, Achari G, Slobodnik J. Potential human health risks due to environmental exposure to nano- and microplastics and knowledge gaps: A scoping review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143872. [PMID: 33310568 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are an emerging global environmental contaminant that are affecting multiple spheres. Despite their ubiquity in all spheres of life and ecology, little is known about the health effects of microplastics exposure to humans. This scoping review explores the existing evidence on the potential human health effects of microplastics and subsequent knowledge gaps. An electronic search of published articles in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar was conducted using a combination of subject headings and keywords relating to microplastics and human health effects. The initial search resulted in 17,043 published articles and grey literature documents. After a full review of published articles and their references, 129 publications were identified for further detailed review. These articles indicate that human exposure to microplastics can occur through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact due to their presence in food, water, air, and consumer products. Microplastics exposure can cause toxicity through oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions, and increased uptake or translocation. Several studies have demonstrated the potentiality of metabolic disturbances, neurotoxicity, and increased cancer risk in humans. Moreover, microplastics have been found to release their constituent compounds as well as those that are adsorbed onto their surface. Further research is needed to quantify the effects of microplastics on human health and their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arifur Rahman
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada.
| | - Atanu Sarkar
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada.
| | - Om Prakash Yadav
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada.
| | - Gopal Achari
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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240
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Prata JC, Reis V, da Costa JP, Mouneyrac C, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Contamination issues as a challenge in quality control and quality assurance in microplastics analytics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123660. [PMID: 33264868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely distributed environmental contaminants. To understand their impacts on the environment and health, more high-quality results are needed. Since microplastics are present in every environment, including indoor air, proper precautions must be adopted in order to prevent contamination of samples and overestimation of environmental concentrations. Thus, to guarantee a proper quality of results, researchers must adopt strict contamination control measures. This review was conducted to understand current contamination control practices. A total of 50 studies published in 2019 were reviewed, including sampling of biota, air, soil, sediment, freshwater and saltwater, regarding 10 contamination control parameters. Overall, studies usually only comply with 4 out of 10 of these measures, which include avoiding the use of plastic materials, covering samples with glass lids or aluminum foil, filtering solutions, or running procedural blanks. The importance of these measures is also exemplified with real observation of contamination. Finally, seven measures to control for contamination are suggested in order to improve the quality of results in microplastic sampling in future assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vanessa Reis
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Catherine Mouneyrac
- Mer Molécules Sante (MMS), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 3 place André Leroy, BP10808, 49008, Angers Cedex 01, France.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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241
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Abbasi S, Turner A. Human exposure to microplastics: A study in Iran. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123799. [PMID: 33264903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of microplastics (MPs) to a cohort of adults of various demographics from different regions of Iran has been quantitatively assessed. Specifically, MPs were retrieved from filtered washes of the hand and face skin, head hair and saliva of individuals (n = 2000) after an exposure period of 24 h and were counted and, in a selected number of cases, characterised for shape-form and size microscopically. A total of over 16,000 MPs were recorded in the study, with head hair returning the most samples (> 7000, or, on average, >3.5 MPs per individual per day), saliva returning the least samples (about 650, or on average 0.33 MPs per individual), and MPs about twice as high in males than females. The number of MPs was similar amongst residents of different urbanised regions, albeit with evidence of greater quantities captured in more humid settings, and was considerably lower in residents of a remote and sparsely populated area. Polyethylene-polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene fibres of < 100 μm in length, likely derived from clothing and soft furnishings in the indoor setting and a wider range of sources in the exterior environment, were the most abundant type of MP in all body receptors. Daily sampling of receptors from six participants over a seven-day period revealed that, despite these broad trends, both inter- and intra-individual exposure was highly heterogeneous. Although the present study has demonstrated the ubiquity of MP exposure, the resulting impacts on human health are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Abbasi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71454, Iran.
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
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242
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Rai PK, Lee J, Brown RJC, Kim KH. Environmental fate, ecotoxicity biomarkers, and potential health effects of micro- and nano-scale plastic contamination. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123910. [PMID: 33264963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the quantity of plastic waste products has increased tremendously. As plastic wastes are released into the environment, they exert harmful effects on biota and human health. In this work, a comprehensive review is offered to describe the physical and chemical characteristics of microplastics and nanoplastics in relation to their fate, microbial ecology, transport, and ecotoxic behavior. Present discussion is expanded further to cover the biochemical, physiological, and molecular mechanisms controlling the environmental fate, ecotoxicity, and human health hazards of micro- and nanoplastics. The risks of their exposure to microbes, plants, animals, and human health are also reviewed with special emphasis. Finally, a direction for future interdisciplinary research in materials and polymer science is also discussed to help control the pollution caused by micro- and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Kumar Rai
- Phyto-Technologies and Plant Invasion Lab, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - Jechan Lee
- Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Richard J C Brown
- Environment Department, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, South Korea.
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243
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Patil S, Bafana A, Naoghare PK, Krishnamurthi K, Sivanesan S. Environmental prevalence, fate, impacts, and mitigation of microplastics-a critical review on present understanding and future research scope. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:4951-4974. [PMID: 33241497 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are considered to be ubiquitous and widespread emerging contaminants. They are persistent in the nature and pose considerable harm to the environment. Their omnipresence is documented in almost all aquatic habitats, several atmospheric and terrestrial environments, and also in human consumables. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the environmental prevalence of the microplastics in all environmental compartments, and their possible adverse impacts. It also presents review of the studies conducted in India and the epitome of potential mitigation measures. The need and direction of future research are highlighted. The review will help in determining the exposure levels, environmental consequences, and risk estimations, and will guide the researchers and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Patil
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
- AcSIR (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research), CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
| | - Amit Bafana
- Director's Research Cell (DRC), CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
| | - Pravin K Naoghare
- Environmental Impact and Sustainability Division (EISD), CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
| | - Kannan Krishnamurthi
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India
| | - Saravanadevi Sivanesan
- Health and Toxicity Cell (HTC), CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Campus, Nagpur, 440020, India.
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244
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Wang G, Lu J, Li W, Ning J, Zhou L, Tong Y, Liu Z, Zhou H, Xiayihazi N. Seasonal variation and risk assessment of microplastics in surface water of the Manas River Basin, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111477. [PMID: 33091771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of microplastics in the environment has caused great influence to ecosystems and seriously threatened human health. To better understand the variation in microplastics in different seasons in an inland freshwater environment and determine the sources of microplastic pollution and its migration features, this study investigated the characteristics of microplastic pollution during dry (April) and wet (July) seasons in surface water of the Manas River Basin, China. The size, color, shape, area distribution and compound composition of microplastics were studied. Moreover, the risk of microplastic contamination was explored based on risk assessment models. The results demonstrated that the degree of pollution caused by microplastic abundance was minor in this study area. The average abundance of microplastics in April (17 ± 4 items/L) was higher than that in July (14 ± 2 items/L). The range in the abundance of microplastics in April and July were 22 ± 5-14 ± 3 items/L and 19 ± 2-10 ± 1 items/L, respectively. Highly hazardous polymers such as Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polycarbonate (PC) have a significant impact on the results of the evaluation of the presence of microplastics. This study is an important reference for understanding the characteristics of the seasonal variation in microplastics in inland freshwater environments and has practical significance, as it will allow relevant agencies to accurately assess the pollution level of microplastics in different seasons. It is of practical significance to understand the sources and sinks of microplastics in inland freshwater environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoliang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Jianjiang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Wanjie Li
- Environmental Monitoring Station of the First Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Alaer 843300, China
| | - Jianying Ning
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Yanbin Tong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Zilong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Hongjuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Nuerguli Xiayihazi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
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245
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Razeghi N, Hamidian AH, Wu C, Zhang Y, Yang M. Scientific studies on microplastics pollution in Iran: An in-depth review of the published articles. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111901. [PMID: 33310377 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This literature review was conducted to collect present data on microplastics pollution in Iran's ecosystems. Most of the studies performed in aquatic environment were conducted in Persian Gulf & Oman Sea (70%). The Persian Gulf, along with the beaches of Bushehr and Hormozgan Provinces, are the most studied areas. Moreover, most of the studies were conducted in aquatic environments and only four studies were conducted in terrestrial environment (4/42). One study has assessed microplastics in commercial salt and another study has reported the microplastics presence in Iranian bottled mineral water brands. The investigation of microplastics associated with biota was highlighted, customarily for fish species. Microplastics were also present in urban wastewater samples in Sari and Bandar Abbas cities. Three studies were performed in freshwater ecosystems until now (Haraz River, Anzali wetland, and Taleqan dam). The need for further studies in this field still exists, especially in terrestrial and freshwater compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Razeghi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj 31587-77878, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Hamidian
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj 31587-77878, Iran; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj 31587-77878, Iran; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Yi M, Zhou S, Zhang L, Ding S. The effects of three different microplastics on enzyme activities and microbial communities in soil. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2021; 93:24-32. [PMID: 32187766 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Soils always receive microplastics (MPs) from plastic mulching, compost, and sewage irrigation, but the effects of MPs on soil environment remain largely unexplored. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of three MPs (membranous polyethylene (PE), fibrous polypropylene (PP), and microsphere PP) on enzyme activities and microbial community structure in one loamy and sandy soil. The concentration of microsphere PP (2 mg/g) was one-tenth of those of the other two MPs (20 mg/g). The results showed that the effects of three MPs on urease, dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase activities followed the order: fibrous PP > membranous PE > microsphere PP, membranous PE > microsphere PP > fibrous PP and fibrous PP > microsphere PP > membranous PE, respectively. Results from high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA revealed that the membranous PE and fibrous PP raised the alpha diversities of the soil microbiota, whereas the diversity indexes of microbiota on MPs surfaces were significantly lower than those in the amended soils. MPs significantly altered the microbial community structure, especially for the enrichment of Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes, the depletion of Deinococcus-Thermus and Chloroflexi. Aeromicrobium, Streptomyces, Mycobacterium, Janibacter, Nocardia, Arthrobacter were prone to inhabit on the MPs surfaces. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Three microplastics had different effects on soil enzyme activities. Fibrous PP had a more persistent effect on microbial activity. Membranous PE and fibrous PP raised the alpha diversities of soil microbiota. The effects of membranous PE and fibrous PP on microbial communities were similar. Distinct microbial communities were enriched on the surfaces of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shaohong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiyuan Ding
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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247
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Dahmardeh Behrooz R, Kaskaoutis DG, Grivas G, Mihalopoulos N. Human health risk assessment for toxic elements in the extreme ambient dust conditions observed in Sistan, Iran. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 262:127835. [PMID: 32763581 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the bioaccessibility and health risks related to heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and metalloid As) in airborne dust samples (TSP and PM2.5) in Zabol, Iran during the summer dust period, when peak concentration levels of PM are typically observed. High bioaccessibilities of carcinogenic metals in PM2.5 (i.e. 53.3%, 48.6% and 47.6% for Ni, Cr and As, respectively) were calculated. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks were assessed for three exposure pathways (inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact), separately for children and adults. Non-carcinogenic inhalation risks were very high (Hazard Index: HI > 1) both for children and adults, while the carcinogenic risks were above the upper acceptable threshold of 10-4 for adults and marginally close (5.0-8.4 × 10-5) for children. High carcinogenic risks (>10-4) were found for the ingestion pathway both for children and adults, while HI values > 1 (8.2) were estimated for children. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk estimates for dermal contact were also above the limits considered acceptable, except for the carcinogenic risk for children (7.6 × 10-5). Higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks (integrated for all elements) were associated with the inhalation pathway in adults and children with the exception of carcinogenic risk for children, where the ingestion route remains the most important, while As was linked with the highest risks for nearly all exposure pathways. A comparative evaluation shows that health risks related with toxic elements in airborne particles in Sistan are among the highest reported in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Dahmardeh Behrooz
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, P.O. Box 98615-538, Zabol, Iran.
| | - D G Kaskaoutis
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236, P. Penteli, Greece; Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory, University of Crete, 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - G Grivas
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236, P. Penteli, Greece
| | - N Mihalopoulos
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236, P. Penteli, Greece; Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory, University of Crete, 71003, Crete, Greece
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248
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Liu W, Zhang J, Liu H, Guo X, Zhang X, Yao X, Cao Z, Zhang T. A review of the removal of microplastics in global wastewater treatment plants: Characteristics and mechanisms. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106277. [PMID: 33227584 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be the main sources of microplastic contaminants in the aquatic environment, and an in-depth understanding of the behavior of microplastics among the critical treatment technologies in WWTPs is urgently needed. In this paper, the characteristics and removal of microplastics in 38 WWTPs in 11 countries worldwide were reviewed. The abundance of microplastics in the influent, effluent, and sludge was compared. Then, based on existing data, the removal efficiency of microplastics in critical treatment technologies were compared by quantitative analysis. Particularly, detailed mechanisms of critical treatment technologies including primary settling treatment with flocculation, bioreactor system, advanced oxidation and membrane filtration were discussed. Thereafter, the abundance load and ecological hazard of the microplastics discharged from WWTPs into the aquatic and soil environments were summarized. The abundance of microplastics in the influent ranged from 0.28 particles L-1 to 3.14 × 104 particles L-1, while that in the effluent ranged from 0.01 particles L-1 to 2.97 × 102 particles L-1. The microplastic abundance in the sludge within the range of 4.40 × 103-2.40 × 105 particles kg-1. In addition, there are still 5.00 × 105-1.39 × 1010 microplastic particles discharged into the aquatic environment each day Moreover, among the critical treatment technologies, the quantitative analysis revealed that filter-based treatment technologies exhibited the best microplastics removal efficiency. Fibers and microplastics with large particle sizes (0.5-5 mm) were easily separated by primary settling. Polyethene and small-particle size microplastics (<0.5 mm) were easily trapped by bacteria in the activated sludge of bioreactor system. The negative impact of microplastics from wastewater treatment plant was worthy of attention. Moreover, unknown transformation products of microplastics and their corresponding toxicity need in-depth research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlan Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaonan Guo
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiyue Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Yao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguo Cao
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Research Centre for Resource and Environment, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China.
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249
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Vighi M, Bayo J, Fernández-Piñas F, Gago J, Gómez M, Hernández-Borges J, Herrera A, Landaburu J, Muniategui-Lorenzo S, Muñoz AR, Rico A, Romera-Castillo C, Viñas L, Rosal R. Micro and Nano-Plastics in the Environment: Research Priorities for the Near Future. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 257:163-218. [PMID: 34487249 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter dispersed in the different environmental compartments represents one of the most concerning problems associated with human activities. Specifically, plastic particles in the micro and nano size scale are ubiquitous and represent a threat to human health and the environment. In the last few decades, a huge amount of research has been devoted to evaluate several aspects of micro/nano-plastic contamination: origin and emissions, presence in different compartments, environmental fate, effects on human health and the environment, transfer in the food web and the role of associated chemicals and microorganisms. Nevertheless, despite the bulk of information produced, several knowledge gaps still exist. The objective of this paper is to highlight the most important of these knowledge gaps and to provide suggestions for the main research needs required to describe and understand the most controversial points to better orient the research efforts for the near future. Some of the major issues that need further efforts to improve our knowledge on the exposure, effects and risk of micro/nano-plastics are: harmonization of sampling procedures; development of more accurate, less expensive and less time-consuming analytical methods; assessment of degradation patterns and environmental fate of fragments; evaluating the capabilities for bioaccumulation and transfer to the food web; and evaluating the fate and the impact of chemicals and microorganisms associated with micro/nano-plastics. The major gaps in all sectors of our knowledge, from exposure to potentially harmful effects, refer to small size microplastics and, particularly, to the occurrence, fate and effects of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Bayo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Gago
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Vigo, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- EOMAR: Marine Ecophysiology Group, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Alicia Herrera
- EOMAR: Marine Ecophysiology Group, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | | | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Antonio-Román Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA-Water Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Romera-Castillo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Viñas
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Vigo, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
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250
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Akhbarizadeh R, Dobaradaran S, Amouei Torkmahalleh M, Saeedi R, Aibaghi R, Faraji Ghasemi F. Suspended fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), microplastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air: Their possible relationships and health implications. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110339. [PMID: 33068583 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and their associated microcontaminants have been linked to increased harmful effects on the human health. In this study, the possible relationships between PM2.5, microplastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in an urban area of Bushehr port, in the northern part of the Persian Gulf. Presence, sources, and health risks of MPs and PAHs in both normal and dusty days were also investigated. The median of PM2.5 and ƩPAHs were 52.8 μg/m3 and 14.1 ng/m3, respectively, indicating high pollution levels especially in dusty days. The mean level of MPs in urban suspended PM2.5 was 5.2 items/m3. Fragments were the most abundant shape of identified MPs and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the most plastic types in urban dust of Bushehr port. The results revealed that PM2.5 and MPs may possibly act as a carrier for airborne MPs and PAHs, respectively. In addition, the significant positive relationships between MPs, wind speed and wind direction, confirmed that the MPs transportation were highly controlled by atmospheric condition. Moreover, the source identification methods and trajectory analyses indicated that petrogenic sources from both proximal and distal origins play an important role in the level of PAHs. The results of chronic health risk evaluation via inhalation revealed that PM2.5-bound PAHs had high potential cancer risk in winter, while, the estimated risks for non-carcinogenic PAHs were not considerable. In the case of MPs, the assessment of human intake of MPs via inhalation highlighted the possible risks for habitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razegheh Akhbarizadeh
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany.
| | - Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Reza Saeedi
- Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Health, Safety and Environment, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roza Aibaghi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji Ghasemi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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