201
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Pastorino P, Pizzul E, Bertoli M, Anselmi S, Kušće M, Menconi V, Prearo M, Renzi M. First insights into plastic and microplastic occurrence in biotic and abiotic compartments, and snow from a high-mountain lake (Carnic Alps). CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 265:129121. [PMID: 33272673 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129121] [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: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a pervasive environmental problem on a global scale, from the ocean depths to the aquatic ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau. To date, data on plastic and microplastic occurrence in pristine ecosystems like high-mountain lakes are lacking. In this study, plastic (>5000 μm) and microplastic (10-5000 μm) levels were measured in snow at the end of the winter season (April 2020), and in water, sediment, and biological samples collected monthly (June-October 2019) during the ice-free season from the Dimon Lake, a high-mountain lake in the Carnic Alps, northeast Italy. Biological samples consisted of chironomids (Diptera, Chironomidae; n = 150) and stomach contents of Cottus gobio (n = 40). Analysis of the water, sediment, and biological samples revealed the absence of plastic and microplastics larger than 10 μm, whereas the snow samples contained microplastics of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) albeit at very low levels (0.11 ± 0.19 L-1). These results show that while the lake ecosystem could be considered unpolluted by microplastics, abundant snow precipitation in winter can trap microplastic particles that deposit on the ground. The very low levels of PET microparticles recorded in the snow samples suggest the need for further research to better understand the source of microplastic pollution in this environmental matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pastorino
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Pizzul
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Bertoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Anselmi
- Bioscience Research Center, Via Aurelia Vecchia 32, 58015, Orbetello, GR, Italy
| | - Manuel Kušće
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Vasco Menconi
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Marino Prearo
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
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202
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Schmid C, Cozzarini L, Zambello E. Microplastic's story. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111820. [PMID: 33203604 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The problem of microplastic pollution is now the order of the day in front of everyone's eyes affecting the environment and the health of leaving creature. This work aims to retrace the history of microplastics in a critical way through a substantial bibliographic collection, defining the points still unresolved and those that can be resolved. Presence of marine litter in different environments is reviewed on a global scale, focusing in particular on micro and macro plastics definition, classification and characterization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Schmid
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Cozzarini
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Elena Zambello
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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203
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Li C, Gan Y, Zhang C, He H, Fang J, Wang L, Wang Y, Liu J. "Microplastic communities" in different environments: Differences, links, and role of diversity index in source analysis. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 188:116574. [PMID: 33137530 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been detected in various environments, yet the differences between microplastics in different environments are still largely unknown. Scientists have proposed the concept of the "microplastic cycle," but the evidence for the movement of microplastics between different environments is still scarce. By screening the literature and extracting information, we obtained microplastic data from 709 sampling sites in freshwater, seawater, freshwater sediment, sea sediment, and soil in China. Based on the similarity between microplastics and biological communities, here we propose the concept of a "microplastic community" and examine the differences, links, and diversity of microplastic communities in different environments. Wilcoxon sign-ranks test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) showed that there were significant differences in abundance, proportion of small microplastics, and community composition (shape, color, and polymer types) of microplastics in different environments. The Mantel test showed that there were significant correlations between microplastic community composition in different environments. Network analysis based on community similarity further confirmed the links between microplastic communities. The distance decay models revealed that the links weakened with the increase of geographic distance, suggesting that sampling sites with closed geographical locations had similar pollution sources and more easily to migrate or exchange microplastics. The microplastic diversity integrated index (MDII) was established based on the diversity of microplastic shape, color, and polymer types, and its indication of the number of microplastic pollution sources was verified by the statistical fitting relationship between the number of industrial pollution sources and MDII. Our study provides new insight into the differences and links between microplastics in different environments, which contributes to the microplastic risk assessment and demonstrates the "microplastic cycle." The establishment of the microplastic diversity integrated index could be used in source analysis of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchao Li
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yandong Gan
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Huan He
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jiaohui Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Lifei Wang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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204
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Dong S, Cai W, Xia J, Sheng L, Wang W, Liu H. Aggregation kinetics of fragmental PET nanoplastics in aqueous environment: Complex roles of electrolytes, pH and humic acid. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115828. [PMID: 33120151 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115828] [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: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation kinetics of fragmental polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics under various chemistry conditions in aqueous environment were firstly investigated in this work. The aggregation of PET nanoplastics increased with increasing electrolyte concentrations and decreasing solution pH, which became stronger with the presence of divalent cations (e.g. Ca2+ and Mg2+) than that of monovalent cations (e.g. Na+ and K+). The effect of cations with the same valence on the aggregation of PET nanoplastics was similar. The measured critical coagulation concentrations (CCC) for PET nanoplastics at pH 6 were 55.0 mM KCl, 54.2 mM NaCl, 2.1 mM CaCl2 and 2.0 mM MgCl2, which increased to 110.4 mM NaCl and 5.6 mM CaCl2 at pH 10. In addition, the aggregation of PET nanoplastics was significantly inhibited with the presence of humic acid (HA), and the CCC values increased to 558.8 mM NaCl and 12.3 mM CaCl2 (1 mg L-1 HA). Results from this study showed that the fragmental PET nanoplastics had the quite higher CCC values and stability in aqueous environment. In addition, the aggregation behaviors of PET nanoplastics can be successfully predicted by the Derjguin Landau Verwey Overbeek (DLVO) theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunan Dong
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Wangwei Cai
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Jihong Xia
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Liting Sheng
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Weimu Wang
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
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205
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Palacios-Mateo C, van der Meer Y, Seide G. Analysis of the polyester clothing value chain to identify key intervention points for sustainability. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2021; 33:2. [PMID: 33432280 PMCID: PMC7787125 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-020-00447-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Clothing is one of the primary human needs, and the demand is met by the global production of thousands of tons of textile fibers, fabrics and garments every day. Polyester clothing manufactured from oil-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the market leader. Conventional PET creates pollution along its entire value chain-during the production, use and end-of-life phases-and also contributes to the unsustainable depletion of resources. The consumption of PET garments thus compromises the quality of land, water and air, destroys ecosystems, and endangers human health. In this article, we discuss the different stages of the value chain for polyester clothing from the perspective of sustainability, describing current environmental challenges such as pollution from textile factory wastewater, and microfibers released from clothing during the laundry cycle. We also consider potential solutions such as enhanced reuse and recycling. Finally, we propose a series of recommendations that should be applied to polyester clothing at all stages along the value chain, offering the potential for meaningful and effective change to improve the environmental sustainability of polyester textiles on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Palacios-Mateo
- Aachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne van der Meer
- Aachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Gunnar Seide
- Aachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
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206
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Li Y, Liu Z, Yang Y, Jiang Q, Wu D, Huang Y, Jiao Y, Chen Q, Huang Y, Zhao Y. Effects of nanoplastics on energy metabolism in the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115890. [PMID: 33176947 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are common pollutants in aquatic environments and have attracted widespread research attention. However, few studies focus on the effects of nanoplastic exposure on energy metabolism in crustaceans. Accordingly, we exposed juvenile oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense) to different concentrations of 75-nm polystyrene nanoplastics (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/L) for 7, 14, 21, or 28 days. Thereafter, the effects of nanoplastic exposure on metabolite content, energy metabolism-related enzyme activity, and gene expression were evaluated. Our results showed that (1) with increasing nanoplastic concentration and exposure time, the survival rate decreased, while weight gain rate and molting number increased and then decreased; glycogen, triglyceride, and total cholesterol content all declined while lactic acid content increased with higher exposure to nanoplastic concentrations; (2) the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), hexokinase (HK), carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1, pyruvate kinase (PK), lipase, and fatty acid synthase tended to decrease, while the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased. In particular, the activity of 6-phosphofructokinase exposed to 5 mg/L nanoplastics increased significantly (P < 0.05). (3) Expression of the metabolism-related genes 6-phosphate glucokinase (G-6-Pase), HK, PK, ACC, Acetyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), CPT-1, and fatty-acid-binding protein 10 (FABP 10) increased and then decreased, while expression of the LDH gene showed an upward trend. These results indicate that nanoplastics affect growth, enzyme activity, and the gene expression of energy metabolism in M. nipponense, and that high concentrations of nanoplastics have a negative impact on energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Qichen Jiang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, 210017, China
| | - Donglei Wu
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Youhui Huang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yinying Huang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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207
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Rowley KH, Cucknell AC, Smith BD, Clark PF, Morritt D. London's river of plastic: High levels of microplastics in the Thames water column. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:140018. [PMID: 32562987 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This opportunistic study focussed on the quantification of microplastics in the River Thames water column, the catchment responsible for draining Greater London. Two sites on the tidal Thames were sampled; one upstream of the City of London at Putney, and the other downstream at Greenwich. Water column samples were collected from June through to October 2017, being taken on the ebb and flood tides, at the surface and a depth of 2 m. Microplastics (excluding microfibres) were identified to test whether the load varied between the two sites in relation to tide, depth and season. Secondary microplastics, films and fragments, contributed 93.5% of all those found at Putney and Greenwich. Site, tide, depth and month affected density, with the combined interaction of month and site found to have the greatest influence on microplastics. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis showed that polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymers collected from the River, suggesting broken down packaging was the primary source of microplastics in these samples. Excluding microfibres, the estimate of microplastics in the water column was 24.8 per m3 at Putney and 14.2 per m3 at Greenwich. These levels are comparable to some of the highest recorded in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine H Rowley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Brian D Smith
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Paul F Clark
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - David Morritt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, United Kingdom
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208
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Yu H, Zhang X, Hu J, Peng J, Qu J. Ecotoxicity of polystyrene microplastics to submerged carnivorous Utricularia vulgaris plants in freshwater ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114830. [PMID: 32540562 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Much attention is currently paid to microplastic (MP) pollution, particularly in marine systems. There is increasing concern regarding the potential toxicity of MPs to organisms at the physiological and morphological levels. However, little is known about the impact of MPs on aquatic life, despite their ubiquitous presence in freshwater ecosystems. In this study, the aquatic plant Utricularia vulgaris was exposed to 1, 2 and 5 μm polystyrene fluorescent MP particles at concentrations of 15, 70 and 140 mg/L for 7 days. The toxic effects of MPs on the growth rate and morphological and physiological characteristics of U. vulgaris were assessed. The results showed that the relative growth rates and the functional traits of leaves (morphological and photosynthetic) were significantly inhibited at a high concentration of MP particles (140 mg/L) when compared to the control group. The impacts on growth performance were likely due to bioaccumulation of MPs in the bladders, as shown by confocal microscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidative enzyme activities showed that high concentrations of MPs induce high ecotoxicity and oxidative damage to U. vulgaris. Thus, U. vulgaris has the potential to be an excellent bioindicator of MP pollution in freshwater ecosystems and should further be applied in ecological risk assessments of the effects of MPs on higher aquatic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yu
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xiaoliang Zhang
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jingwen Hu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jianfeng Peng
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Jiuhui Qu
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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209
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Tien CJ, Wang ZX, Chen CS. Microplastics in water, sediment and fish from the Fengshan River system: Relationship to aquatic factors and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by fish. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114962. [PMID: 32554090 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics was investigated in water, sediment and fish from the Fengshan River system. All collected samples contained microplastics with 334-1058 items/m3 in the water samples, 508-3987 items/kg dry weight in the sediment samples and 14-94 items/fish in the fish samples. The spatial distribution of microplastics in water and sediments was attributed to anthropogenic discharges, flow dynamics, tidal exchanges and microplastic density. This was evidenced by significant correlations of microplastics with the river pollution index (RPI), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solid (SS), flow velocity and the presence of different polymer types of microplastics in water and sediment. Microplastic abundance in fish was correlated to SS, pH and conductivity, indicating that these water quality variables might affect bioavailability of microplastics to fish. Concentrations of microplastics/cm length of demersal fish at a higher trophic level (Leiognathus equulus and Pomadasys argenteus) were higher than those of a benthopelagic fish (Oreochromis niloticus niloticus). The significant relationships observed suggest that collected fish might prefer to ingest long fibrous microplastics from sediments and large fragmented microplastics from water. The high levels of 3- and 4-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly fluoranthene and pyrene, in fish muscle revealed that the collected fish species might have a high ability to accumulate these PAHs from food and the environment. Significant relationships between some PAHs in fish and microplastic abundances in water/sediments/fish suggested that these PAHs might be accumulated by fish from contaminated microplastics. This study provides unique information on the factors influencing the spatial distribution of microplastics and the role of microplastics on the accumulation of PAHs by fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Jung Tien
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, 62 Shen-Chung Road, Yanchao, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan
| | - Zi-Xuan Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, 62 Shen-Chung Road, Yanchao, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan
| | - Colin S Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, 62 Shen-Chung Road, Yanchao, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan.
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210
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Yuan X, Cho MK, Lee JG, Choi SW, Lee KB. Upcycling of waste polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottles into porous carbon for CF 4 adsorption. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114868. [PMID: 32534237 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Thermo-chemical processes for converting plastic wastes into useful materials are considered promising technologies to mitigate the environmental pollution caused by plastic wastes. In this study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic wastes were used to develop cost-effective and value-added porous carbons; the developed porous carbons were subsequently tested for capturing CF4, a greenhouse gas with a high global-warming potential. The activation temperature was varied from 600 °C to 1000 °C and the mass ratio of KOH/carbon ranged from 1 to 3 in the preparation process and their effects on the textural properties and CF4-capture performance of the PET plastic waste-derived porous carbons were investigated. The CF4-adsorption uptake was dictated by the specific surface area and pore volume of narrow micropores less than 0.9 nm in diameter. PET-K(2)700, which was developed by KOH activation at 700 °C and KOH/carbon mass ratio of 2, showed the highest CF4-adsorption uptake of 2.43 mmol g-1 at 25 °C and 1 atm. Also, the CF4-adsorption data were fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo second-order kinetic model. The PET plastic waste-derived porous carbons exhibited a high CF4 uptake, good CF4/N2 selectivity at relatively low CF4 pressures, easy regeneration, rapid adsorption/desorption kinetics, and excellent recyclability, which are promising for practical CF4-capture applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhou Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Kyung Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Gyu Lee
- Energy Research Group, Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST), 67 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Wan Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Bong Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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211
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Mao Y, Li H, Gu W, Yang G, Liu Y, He Q. Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in the Yulin River, China: Role of environmental and spatial factors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:115033. [PMID: 32585397 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
As inland freshwaters act as a major transport pathway for marine microplastic pollution, microplastic pollution in freshwater systems has recently received growing attention. However, the role of environmental and spatial factors in shaping the distribution and characteristics of microplastic pollution in reservoir ecosystems is not well understood. Here, we studied microplastic pollution in the surface water of the Yulin River, a typical tributary of the upper reaches of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). The abundance of microplastics were 1.30 × 10-2, 1.95 × 10-1 and 3.60 × 10-1 items/L in the mainstream, tributaries and bays of the Yulin River, respectively. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were identified as the predominant types. The most common shapes were line/fiber and foam. Small-sized particles dominated the collected microplastics. Aged surface was identified by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The microplastics in the Yulin River were largely of secondary origin. Microplastic pollution varied in space. The abundance of microplastic was higher upstream reaches than downstream, which was correlated with anthropogenic activity. The backwater of the TGR increased the abundance of microplastic in the estuary of the Yulin River. The abundance of microplastic was negatively correlated with the channel width. This study is helpful for understanding the characterics and distribution of microplastics in reservoir ecosystems within underdeveloped area, and can thereby inform well-directed strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Mao
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Key Laboratory of Hydraulic and Waterway Engineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China; Lingzhi Environmental Protection Co., Ltd, Wuxi, 214200, China
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Weikang Gu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Guofeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
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212
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Abstract
Atmospheric plastic pollution is now a global problem. Microplastics (MP) have been detected in urban atmospheres as well as in remote and pristine environments, showing that suspension, deposition and aeolian transport of MP should be included and considered as a major transport pathway in the plastic life cycle. This work reports an up to date review of the experimental estimation of deposition rate of MP in rural and urban environment, also analyzing the correlation with meteorological factors. Due to the limitations in sampling and instrumental methodology, little is known about MP and nanoplastics (NP) with sizes lower than 50 µm. In this review, we describe how NP could be transported for longer distances than MP, making them globally present and potentially more concentrated than MP. We highlight that it is crucial to explore new methodologies to collect and analyze NP. Future research should focus on the development of new technologies, combining the existent knowledge on nanomaterial and atmospheric particle analysis.
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213
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Chabuka BK, Kalivas JH. Application of a Hybrid Fusion Classification Process for Identification of Microplastics Based on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 74:1167-1183. [PMID: 32297518 DOI: 10.1177/0003702820923993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic research is an emerging field. Consistent accurate identification of microplastic polymer composition is vital for understanding the effect of microplastic pollution in the environment. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is becoming commonplace for identifying microplastics. Conventional spectral identification is based on library searching, a process that utilizes a search algorithm against digital databases containing single spectra of pristine reference plastics. Several conditions on environmental microplastic particles such as weathering, additives, and residues cause spectral alterations relative to pristine reference library spectra. Thus, library searching is vulnerable to misidentification of microplastic samples. While a classification process (classifier) based on a collection of spectra can alleviate misidentification problems, optimization of each classifier (tuning parameter) is required. Additionally, erratic results relative to the particular optimized tuning parameter can occur when microplastic samples originate from new environmental or biological conditions than those defining the class. Presented in this study is a process that utilizes spectroscopic measurements in a hybrid fusion algorithm that depending on the user preference, simultaneously combines high-level fusion with low- and mid-level fusion based on an ensemble of non-optimized classifiers to assign microplastic samples into specific plastic categories (classes). The approach is demonstrated with 17 classifiers using FT-IR for binary classification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microplastic samples from environmental sources. Other microplastic types are evaluated for non-class PET and HDPE membership. Results show that high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are obtained thereby reducing the risk of misidentifying microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beauty K Chabuka
- Department of Chemistry, 6640Idaho State University, Pocatello, USA
| | - John H Kalivas
- Department of Chemistry, 6640Idaho State University, Pocatello, USA
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214
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Stormwater Detention Reservoirs: An Opportunity for Monitoring and a Potential Site to Prevent the Spread of Urban Microplastics. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12071994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Stormwater runoff carries pollutants from urban areas to rivers and has the potential to be a main contributing source of microplastics (MPs) to the ecosystem. Stormwater detention reservoirs (SDRs) differ from ponds and lakes in that SDRs retain most particulate matter and they are emptied after storm events. This paper investigates the occurrence of MPs in the SDR of the Alto-Tietê catchment area, Itaim stream in Poá city, São Paulo, Brazil. The MPs found were classified in different categories: shapes (fragment, line/fibre, film/sheet and pellet); size (<0.5 mm, between 0.5 mm and 1 mm and >1 mm); and polymer composition. Results have shown that most of the MPs found in the samples are fragments (57%), followed by pellets (27%), fibres/lines (9%), and then films/sheets (6%). Small particles (<0.5 mm) represented 89% of the total MPs, and this category mainly included fragments (62%) and pellets (30%). MPs were found in a vast variety of shapes and colours, which shows a likely variety of sources. Besides the occurrence of MPs in the stormwater samples, the potential of SDRs as a first sanitary barrier to retain MPs before they reach the ecosystem has been speculated.
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215
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Ehlers SM, Al Najjar T, Taupp T, Koop JHE. PVC and PET microplastics in caddisfly (Lepidostoma basale) cases reduce case stability. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:22380-22389. [PMID: 32314284 PMCID: PMC7293684 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08790-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Caddisfly larvae occur in streams and rivers, and many caddisfly species build protective cases using material from their habitat such as sand grains. At the same time, microplastics (MPs) are regularly deposited in aquatic sediments and are incorporated into caddisfly (Lepidostoma basale) cases in the field. However, it is unknown what the effects of MP incorporation into cases might be on the health of the caddisfly larvae. Hence, we offered two commonly used MPs (polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) to L. basale larvae during a laboratory experiment. Both plastic types have a high density and co-occur with L. basale larvae in benthic habitats. In our experiment, L. basale actively used sand, PET and PVC MPs for building tube-like portable or emergency cases. The latter is a temporary shelter under which the larva can hide for immediate protection. Furthermore, case stability decreased with increasing PVC and PET particle content in the cases, suggesting that MPs may threaten caddisflies by destabilising cases. When case stability is reduced, the protective function of the cases is limited and the larvae may be more prone to predation. Additionally, larvae may be washed away by the current as plastic is lighter than sand. Both effects could limit the caddisfly's survival, which could have far-reaching consequences as caddisfly larvae are important primary consumers in aquatic ecosystems. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja M Ehlers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068, Koblenz, Germany.
- Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, 56070, Koblenz, Germany.
| | - Tamara Al Najjar
- Department of Animal Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
- Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, 56070, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Thomas Taupp
- Department of Animal Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Jochen H E Koop
- Department of Animal Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
- Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, 56070, Koblenz, Germany
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216
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Irfan M, Qadir A, Mumtaz M, Ahmad SR. An unintended challenge of microplastic pollution in the urban surface water system of Lahore, Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:16718-16730. [PMID: 32133610 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08114-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are widely considered to be a major threat particularly in the urban areas owing to extensive use of plastic products. The current study is the first investigation to highlight the microplastics (MPs) pollution from the freshwater (Ravi River) located in the predominant urban center, i.e., Lahore, Pakistan. The concentration profile was quantified from surface water (n = 19) and sediments (n = 19) collected from different drains and canals of predominant freshwater resources in Lahore, Pakistan. The highest content of MPs was observed in the sullage carrier with mean concentration of 16,150 ± 80 MPs/m3 and 40,536 ± 202 MPs/m2 in the water and sediments respectively. The lowest level was detected in the link canals with mean concentration of 190 ± 141 MPs/m3 in the water and 683 ± 479 MPs/m2 in the sediments. The proportion of large size MPs (300 μm-5 mm) was maximum in the upstream section of Ravi river, whereas fine size MPs (50-150 μm) were dominant in the downstream section. In terms of shapes, the fragments were predominant with a relative abundance of 56.1% and 83.1% followed by fibers with a relative abundance of 38.6% and 11.8% in the water and sediments respectively. The chemical composition analysis showed that most of the fibers, fragments, and beads were polyethylene while the sheets were composed of polypropylene. Nevertheless, the foams isolated from the samples were composed of polystyrene. Within 24 h, about 2.4 ± 2.4 billion microplastic pieces were estimated to be transported from a single water channel into the river. The highest discharge of MPs was estimated from the sullage carrier with about 7 billion pieces/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qadir
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Mehvish Mumtaz
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKJLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOC), School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Sajid Rashid Ahmad
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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217
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Battulga B, Kawahigashi M, Oyuntsetseg B. Behavior and distribution of polystyrene foams on the shore of Tuul River in Mongolia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 260:113979. [PMID: 32000021 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.113979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Foamed plastic debris in aquatic systems has become one of the emerging global contaminants. In this study, the behavior of polystyrene foam (PSF) and microplastics (MPs) adhered on the PSFs were investigated on the Tuul River shore in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. The micro-sized (<5 mm) PSF, which was the dominant PSF over 600 pieces in 100 m2, have accumulated along the shoreline of Tuul River. Carbonyl index (CI) was calculated to evaluate the surface oxidation of macro-sized (20-100 mm), meso-sized (5-20 mm), and micro-sized PSFs and confirm the relative aging depending on photodegradation. CI ranged from 0.00 to 1.09 in the sampled PSFs, whereby the degraded PSFs with high CI were distributed on the shore of downstream of sewer drainage. Micro-sized PSFs showed a wide range of CI and a relatively high average value of CI as compared to those of meso- and macro-sized PSFs. Most of PSFs aggregated with MPs and the adhered MPs have been ubiquitously detected from the surface of PSFs. Adhered micro-sized plastics explored from the surface of PSFs with various sizes, except for mega-sized (>100 mm) PSF, ranged from 5 to 141 items per piece of PSF fragment. The aggregates of PSFs and MPs were common status of PSFs during their transportation. The present findings, which indicated a high concentration of adhered MPs, raise an environmental concern about the widespread aquatic plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batdulam Battulga
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji City, 192-0397, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kawahigashi
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji City, 192-0397, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Mongolia, Ikh Surguuliin Gudamj-1, 14201, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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218
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Elizalde-Velázquez A, Subbiah S, Anderson TA, Green MJ, Zhao X, Cañas-Carrell JE. Sorption of three common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 715:136974. [PMID: 32041000 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
High disposability, high durability, and indiscriminate use have led to the accumulation of plastics at uncontrolled rates in the environment. However, plastics are not the only source of water pollution in the environment. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of pharmaceuticals widely and highly consumed in the market due to a low price and over-the-counter accessibility. NSAIDs are frequently detected in surface water environments at μg L-1 concentrations. In the present study, the sorption behavior of three NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) was examined with four types of microplastics (polystyrene (PS), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), average molecular weight medium density polyethylene (AMWPE), and polypropylene (PP)), under varying water conditions. Low sorption occurred between NSAIDs and microplastics under environmentally relevant conditions. The sorption process exhibited a pronounced pH dependency due to the effect of pH on the speciation of the compounds and the surface charge of the particles. Only under acidic conditions (pH: 2), NSAIDs were highly sorbed onto microplastics mainly ruled by hydrophobic interactions. Among NSAIDs tested, diclofenac exhibited the highest sorption coefficients to microplastics. Polyethylene particles exhibited the highest affinity for NSAIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Elizalde-Velázquez
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Seenivasan Subbiah
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Todd A Anderson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Micah J Green
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Xiaofei Zhao
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jaclyn E Cañas-Carrell
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States.
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219
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Huang Y, Tian M, Jin F, Chen M, Liu Z, He S, Li F, Yang L, Fang C, Mu J. Coupled effects of urbanization level and dam on microplastics in surface waters in a coastal watershed of Southeast China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 154:111089. [PMID: 32319918 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Investigating the heterogeneous distribution pattern of plastic pollution in river systems is useful for better understanding the transport pathways of plastics from land to sea. Therefore, we analyzed samples from 17 sites to evaluate the distribution pattern of microplastics (MPs) in Minjiang River Watershed. The MP concentrations ranged between 0.12 and 2.72 n/L, with higher microplastic concentrations located in urban areas with greater population and gross domestic product (GDP) densities. MP concentrations were positively correlated with population density, GDP density, and built-up land use percentage, suggesting that increasing urbanization level will lead to greater plastic pollution. MP concentrations spanning the upstream and downstream sides of the SK Hydropower Dam showed decreasing trends, suggesting that MP settling would occur behind the dam and Shuikou Reservoir might serve as a sink for MPs. This study provides useful insight for revealing the effects of urbanization and dams on spatial distribution of riverine MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Functional Marine Sensing Materials, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Miao Tian
- Department of Marine Chemistry, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Fei Jin
- Department of Marine Chemistry, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Mengyun Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Functional Marine Sensing Materials, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Zhigang Liu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Functional Marine Sensing Materials, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Shuiqing He
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Functional Marine Sensing Materials, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Feixiang Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Functional Marine Sensing Materials, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China; College of Environment and Resources, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Liyang Yang
- College of Environment and Resources, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Chao Fang
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jingli Mu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Functional Marine Sensing Materials, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China; Department of Marine Chemistry, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China.
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220
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Impact of Microplastic Fibers from the Degradation of Nonwoven Synthetic Textiles to the Magdalena River Water Column and River Sediments by the City of Neiva, Huila (Colombia). WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12041210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Magdalena River surface water and shoreline sediments were sampled for microplastic particles at three locations in the city of Neiva, Colombia: upstream, city center, and downstream of the raw wastewater outflow. The absence of an industrial and manufacturing sector in Neiva provided an opportunity to assess the impact of upstream agricultural practices, as well as municipal activities such as wastewater outflow and laundry washing, on the quantity, polymer composition, and morphology of microplastic particles produced per capita and entering a river system. Microplastic particle concentrations increased with downstream distance, with microfiber concentrations ranging from 0.097 to 0.135 fibers/L in the river water and 25.5 to 102.4 fibers/kg in shoreline sediment. Microplastic fragment concentrations were 0.013–0.028 fragments/L in surface water and 10.4–12.7 fragments/kg of sediment. Raman microscope and scanning electron microscopy identified the relative composition of the polymers comprising the microplastic particles was similar regardless of sampling site or whether the sample was collected from the surface water or shoreline sediments, with polypropylene and polyethylene comprising at least 75% of the total polymers in all samples. Average fiber widths of < 20 µm in all but one sample, along with the lack of acrylic and polyester fibers used predominantly in woven synthetic textiles, indicated that the degradation of nonwoven synthetic textiles is the predominant origin of these microplastic fibers in the Magdalena River.
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221
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Waldschläger K, Lechthaler S, Stauch G, Schüttrumpf H. The way of microplastic through the environment - Application of the source-pathway-receptor model (review). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136584. [PMID: 32019016 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in the environment is a highly relevant research topic. However, although more and more studies on environmental concentrations of microplastics are published, a profound risk assessment could not be carried out yet. This is mainly attributable to the fact that the current sampling and analysis methods do not provide a representative picture of the environmental pollution, as the fundamental knowledge about transport processes of microplastic is not present, and the ecotoxicological studies therefore cannot consider the relevant exposures of the organisms. To provide a methodological basis for further research and risk assessments, this paper applies the Source-Pathway-Receptor model to the context of microplastics, whereby the current state of knowledge can be compiled in a structured way and important knowledge gaps can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kryss Waldschläger
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, RWTH Aachen University, Germany.
| | - Simone Lechthaler
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, RWTH Aachen University, Germany; Chair of Physical Geography and Geoecology, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
| | - Georg Stauch
- Chair of Physical Geography and Geoecology, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
| | - Holger Schüttrumpf
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
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222
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Fu D, Chen CM, Qi H, Fan Z, Wang Z, Peng L, Li B. Occurrences and distribution of microplastic pollution and the control measures in China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:110963. [PMID: 32275524 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has been increasingly investigated in marine and freshwater environments, even in atmosphere in China. Current literatures show that MPs contamination is highly related to human activities and geomorphology. Higher MPs occurrences were detected in freshwaters than those in seawaters in China. Furthermore, the abundance of MPs was influenced by many factors, including sampling method, unit of measurement, characteristics of sampling area, and others. Currently, investigating the condition of MPs occurrences and distribution on a broader scale and developing standardized protocol, along with basic toxicological research, will help to address crucial knowledge gaps regarding MPs pollution, their interaction with other pollutants and ecological consequences on individual, population or ecosystem levels in the environment. Meanwhile, this review calls for more efforts to be made for better and scientifically sound risk management for mitigation of MPs pollution in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Fu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Chein Min Chen
- Department of Environmental Resource and Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huaiyuan Qi
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Zhengquan Fan
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Zezheng Wang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Licheng Peng
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China.
| | - Bo Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, PR China; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, PR China.
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223
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Yin L, Wen X, Du C, Jiang J, Wu L, Zhang Y, Hu Z, Hu S, Feng Z, Zhou Z, Long Y, Gu Q. Comparison of the abundance of microplastics between rural and urban areas: A case study from East Dongting Lake. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 244:125486. [PMID: 31812050 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
There is a lack of research on microplastic pollution in freshwater areas. In this study, microplastic pollution in lakeshore sediments of East Dongting Lake was investigated. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 180 to 693 items/kg in the lakeshore sediment, which was moderate compared with other areas of the world. Fibers, transparent and small sized microplastics accounted for the largest proportion in terms of shape, color and size, respectively. Eight types of microplastics with different polymer compositions were identified by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The study found that the abundance of microplastics in the urban area sediment of Dongting Lake is lower than that of the rural area. The difference in environmental protection measures between urban and rural areas may be the cause of this phenomenon. The results of this study is helpful for understanding the role of human activities in microplastic pollution and provide valuable references for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingshi Yin
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410114, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Chunyan Du
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Jin Jiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Lixue Wu
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - You Zhang
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Zhihui Hu
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Shuping Hu
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Zhiqiao Feng
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhou
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Yuannan Long
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Qi Gu
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha, 410114, China
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224
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Park TJ, Lee SH, Lee MS, Lee JK, Lee SH, Zoh KD. Occurrence of microplastics in the Han River and riverine fish in South Korea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 708:134535. [PMID: 31806294 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has been paid attention due to the possibly global threat to human health and ecosystem in recent years. In this study, we investigated the distribution of microplastics in the Han River and its tributaries, South Korea, and in six species of inhabiting fish, namely carp (C. carpio), crucian carp (C. cuvieri), bluegill (L. macrochirus), bass (M. salmoides), catfish (S. asotus), and snakehead (C. argus). We found that the concentration of microplastics in the surface waters (0 m) was 0-42.9 particles/m3 (mean: 7.0 ± 12.9 particles/m3) compared to 20.0-180.0 particles/m3 (mean: 102.0 ± 50.3 particles/m3) at a depth of 2 m. Concentrations in the river tributaries ranged from 1.2 to 234.5 particles/m3 (mean: 91.1 ± 72.3 particles/m3). The most common types the plastic identified were polyethylene (PE), silicone, and polystyrene, while polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, and polyester dominated in the tributaries. With respect to shape, >73% of the recovered microplastics were fragments and the rest were fibers in the water. We also measured the concentration of microplastics in the intestines of fish, which ranged from 4 to 48 particles/fish (mean: 22.0 ± 16.0 particles/fish). The most common types of plastic found in the sampled fish were polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE), polyethylene (PE), and rayon, and >94% of all the microplastic found in fish was in the form of fragments with the remainder being fibers. The concentrations of microplastic in the gills of fish ranged from 1 to 16 particles/fish (mean: 8.3 ± 6.0 particles/fish). In contrast, no microplastic was found in the flesh of the sampled fish. Our results imply that the ingestion of microplastics by fish is more closely related to habitat rather than feeding habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Jin Park
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon 22689, South Korea; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Lee
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon 22689, South Korea
| | - Myung-Sung Lee
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon 22689, South Korea
| | - Jae-Kwan Lee
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon 22689, South Korea
| | - Soo-Hyung Lee
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon 22689, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Zoh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea.
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225
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Coastal Lakes as a Buffer Zone for the Accumulation and Redistribution of Plastic Particles from Continental to Marine Environment: A Case Study of the Dishui Lake in Shanghai, China. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10061974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as an emerging environmental contaminant, have attracted increasing attention worldwide. Previous studies have addressed this environmental problem in either the marine or continental environment, but ignored the water bodies in between. Coastal lakes are transitional aquatic systems and may play an important role in transport, reworking and redistribution of plastics across catchment scale. Here, we report results of our investigation of plastic pollution in sediment of a coastal lake, the Dishui Lake, in Shanghai, China. The lake is located in coastal Shanghai and connected to the East China Sea via a 7-km long canal. Sediment samples were collected from around the lake and the canal. Plastic particles were detected in the sediment with various shapes, colors and compositions. The total particle count in the canal sediment was orders of magnitude higher than in the lake sediment. Polypropylene was the dominant polymer in the sediment. Our results suggest that coastal lakes can serve as a reworking zone for accumulation and reworkings of plastic particles, and a buffer zone contributing to plastic pollution in the marine environment. This study addresses the most understudied area of plastic pollution, i.e., reworking and redistribution of plastic debris at catchment scale across the marine and continental environment.
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226
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Castelvetro V, Corti A, Bianchi S, Ceccarini A, Manariti A, Vinciguerra V. Quantification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) micro- and nanoparticle contaminants in marine sediments and other environmental matrices. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 385:121517. [PMID: 31732353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants in marine and freshwater bodies. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) microfibers (PMFs) are among the main primary microplastics (as-produced polymer microparticles). Released in large amounts in laundry wastewaters, PMFs end up in freshwater and marine sediments due to their high density. PMFs are potentially hazardous pollutants for ecosystems and human health, being a deceiving food source for animal organisms at the base of the food chain (e.g. sediment and water filtrators, including edible shellfish and small crustaceans). This study describes a simple, sensitive and versatile procedure for quantifying the total mass of PET micro- and nano-particles in sediments. The procedure involves aqueous alkaline PET depolymerization with phase transfer catalysis, oxidation and fractionations to remove interfering species and pre-concentrate the terephthalic acid (TPA) monomer, and TPA quantification by reversed-phase HPLC. Recovery of TPA from a model sediment spiked with 800 ppm PET micropowder was 98.2 %, with limits of detection/quantification LOD = 17.2 μg/kg and LOQ = 57.0 μg/kg. Analyses of sandy sediments from a marine beach in Tuscany, Italy, showed contamination in the 370-460 μg/kg range, suggesting that a not negligible fraction of PET microfibers released in surface waters ends up in shore sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valter Castelvetro
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Andrea Corti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bianchi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Ceccarini
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Manariti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Virginia Vinciguerra
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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227
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Mehdinia A, Dehbandi R, Hamzehpour A, Rahnama R. Identification of microplastics in the sediments of southern coasts of the Caspian Sea, north of Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 258:113738. [PMID: 31838395 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution in the aquatic and terrestrial environments has caught many attentions in the scientific literatures. Currently, no information is available about MPs pollution in Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world. This study indicates the first report on the MPs pollution in the sediments of the southern Caspian coastal zones, northern Iran. Density separation method was conducted on 17 surficial sediments. The combination of observation techniques including SEM-EDS analysis, polarized light microscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy were used to identify MPs. The abundance and size of microplastics in the samples ranged between 25 and 330 items/kg and 250-500 μm, respectively. Fibers constituted the most common MPs shape and polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) were major polymer types in the samples. The distribution of MPs in the study area reflected a patchy and irregular spatial pattern implying that the higher MPs concentration are near mouth of permanent rivers and in the regions with higher level of the fishing and tourism activities. The results showed the wide occurrence of MPs in the sediments of the world's largest lake which extend the knowledge on MPs pollution in the marine system. We also recommend further research on microplastics in different compartments of Caspian Sea to inform policy discussions and the development of appropriate management responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mehdinia
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, No. 3, Etemadzadeh St., Fatemi Ave., Tehran 1411813389, Iran.
| | - Reza Dehbandi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Hamzehpour
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, No. 3, Etemadzadeh St., Fatemi Ave., Tehran 1411813389, Iran
| | - Reza Rahnama
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, No. 3, Etemadzadeh St., Fatemi Ave., Tehran 1411813389, Iran
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228
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Campanale C, Stock F, Massarelli C, Kochleus C, Bagnuolo G, Reifferscheid G, Uricchio VF. Microplastics and their possible sources: The example of Ofanto river in southeast Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 258:113284. [PMID: 32005487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring studies have quantified microscopic plastic debris, so-called microplastics, in freshwater systems, including banks, surface waters and sediments. However, there is a lack of knowledge of freshwater and terrestrial environments. When microplastics are released in freshwater environments, they will be transported and will not remain stationary. Moreover, their transport from sink to source (land-based to river systems) may depend on several factors such as weather conditions and river hydrology. The present study aims to investigate the abundance and composition of microplastics in the most important river of Apulia Region (Southeast Italy) evaluating the main drivers and possible input sources of microplastic debris. The following work is the first study showing an Italian river context. For this research five sampling campaigns have been conducted west of the Ofanto river mouth. Microplastics were collected by three surface plankton nets fixed in the middle of the river in order to reduce the spatial and temporal variability. For each campaign, a total of six replicates were sampled during two time slots. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 0.9 ± 0.4 p/m3 to 13 ± 5 p/m3 showing comparable values to or greater than those ones reported in other studies. A statistically significant difference in the average microplastic concentrations in different campaigns of this study has been observed, suggesting thus a temporal variation in plastic abundances. These significant differences could be explained by the hydrology of the river that influences the particle concentration with its physical forces such as flow velocity, water level and seasonal variability. Microplastics were found at higher concentrations during wet periods indicating a land-based origin probably connected to waste produced by the surroundings agricultural areas. In fact, Spearman's correlation results show a strong positive statistically significant correlation between the concentration of microplastics and the water level (R = 0.8475, p < 0.0001).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Friederike Stock
- Department of Biochemistry, and Ecotoxicology, German Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, Germany
| | | | - Christian Kochleus
- Department of Biochemistry, and Ecotoxicology, German Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, Germany
| | | | - Georg Reifferscheid
- Department of Biochemistry, and Ecotoxicology, German Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, Germany
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229
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He B, Goonetilleke A, Ayoko GA, Rintoul L. Abundance, distribution patterns, and identification of microplastics in Brisbane River sediments, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 700:134467. [PMID: 31629260 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollutants in aquatic ecosystems have received wide attention and research endeavours since early 1970s. However, in comparison to marine environments, the occurrence of microplastics in a tidal river system remains largely unknown, especially in river sediments. Sediment samples taken from twenty-two sampling points along Brisbane River over the four different seasons revealed relatively high concentrations of microplastics in river sediments, with abundance ranging from 0.18 to 129.20 mg kg-1, or 10 to 520 items kg-1. Unfortunately, varied methods and units used for reporting do not allow the accurate comparison between related studies. The spatial distributions of microplastics hotspots indicated that microplastics abundance is distance-dominated caused by flow velocities. Lower and higher concentrations of microplastics abundance mostly occurred in dry and wet seasons, respectively. Significant temporal variations of microplastics concentrations was observed in residential and commercial areas. Polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA) and polypropylene (PP), were the three main polymer types found in the Brisbane River sediments. Other polymer types such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were also detected. The majority of the detected microplastic particles were found to be <3 mm. This study reveals the abundance, spatial and temporal distribution patterns, and characteristics of microplastic pollutants in Brisbane River sediments, and provides systematic data for further research on microplastics in estuarine environments worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei He
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
| | - Ashantha Goonetilleke
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
| | - Godwin A Ayoko
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
| | - Llew Rintoul
- Institute for Further Environments, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
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230
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Walther BA, Kusui T, Yen N, Hu CS, Lee H. Plastic Pollution in East Asia: Macroplastics and Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment and Mitigation Efforts by Various Actors. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2020_508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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231
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Fu Z, Wang J. Current practices and future perspectives of microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 691:697-712. [PMID: 31325868 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The pollution of marine and freshwater environments by plastic waste has attracted increasing public attention worldwide in recent years. China is the world's second largest economy and contributes the largest mass of mismanaged plastic waste. In this review, we collected accessible data on the abundance of microplastics in China's freshwater ecosystems, analyzing this pollutant in the samples of waters, sediments and biota. The results showed that microplastics are pervasive in surveyed freshwater environments, and a high abundance of microplastics was found in estuaries and inland waters located in populated urban areas. Moreover, many freshwater bivalve and fish have been found to uptake microplastics. Although similar sampling and laboratory processing methods were applied for microplastic research in different aquatic ecosystems, methods of investigation and units reported by different authors should be standardized. The characteristics of the detected microplastics showed that small size (<1 mm), fibers and transparency were the most common features in China's freshwater ecosystems and that PP and PE were the most common types of microplastics. The current situation of microplastic pollution in China is largely caused by inefficient administration and lack of applicable legislation and regulations. Therefore, we suggest that the Chinese government need to be more active in dealing with the plastic pollution issues, and increase education and publicity to promote people's awareness of environmental pollution caused by microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilu Fu
- Key laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Marine Resource, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning 530008, China; College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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232
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Zhang Y, Gao T, Kang S, Sillanpää M. Importance of atmospheric transport for microplastics deposited in remote areas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 254:112953. [PMID: 31362258 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.07.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric transport is an important pathway for the deposition of micro- and nano-plastics in remote areas. However, the sources and fate of atmospheric microplastics remain poorly understood. A study on atmospheric transport and deposition in the Pyrenean Mountains highlights the movement of microplastics away from known sources (cities, agriculture, and industry) into remote areas. Following this first evidence of atmospheric microplastic deposition in a pristine location, it is necessary to reconsider previous studies on atmospheric microplastic deposition and behavior in remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryosphere Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Tanguang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Western China's Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryosphere Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Laboratory of Green Chemistry, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Sammonkatu 12, FIN-50130 Mikkeli, Finland
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233
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Li Y, Li M, Li Z, Yang L, Liu X. Effects of particle size and solution chemistry on Triclosan sorption on polystyrene microplastic. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 231:308-314. [PMID: 31132537 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PS microplastic particle (<5 mm) is an emerging contaminant of concern in aquatic and sediment systems with reported negative impacts on environmental and human health. TCS is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial which can affect ecosystems and result in long-term human health risks. The interaction between TCS and PS microplastic, partly determines the behavior and dispersion of TCS in the environment. In this study, the sorption kinetics and isotherms for TCS and PS microplastic were investigated. The influences of temperature, pH, ionic strength and coexisting heavy metals were assessed in batch experiments. The pseudo-second-order model (PSOM) was found to effectively describe the sorption kinetics of TCS on PS. TCS sorption on PS was found to be higher within the pH range of 3.0-6.0, while a decrease occurred at pH > 6.0. This result indicates that TCS0 was the major species contributing to the sorption process through hydrophobic interaction. Temperature did not affect the sorption of TCS on polystyrene, with sorption Kd values of 0.15, 0.16, 0.18 and 0.17 L/g at 288, 298, 308 and 318 K, respectively. Furthermore, the sorption amount of TCS showed no obvious variation with NaCl concentrations varying between 0.001 and 0.1 M. Finally, the coexistence of Cu(II)/Zn(II) had no significant influence on TCS sorption on PS, as Cu(II)/Zn(II) and TCS had different mechanisms of sorption on PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yandan Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Miao Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Zhen Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lei Yang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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234
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Xu P, Ge W, Chai C, Zhang Y, Jiang T, Xia B. Sorption of polybrominated diphenyl ethers by microplastics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 145:260-269. [PMID: 31590785 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The sorption of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) onto polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyamide (PA) microplastics was analyzed using different kinetic and isotherm models, and under various environmental conditions, including temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved organic matter (DOM). The sorption capacity was in the order of PS > PA > PP > PE, due to the different crystallinity, specific surface area, and surface structure. PS demonstrated the equilibrium sorption capacity, namely, 6.41 ng/g BDE-47, 12.83 ng/g BDE-99, and 14.42 ng/g BDE-153. The second-order kinetic model described the sorption kinetics of PBDEs, and surface sorption was the main mechanism. The sorption of PBDEs by microplastics was a multilayer and physical process. Low temperatures reduced BDE-47 sorption on microplastics, and sorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The sorption of BDE-47 was not significantly influenced by pH and salinity. However, DOM exerted a negative effect on the sorption of BDE-47.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Xu
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Chao Chai
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Fisheries Science Academy, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Bin Xia
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Fisheries Science Academy, Qingdao 266071, China
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235
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Fackelmann G, Sommer S. Microplastics and the gut microbiome: How chronically exposed species may suffer from gut dysbiosis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 143:193-203. [PMID: 31789155 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
As small pieces of plastics known as microplastics pollute even the remotest parts of Earth, research currently focuses on unveiling how this pollution may affect biota. Despite increasing awareness, one potentially major consequence of chronic exposure to microplastics has been largely neglected: the impact of the disruption of the symbiosis between host and the natural community and abundance pattern of the gut microbiota. This so-called dysbiosis might be caused by the consumption of microplastics, associated mechanical disruption within the gastrointestinal tract, the ingestion of foreign and potentially pathogenic bacteria, as well as chemicals, which make-up or adhere to microplastics. Dysbiosis may interfere with the host immune system and trigger the onset of (chronic) diseases, promote pathogenic infections, and alter the gene capacity and expression of gut microbiota. We summarize how chronically exposed species may suffer from microplastics-induced gut dysbiosis, deteriorating host health, and highlight corresponding future directions of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Fackelmann
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Simone Sommer
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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236
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Yin L, Jiang C, Wen X, Du C, Zhong W, Feng Z, Long Y, Ma Y. Microplastic Pollution in Surface Water of Urban Lakes in Changsha, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091650. [PMID: 31083601 PMCID: PMC6539974 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As emerging pollutants, microplastics have attracted the attention of scholars from all over the world. However, there is a lack of research on freshwater areas, even in densely populated urban areas. This study investigated eight urban lakes in Changsha, China. It was found that microplastic concentrations ranged from 2425 ± 247.5 items/m3 to 7050 ± 1060.66 items/m3 in the surface water of research areas and the maximum concentration was found in Yuejin Lake, a tourist spot in the center of the city. Anthropogenic factors are an important reason for microplastic abundance in urban lakes. The major shape of microplastics was linear and most of the microplastics were transparent. More than 89.5% of the microplastics had a size of less than 2 mm. Polypropylene was the dominant type in the studied waters. This study can provide a valuable reference for a better understanding of microplastic pollution in urban areas of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingshi Yin
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
- Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China.
| | - Changbo Jiang
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
- Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China.
| | - Chunyan Du
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
- Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China.
| | - Wei Zhong
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
| | - Zhiqiao Feng
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
| | - Yuannan Long
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
- Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China.
| | - Yuan Ma
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science &Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
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