201
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Duan J, Li Y, Gao J, Cao R, Shang E, Zhang W. ROS-mediated photoaging pathways of nano- and micro-plastic particles under UV irradiation. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 216:118320. [PMID: 35339969 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is considered as an important photoaging mechanism of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). To elucidate the ROS-induced MP/NP aging processes in water under UV365 irradiation, we examined the effects of surface coatings, polymer types and grain sizes on ROS generation and photoaging intermediates. Bare polystyrene (PS) NPs generated hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2), while coated PS NPs (carboxyl-modified PS (PS-COOH), amino-modified PS (PS-NH2)) and PS MPs generated fewer ROS due to coating scavenging or size effects. Polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate MPs only generated •OH. For aromatic polymers, •OH addition preferentially occurred at benzene rings to form monohydroxy polymers. Excess •OH resulted in H abstraction, CC scission and phenyl ring opening to generate aliphatic ketones, esters, aldehydes, and aromatic ketones. For coated PS NPs, •OH preferentially attacked the surface coatings to result in decarboxylation and deamination reactions. For aliphatic polymers, •OH attack resulted in the formation of carbonyl groups from peracid, aldehyde or ketone via H abstraction and CC scission. Moreover, 1O2 might participate in phenyl ring opening for PS NPs and coating degradation for coated PS NPs. This study facilitates understanding the ROS-induced weathering process of NPs/MPs in water under UV irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Duan
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianan Gao
- John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, 07102, USA
| | - Runzi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Enxiang Shang
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Huanghua, Hebei 061100, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, 07102, USA
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202
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Chang Q, Zhu D, Hu L, Kim H, Liu Y, Cai L. Rapid photo aging of commercial conventional and biodegradable plastic bags. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153235. [PMID: 35074370 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastic (BPs) bags are introduced and widely used as alternatives to conventional commercial plastic bags in an effort to mitigate the adverse impacts of nondegradable (conventional) plastics. However, being used as packaging, the stability and safeness of the BPs and even the conventional plastics with photo irradiation in short duration remain unknown. In this study, we systematically explored the photo aging of commercial BPs bags and conventional plastic bags in film forms in both outdoor and laboratory experiments in short duration (~ one month) under the scenario of ordinary daily use. Conventional plastic bags (polyethylene (PE)) and BPs bags (hybrids of polylatic acid (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) with additives (Magadiite or Starch)) were investigated. In contrast with the visually negligible surface change of PE films in both outdoor and laboratory environments, obvious surface alteration as surface deterioration with cracks and holes was obtained for BPs from SEM images in direct irradiation by both natural and simulated sunlight. Consistently, AFM results also indicated that the surface of BPs had the tendency to be rougher after photo aging process. Further FTIR and XPS results demonstrated that though the visual surface alteration of conventional and biodegradable plastics are distinct, the mechanisms dominating the change of C-H/C-C bonds to carbon‑oxygen functional groups (i.e., C-O/C=O/O-C=O) for both conventional plastics and BPs during the photo aging process are similar. Moreover, tensile strength tests demonstrated that BPs bags being easily broken compared with the conventional PE bags might attribute to the difference in their mechanical properties. The findings of this study suggest that the potential risk of MPs and NPs released from the BPs bags via photo aging process are great new threats to natural environment and even human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Dahai Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, PR China
| | - Lingling Hu
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Hyunjung Kim
- Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Engineering, Department of Environment and Energy, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, 54896, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Yanan Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, PR China
| | - Li Cai
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China.
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203
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Giebel BM, Cime S, Rodgers L, Li TD, Zhang S, Wang T. Short-term exposure to soils and sludge induce changes to plastic morphology and 13C stable isotopic composition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153375. [PMID: 35093377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is concern about the buildup of plastic waste in soil, their degradation into microplastics, and their potential to interfere with the natural processing of soil organic carbon and other nutrient cycling processes. Here we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 13C isotope ratio mass spectrometry to determine if precut consumer plastics comprised of either high density polyethylene (HDPE), a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene (L/LDPE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) would degrade or transform during a short-term, 32 day, exposure to soil or sludge in laboratory microcosms. SEM confirmed morphological changes occurred to all plastics, but the attachment of biofilm and presence of microorganisms mostly favored PETE and HDPE surfaces. These observations support the idea that abiotic and/or biotic processes may degrade plastics in soil; however distinguishable and significant changes in mean stable isotopic values (Δδ13C) of ~0.2-0.7‰ were only observed for exposed PETE and HDPE. This indicates that each plastic's degradation in soil may be dependent on their physical and chemical properties, with L/LDPE being more resistant and less prone to degradation compared to the others, and less dependent on the environmental conditions or properties of the soil or sludge. Our experiments were short-term and while the mechanisms of degradation are not clear, the results provide strong motivation for further studies of plastic fate and processing in soil systems. Direct mechanistic studies using stable isotopic approaches in combination with other characterizations and techniques are clearly warranted and may lead to a significant enhancement in our present understanding of the interactions and dynamics of plastics in the soil environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Giebel
- Environmental Sciences Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA.
| | - Schidza Cime
- Chemical Engineering Department, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Lauren Rodgers
- Environmental Sciences Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Tai-De Li
- Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Tong Wang
- Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
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204
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Wang C, Wang L, Ok YS, Tsang DCW, Hou D. Soil plastisphere: Exploration methods, influencing factors, and ecological insights. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128503. [PMID: 35739682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP), an emerging contaminant, is globally prevalent and poses potential environmental threats and ecological risks to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. When MPs enter into natural environments, they may serve as artificial substrates for microbial colonization and plastisphere formation, providing new ecological niches for microorganisms. Recent studies of the plastisphere have focused on aquatic ecosystems. However, our understanding of the soil plastisphere e.g. its formation process, microbial ecology, co-transport of organic pollutants and heavy metals, and effects on biogeochemical processes is still very limited. This review summarizes latest methods used to explore the soil plastisphere, assesses the factors influencing the microbial ecology of the soil plastisphere, and sheds light on potential ecological risks caused by the soil plastisphere. The formation and succession of soil plastisphere communities can be driven by MP characteristics and soil environmental factors. The soil plastisphere may affect a series of ecological processes, especially the co-transport of environmental contaminants, biodegradation of MPs, and soil carbon cycling. We aim to narrow the knowledge gap between the soil and aquatic plastisphere, and provide valuable guidance for future research on the soil plastisphere in MP-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengqian Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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205
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Lackmann C, Velki M, Šimić A, Müller A, Braun U, Ečimović S, Hollert H. Two types of microplastics (polystyrene-HBCD and car tire abrasion) affect oxidative stress-related biomarkers in earthworm Eisenia andrei in a time-dependent manner. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107190. [PMID: 35316749 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are small plastic fragments that are widely distributed in marine and terrestrial environments. While the soil ecosystem represents a large reservoir for plastic, research so far has focused mainly on the impact on aquatic ecosystems and there is a lack of information on the potentially adverse effects of microplastics on soil biota. Earthworms are key organisms of the soil ecosystem and are due to their crucial role in soil quality and fertility a suitable and popular model organism in soil ecotoxicology. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain insight into the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics on the earthworm Eisenia andrei on multiple levels of biological organization after different exposure periods. Earthworms were exposed to two types of microplastics: (1) polystyrene-HBCD and (2) car tire abrasion in natural soil for 2, 7, 14 and 28d. Acute and chronic toxicity and all subcellular investigations were conducted for all exposure times, avoidance behavior assessed after 48 h and reproduction after 28d. Subcellular endpoints included enzymatic biomarker responses, namely, carboxylesterase, glutathione peroxidase, acetylcholinesterase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities, as well as fluorescence-based measurements of oxidative stress-related markers and multixenobiotic resistance activity. Multiple biomarkers showed significant changes in activity, but a recovery of most enzymatic activities could be observed after 28d. Overall, only minor effects could be observed on a subcellular level, showing that in this exposure scenario with environmentally relevant concentrations based on German pollution levels the threat to soil biota is minimal. However, in areas with higher concentrations of microplastics in the environment, these results can be interpreted as an early warning signal for more adverse effects. In conclusion, these findings provide new insights regarding the ecotoxicological effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics on soil organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Lackmann
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Mirna Velki
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Antonio Šimić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Axel Müller
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Fachbereich 6.6: Physik und chemische Analytik der Polymere, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Braun
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Fachbereich 6.6: Physik und chemische Analytik der Polymere, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany; Umweltbundesamt (UBA), Fachgebiet III 2.5 - Überwachungsverfahren, Abwasserentsorgung, Schichauweg 58, 12307 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Ečimović
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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206
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Liu P, Li H, Wu J, Wu X, Shi Y, Yang Z, Huang K, Guo X, Gao S. Polystyrene microplastics accelerated photodegradation of co-existed polypropylene via photosensitization of polymer itself and released organic compounds. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 214:118209. [PMID: 35219184 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Combined pollution consisted of various types of microplastics (MPs) was extensively detected in the environment; however, little is known about their interaction on degradation behavior during exposure in sunlight. This study investigated the effects of polystyrene (PS) MPs and mechanisms on photodegradation of pure and commercial polypropylene (PP) MPs co-existed in aquatic environment. Results showed that PS MPs significantly accelerated photodegradation of co-existed PP, including faster oxidation and fragmentation. Photodegradation route of PP MPs such as the reaction priority of partial chemical bindings was even altered with the presence of PS MPs, highlighting the important role of PS in photodegradation process of PP. Analysis of leachate and free radical indicated that the critical effects were derived from photosensitization of PS polymer itself and its released dissolved organic matter (PS-DOM); here, more important role of PS itself in initial period and that of PS-DOM in later period. Among generated ROS, OH· was the key species for accelerating photodegradation of PP by PS itself and its released DOM, which were generated from the reaction of polymer radical with dissolved oxygen. The findings firstly reveal the important role of PS in photodegradation of co-existed MPs and suggested the shorter duration of (micro)plastics in combined system than that in the single, which provide useful information to assess environmental behavior and fate of MPs more holistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Huang Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zeyuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Kerang Huang
- Division of Laboratory Safety and Services, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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207
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Mixed Contaminants: Occurrence, Interactions, Toxicity, Detection, and Remediation. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082577. [PMID: 35458775 PMCID: PMC9029723 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ever-increasing rate of pollution has attracted considerable interest in research. Several anthropogenic activities have diminished soil, air, and water quality and have led to complex chemical pollutants. This review aims to provide a clear idea about the latest and most prevalent pollutants such as heavy metals, PAHs, pesticides, hydrocarbons, and pharmaceuticals—their occurrence in various complex mixtures and how several environmental factors influence their interaction. The mechanism adopted by these contaminants to form the complex mixtures leading to the rise of a new class of contaminants, and thus resulting in severe threats to human health and the environment, has also been exhibited. Additionally, this review provides an in-depth idea of various in vivo, in vitro, and trending biomarkers used for risk assessment and identifies the occurrence of mixed contaminants even at very minute concentrations. Much importance has been given to remediation technologies to understand our current position in handling these contaminants and how the technologies can be improved. This paper aims to create awareness among readers about the most ubiquitous contaminants and how simple ways can be adopted to tackle the same.
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208
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Rai PK, Sonne C, Brown RJC, Younis SA, Kim KH. Adsorption of environmental contaminants on micro- and nano-scale plastic polymers and the influence of weathering processes on their adsorptive attributes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 427:127903. [PMID: 34895806 PMCID: PMC9758927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Increases in plastic-related pollution and their weathering can be a serious threat to environmental sustainability and human health, especially during the present COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus) pandemic. Planetary risks of plastic waste disposed from diverse sources are exacerbated by the weathering-driven alterations in their physical-chemical attributes and presence of hazardous pollutants mediated through adsorption. Besides, plastic polymers act as vectors of toxic chemical contaminants and pathogenic microbes through sorption onto the 'plastisphere' (i.e., plastic-microbe/biofilm-environment interface). In this review, the effects of weathering-driven alterations on the plastisphere are addressed in relation to the fate/cycling of environmental contaminants along with the sorption/desorption dynamics of micro-/nano-scale plastic (MPs/NPs) polymers for emerging contaminants (e.g., endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and certain heavy metals). The weathering processes, pathways, and mechanisms governing the adsorption of specific environmental pollutants on MPs/NPs surface are thus evaluated in relation to the physicochemical alterations based on several kinetic and isotherm studies. Consequently, the detailed evaluation on the role of the complex associations between weathering and physicochemical properties of plastics should help us gain a better knowledge with respect to the transport, behavior, fate, and toxicological chemistry of plastics along with the proper tactics for their sustainable remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Kumar Rai
- Phyto-Technologies and Plant Invasion Lab, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Richard J C Brown
- Atmospheric Environmental Science Department, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Sherif A Younis
- Analysis and Evaluation Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Nasr City, Cairo 11727, Egypt; Nanobiotechnology Program, Faculty of Nanotechnology for Postgraduate Studies, Cairo University, Sheikh Zayed Branch Campus, Sheikh Zayed City, PO 12588, Giza, Egypt; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763, South Korea.
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209
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Zhang F, Peng G, Xu P, Zhu L, Li C, Wei N, Li D. Ecological risk assessment of marine microplastics using the analytic hierarchy process: A case study in the Yangtze River Estuary and adjacent marine areas. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 425:127960. [PMID: 34896726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is ubiquitous in the terrestrial and marine environments, even in the air. However, ecological risk assessment studies of microplastics are scarce. In the present study, an ecological risk assessment model was built to evaluate the risks of microplastics in the Yangtze River Estuary and adjacent marine areas. A basic index database of the impacts of MP pollution on the ecosystem was constructed around three types of indices, namely, the pressure, status, and response indices. While the expert scoring method was used to determine the weights of these indices, in view of the complexity of the ecosystem in the Yangtze River Estuary, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was used to evaluate its ecological risk. According to the model, microplastic pollution in the Yangtze River Estuary and adjacent marine areas was within a lower risk state, indicating that its risks for the marine ecosystem were still within a controllable range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Guyu Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Pei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Changjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Nian Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China.
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210
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Dang F, Wang Q, Huang Y, Wang Y, Xing B. Key knowledge gaps for One Health approach to mitigate nanoplastic risks. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:11-22. [PMID: 38078201 PMCID: PMC10702905 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2023]
Abstract
There are increasing concerns over the threat of nanoplastics to environmental and human health. However, multidisciplinary barriers persist between the communities assessing the risks to environmental and human health. As a result, the hazards and risks of nanoplastics remain uncertain. Here, we identify key knowledge gaps by evaluating the exposure of nanoplastics in the environment, assessing their bio-nano interactions, and examining their potential risks to humans and the environment. We suggest considering nanoplastics a complex and dynamic mixture of polymers, additives, and contaminants, with interconnected risks to environmental and human health. We call for comprehensive integration of One Health approach to produce robust multidisciplinary evidence to nanoplastics threats at the planetary level. Although there are many challenges, this holistic approach incorporates the relevance of environmental exposure and multi-sectoral responses, which provide the opportunity to identify the risk mitigation strategies of nanoplastics to build resilient health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Dang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingnan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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211
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Wei XF, Capezza AJ, Cui Y, Li L, Hakonen A, Liu B, Hedenqvist MS. Millions of microplastics released from a biodegradable polymer during biodegradation/enzymatic hydrolysis. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 211:118068. [PMID: 35066257 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we show that enzymatic hydrolysis of a biodegradable polyester (poly(ε-caprolactone)) by Amano Lipase PS in an aqueous (buffer) environment yielded rapidly an excessive number of microplastic particles; merely 0.1 g of poly(ε-caprolactone) film was demonstrated to yield millions of particles. There were also indications of non-enzymatic hydrolysis at the same conditions, but this did not yield any particles within the time frame of the experiment (up to 6 days). Microplastic particles formed had irregular shapes with an average size of around 10 µm, with only a few reaching 60 µm. The formation of microplastic particles resulted from the uneven hydrolysis/erosion rate across the polymer film surface, which led to a rough and undulating surface with ridge, branch, and rod-shaped micro-protruding structures. The consequent detachment and fragmentation of these micro-sized protruding structures resulted in the release of microplastics to the surroundings. Together with microplastics, hydrolysis products such as acidic monomers and oligomers were also released during the enzymatic hydrolysis process, causing a pH decrease in the surrounding liquid. The results suggest that the risk of microplastic pollution from biodegradable plastics is notable despite their biodegradation. Special attention needs to be paid when using and disposing of biodegradable plastics, considering the enormous impact of the paradigm shift towards more biodegradable products on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Feng Wei
- Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Antonio J Capezza
- Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuxiao Cui
- Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lengwan Li
- Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aron Hakonen
- Sensor Visions AB, SE, 455 22 Hisings Backa, Sweden
| | - Baicang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Ministry of Education), College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610207, China
| | - Mikael S Hedenqvist
- Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
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212
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Ateia M, Ersan G, Alalm MG, Boffito DC, Karanfil T. Emerging investigator series: microplastic sources, fate, toxicity, detection, and interactions with micropollutants in aquatic ecosystems - a review of reviews. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:172-195. [PMID: 35081190 PMCID: PMC9723983 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00443c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Hundreds of review studies have been published focusing on microplastics (MPs) and their environmental impacts. With the microbiota colonization of MPs being firmly established, MPs became an important carrier for contaminants to step inside the food web all the way up to humans. Thus, the continuous feed of MPs into the ecosystem has sparked a multitude of scientific concerns about their toxicity, characterization, and interactions with microorganisms and other contaminants. The reports of common subthemes have agreed about many findings and research gaps but also showed contradictions about others. To unravel these equivocal conflicts, we herein compile all the major findings and analyze the paramount discrepancies among these review papers. Furthermore, we systematically reviewed all the highlights, research gaps, concerns, and future needs. The covered focus areas of MPs' literature include the sources, occurrence, fate, existence, and removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), toxicity, interaction with microbiota, sampling, characterization, data quality, and interaction with other co-contaminants. This study reveals that many mechanisms of MPs' behavior in aquatic environments like degradation and interaction with microbiota are yet to be comprehended. Furthermore, we emphasize the critical need to standardize methods and parameters for MP characterization to improve the comparability and reproducibility of the incoming research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ateia
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Gamze Ersan
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625, USA.
| | - Mohamed Gar Alalm
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P. 6079, Succ. CV Montréal, H3C 3A7 Québec, Canada
- Department of Public Works Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Daria Camilla Boffito
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P. 6079, Succ. CV Montréal, H3C 3A7 Québec, Canada
| | - Tanju Karanfil
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625, USA.
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213
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Luo H, Liu C, He D, Xu J, Sun J, Li J, Pan X. Environmental behaviors of microplastics in aquatic systems: A systematic review on degradation, adsorption, toxicity and biofilm under aging conditions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:126915. [PMID: 34461541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm) in the environment have attracted worldwide attention due to their wide distribution and difficulty in handling. Aging processes such as UV irradiation, biodegradation, physical abrasion and chemical oxidation can affect the environmental behavior of MPs. This review article summarizes different aging processes of MPs and subsequent effects on the adsorption of pollutants, the leaching of additives, and the toxicity of MPs. In addition, the formation process of biofilm on the surface of MPs and the interactions between biofilm and aged MPs are revealed. MPs can accumulate different environmental pollutants (organic pollutants, heavy metals, microorganisms, etc.) through surface adsorption, pore filling and distribution. Moreover, the aging of MPs affects their adsorption performance toward these pollutants due to a series of changes in their specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups. The release of some toxic additives such as phthalates after aging can enhance the toxic effects of MPs. Aging also changes the shape and size of MPs, which can affect the eating habits of the organisms and further increase the potential toxicity of MPs. This article conducts a systematical analysis and summary of the environmental behavior and physicochemical properties of MPs as well as the changes due to MPs aging, which helps to better understand the impact of aging on MPs in the environment. Future research on MPs aging should reduce the knowledge gap between laboratory simulation and actual conditions and increase the environmental relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Chenyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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214
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Li W, Chen X, Li M, Cai Z, Gong H, Yan M. Microplastics as an aquatic pollutant affect gut microbiota within aquatic animals. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:127094. [PMID: 34530278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The adverse impact of microplastics (MPs) on gut microbiota within aquatic animals depends on the overall effect of chemicals and biofilm of MPs. Thus, it is ideal to fully understand the influences that arise from each or even all of these characteristics, which should give us a whole picture of consequences that are brought by MPs. Harmful effects of MPs on gut microbiota within aquatic organisms start from the ingestion of MPs by aquatic organisms. According to this, the present review will discuss the ingestion of MPs and its following results on gut microbial communities within aquatic animals, in which chemical components, such as plastic polymers, heavy metals and POPs, and the biofilm of MPs would be involved. This review firstly analyzed the impacts of MPs on aquatic organisms in detail about its chemical components and biofilm based on previous relevant studies. At last, the significance of field studies, functional studies and complex dynamics of gut microbial ecology in the future research of MPs affecting gut microbiota is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Minqian Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Zeming Cai
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Han Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China.
| | - Muting Yan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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215
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Feng Q, An C, Chen Z, Yin J, Zhang B, Lee K, Wang Z. Investigation into the impact of aged microplastics on oil behavior in shoreline environments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 421:126711. [PMID: 34332489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the interactions between oil and other particles in shoreline can help determine the environmental risk and cleanup strategy after oil spill. Nevertheless, far less has been known regarding the impact of aged MPs on oil behavior in the shoreline environment. In this study, the aging course of polyethylene (PE) in shaking seawater and ultraviolet (UV) radiation conditions was investigated. The seawater aging mainly affected the physical properties of MPs, increasing its surface pores and hydrophilicity. UV aging significantly affected both the physical and chemical properties of MPs, which increased its hydrophilicity and crystallinity, decreased its mean particle size and introduced oxygen-containing functional groups onto MPs. The two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D COS) analysis confirmed the evolution of oxygen-containing functional groups from C-O to CO. The effects of aged MPs on oil behavior in water-sand system were further explored. The oil remaining percentages were non-linearly changed with the increasing aging degree of MPs. The particle size of the aqueous phase after washing was inversely related to the oil remaining percentage. Further FTIR analysis revealed that C-O and C-H functional groups played an important role in the process of oil adsorbed on MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Feng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Jianan Yin
- Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities, University of Regina, Regina S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E6, Canada
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
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216
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Zhang Y, Zhou G, Yue J, Xing X, Yang Z, Wang X, Wang Q, Zhang J. Enhanced removal of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics through polyaluminum chloride coagulation with three typical coagulant aids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149589. [PMID: 34399346 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Given the discovery and hazard of microplastics in freshwater environments, the removal of microplastics in drinking water deserves more attention. Nevertheless, in the light of existing literature, the effectiveness of conventional coagulation on microplastics removal is insufficient. Hence, enhanced coagulation is worth being explored. This study investigated the improving performance of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), sodium alginate (SA), and activated silicic acid (ASA) when using poly‑aluminum chloride (PAC) to remove polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics. The experimental results showed that ASA had the highest removal efficiency (54.70%) under conventional dosage, while PAM achieved the best removal effect (91.45%) at high dosage. Mechanism of coagulation was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the results illustrated that when only PAC existed or the dosage of coagulant aids was low, double layer compression was the main principle. The increase of coagulant aids dosage improved the effect of adsorption and sweep flocculation significantly. Moreover, jar tests carried in different conditions demonstrated that the current coagulation systems were highly adaptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujian Zhang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guanyu Zhou
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jiapeng Yue
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xinyi Xing
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zhiwei Yang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Xinyu Wang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Qingguo Wang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; College of Water Resource and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
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217
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Montoto-Martínez T, De la Fuente J, Puig-Lozano R, Marques N, Arbelo M, Hernández-Brito JJ, Fernández A, Gelado-Caballero MD. Microplastics, bisphenols, phthalates and pesticides in odontocete species in the Macaronesian Region (Eastern North Atlantic). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113105. [PMID: 34763181 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal contents of twelve individuals from six odontocete species that stranded between 2018 and 2019 in the Macaronesian Region (Eastern North Atlantic) were examined for the presence of marine debris. In addition, concentrations of eleven organic persistent contaminants (nonylphenols, bisphenols, phthalates and pesticides) were analysed in muscle samples by liquid chromatography. No particles larger than 5 mm were found, except for two plastic labels that were found on the same dolphin. On the contrary, all animals contained microplastics of diverse sizes, most of them being fibres (98.06%, n = 708). The predominant detected pollutants were bisphenols (4-984 ng/g) and DEHP (102-1533 ng/g). Also, except for two individuals, all animals had pesticide levels in their tissues. This work has allowed the establishment of a protocol for the study of microplastic ingestion in cetaceans, and tests the potential of microRaman to improve the understanding of microplastic alteration processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Montoto-Martínez
- Grupo de Investigación en Tecnologías, Gestión y Biogeoquímica Ambiental (TGBA), Departamento de Química, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Edificio de Ciencias Básicas, Campus Universitario de Tafira, 35017, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Jesús De la Fuente
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Centro Atlántico de Investigación de Cetáceos, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Campus Universitario de Montaña de Cardones, 35415, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Centro Atlántico de Investigación de Cetáceos, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Campus Universitario de Montaña de Cardones, 35415, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Nuno Marques
- Museu da Baleia da Madeira, Canical, Madeira, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Centro Atlántico de Investigación de Cetáceos, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Campus Universitario de Montaña de Cardones, 35415, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - José Joaquín Hernández-Brito
- Grupo de Investigación en Tecnologías, Gestión y Biogeoquímica Ambiental (TGBA), Departamento de Química, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Edificio de Ciencias Básicas, Campus Universitario de Tafira, 35017, Las Palmas, Spain; Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias (PLOCAN), Carretera de Taliarte s/n, 35200, Telde, Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Centro Atlántico de Investigación de Cetáceos, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Campus Universitario de Montaña de Cardones, 35415, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - María Dolores Gelado-Caballero
- Grupo de Investigación en Tecnologías, Gestión y Biogeoquímica Ambiental (TGBA), Departamento de Química, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Edificio de Ciencias Básicas, Campus Universitario de Tafira, 35017, Las Palmas, Spain.
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218
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Luo Z, Zhou X, Su Y, Wang H, Yu R, Zhou S, Xu EG, Xing B. Environmental occurrence, fate, impact, and potential solution of tire microplastics: Similarities and differences with tire wear particles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148902. [PMID: 34328941 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Tire microplastics (TMPs) are identified as one of the most abundant types of microplastics, which originate from rubber with intended or unintended release. While increasing knowledge about TMPs concentrates on tire wear particles (TWPs), TMPs from other potential sources like recycled tire crumb (RTC) and tire repair-polished debris (TRD) are much less understood. Excessive levels of TMPs and their additives have been fragmentarily reported in the environment. The accumulating environmental TMPs from different sources may directly or indirectly cause adverse impacts on the environment and human health. The objectives of this review are to (1) summarize the properties, abundance, and sources of TMPs in the environment; (2) analyze the environmental fates and behaviors of TMPs, including their roles in carrying abiotic and biotic co-contaminants; (3) evaluate the potential impacts of TMPs on terrestrial and aquatic organisms, as well as human; and (4) discuss the potential solutions to mitigate the TMP pollution. By collecting and analyzing the up-to-date literature, this review enhances our better understanding of the environmental occurrence, fates, impacts, and potential solutions of TMPs, and further highlights critical knowledge gaps and future research directions that require cooperative efforts of scientists, policymakers, and public educators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanxi Luo
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yu Su
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haiming Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Ruilian Yu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Shufeng Zhou
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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219
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Xue J, Samaei SHA, Chen J, Doucet A, Ng KTW. What have we known so far about microplastics in drinking water treatment? A timely review. FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 16:58. [PMID: 34697577 PMCID: PMC8527969 DOI: 10.1007/s11783-021-1492-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been widely detected in drinking water sources and tap water, raising the concern of the effectiveness of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) in protecting the public from exposure to MPs through drinking water. We collected and analyzed the available research articles up to August 2021 on MPs in drinking water treatment (DWT), including laboratory- and full-scale studies. This article summarizes the major MP compositions (materials, sizes, shapes, and concentrations) in drinking water sources, and critically reviews the removal efficiency and impacts of MPs in various drinking water treatment processes. The discussed drinking water treatment processes include coagulation-flocculation (CF), membrane filtration, sand filtration, and granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration. Current DWT processes that are purposed for particle removal are generally effective in reducing MPs in water. Various influential factors to MP removal are discussed, such as coagulant type and dose, MP material, shape and size, and water quality. It is anticipated that better MP removal can be achieved by optimizing the treatment conditions. Moreover, the article framed the major challenges and future research directions on MPs and nanoplastics (NPs) in DWT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkai Xue
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Canada
| | - Seyed Hesam-Aldin Samaei
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Canada
| | - Jianfei Chen
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Canada
| | - Ariana Doucet
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Canada
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Canada
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220
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Li M, Zhang X, Yi K, He L, Han P, Tong M. Transport and deposition of microplastic particles in saturated porous media: Co-effects of clay particles and natural organic matter. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117585. [PMID: 34147776 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural colloids such as clays and natural organic matter (NOM) are universally present in environments, which could interact with microplastics (MPs) and thus alter the fate and transport of MPs in porous media. The co-effects of clays and NOM on MPs transport in saturated porous media were systematically explored at both low and high ionic strength (IS) conditions. Specifically, bentonite and humic acid (HA) were employed as representative clays and NOM. 5 mM NaCl and 1 mM CaCl2 solutions were used as low IS conditions, while 25 mM NaCl and 5 mM CaCl2 solutions were employed as high IS conditions. We found that formation of MPs-bentonite heteroaggregates had great effects on MPs transport under different conditions. Without HA, the small MPs-bentonite heteroaggregates formed under low IS increased MPs transport via serving as mobile carriers, while larger MPs-bentonite heteroaggregates formed at high IS led to the decreased MPs mobility. When both HA and bentonite were copresent in MPs suspension, we found that HA could inhibit the formation of larger sized MPs-bentonite heteroaggregates. Particularly, when the two types of natural colloids copresent in MPs suspensions, MPs transport behaviors were similar to those with only bentonite present in MPs suspensions at low IS, while MPs transport was greatly increased at high IS comparing with those only with bentonite in suspensions. Clearly, without HA in suspensions, bentonite played the dominant role on MPs transport under all examined conditions concerned in this study. Instead, when both HA and bentonite copresent in MPs suspensions, MPs transport was mainly controlled by bentonite at low IS, while both bentonite and HA had major contributions at high IS. The results showed that under solution conditions concerned in present study, MPs mobility in porous media would be greatly affected (either enhanced or inhibited) by the two types of natural colloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Xiangwei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Kexin Yi
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Lei He
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Peng Han
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Meiping Tong
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China.
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Luo Z, Zhu J, Yu L, Yin K. Heavy metal remediation by nano zero-valent iron in the presence of microplastics in groundwater: Inhibition and induced promotion on aging effects. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117628. [PMID: 34167000 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) is one of the most broadly applied nanomaterials in the fields of groundwater remediation which benefits from its high reactivity for pollutants. However, its successful application faces challenges due to its tendency to agglomerate or form passive (oxy)hydroxide corrosion. With the emerging microplastics (MPs) pollution in groundwater system in recent years and considerable data vacancy on its potential physicochemical and ecological effects, it complicates the situation for groundwater remediation. Hereby, we investigated the effects on metal removal by nZVI in groundwater in the presence of various MPs. The removal capacity of Cu (II), Cr (VI), Pb (II) and Zn (II) by nZVI was found to be inhibited to different degrees in the presence of MPs. Desorption of metallic ions was observed dependent on various metal species, with the highest desorption rate in Zn (II). Amongst all MPs investigated, including polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PVC poses the most adverse impact on metal desorption, attributing to its promotion of nZVI aging through electrostatic attraction. This study focused on the impact of MPs to metal remediation, beyond the general aspect of MPs hazard such as its toxic effects or delivery of contaminants. Moreover, groundwater was investigated to make a useful supplement to the research of MPs which primarily focuses on surface water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyi Luo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jingyu Zhu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Ke Yin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037, China.
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222
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Ren Z, Gui X, Xu X, Zhao L, Qiu H, Cao X. Microplastics in the soil-groundwater environment: Aging, migration, and co-transport of contaminants - A critical review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 419:126455. [PMID: 34186423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination in soil has received increasing attention since excessive plastic debris has been emitted directly into the terrestrial environment. Once released into the terrestrial environment, microplastics can be aged via photo- and thermally-initiated oxidative degradation, hetero-aggregation, and bioturbation. Aging affects the physiochemical properties of microplastics with the increase of surface roughness and oxygen-containing groups, which could enhance the sorption and mobility of microplastics in the soil and groundwater environment. However, the interactions among aging, sorption, and transport of microplastics in the terrestrial system have not been unveiled. This review clarifies the key processes of microplastics transport pathways in soil and groundwater ecosystems influenced by aging and sorption under various scenarios. Co-transport of microplastics and sorbed contaminants are also addressed to help understand the risks associated with heavy metals, organic contaminants, and engineered nanoparticles in the soil environment. Overall, this review elaborates the most pressing research limitations on the present literature and highlights the future perspectives to investigate the possible broad transport pathways of microplastics in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhefan Ren
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiangyang Gui
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyun Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xinde Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, Shanghai 200092, China.
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223
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Morgana S, Casentini B, Amalfitano S. Uncovering the release of micro/nanoplastics from disposable face masks at times of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 419:126507. [PMID: 34323718 PMCID: PMC8234265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Wearing face masks is a fundamental prevention and control measure to limit the spread of COVID-19. The universal use and improper disposal of single-use face masks are raising serious concerns for their environmental impact, owing to the foregone contribution to plastic water pollution during and beyond the pandemic. This study aims to uncover the release of micro/nanoplastics generated from face mask nonwoven textiles once discarded in the aquatic environment. As assessed by microscopy and flow cytometry, the exposure to different levels of mechanical stress forces (from low to high shear stress intensities) was proved effective in breaking and fragmenting face mask fabrics into smaller debris, including macro-, micro-, and nano-plastics. Even at the low level of fabric deterioration following the first second of treatment, a single mask could release in water thousands of microplastic fibers and up to 108 submicrometric particles, mostly comprised in the nano-sized domain. By contributing to the current lack of knowledge regarding the potential environmental hazards posed by universal face masking, we provided novel quantitative data, through a suitable technological approach, on the release of micro/nanoplastics from single-use face masks that can threaten the aquatic ecosystems to which they finally end-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Morgana
- Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (IAS-CNR), Via della Vasca Navale, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Barbara Casentini
- Water Research Institute (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria Km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Amalfitano
- Water Research Institute (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria Km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
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224
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Zhang H, Zheng Y, Wang XC, Wang Y, Dzakpasu M. Characterization and biogeochemical implications of dissolved organic matter in aquatic environments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 294:113041. [PMID: 34126535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is viewed as one of the most chemically active organic substances on earth. It plays vital roles in the fate, bioavailability and toxicity of aquatic exogenous chemical species (e.g., heavy metals, organic pollutants, and nanomaterials). The characteristics of DOM such low concentrations, salt interference and complexity in aquatic environments and limitations of pretreatment for sample preparation and application of characterization techniques severely limit understanding of its nature and environmental roles. This review provides a characterization continuum of aquatic DOM, and demonstrate its biogeochemical implications, enabling in-depth insight into its nature and environmental roles. A synthesis of the effective DOM pretreatment strategies, comprising extraction and fractionation methods, and characterization techniques is presented. Additionally, the biogeochemical dynamics of aquatic DOM and its environmental implications are discussed. The findings indicate the collection of representative DOM samples from water as the first and critical step for characterizing its properties, dynamics, and environmental implications. However, various pretreatment procedures may alter DOM composition and structure, producing highly variable recoveries and even influencing its subsequent characterization. Therefore, complimentary use of various characterization techniques is highly recommended to obtain as much information on DOM as possible, as each characterization technique exhibits various advantages and limitations. Moreover, DOM could markedly change the physical and chemical properties of exogenous chemical species, influencing their transformation and mobility, and finally altering their potential bioavailability and toxicity. Several research gaps to be addressed include the impact of pretreatment on the composition and structure of aquatic DOM, molecular-level structural elucidation for DOM, and assessment of the effects of DOM dynamics on the fate, bioavailability and toxicity of exogenous chemical species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yucong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochang C Wang
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongkun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China
| | - Mawuli Dzakpasu
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, People's Republic of China.
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225
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Baho DL, Bundschuh M, Futter MN. Microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems: Moving beyond the state of the art to minimize the risk of ecological surprise. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:3969-3986. [PMID: 34042229 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (plastic particles measuring <5mm) pollution is ubiquitous. Unlike in other well-studied ecosystems, for example, marine and freshwater environments, microplastics in terrestrial systems are relatively understudied. Their potential impacts on terrestrial environments, in particular the risk of causing ecological surprise, must be better understood and quantified. Ecological surprise occurs when ecosystem behavior deviates radically from expectations and generally has negative consequences for ecosystem services. The properties and behavior of microplastics within terrestrial environments may increase their likelihood of causing ecological surprises as they (a) are highly persistent global pollutants that will last for centuries, (b) can interact with the abiotic environment in a complex manner, (c) can impact terrestrial organisms directly or indirectly and (d) interact with other contaminants and can facilitate their transport. Here, we compiled findings of previous research on microplastics in terrestrial environments. We systematically focused on studies addressing different facets of microplastics related to their distribution, dispersion, impact on soil characteristics and functions, levels of biological organization of tested terrestrial biota (single species vs. assemblages), scale of experimental study and corresponding ecotoxicological effects. Our systematic assessment of previous microplastic research revealed that most studies have been conducted on single species under laboratory conditions with short-term exposures; few studies were conducted under more realistic long-term field conditions and/or with multi-species assemblages. Studies targeting multi-species assemblages primarily considered soil bacterial communities and showed that microplastics can alter essential nutrient cycling functions. More ecologically meaningful studies of terrestrial microplastics encompassing multi-species assemblages, critical ecological processes (e.g., biogeochemical cycles and pollination) and interactions with other anthropogenic stressors must be conducted. Addressing these knowledge gaps will provide a better understanding of microplastics as emerging global stressors and should lower the risk of ecological surprise in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier L Baho
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Functional Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Martyn N Futter
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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226
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Ren Z, Gui X, Wei Y, Chen X, Xu X, Zhao L, Qiu H, Cao X. Chemical and photo-initiated aging enhances transport risk of microplastics in saturated soils: Key factors, mechanisms, and modeling. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 202:117407. [PMID: 34271454 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) inevitably undergo aging transformation and transport process in environmental compartments. In this study, the polystyrene MPs were aged via three different oxidation methods including persulfate oxidation (PS), UV irradiation (UV), and UV irradiated persulfate oxidation (UVPS). All three treatments induced the great transformation of MPs, with the significant increase in surface roughness and in oxygen-containing functional groups, i.e., COOH or COOC. The UVPS aging showed synergetic effect due to the strengthened photo-initiated chemical oxidation, compared to UV and PS alone. All aged MPs exhibited the enhanced transport (34.9%-89.2%) in sandy and clay loam soils than pristine MPs (30.5%), and the synergetic effect was also observed in the transport behaviors of the UVPS MPs. Higher transport of MPs and aged MPs occurred in sandy soil than that in clay loam soil since the latter one contained high Fe minerals that tend to retain MPs, which was confirmed by the model quartz sand column experiment. Modeling on the migration of MPs retained in soil under a rainstorm scenario showed that the aged MPs had the stronger remobility and greater proportion of cumulative flux than pristine ones in the soil profile. These findings provided new insights on the fate and transport of MPs in natural soil and their potential risk to groundwater contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhefan Ren
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiangyang Gui
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yaqiang Wei
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyun Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xinde Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, Shanghai 200092, China.
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227
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Abstract
Plastic pollution accumulating in an area of the environment is considered "poorly reversible" if natural mineralization processes occurring there are slow and engineered remediation solutions are improbable. Should negative outcomes in these areas arise as a consequence of plastic pollution, they will be practically irreversible. Potential impacts from poorly reversible plastic pollution include changes to carbon and nutrient cycles; habitat changes within soils, sediments, and aquatic ecosystems; co-occurring biological impacts on endangered or keystone species; ecotoxicity; and related societal impacts. The rational response to the global threat posed by accumulating and poorly reversible plastic pollution is to rapidly reduce plastic emissions through reductions in consumption of virgin plastic materials, along with internationally coordinated strategies for waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew MacLeod
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, NO-0806 Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mine B Tekman
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, DE-04107 Leipzig, Germany. .,Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
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