251
|
González-Pleiter M, Velázquez D, Casero MC, Tytgat B, Verleyen E, Leganés F, Rosal R, Quesada A, Fernández-Piñas F. Microbial colonizers of microplastics in an Arctic freshwater lake. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148640. [PMID: 34246139 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been found everywhere as they are easily transported between environmental compartments. Through their transport, MPs are quickly colonized by microorganisms; this microbial community is known as the plastisphere. Here, we characterized the plastisphere of three MPs, one biodegradable (PHB) and two non-biodegradables (HDPE and LDPE), deployed in an Arctic freshwater lake for eleven days. The plastisphere was found to be complex, confirming that about a third of microbial colonizers were viable. Plastisphere was compared to microbial communities on the surrounding water and microbial mats on rocks at the bottom of the lake. Microbial mats followed by MPs showed the highest diversity regarding both prokaryotes and eukaryotes as compared to water samples; however, for fungi, MPs showed the highest diversity of the tested substrates. Significant differences on microbial assemblages on the three tested substrates were found; regarding microbial assemblages on MPs, bacterial genera found in polar environments such as Mycoplana, Erythromicrobium and Rhodoferax with species able to metabolize recalcitrant chemicals were abundant. Eukaryotic communities on MPs were characterized by the presence of ciliates of the genera Stentor, Vorticella and Uroleptus and the algae Cryptomonas, Chlamydomonas, Tetraselmis and Epipyxis. These ciliates normally feed on algae so that the complexity of these assemblages may serve to unravel trophic relationships between co-existing taxa. Regarding fungal communities on MPs, the most abundant genera were Betamyces, Cryptococcus, Arrhenia and Paranamyces. MPs, particularly HDPE, were enriched in the sulI and ermB antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) which may raise concerns about human health-related issues as ARGs may be transferred horizontally between bacteria. This study highlights the importance of proper waste management and clean-up protocols to protect the environmental health of pristine environments such as polar regions in a context of global dissemination of MPs which may co-transport microorganisms, some of them including ARGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel González-Pleiter
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Velázquez
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Cristina Casero
- Departamento de Biogeoquímica y Ecología Microbiana, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bjorn Tytgat
- Laboratory of Protistology & Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S8, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Elie Verleyen
- Laboratory of Protistology & Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S8, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Francisco Leganés
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Quesada
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
252
|
Azeem I, Adeel M, Ahmad MA, Shakoor N, Jiangcuo GD, Azeem K, Ishfaq M, Shakoor A, Ayaz M, Xu M, Rui Y. Uptake and Accumulation of Nano/Microplastics in Plants: A Critical Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:2935. [PMID: 34835700 PMCID: PMC8618759 DOI: 10.3390/nano11112935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment is an undeniable and serious concern due to their higher persistence and extensive use in agricultural production. This review highlights the sources and fate of MPs and NPs in soil and their uptake, translocation, and physiological effects in the plant system. We provide the current snapshot of the latest reported studies with the majority of literature spanning the last five years. We draw attention to the potential risk of MPs and NPs in modern agriculture and their effects on plant growth and development. We also highlight their uptake and transport pathways in roots and leaves via different exposure methods in plants. Conclusively, agricultural practices, climate changes (wet weather and heavy rainfall), and soil organisms play a major role in transporting MPs and NPs in soil. NPs are more prone to enter plant cell walls as compared to MPs. Furthermore, transpiration pull is the dominant factor in the plant uptake and translocation of plastic particles. MPs have negligible negative effects on plant physiological and biochemical indicators. Overall, there is a dire need to establish long-term studies for a better understanding of their fate and associated risks mechanisms in realistic environment scenarios for safe agricultural functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran Azeem
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (I.A.); (N.S.)
| | - Muhammad Adeel
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Subcampus, Zhuhai 519087, China;
| | - Muhammad Arslan Ahmad
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Noman Shakoor
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (I.A.); (N.S.)
| | - Gama Dingba Jiangcuo
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Subcampus, Zhuhai 519087, China;
| | - Kamran Azeem
- Department of Agronomy, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Ishfaq
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Awais Shakoor
- Department of Environment and Soil Sciences, University of Lleida, Avinguda Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Muhammad Ayaz
- Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry Instituto al. 1, 58344 Akademija, Lithuania;
| | - Ming Xu
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Subcampus, Zhuhai 519087, China;
| | - Yukui Rui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (I.A.); (N.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
253
|
Ahmaditabatabaei S, Kyazze G, Iqbal HMN, Keshavarz T. Fungal Enzymes as Catalytic Tools for Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Degradation. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:931. [PMID: 34829219 PMCID: PMC8625934 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous persistence of plastic waste in diverse forms and different environmental matrices is one of the main challenges that modern societies are facing at present. The exponential utilization and recalcitrance of synthetic plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), results in their extensive accumulation, which is a significant threat to the ecosystem. The growing amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans is alarming due to its possible adverse effects on biota. Thus, there is an urgent need to mitigate plastic waste to tackle the environmental crisis of plastic pollution. With regards to PET, there is a plethora of literature on the transportation route, ingestion, environmental fate, amount, and the adverse ecological and human health effects. Several studies have described the deployment of various microbial enzymes with much focus on bacterial-enzyme mediated removal and remediation of PET. However, there is a lack of consolidated studies on the exploitation of fungal enzymes for PET degradation. Herein, an effort has been made to cover this literature gap by spotlighting the fungi and their unique enzymes, e.g., esterases, lipases, and cutinases. These fungal enzymes have emerged as candidates for the development of biocatalytic PET degradation processes. The first half of this review is focused on fungal biocatalysts involved in the degradation of PET. The latter half explains three main aspects: (1) catalytic mechanism of PET hydrolysis in the presence of cutinases as a model fungal enzyme, (2) limitations hindering enzymatic PET biodegradation, and (3) strategies for enhancement of enzymatic PET biodegradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyedehazita Ahmaditabatabaei
- School of Life sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK; (S.A.); (G.K.)
| | - Godfrey Kyazze
- School of Life sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK; (S.A.); (G.K.)
| | - Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Mexico;
| | - Tajalli Keshavarz
- School of Life sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK; (S.A.); (G.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
254
|
Meng J, Xu B, Liu F, Li W, Sy N, Zhou X, Yan B. Effects of chemical and natural ageing on the release of potentially toxic metal additives in commercial PVC microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131274. [PMID: 34182647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Various chemical substances, such as potentially toxic trace metals, are used as plastic additives to improve the performance of polymers and extend the service life of plastic products. However, these added trace metals are likely released from plastic into the environment when the plastic becomes a pollutant, although the process is poorly understood. In this study, chemical ageing of commercial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and natural ageing of PVC that had been added to an alkaline paddy soil were undertaken to evaluate the potential release of trace metals from PVC. Enhanced release of trace metals from PVC with the increasing H2O2 concentrations was observed, in which the released Pb was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than other metals (p < 0.01). The released Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Mn accounted for 87.37%, 79.27%, 22.02%, 20.93%, 17.06%, 15.11%, and 11.02% of their total concentrations (0.28 ± 0.03, 0.08 ± 0.01, 13.67 ± 0.18, 1.07 ± 0.02, 2.20 ± 0.18, 0.05 ± 0.00 and 1.26 ± 0.08 mmol kg-1) in PVC after ageing with 30% H2O2, respectively. Compared with the control treatment without PVC addition, the concentrations of CaCl2-extractable Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soil treated with 5% PVC are significantly increased after incubation for 60 days (p < 0.01). In conclusion, chemical and natural ageing have the potential to lead to the release of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn from the commercial PVC into aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Meng
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Institute of Eco-environmental Research, School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Baile Xu
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Wenjin Li
- Institute of Eco-environmental Research, School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Nathan Sy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
255
|
Yu H, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Song Q, Fan P, Xi B, Tan W. Effects of microplastics on soil organic carbon and greenhouse gas emissions in the context of straw incorporation: A comparison with different types of soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117733. [PMID: 34256289 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic mulching and straw incorporation are common agricultural practices in China. Plastic mulching is suspected to be a significant source of microplastics in terrestrial environments. Straw incorporation has many effects on the storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) and greenhouse gas emissions, but these effects have not been studied in the presence of microplastic pollution. In this study, 365-day soil incubation experiments were conducted to assess the effects of maize straw and polyethylene microplastics on SOC fractions and carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in two different soils (fluvo-aquic and latosol). Against the background of straw incorporation, microplastics reduced the mineralization and decomposition of SOC, resulting in a microbially available SOC content decrease by 18.9%. In addition, microplastics were carbon-rich, but relatively stable and difficult to be used by microorganisms, thus increasing the mineral-associated SOC content by 52.5%. This indicated that microplastics had adverse effects on microbially available SOC and positive effects on mineral-associated SOC. Microplastics also decreased coarse particulate SOC (>250 μm), and increased non-aggregated silt and clay aggregated SOC (<53 μm). Furthermore, microplastics changed microbial community compositions, thereby reducing the CO2 and N2O emissions of straw incorporation by 26.5%-33.9% and 35.4%-39.7%, respectively. These results showed that microplastics partially offset the increase of CO2 and N2O emissions induced by straw incorporation. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of microplastics on CO2 emissions in fluvo-aquic soil was lower than that in latosol soil, whereas the inhibitory effect on N2O emissions had the opposite trend.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, And State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Center for Soil Environmental Protection, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, And State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Qidao Song
- Institute of Scientific and Technical Information, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Ping Fan
- College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, And State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, And State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| |
Collapse
|
256
|
Yu H, Qi W, Cao X, Hu J, Li Y, Peng J, Hu C, Qu J. Microplastic residues in wetland ecosystems: Do they truly threaten the plant-microbe-soil system? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106708. [PMID: 34153891 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106708] [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: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ecological stress of microplastic contamination to ecosystem functioning and biota raises concerns worldwide, but the impacts of microplastics on wetland ecosystems (e.g., plants, microbes, and soil) have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used a controlled pot experiment to determine the effects of different types (PS, PVC, PP and PE) of microplastics on the growth performance of wetland plants, soil chemical properties, enzyme systems and microbial communities. Microplastics can change the germination strategies of seeds, and there was also a reduction in fresh weight and plant height in Bacopa sp. Chlorophyllb synthesiswas significantly reduced in mixed microplastic treatments compared with controls. Microplastic addition in soil caused higher concentrations of reactive oxygen species in plants, which led to increased lipid peroxidation and activation of the antioxidant defence system. The organic matter, potassium, total nitrogen and phosphorus changed significantly in the presence of the four forms of microplastics, while soil pH was not substantially affected. Microplastics had a negative effect on soil enzyme activity, for example, PS MP particles significantly decreased sucrase activities in the soil after 40 days. The results of this study showed that microplastic addition decreased the richness and diversity of bacterial. When soil was exposed to polystyrene microplastics, the richness and diversity of algae significantly increased on the soil surface. Thus, microplastics can alters the structure of soil microbial communities, resulting in the enrichment of some special soil microbial taxa involved in nitrogen cycling. These results indicate both the direct and indirect effects of plastic residues on the plant-microbe-soil system, which has implications for potential further impacts on wetland ecosystem functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Weixiao Qi
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaofeng Cao
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, 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
| | - Yang Li
- 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.
| | - Chengzhi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jiuhui Qu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
257
|
Wu X, Lu J, Du M, Xu X, Beiyuan J, Sarkar B, Bolan N, Xu W, Xu S, Chen X, Wu F, Wang H. Particulate plastics-plant interaction in soil and its implications: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148337. [PMID: 34465040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Particulate plastics (<5 mm), including macroplastics (1 μm to 5 mm), microplastics (100 nm to 1 μm) and nanoplastics (<100 nm), have become a global environmental problem due to their widespread occurrence, distribution and ecosystem risk. Although numerous studies on particulate plastics have been conducted in aquatic systems, investigations in the soil ecosystem are lacking. Soil is the main storage place of particulate plastics, conferring significant impacts on plant growth and development. The impact of particulate plastics on plants is directly related to the safety of agricultural products. This review comprehensively examines the pollution characteristics and exposure pathways of particulate plastics in agricultural soils, highlighting plastic uptake process, and mechanisms in plants, and effects of particulate plastics, biodegradable particulate plastics and combined pollution of plastics with other environmental pollutants on plant performances. This review identifies a number of future research prospects including the development of accurate quantitative methods for plastic analysis in soil and plant samples, understanding the environmental behaviors of conventional and biodegradable particulate plastics in the presence and absence of other environmental pollutants, unravelling the fate of particulate plastics in plants, phyto-toxicity and molecular regulatory mechanisms of particultate plastics, and developing best management practices for the production of safe agricultural products in plastic-contaminated soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolian Wu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Jinlian Lu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Minghui Du
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Xiaoya Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Jingzi Beiyuan
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Weicheng Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Song Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China.
| |
Collapse
|
258
|
Han L, Fang K, Liu Y, Fang J, Wang F, Wang X. Earthworms accelerated the degradation of the highly toxic acetochlor S-enantiomer by stimulating soil microbiota in repeatedly treated soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 420:126669. [PMID: 34329120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of earthworms on the enantioselective degradation of chloroacetamide herbicide acetochlor with soil microorganisms in repeatedly treated soils. The S-enantiomer degraded more slowly and exerted stronger inhibition on soil microbial functions than the R-enantiomer in single soil system. A synergistic effect was observed between soil microorganisms and earthworms that accelerated the degradation of both the enantiomers, particularly the highly toxic S-enantiomer, which resulted in the preferential degradation of S-enantiomer in soil-earthworm system. Earthworms stimulated five potential indigenous degraders (i.e. Lysobacter, Kaistobacter, Flavobacterium, Arenimonas, and Aquicell), induced two new potential degraders (i.e. Aeromonas and Algoriphagus), and also significantly strengthened the correlations among these seven dominant potential degraders and other microorganisms. Notably, the relative abundances of Flavobacterium and Aeromonas in soil treated with earthworms for S-enantiomer were higher than those for R-enantiomer. Furthermore, earthworms significantly stimulated overall soil microbial activity and improved three microbial metabolic pathways, and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, signal transduction, cell motility, particularly for the S-enantiomer treatment with earthworms, which alleviated the strong inhibition of S-enantiomer on microbial community functions. This study confirmed that earthworms accelerated the degradation of the highly toxic acetochlor S-enantiomer in soil, providing a potential approach in chloroacetamide herbicide-polluted soil remediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingxi Han
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Qingdao 266101, PR China
| | - Kuan Fang
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Qingdao 266101, PR China
| | - Yalei Liu
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Qingdao 266101, PR China
| | - Jianwei Fang
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Qingdao 266101, PR China
| | - Fenglong Wang
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Qingdao 266101, PR China
| | - Xiuguo Wang
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Qingdao 266101, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
259
|
Han L, Kong X, Xu M, Nie J. Repeated exposure to fungicide tebuconazole alters the degradation characteristics, soil microbial community and functional profiles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117660. [PMID: 34426382 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Tebuconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole fungicide that has been extensively applied in agriculture, but its toxicity on soil ecology remains unknown after repeated introduction to soil. This study investigated the degradation of tebuconazole and the changes in soil microbial community composition and functional diversity as well as network complexity in soil repeatedly treated with tebuconazole. Tebuconazole degraded slowly as the degradation half-life initially increased and then decreased during the four repeated treatments. High concentration of tebuconazole treatment significantly delayed the degradation of tebuconazole. The soil microbial functional diversity in tebuconazole-treated soils showed an inhibition-recovery-stimulation trend with increasing treatment frequency, which was related to the increased degradation rates of tebuconazole. Tebuconazole significantly decreased soil microbial biomass and bacterial community diversity, and this decreasing trend became more pronounced with increasing treatment frequency and concentration. Moreover, tebuconazole significantly decreased soil bacterial community network complexity, particularly at high concentration of tebuconazole treatment. Notably, four bacterial genera, Methylobacterium, Burkholderia, Hyphomicrobium, and Dermacoccus, were identified as the potential tebuconazole-degrading bacteria, with the relative abundances in the tebuconazole treatment significantly increasing by 42.1-34687.1% compared to the control. High concentration of tebuconazole treatment delayed increases in the relative abundances of Methylobacterium but promoted those of Burkholderia, Hyphomicrobium and Dermacoccus. Additionally, repeated tebuconazole treatments improved only four metabolic pathways, cell motility, membrane transport, environmental information processing, and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, which were associated with the degradation of tebuconazole. The above results indicated that repeated tebuconazole treatments resulted in the significant accumulation of residues and long-term negative effects on soil ecology, and also emphasized the potential roles of dominant indigenous microbial bacteria in the degradation of tebuconazole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingxi Han
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agriculture University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xiabing Kong
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agriculture University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Min Xu
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agriculture University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Jiyun Nie
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agriculture University, Qingdao, 266109, China; Qingdao Key Lab of Modern Agriculture Quality and Safety Engineering, Qingdao, 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|
260
|
Wang L, Liu Y, Kaur M, Yao Z, Chen T, Xu M. Phytotoxic Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics on the Growth of Food Crops Soybean ( Glycine max) and Mung Bean ( Vigna radiata). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10629. [PMID: 34682374 PMCID: PMC8535555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of micro-plastics (MPs) in the environment has resulted in various ecological and health concerns. Nowadays, however, studies are mainly focused on toxicity of MPs on aquatic organisms, but only a few studies assess the toxic effects of micro-plastics on terrestrial plants, especially edible agricultural crops. The present study was aimed to investigate the adverse effects of polyethylene (PE) microplastics on the germination of two common food crops of China, i.e., soybean (Glycine max) and mung bean (Vigna radiata). Both the crops were treated with polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) of two sizes (6.5 μm and 13 μm) with six different concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg/L). Parameters studied were (i) seed vigor (e.g., germination energy, germination index, vigor index, mean germination speed, germination rate); (ii) morphology (e.g., root length, shoot length) and (iii) dry weight. It was found that the phyto-toxicity of PE-MPs to soybean (Glycine max) was greater than that of mung bean (Vigna radiata). On the 3rd day, the dry weight of soybean was inhibited at different concentrations as compared to the control and the inhibition showed decline with the increase in the concentration of PE-MPs. After the 7th day, the root length of soybean was inhibited by PE-MPs of 13 μm size, and the inhibition degree was positively correlated with the concentration, whereas the root length of mung bean was increased, and the promotion degree was positively correlated with the concentration. Present study indicated the necessity to explore the hazardous effects of different sizes of PE-MPs on the growth and germination process of agricultural crops. Additionally, our results can provide theoretical basis and data support for further investigation on the toxicity of PE-MPs to soybean and mung bean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Department of Environmental Science, Miami College, Henan University, Kaifeng 475002, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Earth System Observation and Modeling, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Environmental Science, Miami College, Henan University, Kaifeng 475002, China
| | - Mandeep Kaur
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Earth System Observation and Modeling, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Zhisheng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Taizheng Chen
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Earth System Observation and Modeling, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Earth System Observation and Modeling, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| |
Collapse
|
261
|
Yan Y, Chen Z, Zhu F, Zhu C, Wang C, Gu C. Effect of Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics on Bacterial Community and Nutrient Status in Two Agricultural Soils. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:602-609. [PMID: 32556686 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02900-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the influence of microplastics on soil microbiome and nutrients is important for understanding the ecological consequences of microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we investigated whether polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastic pollution at environmentally relevant concentrations would affect soil bacterial community and available nitrogen/phosphorus content. The results showed that although PVC microplastics at 0.1% and 1% levels did not have a significant effect on overall bacterial community diversity and composition in soil over the course of 35 days, a number of bacterial genera were significantly reduced or enriched by the presence of microplastics. Potentially due to their effect on certain functional groups, microplastics caused a significant change in soil available P content. It is noteworthy that, depending on soil type, pollution level and plasticizer presence, contrasting effects of microplastics may be observed. Further research is definitely warranted to gain a clearer picture of the threats posed by microplastic pollution in soil environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanghao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxiao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Changyin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
262
|
Yang M, Huang DY, Tian YB, Zhu QH, Zhang Q, Zhu HH, Xu C. Influences of different source microplastics with different particle sizes and application rates on soil properties and growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 222:112480. [PMID: 34217116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The potentially negative effects of microplastics (MP) on agroecosystems have raised worldwide concerns. However, little is known about the negative effects of MP exposure on the soil-plant system. To fill up this knowledge gap, a pot experiment was set up, and two different MP types [high density polyethylene (HDPE) and general purpose polystyrene (GPPS)] were used, which had four particle sizes (<25, 25-48, 48-150, and 150-850 µm) at four application rates (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 g MP kg-1 soil). Some soil properties and the growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) were monitored. The results showed that (1) MP application with high application rates and relatively small particle sizes significantly enhanced the soil urease activity, which accompanied with enhanced soil pH and decreased soil available concentrations of phosphorus and potassium in some cases. (2) The exposure of MP did not significantly affect the activity of soil catalase regardless of their application rates and sizes. MP with different application rates and small sizes significantly reduced the soil sucrase activity, but the largest size of MP enhanced the activity of soil sucrase. (3) GPPS at 10-20 g kg-1 or with the sizes of <25 and 48-150 µm significantly reduced the fresh weight of Chinese cabbage, but the addition of HDPE had no remarkable effects on the fresh weight regarding of its application rates or sizes. (4) MP with high application rates and large sizes enhanced but small sizes of MP reduced the leaf soluble sugar concentration. The increasing application rates of MP and small size HDPE significantly reduced the starch concentration in the leaves of Chinese cabbage, however, the different sizes of GPPS showed limited effects on the leaf starch. The addition of MP with increasing application rates and different sizes always reduced the concentration of leaf chlorophyll. These parameters regarding to plant and soil could be used to assess the risks of MP pollution in the soil-plant systems. We found that the risks resulting from MP pollution were MP type-dependent and particle size-dependent. These findings indicate that overaccumulation of MP in the agriculture may possess an ecology risk and will negatively affect the agricultural sustainability and the food safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yang
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Dao-You Huang
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Ying-Bing Tian
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Qi-Hong Zhu
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China.
| | - Quan Zhang
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Han-Hua Zhu
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| |
Collapse
|
263
|
Jiang Y, Xia W, Zhao R, Wang M, Tang J, Wei Y. Insight into the Interaction Between Microplastics and Microorganisms Based on a Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:585-596. [PMID: 33779775 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03201-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are abundant in the environment and have been proven to affect ecosystems and human health. Microorganisms play essential roles in the ecological fate of microplastics pollution, potentially yielding positive and negative effects. This study reviews the research progress of interaction between microplastics and microorganisms based on a bibliometric and visualized analysis. Publication numbers, subjects, countries, institutions, highly cited papers, and keywords were investigated by statistical analysis. VOSviewer software was applied to visualize the co-occurrence and aggregation of national collaboration, subjects, and keywords. Results revealed trends of rapidly increasing publication output that involved multiple disciplines. Contributing countries and their institutions were also identified in this study. Keywords, co-occurrence network visualization, highly cited papers analysis, and knowledge-based mining were all used to give insight into microorganisms or microbiota related to microplastics pollution, and the potential impacts that microplastics biodegradation may cause. In the future, research efforts need to focus on the following areas: microbial degradation processes and mechanisms, assessment of ecological microplastics risks, and potential effects of microplastics bioaccumulation and human exposure. This study provides a holistic view of ongoing microplastics and related microbial research, which may be useful for future microplastics biodegradation studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Jiang
- Library, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wanjun Xia
- Library, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengge Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Jinfeng Tang
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Linköping University - Guangzhou University Research Center on Urban Sustainable Development, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yongjun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
264
|
Yu H, Zhang Y, Tan W. The "neighbor avoidance effect" of microplastics on bacterial and fungal diversity and communities in different soil horizons. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 8:100121. [PMID: 36157000 PMCID: PMC9488088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2021.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a new type of environmental pollutant, and pose a serious threat to soil ecosystems. It is important to study microplastics effects on soil microorganisms to better understand their effects on terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, we collected soil and microplastic samples from corn, pepper, peanut and cucumber fields in Shunyi District, Beijing, China, and used Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze bacterial and fungal community composition and diversity. We focused on microplastic surface and its surrounding "rhizosphere-like" soil in the 0-10 cm (humus) and 10-20 cm (eluvial) deep horizons. Microbial richness and diversity on microplastic surface were significantly lower than those in surrounding "rhizosphere-like" soil, and microbial richness and diversity were reduced to a greater extent in the humus horizon than in the eluvial horizon. Microplastics likely enriched the microbes involved in their biodegradation. The relative abundance levels of Cyanobacteria and Basidiomycota on microplastic surfaces were significantly higher than those in surrounding "rhizosphere-like" soil, while the relative abundance levels of Acidobacteria, Chloreflexi, and Mortierellomycota were higher in "rhizosphere-like" soil. Furthermore, the relative abundance levels of pathways related to human diseases, animal pathogen, and fungal parasites were significantly higher on microplastic surfaces than in "rhizosphere-like" soil. These results show that the microbial diversity, richness, community structure and function between microplastic surfaces and surrounding "rhizosphere-like" soil are significantly different, leading to a "rhizosphere-like neighbor avoidance effect" between microplastic surfaces and the surrounding soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
- Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
- Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| |
Collapse
|
265
|
Agathokleous E, Iavicoli I, Barceló D, Calabrese EJ. Ecological risks in a 'plastic' world: A threat to biological diversity? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126035. [PMID: 33992919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is predicted to increase in the coming decades, raising concerns about its effects on living organisms. Although the effects of microplastics on individual organisms have been extensively studied, the effects on communities, biological diversity, and ecosystems remain underexplored. This paper reviews the published literature concerning how microplastics affect communities, biological diversity, and ecosystem processes. Microplastics increase the abundance of some taxa but decrease the abundance of some other taxa, indicating trade-offs among taxa and altered microbial community composition in both the natural environment and animals' gut. The alteration of community composition by microplastics is highly conserved across taxonomic ranks, while the alpha diversity of microbiota is often reduced or increased, depending on the microplastics dose and environmental conditions, suggesting potential threats to biodiversity. Biogeochemical cycles, greenhouse gas fluxes, and atmospheric chemistry, can also be altered by microplastics pollution. These findings suggest that microplastics may impact the U.N. Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) to improve atmospheric, soil, and water quality and sustaining biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
266
|
Hayes DG. Enhanced end-of-life performance for biodegradable plastic mulch films through improving standards and addressing research gaps. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2021.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
267
|
Wang F, Wang X, Song N. Polyethylene microplastics increase cadmium uptake in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by altering the soil microenvironment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 784:147133. [PMID: 33895518 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147133] [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: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Little research has focused on the combined pollution of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals in soil, especially the mechanism of their interaction. We conducted a 45-day microcosm experiment to test the hypothesis that polyethylene (PE) MPs and cadmium (Cd) had a joint toxicity to lettuce fitness. The effects of MPs at different addition ratios on Cd bioavailability and soil properties were also investigated in the microenvironment of three levels of Cd-contaminated soils. The results showed that the 10% MPs had an adverse impact on the plant biomass and significantly decreased soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC), but significantly increased soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The presence of MPs increased the soil Cd bioavailability and plant Cd concentrations and accumulations across all three levels of Cd-contaminated soils, which potentially aggregated the combined toxicity. The amounts of the bacterial 16SRNA and the fungal ITSRNA genes displayed a hormesis effect in response to the MP addition ratios while the abundance of Cd resistance genes cadA and czcA increased across all three Cd levels. The regression path analysis indicated that MPs affected shoot Cd concentrations by altering soil properties, which directly and indirectly contributed to the alteration mechanism, while the soil pH, DOC, and Cd bioavailability played core roles. The results suggest that the co-exposure of PE MPs in heavy metal-contaminated soil may therefore increase the toxicity, uptake, accumulation, and bioavailability of heavy metals by altering the properties of the soil microenvironment, which deserves further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangli Wang
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Xuexia Wang
- Institute of plant nutrition and resources, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, PR China
| | - Ningning Song
- Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
268
|
Wu Y, Song Q, Wu J, Zhou J, Zhou L, Wu W. Field study on the soil bacterial associations to combined contamination with heavy metals and organic contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146282. [PMID: 33714815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of soil microbial associations to combined contamination would substantially benefit the restoration of damaged ecosystems, which is currently limited at the field scale. In this study, we investigated the soil bacterial associations to combined contamination with metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Samples were collected from field sites under five land-use patterns with electronic waste recycling. Results showed that the contents of Cd (0.22-12.86 mg/kg), Cu (17-14,136 mg/kg), Pb (4.6-77,014 mg/kg), Hg (0.28-22 mg/kg), Zn (26-42,495 mg/kg), PAHs (4.6-1753 μg/kg), and PBDEs (1.9-1079 μg/kg) varied significantly across sites. We observed positive correlations between catalase activity and heavy metals, indicative of a resistance response to the oxidative stress induced by metals. Furthermore, the bacterial community diversity was found to be determined primarily by PBDEs, whereas acenaphthylene, available phosphorus, and 2,2',3,3',4,5,6-heptabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-183) were the three major drivers affecting community composition. The co-occurrence network constructed for bacterial communities exposed to combined contamination was non-random with scale-free, small-world and modularity features. We further proposed functional roles of the modules including stress resistance, hydrocarbon degradation, and nutrient cycling. Overall, the findings of redundancy analysis, variation partition analysis and the co-occurrence network indicated that soil bacterial community under combined contamination cooperated to survive. Members including Rhodoplanes and Nitrospira were capable of degrading PAHs and PBDEs in various pathways, while others, including Acinetobacter, Citrobacter, and Pseudomonas, reduced the metal toxicity to the community. Our findings provide new insights into the responses of soil bacteria, particularly in terms of inter-specific relationships, under combined contamination at the field scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Wu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, 7 West Street, Yuancun, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Qingmei Song
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, 7 West Street, Yuancun, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Jiahui Wu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, 7 West Street, Yuancun, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Jingyan Zhou
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, 7 West Street, Yuancun, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Lingli Zhou
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, 7 West Street, Yuancun, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Wencheng Wu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, 7 West Street, Yuancun, Guangzhou 510655, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
269
|
Sun Y, Ren X, Rene ER, Wang Z, Zhou L, Zhang Z, Wang Q. The degradation performance of different microplastics and their effect on microbial community during composting process. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 332:125133. [PMID: 33857867 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to investigate the degradation characteristics of different microplastics (polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)) and their effect on the bacterial community during composting. In this study, 0.5% PE, 0.5% PVC and 0.5% PHA microplastics were individually added to the mixture of cow manure and sawdust and then composted for 60 days. The treatment without microplastics was regarded as control. Results indicated that the abundance and smaller size (0-800 μm) of microplastics in all treatments obviously decreased after composting, except PVC treatment. The surface morphology of all microplastics occurred obvious erosions and cracks and the carbon content of PE, PVC and PHA microplastics were reduced by 30, 17 and 30%, respectively. After composting, all microplastics were significantly oxidized and the functional groups O-H, C=O and C-O increased. Furthermore, all microplastics exposure reduced the richness and diversity of bacteria community at thermophilic phase, especially PVC microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Xiuna Ren
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Eldon R Rene
- Department of Water Supply, Sanitation and Environmental Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, 2601 DA Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Zhen Wang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China
| | - Lina Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Quan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
270
|
Sridharan S, Kumar M, Bolan NS, Singh L, Kumar S, Kumar R, You S. Are microplastics destabilizing the global network of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem services? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111243. [PMID: 33933493 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has created a new man-made ecosystem called plastisphere. The plastic pieces including microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as a global concern due to their omnipresence in ecosystems and their ability to interact with the biological systems. Nevertheless, the long-term impacts of MPs on biotic and abiotic resources are not completely understood, and existing evidence suggests that MPs are hazardous to various keystones species of the global biomes. MP-contaminated ecosystems show reduced floral and faunal biomass, productivity, nitrogen cycling, oxygen-generation and carbon sequestration, suggesting that MPs have already started affecting ecological biomes. However, not much is known about the influence of MPs towards the ecosystem services (ESs) cascade and its correlation with the biodiversity loss. MPs are perceived as a menace to the global ecosystems, but their possible impacts on the provisional, regulatory, and socio-economic ESs have not been extensively studied. This review investigates not only the potentiality of MPs to perturb the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic biomes, but also the associated social, ecological and economic repercussions. The possible long-term fluxes in the ES network of terrestrial and aquatic niches are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srinidhi Sridharan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Lal Singh
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siming You
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
271
|
Ren X, Tang J, Wang L, Sun H. Combined Effects of Microplastics and Biochar on the Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Phthalate Esters and Its Potential Microbial Ecological Mechanism. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:647766. [PMID: 33995304 PMCID: PMC8120302 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.647766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been attracting wide attention. Biochar (BC) application could improve the soil quality in the contaminated soil. Currently, most studies focused on the effect of MPs or BC on the soil properties and microbial community, while they neglected the combined effects. This study investigated the combined effects of BC or ball-milled BC (BM) and polyethylene plastic fragments (PEPFs) and degradable plastic fragments (DPFs) on the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalate esters (PAEs) from the PAH-contaminated soil and the potential microbial ecological mechanisms. The results showed that BC or BM combined with PEPF could accelerate the removal of PAHs and PAEs. PEPF combined with BM had the most significant effect on the removal of PAHs. Our results indicating two potential possible reasons contribute to increasing the removal of organic pollutants: (1) the high sorption rate on the PEPF and BC and (2) the increased PAH-degrader or PAE-degrader abundance for the removal of organic pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Urban Forest Ecosystem Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
272
|
Li HZ, Zhu D, Lindhardt JH, Lin SM, Ke X, Cui L. Long-Term Fertilization History Alters Effects of Microplastics on Soil Properties, Microbial Communities, and Functions in Diverse Farmland Ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4658-4668. [PMID: 33754703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has caused a threat to soil ecosystem diversity and functioning globally. Recently, an increasing number of studies have reported effects of MPs on soil ecosystems. However, these studies mainly focused on soil bacterial communities and a few limited functional genes, which is why MPs effects on soil ecosystems are still not fully understood. Fertilization treatment often coinsides with MPs exposure in practice. Here, we studied effects of an environmentally relevant concentration of polyethylene on soil properties, microbial communities, and functions under different soil types and fertilization history. Our results showed that 0.2% PE MPs exposure could affect soil pH, but this effect varied according to soil type and fertilization history. Long-term fertilization history could alter effects of MPs on soil bacterial and fungal communities in diverse farmland ecosystems (P < 0.05). Soil fungal communities are more sensitive to MPs than bacterial communities under 0.2% PE MPs exposure. MPs exposure has a greater impact on the soil ecosystem with a lower microbial diversity and functional genes abundance and increases the abundance of pathogenic microorganisms. These findings provided an integrated picture to aid our understanding of the impact of MPs on diverse farmland ecosystems with different fertilization histories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Zhe Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jonathan Hessner Lindhardt
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, China
| | - Shao-Min Lin
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, FuZhou 350002, China
| | - Xin Ke
- Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China
| |
Collapse
|
273
|
Hou J, Xu X, Yu H, Xi B, Tan W. Comparing the long-term responses of soil microbial structures and diversities to polyethylene microplastics in different aggregate fractions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 149:106398. [PMID: 33503554 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) alter soil aggregation stability. However, studies have yet to determine whether these alterations further affect microbial community structures and diversities within different soil aggregates and whether they influence the responses of soil microbial structures and diversities to MPs in different aggregate fractions. In this study, long-term soil incubation experiments and soil fractionation were combined to investigate the effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on soil aggregate properties and microbial communities in soil aggregates with different particle sizes. Results showed that the existence of PE-MPs significantly reduced the physicochemical properties of soil aggregates, inhibited the activities of soil enzymes, and changed the richness and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. Such variations exerted notable differences in soil aggregate levels. The response sensitivity of bacteria in the silt and clay fraction was higher than that in the macroaggregate fraction, but the response sensitivity of fungi in the macroaggregate fraction was higher than that in the silt and clay fraction. Relationships and path analysis between soil aggregate properties and microbial communities after PE-MPs addition were proposed. PE-MPs affected microbial community structures by directly and indirectly influencing soil microenvironmental conditions. The relative abundances of Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Bacteroides, Basidiomycota, Chtridiomyota, and Glomeromycota were significantly correlated with physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activities. Enzyme activities were direct factors influencing soil microbial community structures, and physicochemical properties (i.e., dissolved organic carbon, soil available phosphorus) could indirectly affect these structures by acting on soil enzyme activities. Our findings helped improve our understanding of the responses of soil microbial structures and diversities to MPs through the perspective of different soil aggregates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, PR China
| | - Xiangjian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Hong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China.
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China; School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, PR China.
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
274
|
Koutnik VS, Leonard J, Alkidim S, DePrima FJ, Ravi S, Hoek EMV, Mohanty SK. Distribution of microplastics in soil and freshwater environments: Global analysis and framework for transport modeling. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 274:116552. [PMID: 33545526 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are continuously released into the terrestrial environment from sources where they are used and produced. These microplastics accumulate in soils, sediments, and freshwater bodies, and some are conveyed via wind and water to the oceans. The concentration gradient between terrestrial inland and coastal regions, the factors that influence the concentration, and the fundamental transport processes that could dynamically affect the distribution of microplastics are unclear. We analyzed microplastic concentration reported in 196 studies from 49 countries or territories from all continents and found that microplastic concentrations in soils or sediments and surface water could vary by up to eight orders of magnitude. Mean microplastic concentrations in inland locations such as glacier (191 n L-1) and urban stormwater (55 n L-1) were up to two orders of magnitude greater than the concentrations in rivers (0.63 n L-1) that convey microplastics from inland locations to water bodies in terrestrial boundary such as estuaries (0.15 n L-1). However, only 20% of studies reported microplastics below 20 μm, indicating the concentration in these systems can change with the improvement of microplastic detection technology. Analysis of data from laboratory studies reveals that biodegradation can also reduce the concentration and size of deposited microplastics in the terrestrial environment. Fiber percentage was higher in the sediments in the coastal areas than the sediments in inland water bodies, indicating fibers are preferentially transported to the terrestrial boundary. Finally, we provide theoretical frameworks to predict microplastics transport and identify potential hotspots where microplastics may accumulate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera S Koutnik
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jamie Leonard
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Alkidim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francesca J DePrima
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sujith Ravi
- Department of Earth & Environmental Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric M V Hoek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Institute of the Environment & Sustainability, Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sanjay K Mohanty
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Institute of the Environment & Sustainability, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
275
|
Rapid identification of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate utilizing phosphatase through a chromogenic change-coupled activity assay. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:2901-2909. [PMID: 33754168 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11229-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we report a chromogenic reaction between magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) and ferric chloride to generate a Brown-Red clathrate, while the Treated MAP by phosphatases forms Colorless (BRTC) product with ferric chloride. The BRTC was indicative of phosphatase activity-mediated excision of phosphorous group from MAP and utilized to screen phosphatases from bacterial cell lysates. From ten tested strains, BRTC was observed in the cell lysate of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Cerro 87. BRTC was again employed to track phosphatase activity of the resuspensions of the ammonium sulfate graded precipitations of the cell lysate. Two phosphatases, PhoN and YcdX, were identified by LC-MS/MS analysis in the protein fraction giving most obvious BRTC phenotype and validated by examination of in vitro activity of the purified proteins. KEY POINTS: • BRTC is labelling-free, naked-eye visible, and independent of any facilities. • BRTC can directly screen phosphatases from microbial cell lysates. • Using BRTC system, two phosphatases were identified in Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Cerro 87.
Collapse
|
276
|
Chagas TQ, Araújo APDC, Malafaia G. Biomicroplastics versus conventional microplastics: An insight on the toxicity of these polymers in dragonfly larvae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 761:143231. [PMID: 33138995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The toxicological safety of products developed as alternative for conventional plastics (i.e., petroleum derivatives) inevitably demands conducting (eco)toxicological studies. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the biochemical toxicity of polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) (representative of conventional MPs) and polylactic acid biomicroplastics (PLA BioMPs) in Aphylla williamsoni larvae used as experimental models. Animals subjected to short exposure to both pollutants (48 h), at environmentally relevant concentration (6 mg/L). At the end of the experiment, different toxicity biomarkers were evaluated. To assess the possible impact of pollutants on the nutritional status of the animals, the total protein, total soluble carbohydrate and triglyceride levels were determined. However, we did not observe differences between the groups, which suggests that PE MPs and PLA BioMPs did not affect the animals' energy metabolism, inducing them to a nutritional deficit. However, larvae exposed to PLA BioMPs have shown increased nitrite and lipid peroxidation levels, which supports the hypothesis that these pollutants increase oxidative stress processes in the animals evaluated, which can affect the animals' physiological homeostasis from different changes. In addition, the decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and of total thiols levels, in these same animals, is suggestive of the impact of PLA BioMPs on the antioxidant defenses, causing a REDOX imbalance, never before reported. On the other hand, decreased AChE activity was only observed in larvae exposed to PLA BioMPs, which demonstrates the anticholinergic activity of the tested polymers; the consequences of which include changes in different neurophysiological functions. Thus, the current study has helped improving the scientific knowledge about impacts caused by PLA BioMPs on freshwater ecosystems, as well as corroborated assertions about the risks posed by such biopolymers on these environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thales Quintão Chagas
- Biological Research Laboratory, Post-graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Biological Research Laboratory, Post-graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Goiano Federal Institute and Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
277
|
Zhang X, Xia X, Dai M, Cen J, Zhou L, Xie J. Microplastic pollution and its relationship with the bacterial community in coastal sediments near Guangdong Province, South China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 760:144091. [PMID: 33360172 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ecological stress caused by microplastic (MP) pollution in marine environments has attracted global attention. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between MP pollution and the microbial community in natural sediments. This study was the first to systematically characterize MP pollution (i.e., its abundance, shape, size and color) and investigate its relationship with the bacterial community in coastal sediments from Guangdong, South China, by microscopic observation and Illumina sequencing. The results of this study indicated that the abundance of microplastics (MPs), which was 344 ± 24 items/kg in 33 coastal sediments from 11 sites from South China, represented a relatively high level of MP pollution. MPs with sizes of <0.5 m, 0.5-1.0 mm and 1-2 mm accounted for the highest proportion (75%) in the sediments. Fiber/film (82%) and white/blue (91%) were the dominant shapes and colors, respectively, in all MP samples. Furthermore, the abundances, three shapes (fiber, film and fragment), three sizes (<0.5 mm, 0.5-1.0 mm and 1-2 mm), and two colors (blue and white) of MPs displayed positive correlations with some potential pathogens, including Vibrio, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Streptococcus, but exhibited negative correlations with an environmentally friendly bacterial genus, Sphingomonas (which degrades various hazardous organic compounds), indicating that MPs might increase the potential ecological risks of coastal sediments. Our results may help to elucidate the relationship between MP pollution and the microbial community in coastal sediments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Zhang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Xiongjian Xia
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ming Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Jianwei Cen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Jiefen Xie
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| |
Collapse
|
278
|
Li C, Cui Q, Zhang M, Vogt RD, Lu X. A commonly available and easily assembled device for extraction of bio/non-degradable microplastics from soil by flotation in NaBr solution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143482. [PMID: 33261878 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soil microplastic pollution has caused widespread research attention worldwide. It is necessary to efficiently separate microplastic particles from soil matrixes in order to conduct studies of microplastic. And so far, few studies have described the separation and extraction devices of biodegradable microplastic. Here we present a commonly available device for extraction of non-degradable and biodegradable microplastics from soil samples in a NaBr solution based on density flotation. The device has a combined circulation and recovery system for the salt solution, which increases its environmental-friendliness. The accuracy and precision of the device was verified through spike and recovery experiments using three types of biodegradable microplastics (PBS, PBAT, PLA) and four types of non-degradable microplastics (LDPE, PS, PP, PVC), all with different particle sizes, and all microplastics are grinded autonomously, closer to reality. In despite of differences in particle size and density, for both biodegradable and non-degradable microplastics the device exhibited good extraction precision, with recovery rates ranging from 92% to 99.6%, over a wide range of particle densities and sizes. The recovery rates slightly increased with increased polymer density and microplastic particle size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengtao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Qian Cui
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Rolf D Vogt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Xueqiang Lu
- College of Environment Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| |
Collapse
|
279
|
Guo QQ, Xiao MR, Ma Y, Niu H, Zhang GS. Polyester microfiber and natural organic matter impact microbial communities, carbon-degraded enzymes, and carbon accumulation in a clayey soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124701. [PMID: 33278723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124701] [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: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics can alter microbial communities and enzymatic activities in soils. However, the influences of microplastics on soil carbon cycling which driven by microbial communities remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of polyester microfiber (PMF) and natural organic matter(OM)on soil microbial communities, carbon-degraded enzymes, and carbon accumulation through an incubation experiment. Our results showed that the addition of PMF increased the activities of soil cellulase and laccase but did not impact soil bacterial and fungal communities too much. However, the addition of OM largely altered soil microbial communities and the activities of carbon-degraded enzymes, then mitigated the PMF effects on the activities of soil cellulase and laccase. On the other hand, greater alpha diversity of bacterial community attached on PMF was observed than those in the surrounding soils. The interaction of PMF and OM increased the richness of bacterial community in soils and on PMF. More importantly, we observed that the accumulation of natural organic carbon in soils reduced with increasing PMF. Thus, our results provide valuable insights into the effects of microplastics on soil organic carbon dynamics and microbial communities, and further work is required to clarify the biochemical processes at the surface of microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Q Guo
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - M R Xiao
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Y Ma
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - H Niu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - G S Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| |
Collapse
|
280
|
Okoffo ED, O'Brien S, Ribeiro F, Burrows SD, Toapanta T, Rauert C, O'Brien JW, Tscharke BJ, Wang X, Thomas KV. Plastic particles in soil: state of the knowledge on sources, occurrence and distribution, analytical methods and ecological impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:240-274. [PMID: 33514987 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00312c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Increased production and use of plastics has resulted in growth in the amount of plastic debris accumulating in the environment, potentially fragmenting into smaller pieces. Fragments <5 mm are typically defined as microplastics, while fragments <0.1 μm are defined as nanoplastics. Over the past decade, an increasing number of studies have reported the occurrence and potential hazards of plastic particles in the aquatic environment. However, less is understood about plastic particles in the terrestrial environment and specifically how much plastic accumulates in soils, the possible sources, potential ecological impacts, interaction of plastic particles with the soil environment, and appropriate extraction and analytical techniques for assessing the above. In this review, a comprehensive overview and a critical perspective on the current state of knowledge on plastic pollution in the soil environment is provided: detailing known sources, occurrence and distribution, analytical techniques used for identification and quantification and the ecological impacts of particles on soil. In addition, knowledge gaps are identified along with suggestions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Stacey O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Francisca Ribeiro
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia. and College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Stephen D Burrows
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia. and College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Tania Toapanta
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Cassandra Rauert
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Benjamin J Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Xianyu Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
281
|
Jacques O, Prosser RS. A probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics in soil ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143987. [PMID: 33310577 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have a variety of applications due to their versatility, relative cost, and strength-to-weight ratio, and resistance to degradation. As a result, plastic waste can be found in all corners of the Earth. A class of plastic contaminants that have received increasing attention in terms of their potential impact on ecosystems is microplastics (≤5 mm). The greatest attention to date has been on their potential effect in marine ecosystems. However, a growing number of studies are examining their potential impact on soil ecosystems. The data reported in the literature on the environmentally-relevant concentrations of microplastics in soils and the concentration of microplastics that causes an adverse effect in soil biota were used to perform a probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics to soil biota. An environmental exposure distribution was constructed from the concentrations of microplastics reported in soil in the literature. Species sensitivity distributions were constructed using concentration of microplastics in soil that had no adverse effect on soil species (NOEC) or the lowest concentrations that had an adverse effect on soil species (LOEC) reported in the literature. The 95th centile of the environmental exposure distribution (8147 microplastic particles per gram of soil) was greater than 22 and 28% of the species sensitivity distribution constructed using NOECs and LOECs, respectively. The assessment concluded that environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics reported in the literature could pose a considerable risk to soil biota. It is also important to note that due to the continued production of large quantities of plastic and the persistence of microplastics in the environment, environmentally-relevant concentrations of microplastics in soil are likely to only rise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Jacques
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Polytech Nice-Sophia, Département Génie Biologique, Nice, France
| | - R S Prosser
- University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
282
|
Lozano YM, Lehnert T, Linck LT, Lehmann A, Rillig MC. Microplastic Shape, Polymer Type, and Concentration Affect Soil Properties and Plant Biomass. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:616645. [PMID: 33664758 PMCID: PMC7920964 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.616645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics may enter the soil in a wide range of shapes and polymers. However, little is known about the effects that microplastics of different shapes, polymers, and concentration may have on soil properties and plant performance. To address this, we selected 12 microplastics representing different shapes (fibers, films, foams, and fragments) and polymers, and mixed them each with soil at a concentration of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%. A phytometer (Daucus carota) grew in each pot during 4 weeks. Shoot, root mass, soil aggregation, and microbial activity were measured. All shapes increased plant biomass. Shoot mass increased by ∼27% with fibers, ∼60% with films, ∼45% with foams, and by ∼54% with fragments, as fibers hold water in the soil for longer, films decrease soil bulk density, and foams and fragments can increase soil aeration and macroporosity, which overall promote plant performance. By contrast, all shapes decreased soil aggregation by ∼25% as microplastics may introduce fracture points into aggregates and due to potential negative effects on soil biota. The latter may also explain the decrease in microbial activity with, for example, polyethylene films. Our findings show that shape, polymer type, and concentration are key properties when studying microplastic effects on terrestrial systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudi M. Lozano
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timon Lehnert
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lydia T. Linck
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Lehmann
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias C. Rillig
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
283
|
Lozano YM, Aguilar‐Trigueros CA, Onandia G, Maaß S, Zhao T, Rillig MC. Effects of microplastics and drought on soil ecosystem functions and multifunctionality. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yudi M. Lozano
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology Berlin Germany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB) Berlin Germany
| | - Carlos A. Aguilar‐Trigueros
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology Berlin Germany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB) Berlin Germany
| | - Gabriela Onandia
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB) Berlin Germany
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) Dimensionality Assessment and Reduction Müncheberg Germany
| | - Stefanie Maaß
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB) Berlin Germany
- Universität Potsdam Institute of Biochemistry and Biology Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Potsdam Germany
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology Berlin Germany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB) Berlin Germany
| | - Matthias C. Rillig
- Freie Universität Berlin Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology Berlin Germany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB) Berlin Germany
| |
Collapse
|
284
|
Lozano YM, Lehnert T, Linck LT, Lehmann A, Rillig MC. Microplastic Shape, Polymer Type, and Concentration Affect Soil Properties and Plant Biomass. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021. [PMID: 33664758 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.27.223768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics may enter the soil in a wide range of shapes and polymers. However, little is known about the effects that microplastics of different shapes, polymers, and concentration may have on soil properties and plant performance. To address this, we selected 12 microplastics representing different shapes (fibers, films, foams, and fragments) and polymers, and mixed them each with soil at a concentration of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%. A phytometer (Daucus carota) grew in each pot during 4 weeks. Shoot, root mass, soil aggregation, and microbial activity were measured. All shapes increased plant biomass. Shoot mass increased by ∼27% with fibers, ∼60% with films, ∼45% with foams, and by ∼54% with fragments, as fibers hold water in the soil for longer, films decrease soil bulk density, and foams and fragments can increase soil aeration and macroporosity, which overall promote plant performance. By contrast, all shapes decreased soil aggregation by ∼25% as microplastics may introduce fracture points into aggregates and due to potential negative effects on soil biota. The latter may also explain the decrease in microbial activity with, for example, polyethylene films. Our findings show that shape, polymer type, and concentration are key properties when studying microplastic effects on terrestrial systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudi M Lozano
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timon Lehnert
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lydia T Linck
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Lehmann
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias C Rillig
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
285
|
Leifheit EF, Lehmann A, Rillig MC. Potential Effects of Microplastic on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:626709. [PMID: 33597964 PMCID: PMC7882630 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.626709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously found in terrestrial ecosystems and are increasingly recognized as a factor of global change (GCF). Current research shows that MP can alter plant growth, soil inherent properties, and the composition and activity of microbial communities. However, knowledge about how microplastic affects arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is scarce. For plants it has been shown that microplastic can both increase and decrease the aboveground biomass and reduce the root diameter, which could indirectly cause a change in AMF abundance and activity. One of the main direct effects of microplastic is the reduction of the soil bulk density, which translates to an altered soil pore structure and water transport. Moreover, especially fibers can have considerable impacts on soil structure, namely the size distribution and stability of soil aggregates. Therefore, microplastic alters a number of soil parameters that determine habitat space and conditions for AMF. We expect that this will influence functions mediated by AMF, such as soil aggregation, water and nutrient transport. We discuss how the impacts of microplastic on AMF could alter how plants deal with other GCFs in the context of sustainable food production. The co-occurrence of several GCFs, e.g., elevated temperature, drought, pesticides, and microplastic could modify the impact of microplastic on AMF. Furthermore, the ubiquitous presence of microplastic also relates to earth system processes, e.g., net primary production (NPP), carbon and nitrogen cycling, which involve AMF as key soil organisms. For future research, we outline which experiments should be prioritized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva F. Leifheit
- Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Eva F. Leifheit,
| | - Anika Lehmann
- Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias C. Rillig
- Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
286
|
Dey AS, Bose H, Mohapatra B, Sar P. Biodegradation of Unpretreated Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by Stenotrophomonas sp. and Achromobacter sp., Isolated From Waste Dumpsite and Drilling Fluid. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:603210. [PMID: 33391224 PMCID: PMC7775675 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.603210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring the catabolic repertoire of natural bacteria for biodegradation of plastics is one of the priority areas of biotechnology research. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is recalcitrant and poses serious threats to our environment. The present study explored the LDPE biodegradation potential of aerobic bacteria enriched from municipal waste dumpsite and bentonite based drilling fluids from a deep subsurface drilling operation. Considerable bacterial growth coupled with significant weight loss of the LDPE beads (∼8%), change in pH to acidic condition and biofilm cell growth around the beads (CFU count 105-106/cm2) were noted for two samples (P and DF2). The enriched microbial consortia thus obtained displayed high (65-90%) cell surface hydrophobicity, confirming their potential toward LDPE adhesion as well as biofilm formation. Two LDPE degrading bacterial strains affiliated to Stenotrophomonas sp. and Achromobacter sp. were isolated as pure culture from P and DF2 enrichments. 16S rRNA gene sequences of these isolates indicated their taxonomic novelty. Further biodegradation studies provided strong evidence toward the LDPE metabolizing ability of these two organisms. Atomic Fore Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed considerable damage (in terms of formation of cracks, grooves, etc.) on the micrometric surface of the LDPE film. Analysis of the average roughness (Ra), root mean square roughness (Rq), average height (Rz), maximum peak height (Rp), and maximum valley depth (Rv) (nano-roughness parameters) through AFM indicated 2-3 fold increase in nano-roughness of the LDPE film. FTIR analysis suggested incorporation of alkoxy (1000-1090 cm-1), acyl (1220 cm-1), nitro (1500-1600 cm-1), carbonyl (1720 cm-1) groups into the carbon backbone, formation of N-O stretching (1360 cm-1) and chain scission (905 cm-1) in the microbially treated LDPEs. Increase in carbonyl index (15-20 fold), double bond index (1.5-2 fold) and terminal double bond index (30-40 fold) confirmed that biodegraded LDPEs had undergone oxidation, vinylene formation and chain scission. The data suggested that oxidation and dehydrogenation could be the key steps allowing formation of low molecular weight products suitable for their further mineralization by the test bacteria. The study highlighted LDPE degrading ability of natural bacteria and provided the opportunity for their development in plastic remediation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anindya Sundar Dey
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur,, India
| | - Himadri Bose
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur,, India
| | - Balaram Mohapatra
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur,, India
| | - Pinaki Sar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur,, India
| |
Collapse
|
287
|
Shiu RF, Vazquez CI, Chiang CY, Chiu MH, Chen CS, Ni CW, Gong GC, Quigg A, Santschi PH, Chin WC. Nano- and microplastics trigger secretion of protein-rich extracellular polymeric substances from phytoplankton. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:141469. [PMID: 33113698 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The substantial increase in plastic pollution in marine ecosystems raises concerns about its adverse impacts on the microbial community. Microorganisms (bacteria, phytoplankton) are important producers of exopolymeric substances (EPS), which govern the processes of marine organic aggregate formation, microbial colonization, and pollutant mobility. Until now, the effects of nano- and micro-plastics on characteristics of EPS composition have received little attention. This study investigated EPS secretion by four phytoplankton species following exposure to various concentrations of polystyrene nano- and microplastics (55 nm nanoparticles; 1 and 6 μm microparticles). The 55 nm nanoparticles induced less growth/survival (determined on a DNA basis) and produced EPS with higher protein-to-carbohydrate (P/C) ratios than the exposure to microplastic particles. The amount of DNA from the four marine phytoplankton showed a higher negative linear correlation with increasing P/C ratios, especially in response to nanoplastic exposure. These results provide evidence that marine phytoplankton are quite sensitive to smaller-sized plastics and actively modify their EPS chemical composition to cope with the stress from pollution. Furthermore, the release of protein-rich EPS was found to facilitate aggregate formation and surface modification of plastic particles, thereby affecting their fate and colonization. Overall, this work offers new insights into the potential harm of different-sized plastic particles and a better understanding of the responding mechanism of marine phytoplankton for plastic pollution. The data also provide needed information about the fate of marine plastics and biogenic aggregation and scavenging processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruei-Feng Shiu
- Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Carlos I Vazquez
- Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of California at Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Chang-Ying Chiang
- Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of California at Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Meng-Hsuen Chiu
- Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of California at Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA; National Life Science, Inc., Sacramento, CA 95660, USA; Kaiser Biotech, Inc., Sacramento, CA 95660, USA
| | - Chi-Shuo Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Ni
- Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of California at Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Gwo-Ching Gong
- Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Antonietta Quigg
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, USA; Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Peter H Santschi
- Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, USA
| | - Wei-Chun Chin
- Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of California at Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
288
|
Zhou Y, Wang J, Zou M, Jia Z, Zhou S, Li Y. Microplastics in soils: A review of methods, occurrence, fate, transport, ecological and environmental risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:141368. [PMID: 32798871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The global prevalence of microplastics (MPs) poses a potential threat and unpredictable risk to the function and health of environmental systems. However, the research progress of soil MPs is restricted by the inherent technical inconformity and difficulties in analyzing particles in complex matrices. Here, we reviewed a selection of papers and then extrapolated a tentative standardized method for such analyses. The multiple sources of soil MPs in soil need to be quantified. Global monitoring data of soil MPs is far from sufficient. The interaction between MPs and different properties and environmental factors controls the migration and retention of MPs in soil. The migration behavior and key mechanisms of MPs in real-world environments remain to be determined. The presence of MPs threatens soil microbial-plant-animal ecosystem function and health, and may enter the human body through the food chain, although the extent of these hazards is currently debated. In particular, attention should be paid to the potential transport and ecotoxicological mechanisms of contaminants derived and adsorptive from MPs and of harmful microorganisms (such as pathogens) attached as biofilms. Although there exist preliminary studies on soil MPs, it is urgent to consider the diversity of MPs as a suite of contaminants and to systematically understand the sources, flux and effects of these artificial pollutants in time and space from the perspective of plastic environmental cycle. More comprehensive quantification of their environmental fate is undertaken to identify risks to global human and ecological systems. From the perspective of controlling soil MP pollution, the responsibility assignment of government manage-producer-consumer system and the strategy of remediation should be implemented. This review is helpful for providing an important roadmap and inspiration for the research methods and framework of soil MPs and facilitates the development of waste management and remediation strategies for regional soil MP contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Junxiao Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Mengmeng Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Zhenyi Jia
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China.
| | - Yan Li
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
289
|
Khalid N, Aqeel M, Noman A. Microplastics could be a threat to plants in terrestrial systems directly or indirectly. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115653. [PMID: 33254725 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging threat to ecosystem functioning and biota. The major sources of MPs are terrestrial and agricultural lands. But their fate, concentration in the terrestrial environment, and effects on soil and biota are poorly understood. There is a growing body of concern about the adverse effects of MPs on soil-dwelling organisms such as microbes in mycorrhizae and earthworms that mediate essential ecosystem services. Environmental concentrations and effects of MPs are considered to increase with increasing trend of its global production. MPs in the soil could directly impact plants through blocking the seed pore, limiting the uptake of water and nutrient through roots, aggregation, and accumulation in the root, shoot, and leaves. However, MPs can also indirectly impact plants by affecting soil physicochemical characteristics, soil-dwelling microbes, and fauna. An affected soil could impact plant community structure and perhaps primary production. In this article, we have assessed the potential direct and indirect impacts of MPs on plants. We have discussed both the positive and negative impacts of MPs on plants in terrestrial systems based on currently available limited literature on this topic and our hypothetical understandings. We have summarized the most current progress in this regard highlighting the future directions on microplastic research in terrestrial systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Khalid
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Aqeel
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland and Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Ali Noman
- Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
290
|
Yu H, Fan P, Hou J, Dang Q, Cui D, Xi B, Tan W. Inhibitory effect of microplastics on soil extracellular enzymatic activities by changing soil properties and direct adsorption: An investigation at the aggregate-fraction level. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115544. [PMID: 32911337 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115544] [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: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as a new type of environmental pollutant, pose a serious threat to soil ecosystems. The activities of soil extracellular enzymes produced by microorganisms are the potential sensitive indicators of soil quality. However, little is known about the response mechanism of enzyme activities toward MPs on a long-term scale. Moreover, information on differences in enzyme activities across different soil aggregates is lacking. In this study, 150 days of incubation experiments and soil aggregate fractionation were combined to investigate the influence of MPs on extracellular enzyme activities in soil. 28% concentration of polyethylene with size 100 μm was adopted in the treatments added with MPs. The results show that MPs inhibited enzyme activities through changing soil nutritional substrates and physicochemical properties or through adsorption. Moreover, MPs competed with soil microorganisms for physicochemical niches to reduce microbial activity and eventually, extracellular enzyme activity. Enzyme activities in different aggregate-size fractions responded differently to the MPs exposure. The catalase in the coarse particulate fraction and phenol oxidase and β-glucosidase in the micro-aggregate fraction exerted the greatest response. With comparison, urease, manganese peroxidase, and laccase activities showed the greatest responses in the non-aggregated silt and clay fraction. These observations are believed to stem from differences in the key factors determining the enzyme activities in different aggregate-size fractions. The inhibitory pathway of microplastics on activities of extracellular enzymes in soil varies significantly across different aggregate fractions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ping Fan
- College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Junhua Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Qiuling Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Dongyu Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| |
Collapse
|
291
|
Blöcker L, Watson C, Wichern F. Living in the plastic age - Different short-term microbial response to microplastics addition to arable soils with contrasting soil organic matter content and farm management legacy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115468. [PMID: 32891047 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging pollutant found in many ecosystems including soils, where they may become toxic to organisms or alter their habitat. However, little is known about the influence of MPs on soil microorganisms and processes vital to ecosystem functioning in different soils. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the short-term effects of MPs pollution on soil microorganisms in two agricultural soils with contrasting soil organic matter content and microbial biomass as caused by farm management history (organic and conventional). Soils were amended with two kinds of raw MPs particles, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) in the size range of 200-630 μm at a rate of 1% w/w and incubated for 28 days. During incubation, microbial respiration was determined. After incubation, the microbial biomass carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), gene copy numbers of archaea, bacteria and fungi were quantified and extractions performed to gauge effects on C and N mineralisation. The results of this study showed no major detrimental effects of MPs on microbial activity. However, in particular PP reduced microbial biomass in both soils, with a stronger decline in the organic soil, showing lower resistance to MPs. Nevertheless, mineralisation processes remained on the same level, showing functional resistance of the microbial community to MPs addition in both soils. The microbial community composition was not significantly altered by MPs addition, even though fungi tended to decrease in the organic soil. Overall, management legacy had a stronger effect on soil microorganisms, with higher microbial biomass and activity in the organic soil. While this study does not answer whether MPs pollution has a negative impact on soil microorganisms, it highlights the need to consider potential interactive effects of environmental factors, land use and management with MPs on soil microbial communities and their functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Blöcker
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Germany Marie-Curie-Str. 1, D-47533, Kleve, Germany
| | - Conor Watson
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Germany Marie-Curie-Str. 1, D-47533, Kleve, Germany
| | - Florian Wichern
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Germany Marie-Curie-Str. 1, D-47533, Kleve, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
292
|
Mammo FK, Amoah ID, Gani KM, Pillay L, Ratha SK, Bux F, Kumari S. Microplastics in the environment: Interactions with microbes and chemical contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 743:140518. [PMID: 32653705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of emerging concern that have gained considerable attention during the last few decades due to their adverse impact on living organisms and the environment. Recent studies have shown their ubiquitous presence in the environment including the atmosphere, soil, and water. Though several reviews have focused on the occurrence of microplastics in different habitats, little attention has been paid to their interaction with biological and chemical pollutants in the environment. This review therefore presents the state of knowledge on the interaction of MPs with chemicals and microbes in different environments. The distribution of MPs, the association of toxic chemicals with MPs, microbial association with MPs and the microbial-induced fate of MPs in the environment are discussed. The biodegradation and bioaccumulation of MPs by and in microbes and its potential impact on the food chain are also reviewed. The mechanisms driving these interactions and how these, in turn, affect living organisms however are not yet fully understood and require further attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F K Mammo
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - I D Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - K M Gani
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - L Pillay
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - S K Ratha
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - F Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - S Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
293
|
Xu Z, Qian X, Wang C, Zhang C, Tang T, Zhao X, Li L. Environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastic exhibits negligible impacts on thiacloprid dissipation and enzyme activity in soil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 189:109892. [PMID: 32678737 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109892] [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: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as a type of emerging contaminant in the environment have attracted extensive attentions in recent years, and understanding the impacts of MPs on soil biodiversity and functioning are thus increasingly urgent. Nevertheless, few studies were performed to investigate potential effects of MPs on decay of soil organic pollutants in particular pesticides and enzyme activities. Herein, three types of MPs including polystyrene fragments (PS-50) and polyvinyl chloride beads (PVC-42000 and PVC-10) were added to soil at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.2 and 1.0%) to study their impacts on dissipation of thiacloprid and activities of urease, acid phosphatase, invertase and catalase. MPs exhibited negligible impacts on thiacloprid dissipation regardless of MPs type and content, being probably attributed to the unaltered bioavailability of thiacloprid in soil even after an addition of MPs, which was documented by using the hydroxypropyl-β- cyclodextrin (HPCD) extraction method. Batch sorption experiments also exhibited the comparable adsorption capacity of thiacloprid to soil with and without MPs, along with Kf valuses of 3.44-3.77. Besides, MPs exerted negligible effects on enzyme activities of soil. Taken together, this study showed negligible impacts of MPs at environmentally relevant concentrations on thiacloprid dissipation and enzyme activity, expanding our knowledge on impacts of MPs at the environmentally relevant concentrations on pesticide dissipation in soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlan Xu
- Institute of Quality and Standard of Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Xiaoting Qian
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chunrong Zhang
- Institute of Quality and Standard of Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Institute of Quality and Standard of Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Xueping Zhao
- Institute of Quality and Standard of Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China.
| | - Lingxiangyu Li
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| |
Collapse
|
294
|
Lin D, Yang G, Dou P, Qian S, Zhao L, Yang Y, Fanin N. Microplastics negatively affect soil fauna but stimulate microbial activity: insights from a field-based microplastic addition experiment. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201268. [PMID: 32873207 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are recognized as an emerging contaminant worldwide. Although microplastics have been shown to strongly affect organisms in aquatic environments, less is known about whether and how microplastics can affect different taxa within a soil community, and it is unclear whether these effects can cascade through soil food webs. By conducting a microplastic manipulation experiment, i.e. adding low-density polyethylene fragments in the field, we found that microplastic addition significantly affected the composition and abundance of microarthropod and nematode communities. Contrary to soil fauna, we found only small effects of microplastics on the biomass and structure of soil microbial communities. Nevertheless, structural equation modelling revealed that the effects of microplastics strongly cascade through the soil food webs, leading to the modification of microbial functioning with further potential consequences on soil carbon and nutrient cycling. Our results highlight that taking into account the effects of microplastics at different trophic levels is important to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the ecological impacts of microplastic pollution on soil functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dunmei Lin
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangrong Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengpeng Dou
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenhua Qian
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongchuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, People's Republic of China
| | - Nicolas Fanin
- INRAE, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, UMR 1391 Interaction Soil Plant Atmosphere (ISPA), 71 Avenue Edouard Bourlaux, 33882 Villenave-d'Ornon cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
295
|
Wang F, Zhang X, Zhang S, Zhang S, Sun Y. Interactions of microplastics and cadmium on plant growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in an agricultural soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 254:126791. [PMID: 32320834 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants have attracted attention worldwide, but little is known on their interactions with metallic contaminants in soil-plant systems. Here, we investigated the interactions between MPs, i.e., polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA), and cadmium (Cd) on plant performance and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in an agricultural soil. PE showed no noticeable phytotoxicity, while 10% PLA decreased maize biomass and chlorophyll content in leaves. A significant interaction on root biomass occurred between PE and Cd, but not between PLA and Cd. Both PE and PLA caused increase in soil pH and DTPA-extractable Cd concentrations, but no alterations in Cd accumulation in plant tissues. Different numbers of endemic and total OTUs were observed in various treatments. The relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) genera highly varied with MPs and Cd. MPs altered AMF community structure and diversity, depending on their type and dose. Coexisting Cd produced slight but significant interactions with MPs on the dominant AMF genera. Overall, plant growth and AMF community varied with MPs type and dose, Cd, and their interactions, and the high dose of PLA produced stronger phytotoxicity. In conclusion, coexisting MPs and Cd can jointly drive shifts in plant performance and root symbiosis, thereby posing additional risks for agroecosystems and soil biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Shuqi Zhang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Shuwu Zhang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Yuhuan Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
296
|
Transportation fate and removal of microplastic pollution – A perspective on environmental pollution. CASE STUDIES IN CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2020.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
297
|
Wang J, Huang M, Wang Q, Sun Y, Zhao Y, Huang Y. LDPE microplastics significantly alter the temporal turnover of soil microbial communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 726:138682. [PMID: 32481223 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in various environments is increasingly well studied, knowledge of the effects of microplastics on ambient microbial communities is still insufficient. To estimate the response of soil bacterial community succession and temporal turnover to microplastic amendment, a soil microcosm experiment was carried out with polyethylene microplastics. The soil samples under control and microplastic amendment conditions were collected for sequencing analysis using Illumina MiSeq technology. Microplastic amendment was found to significantly alter soil bacterial community structure, and the community differences were increased linearly with the incubation time. Compared with the turnover rate of bacterial community in the control samples (0.0103, p < .05, based on Bray-Curtis similarity), the succession rate was significantly (p < .001) higher in the soil with microplastic amendment (0.0309, p < .001). In addition, the effects of microplastic amendment on the time-decay relationships (TDRs) on taxonomic divisions revealed considerable variations of TDRs values, indicating the effects were lineage dependent. Our results propose that the presence of microbial in soil ecosystem may lead to a faster succession rate of soil bacterial community, which provides new insights into the evolutionary consequences of microplastics in terrestrial environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Muke Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuanze Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanran Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yi Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
298
|
Zhao Q, Liu W, Li Y, Ke M, Qu Q, Yuan W, Pan X, Qian H. Enantioselective effects of imazethapyr residues on Arabidopsis thaliana metabolic profile and phyllosphere microbial communities. J Environ Sci (China) 2020; 93:57-65. [PMID: 32446460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Imazethapyr (IM) is a widely used acetolactate synthase-inhibiting chiral herbicide. It has long-term residuals that may be absorbed by the human body through the edible parts of plants, such as vegetable leaves or fruits. Here, we selected a model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, to determine the effects of R-IM and S-IM on its leaf structure, photosynthetic efficiency, and metabolites, as well as the structures of microorganisms in the phyllosphere, after 7 days of exposure. Our results indicated enantiomeric differences in plant growth between R-IM and S-IM; 133 µg/kg R-IM showed heavier inhibition of photosynthetic efficiency and greater changes to subcellular structure than S-IM. R-IM and S-IM also had different effects on metabolism and leaf microorganisms. S-IM mainly increased lipid compounds and decreased amino acids, while R-IM increased sugar accumulation. The relative abundance of Moraxellaceae human pathogenic bacteria was increased by R-IM treatment, indicating that R-IM treatment may increase leaf surface pathogenic bacteria. Our research provides a new perspective for evaluating the harmfulness of pesticide residues in soil, phyllosphere microbiome changes via the regulation of plant metabolism, and induced pathogenic bacterial accumulation risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqiu Zhao
- Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wanyue Liu
- Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Mingjing Ke
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Qian Qu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Wenting Yuan
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Haifeng Qian
- Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
299
|
Effects of Co-Contamination of Microplastics and Cd on Plant Growth and Cd Accumulation. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8020036. [PMID: 32443862 PMCID: PMC7356726 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8020036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) occur widely in terrestrial ecosystems. However, information on the interaction of MPs with metals in terrestrial ecosystems is lacking in the literature. The present study investigated the effects of two types of MPs (high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polystyrene (PS)) with different dosages (i.e., 0, 0.1%, 1%, and 10%) on the uptake and effects of Cd in maize plants grown in an agricultural soil. Results showed that addition of Cd at a 5 mg/kg caused inhibited plant growth and resulted in high Cd accumulation in plant tissues. Polyethylene alone showed no significant phytotoxic effects, but a high-dose of HDPE (10%) amplified Cd phytotoxicity. Polystyrene negatively affected maize growth and phytoxicity further increased in the presence of Cd. Both HDPE and PS caused soil diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd concentrations to increase but did not significantly affect Cd uptake into plant tissues. In the soil without Cd addition, HDPE decreased soil pH, while PS did not significantly alter soil pH. However, in the soil spiked with Cd, both HDPE and PS increased pH. Overall, impacts on plant growth and Cd accumulation varied with MP type and dose, and PS induced substantial phytotoxicity. In conclusion, co-occurring MPs can change Cd bioavailability, plant performance, and soil traits. Our findings highlight the ecological impacts that could occur from the release of MPs into soil.
Collapse
|
300
|
Soil Bacterial Community and Soil Enzyme Activity Depending on the Cultivation of Triticum aestivum, Brassica napus, and Pisum sativum ssp. arvense. DIVERSITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11120246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the effects of crops and their cultivation regimes on changes in the soil microbiome. Three plant species were selected for the study: Triticum aestivum, Brassica napus, and Pisum sativum ssp. arvense, that were cultivated in soils with a similar particle size fraction. Field experiments were performed on the area of the Iławski Lake District (north-eastern Poland) at the Production and Experimental Station ‘Bałcyny’ (53°35′49″ N, 19°51′20″ E). In soil samples counts, organotrophic bacteria and actinobacteria were quantified, and the colony development index (CD) and ecophysiological diversity index (EP) were computed. In addition, a 16S amplicon sequencing encoding gene was conducted based on the hypervariable region V3–V4. Further analyses included an evaluation of the basic physiochemical properties of the soil and the activities of dehydrogenases, catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucosidase. Analyses carried out in the study demonstrated that the rhizosphere of Triticum aestivum had a more beneficial effect on bacteria development than those of Brassica napus and Pisum sativum ssp. arvense, as indicated by the values of the ecophysiological diversity index (EP) and OTU abundance calculated for individual taxa in the soils in which the studied crops were grown. More OTUs of the taxa Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Clostridia, Sphingomonadales, Rhodospirillales, Xanthomonadales, Streptomycetaceae, Pseudonocardiaceae, Acetobacteraceae, Solibacteraceae, Kaistobacter, Cohnella, Azospirillum, Cryptosporangium, Rhodoplanes, and Saccharopolyspora were determined in the bacteriome structure of the soil from Triticum aestivum cultivation than in the soils from the cultivation of Brassica napus and Pisum sativum ssp. arvense. Also, the activities of most of the analyzed enzymes, including urease, catalase, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and arylsulfatase, were the higher in the soil sown with Triticum aestivum than in those with the other two plant species.
Collapse
|