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Akyildiz SH, Fiore S, Bruno M, Sezgin H, Yalcin-Enis I, Yalcin B, Bellopede R. Release of microplastic fibers from synthetic textiles during household washing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124455. [PMID: 38942274 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Textile materials are one of the primary sources of microplastic pollution. The washing procedure is by far the most significant way that textile products release microplastic fibers (MPFs). Therefore, in this study, the effects of various textile raw materials (A acrylic, PA polyamide, PET polyester, RPET recycled polyester and PP polypropylene), fabric construction properties (woven, knitted), thickness and basis weight values on MPFs release at different washing stages (pre-washing, soaping/rinsing) were examined separately. To mimic the most popular home washing procedures, a 10-minute pre-wash and a 35-minute soaping/rinsing phase at 40°C were selected for the washing procedure. Utilizing the Image J program on macroscopic images captured by a high-resolution SL.R camera, the microfibers collected by filtering the water have been visually counted. According to the results, knitted fabrics released fewer MPFs than woven fabrics, with the woven acrylic sample (A3-w) exhibiting the highest release (2405 MPFs). The number of MPFs increased along with the thickness and weight of the fabric. Recycled polyester was found to release more MPFs than virgin polyester under the same conditions (1193 MPFs vs. 908 MPFs). This study demonstrates how recycled polyester, although initially an environmentally beneficial solution, can eventually become detrimental to the environment. Furthermore, it is known that the pre-washing procedure-which is optional-releases a lot more MPFs than the soaping and rinsing procedures, and that stopping this procedure will drastically lower the amount of MPFs incorporated into the water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Hazal Akyildiz
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy; Department of Textile Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Textile Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Silvia Fiore
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Martina Bruno
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Hande Sezgin
- Department of Textile Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ipek Yalcin-Enis
- Department of Textile Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bahattin Yalcin
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rossana Bellopede
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
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2
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Alvarado-Zambrano D, Rivera-Hernández JR, Green-Ruiz C. Macroplastic and Microparticle Pollution in Beach Sediments from Urias Coastal Lagoon (Northwest Mexico). TOXICS 2024; 12:439. [PMID: 38922119 PMCID: PMC11209155 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the occurrence and characteristics of macroplastic and polymer microparticles in the Urias coastal lagoon's beach sediments, in northwest Mexico. Coastal lagoons, productive and vulnerable ecosystems, are impacted significantly by anthropogenic activities, leadings to their pollution by various contaminants, including plastics. Our research involved sampling sediments from four sites within the lagoon that were influenced by different human activities such as fishing, aquaculture, thermoelectric power plant operations, industrial operations, and domestic wastewater discharge. Our methodology included collecting macroplastics and beach sediment samples, followed by laboratory analyses to identify the plastic debris' size, shape, color, and chemical composition. The results indicated a notable presence of macroplastic items (144), predominantly bags, styrofoam, and caps made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The polymer microparticles were mainly fibers, with cotton and polyester as the most common polymers, suggesting a significant contribution from clothing-related waste. The dominant colors of the microparticles were blue and transparent. High densities were observed in areas with slower water exchange. Our findings highlight the urgent need for better waste management practices to mitigate plastic pollution in coastal lagoons, preserving their ecological and economic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Alvarado-Zambrano
- Engineering in Environmental Technology, Polytechnic University of Sinaloa, Km 3. Carretera Municipal Libre Mazatlan Higueras, Mazatlan 82199, Sinaloa, Mexico;
| | - José R. Rivera-Hernández
- Mazatlan Academic Unit, Marine Sciences and Limnology Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cap. Joel Montes Camarena, Mazatlan 82047, Sinaloa, Mexico;
| | - Carlos Green-Ruiz
- Mazatlan Academic Unit, Marine Sciences and Limnology Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cap. Joel Montes Camarena, Mazatlan 82047, Sinaloa, Mexico;
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3
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Jasińska A, Walaszczyk A, Paraszkiewicz K. Omics-Based Approaches in Research on Textile Dye Microbial Decolorization. Molecules 2024; 29:2771. [PMID: 38930836 PMCID: PMC11206425 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of the textile industry has negative effects on the natural environment. Cotton cultivation, dyeing fabrics, washing, and finishing require a lot of water and energy and use many chemicals. One of the most dangerous pollutants generated by the textile industry is dyes. Most of them are characterized by a complex chemical structure and an unfavorable impact on the environment. Especially azo dyes, whose decomposition by bacteria may lead to the formation of carcinogenic aromatic amines and raise a lot of concern. Using the metabolic potential of microorganisms that biodegrade dyes seems to be a promising solution for their elimination from contaminated environments. The development of omics sciences such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics has allowed for a comprehensive approach to the processes occurring in cells. Especially multi-omics, which combines data from different biomolecular levels, providing an integrative understanding of the whole biodegradation process. Thanks to this, it is possible to elucidate the molecular basis of the mechanisms of dye biodegradation and to develop effective methods of bioremediation of dye-contaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jasińska
- Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Walaszczyk
- Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Paraszkiewicz
- Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
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Devi SS, Gouri BR, Anjali S, Kumar AB. Microplastic contamination in Ashtamudi Lake, India: Insights from a Ramsar wetland. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 264:104367. [PMID: 38772271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Estuaries function as temporary storage sites for plastic debris, influencing the distribution of microplastics (MPs) across ecosystems. This research delves into the presence of MPs in the water, sediment, fish, and shellfish of Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar wetland with brackish water located on the southwest coast of India. Given the lake's significance in supporting the livelihoods of numerous fishers and acting as a vital source of fishery resources for both local consumption and export, examining the contamination of the system by MPs becomes particularly pertinent. The highest percentage composition of MPs was found in macrofauna at 60.6% (with fish at 19.6% and shellfish at 40.9%), followed by sediment (22.8%) and water (16.7%). The primary types of MPs identified in all samples were fibers (35.6%), fragments (33.3%), and films (28%), with beads being the least represented at 3.03%. ATR-FTIR and Raman spectra analysis identified five polymers from shellfish (polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride), five from fish guts (nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, and polysiloxane), four in sediment (polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, rayon), and four in water samples (polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and polystyrene). SEM-EDAX analysis of MPs obtained from the samples revealed degradation and the presence of inorganic elements such as Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Cl, P, and Ca, as well as heavy metals like Pb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ti, and Fe. The existence of these plastic polymers and heavy metals in microplastic samples poses a threat to vulnerable biota; people consume contaminated fish and shellfish, underscoring the importance of monitoring MPs in lake water. This investigation of MPs in Ashtamudi Lake highlights the system's susceptibility to plastic pollution and the bioavailability of smaller MPs to aquatic organisms. Identified sources of MPs in the lake include fishing and aquaculture activities, sewage pollution, improper solid waste management in lake watersheds, and unsustainable tourism. Upstream and downstream management interventions are recommended to address MP pollution in Ashtamudi Lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvarna S Devi
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Beena Ramachandran Gouri
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India
| | - S Anjali
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Appukuttannair Biju Kumar
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India.
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Fernandes AN, Lara LZ, De Falco F, Turner A, Thompson RC. Effect of the age of garments used under real-life conditions on microfibre release from polyester and cotton clothing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123806. [PMID: 38493865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The release of microfibres from fabrics during laundering represents an important source of plastic and natural microfibres to aquatic environments. Garment age - how long the garment has been used - could be a key factor influencing the rate of release, yet most studies of microfibre shedding have only assessed newly manufactured products. To this end, we quantified microfibre release during laundering in domestic washing machines from polyester (PES) and cotton garments (n = 38) used in real-life conditions for periods between 1 and 31 years with different use intensities. In addition, to better understand the factors involved in microfibre releases, fibre composition (different PES percentages) and type of garments (T-shirts, polo shirts, uniforms, sports shirts, and sweatshirts) were examined. All garments released microfibres during washing, while the older garments presented higher releases for clothing with a PES/cotton blend. In general, older garments (15-31 years) released nearly twice as many fibres when washed than newer garments (1-10 years). The mass of microfibres released was consistently greater in garments with a higher proportion of cotton than PES (up to 1.774 mg g-1 in 2% PES and 0.366 mg g-1 in 100% PES fabrics), suggesting that cotton might be released more readily such that the relative proportion of PES in the garments could increase over time. Additionally, SEM images showed fibre damage, with fibres from the older garments exhibiting more peeling and splitting. While it is important to note that the overall environmental footprint is undoubtedly reduced by keeping garments in use for longer periods of time, older garments were shown to release more microfibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia N Fernandes
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Bento Gonçalves 9500, Porto Alegre, 91501-970, Brazil; School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Larissa Z Lara
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Bento Gonçalves 9500, Porto Alegre, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Francesca De Falco
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Richard C Thompson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
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6
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Morais LMS, Queiroz AFDS, Brito BKFD, Fenzl N, Soares MDO, Giarrizzo T, Martinelli Filho JE. Microplastics in the Amazon biome: State of the art and future priorities. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28851. [PMID: 38596029 PMCID: PMC11002258 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been identified as a major potential threat to the biota and human health. Despite the exponential increase in MP research worldwide, few studies have focused on the extensive Amazon biome. To assess research priorities, the present study reviewed and summarized the available scientific knowledge on MPs in the Amazon, in addition to analyzing population and waste-management data, to evaluate potential sources of MPs in the hydrographic system. Poor sanitation conditions are a main source of MPs for the vast hydrographic basin, and, consequently, for the adjacent ocean. Secondary MPs predominated, mostly fibers (96% of debris), composed of polyamide (32%). Mean MP concentrations ranged from 0.34 to 38.3 particles.individual-1 in biota, 5 to 476,000 particles.m-3 in water, and 492.5 to 1.30848 × 107 particles.m-3 in sediment, values in close comparison with those found in areas profoundly affected by anthropogenic pollution. MPs were widespread in a range of Amazonian environments and species, and negative effects are probably occurring at various ecological levels. However, limited research, methodological constraints, flaws and the lack of standardization, combined with the continental dimensions of the Amazon, hampers the collection of the fundamental knowledge needed to reliably evaluate the impacts and implement effective mitigation measures. There is an urgent need to expand scientific data available for the region, improving local research infrastructure, and training and deploying local researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mario Siqueira Morais
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral, km 01, Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-750, Brazil
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Pará. Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo Fabrício dos Santos Queiroz
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral, km 01, Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-750, Brazil
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Pará. Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Kellry Fagundes de Brito
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral, km 01, Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-750, Brazil
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Pará. Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Norbert Fenzl
- Núcleo de Meio Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Pará. Rua do chalé de Ferro s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Soares
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Av. da Abolição, 3207, Meireles, Fortaleza, CE, 60165-081, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia (NEAP), Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral 2651, Belém, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Av. da Abolição, 3207, Meireles, Fortaleza, CE, 60165-081, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Martinelli Filho
- Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Perimetral, km 01, Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-750, Brazil
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Pará. Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA, 66075-110, Brazil
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Talukdar A, Kundu P, Bhattacharya S, Dutta N. Microplastic contamination in wastewater: Sources, distribution, detection and remediation through physical and chemical-biological methods. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170254. [PMID: 38253100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. that have been widely detected in the environment, including in wastewater. They originate from various sources including breakdown of larger plastic debris, release of plastic fibres from textiles, and microbeads commonly used in personal care products. In wastewater, microplastics can pass through the treatment process and enter the environment, causing harm to biodiversity by potentially entering the food chain. Additionally, microplastics can act as a vector for harmful pollutants, increasing their transport and distribution in the environment. To address this issue, there is a growing need for effective wastewater treatment methods that can effectively remove microplastics. Currently, several physical and chemical methods are available, including filtration, sedimentation, and chemical degradation. However, these methods are costly, low efficiency and generate secondary pollutants. Furthermore, lack of standardization in the measurement and reporting of microplastics in wastewater, makes it difficult to accurately assess microplastic impact on the environment. In order to effectively manage these issues, further research and development of effective and efficient methods for removing microplastics from wastewater, as well as standardization in measurement and reporting, are necessary to effectively manage these detrimental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishek Talukdar
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritha Kundu
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharya
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India.
| | - Nalok Dutta
- Biochemical Engineering Department, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Nikhil VG, Amritha GG, Ranjeet K, Varghese GK. Distribution of microplastics in seafloor sediments and their differential assimilation in nearshore benthic molluscs along the south-west coast of India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123350. [PMID: 38219899 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the nearshore seafloor sediments along the Southwest coast of India and their patterns of accumulation in selected infaunal and epibenthic molluscs with diverse feeding strategies were investigated. Along the 300-km coastal stretch, which is one of the most productive and biodiversity rich regions of the eastern Arabian Sea, notable levels of MP contamination in both sediment (617.7 items/kg dry weight) and molluscs (5.39 items/g) was recorded. The concentration of MPs in sediments also varied seasonally, with a higher prevalence during the post-monsoon season. Among the four molluscan groups studied, the highest MP abundance was recorded among scavenging gastropod Pseudominolia biangulosa (9.13 items/g), followed by microcarnivore scaphopod Tesseracme quadrapicalis (5.96 items/g). In comparison, the suspension feeding bivalve, Anadara hankeyana and deposit feeding clam Jitlada philippinarum had lesser accumulation of MPs (2.98 items/g and 3.50 items/g respectively). The majority of MPs in sediments and within molluscs were less than 250 μm in size (89.14%) and were predominantly fibres and fragments. Chemical characterisation of MPs revealed eleven types of polymers dominated by polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Present study identified positive correlations between ingested MP polymers and the feeding strategies of molluscs. Higher values for the ecological risk assessment indices (PHI, PLI and PERI) in most of the stations indicated the severity of plastic pollution in the region. Molluscs being a major contributor to the benthic food web is also a connecting link to higher trophic levels. Hence understanding the specificity in the MPs accumulation pattern within this group has far reaching significance in utilizing them as potential bioindicators for pollution studies in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- V G Nikhil
- Faculty of Ocean Science and Technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, India
| | - G G Amritha
- Faculty of Fisheries Science, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, India
| | - K Ranjeet
- Faculty of Fisheries Science, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, India.
| | - George K Varghese
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Kozhikode, India
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Anderson RJ, Turner A. Microplastic transport and deposition in a beach-dune system (Saunton Sands-Braunton Burrows, southwest England). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168535. [PMID: 37977395 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Although microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous contaminants that have been extensively studied in the marine setting, there remain gaps in our understanding of their transport and fate in the coastal zone. In this study, MPs isolated from surface sediments sampled from a large beach-dune complex in southwest England have been quantified and characterised. Concentrations above a detectable size limit of 30 to 50 μm ranged from about 40 to 560 MP kg-1 dry weight but, despite local sources of plastics such as an estuary and seasonal tourism, there were no significant differences in median concentrations between different orthogonal foreshore transects and the dunes or according to zonal location on the beach. The majority of MPs were black and blue fibres of <1 mm in length that were constructed of polymers of density > 1 g cm-3 (e.g., rayon, polyester, acrylic). A significant correlation was found between MP concentration and the proportion of very fine sand (100 to 250 μm) but relationships with other granulometric or compositional markers of sediment (e.g., volume-weighted mean diameter, circularity, calcium content) were not evident. An association of MP concentration with very fine sand was attributed to similar particle depositional characteristics and the entrapment of fibres within small interstitial spaces. Overall, the observations reflect the wavelaid and windlaid deposition of MPs from a diffuse, offshore source, and, despite their role as accumulators of particles from the foreshore, dunes do not appear to act as a landward barrier of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael J Anderson
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
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10
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Zurub RE, Cariaco Y, Wade MG, Bainbridge SA. Microplastics exposure: implications for human fertility, pregnancy and child health. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1330396. [PMID: 38239985 PMCID: PMC10794604 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1330396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics found in our everyday environment are becoming an increasing concern for individual and population-level health, and the extent of exposure and potential toxic effects of these contaminants on numerous human organ systems are becoming clear. Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles, appear to have many of the same biological effects as their plastic precursors and have the compounded effect of potential accumulation in different organs. Recently, microplastic accumulation was observed in the human placenta, raising important questions related to the biological effects of these contaminants on the health of pregnancies and offspring. These concerns are particularly heightened considering the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework, which postulates that in utero exposure can programme the lifelong health of the offspring. The current review examines the state of knowledge on this topic and highlights important avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rewa E. Zurub
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yusmaris Cariaco
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Wade
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon A. Bainbridge
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Ahmed SF, Islam N, Tasannum N, Mehjabin A, Momtahin A, Chowdhury AA, Almomani F, Mofijur M. Microplastic removal and management strategies for wastewater treatment plants. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 347:140648. [PMID: 37952815 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Discharging microplastics into the environment with treated wastewater is becoming a major concern around the world. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) release microplastics into terrestrial and aquatic habitats, mostly from textile, laundry, and cosmetic industries. Despite extensive research on microplastics in the environment, their removal, and WWTP management strategies, highlighting their environmental effects, little is known about microplastics' fate and behaviour during various treatment processes. Microplastics interact with treatment technologies differently due to their diverse physical and chemical characteristics, resulting in varying removal efficiency. Microplastics removed from WWTPs may accumulate in soil and harm terrestrial ecosystems. Few studies have examined the cost, energy use, and trade-offs of large-scale implementation of modern treatment methods for the removal of microplastics. To safeguard aquatic and terrestrial habitats from microplastics' contamination, focused and efficient management techniques must bridge these knowledge gaps. This review summarizes microplastic detection, collection, removal and management strategies. A compilation of treatment process studies on microplastics' removal efficiency and their destiny and transit paths shows recent improvement. Bioremediation, membrane bioreactor (MBR), electrocoagulation, sol-gel technique, flotation, enhanced filtering, and AOPs are evaluated for microplastic removal. The fate and behaviour of microplastics in WWTPs suggest they may be secondary suppliers of microplastics to receiving ecosystems. Innovative microplastic removal strategies and technologies such as nanoparticles, microorganism-based remediation, and tertiary treatment raise issues. These new WWTP technologies are examined for feasibility, limitations, and implementation issues. Pretreatment modifies microplastic size, adsorption potential, and surface morphology to remove microplastics from WWTPs. Membrane bioreactors (MBR) can remove 99.9% of microplastics more efficiently than other approaches. MBR systems require membrane cleaning and fouling control, which raises operational and capital costs. To reduce MPs, plastic alternatives and strict controls, including microplastic waste transformation, should be prioritized. Microplastics must be controlled through monitoring policy execution and awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shams Forruque Ahmed
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh.
| | - Nafisa Islam
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Nuzaba Tasannum
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Aanushka Mehjabin
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Adiba Momtahin
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Ashfaque Ahmed Chowdhury
- School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia; Centre for Intelligent Systems, Clean Energy Academy, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia
| | - Fares Almomani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Collage of Engineering, Qatar University, Qatar.
| | - M Mofijur
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
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12
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da Costa ID, Costa LL, Zalmon IR. Are fishes selecting the trash they eat? Influence of feeding mode and habitat on microplastic uptake in an artificial reef complex (ARC). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166788. [PMID: 37666344 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Every year, coastal countries generate ∼275 million tons of plastic, and the oceans receive from 4.8 to 12.7 million tons3. Pollution by synthetic polymers is even more problematic for the environment when this material is fragmented into small portions, forming microplastics (MPs). In the present study, we analyze the selection of MPs by the ichthyofauna based on the availability of the morphotypes and polymeric composition of microplastic in the environment and compare the amount of MP in surface water, water column, sediments and fish in different organs, trophic categories, habitats and areas with and without artificial reefs. In order to achieve this goal, the shape, color, abundance and chemical composition of MPs in the digestive tract and gills of 18 fish species in artificial reefs area and control area, were evaluated. A total of 216 fish were analyzed, and 149 (60 %) had MPs in at least one organ and showed a mean concentration of 1.55 ± 3.31 MPs/g. Of the 18 fish species collected in the reef complex area, 17 (94 %) included individuals with at least one MP in digestive tract or gills. Four species showed the higher selectivity of MP types, colors, and polymers. More MPs were found in the fish, surface water, water column and sediment in the artificial reef area compared to the control areas. This is the first evidence of MP selection by commercially important fish species in artificial marine structures worldwide. These results provide useful information on MP pollution in RAs and highlight yet another issue that must be considered in the management of fisheries resources in the region and in other reef complexes around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor David da Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Biológicas e da Terra, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Santo Antônio de Pádua 28470-000, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Regulação de Recursos Hídricos, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, 76900-726 Rondônia, Brazil; Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ilana Rosental Zalmon
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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13
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Mondal MIH, Takebira UM. Disperse dyes, temperature and yarn parametre's effect on microfibre shedding of polyester spun yarn. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166854. [PMID: 37689202 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The yarn dyeing factories discharge liquid waste laden with a variety of hazardous substances, including microplastic fibre (MPFs), which are found in aquatic ecosystems. During dyeing, MPF shedding factors were determined in this study. Shedding factors were determined at six polyester yarn dyeing factories to assess MPF release for (1) dark and (2) light shading. Three dyeing processes were considered including normal, carrier and high temperature. Sawdust-based activated carbon was utilized to decolourize dye wastewater. Flocculation and clarification were done without a flotation process to obtain low-density MPF. A hot needle test was applied to visual identification under an optical microscope and quantification was done by filtering, weighting and count of the yarn. A maximum of 0.00399 % weight loss (wt.) was found for dark shade in the high-temperature dyeing process and 0.00392 % (light) was found in carrier dyeing to dye a coarser yarn. In contrast, 0.4562 mg L-1 fibre particles (≤ 0.225 mm) shedding in normal dyeing, for a light shade, was observed to a fine yarn where a minimum of 0.00138 % wt. was found. Shorter fibre length, higher denier, and courser yarn were associated with the greatest MPF discharge at high-temperature dyeing for a dark shade. The usual effluent treatment plant (ETP) of the textile industry can remove only 75.52 % MPFs of wastewater. Shedding of MPF during dyeing is remarkably higher than the domestic wash cycle of garments. Wastewater of textiles containing MPFs would appear as a regular and extensive initial source of MP emissions, which can damage the ecological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ibrahim H Mondal
- Polymer and Textile Research Lab, Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh.
| | - Umme Magreba Takebira
- Polymer and Textile Research Lab, Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
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14
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MacAulay S, Masud N, Davies-Jones J, Ward BD, Cable J. The impacts of synthetic and cellulose-based fibres and their associated dyes on fish hosts and parasite health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:121558-121568. [PMID: 37955728 PMCID: PMC10724321 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now a ubiquitous feature of freshwater systems and the majority of this is fibrous. Here, we test the effects of plastic and cellulose-based fibres (polyester, cotton, and bamboo from commercial clothing) on fish host-parasite interactions using a freshwater fish host-parasite model system (guppy Poecilia reticulata-Gyrodactylus turnbulli). For uninfected fish, polyester exposure was associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared with the other two fibre types. For infected fish, whilst polyester and cotton exposure were not associated with any significant changes to parasite burdens, fish exposed to bamboo fibres had significantly reduced maximum parasite burdens compared with fish not exposed to any fibres, indicating that the bamboo fibres and/or associated dyes conferred some degree of resistance or tolerance. Whilst unable to determine the exact nature of the chemical dyes, when testing off-host parasite survival on exposure to the fibre dyes, cotton and particularly polyester dyes were associated with higher parasite mortality compared to bamboo. Overall, we add to the growing body of evidence which shows that polyester microplastic fibres and their associated dyes can be detrimental for both fish and parasite survival, and we highlight the need for increased transparency from textile industries on the chemical identity of fabric dyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott MacAulay
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Numair Masud
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | | | - Benjamin D Ward
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Jo Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
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15
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Collard F, Strøm H, Fayet MO, Guðmundsson FÞ, Herzke D, Hotvedt Å, Løchen A, Malherbe C, Eppe G, Gabrielsen GW. Evaluation of meso- and microplastic ingestion by the northern fulmar through a non-lethal sampling method. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115646. [PMID: 37832498 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of organisms from the polar regions are reported contaminated by plastic. Rarely a non-killing sampling method is used. In this study we wanted to assess plastic levels using stomach flushing and evaluate the method suitability for further research and monitoring. The stomach of 22 fulmars from Bjørnøya, Svalbard, were flushed with water in the field. On return to the laboratory, the regurgitated content was digested using potassium hydroxide. The extracted plastics were visually characterised and analysed with spectroscopy. Only three birds had plastics in their stomach, totaling 36 particles, most of them microplastics (< 5 mm). The plastic burdens are much lower than previously reported in Svalbard. The stomach flushing is assumed not to allow the collection of the gizzard content. This is a major limitation as most of the plastics accumulate in the fulmar's gizzard. However, the method is still useful for studies investigating plastic ingestion dynamics, allowing to sample the same individuals over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- France Collard
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Hallvard Strøm
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Marie-Océane Fayet
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsø N-9037, Norway
| | - Ådne Hotvedt
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Arja Løchen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Cédric Malherbe
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liege, Allée de la Chimie 3, B6c Sart-Tilman, B-4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Gauthier Eppe
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liege, Allée de la Chimie 3, B6c Sart-Tilman, B-4000, Liege, Belgium
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16
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Qian Y, Cui P, Zhang J, Wang S, Duan X, Li G. Modified polyamide fibers with low surface friction coefficient to reduce microplastics emission during domestic laundry. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122356. [PMID: 37567406 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics has become a serious threat to humans and ecological environments because they carry many pollutants and can be easily ingested by aquatic organisms. Fibrous microplastics (FMPs) released from synthetic fiber garments during domestic laundry are a major source of contamination. Herein, we report a facile FMPs mitigation strategy for polyamide 6 (PA6) fibers by incorporating environmentally friendly polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) during melt spinning. The obtained PA6/PDMS fibers showed a lower friction coefficient than the pure PA6 fibers. Surface morphology, tribology, and washing characterizations verified that a 60% reduction in FMPs shedding was achieved by reducing the friction. In addition, the low-surface-friction PA6/PDMS fabrics with high hydrophobicity exhibited improved waterproof and anti-stain behaviors. It is important to note that none of the essential properties, such as surface structure, dyeing and printing of the fabrics were compromised after PDMS blending. This study provides a green and scalable route for mitigating laundry microfibers using a fiber domain design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinchao Qian
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Panpan Cui
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Songlin Wang
- Zhejiang Hengyi Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311243, China
| | - Xiaoping Duan
- China National Textile and Apparel Council, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Guang Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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17
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Ono K, Naito W, Ogura I, Xue M, Kato E, Uesaka M, Tsunemi K. Estimation of microplastic emission and transfer into Tokyo Bay, Japan, using material flow analysis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115440. [PMID: 37657257 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
To reduce microplastic (MP) discharge into the aquatic environment, it is necessary to properly identify its sources and amounts. Here, specific MP sources, i.e., personal care products (PCPs), fibers from clothes, and tire-wear particles (TWPs) were focused, and MP generations from these sources in the Tokyo Bay watershed, Japan, were estimated based on statistical data on production and reported emission factors of the MP sources and executing considering uncertainty on the data. Potential annual MP emission into Tokyo Bay was estimated to be 10.2 ± 1.6, 38 ± 22, and 1500-1800 tons for PCPs, fibers, and TWPs, respectively. Emissions into Tokyo Bay by assuming MP density and diameter was estimated. For fiber, the fraction to potential emission was estimated at 1.0-2.8 %. This study contributes to determining potential discharge pathways. This will assist in the application of appropriate measures to reduce MP discharge into water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Ono
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan.
| | - Wataru Naito
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Isamu Ogura
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Mianqiang Xue
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Etsuko Kato
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Motoki Uesaka
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Tsunemi
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
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18
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Pušić T, Vojnović B, Flinčec Grgac S, Čurlin M, Malinar R. Particle Shedding from Cotton and Cotton-Polyester Fabrics in the Dry State and in Washes. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3201. [PMID: 37571095 PMCID: PMC10421144 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of 3, 10 and 50 washing cycles on the properties of cotton fabric and cotton-polyester blend in plain weave, was investigated in this study. In addition to the analysis of tensile properties in weft and warp directions and thickness, the number of particles produced in the dry state was also measured after 3, 10 and 50 washes. After washing, the entire effluent was analysed by determining the total suspended solids (TSS), the total solids (TS), the pH value and the conductivity. To determine the similarity of the observed wash cycles and properties of all processed samples, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed. The fabric changes indicated by total wear in the warp direction after 50 washing cycles compared to unwashed ones amounting to 41.2% for cotton and 30.9% for cotton-polyester blend, may be attributed to the synergy of washing factors and raw material composition. Cotton fabric produced significantly more particles than cotton-polyester fabric in the dry state after the examined washing cycles in all size categories. A smaller number of released particles are in the larger size category >25 μm. The obtained TSS values confirm the degree of loading of the effluent with particulate matter from the analysed fabrics, since the detergent consists of water-soluble components. The HCA dendrograms confirmed that the release of particles during the first washing cycles is mainly determined by the structural properties of fabrics, while in the subsequent cycles the synergistic effect of chemical, mechanical and thermal effects in the interaction with the material prevailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Pušić
- Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.P.); (B.V.); (R.M.)
| | - Branka Vojnović
- Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.P.); (B.V.); (R.M.)
| | - Sandra Flinčec Grgac
- Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.P.); (B.V.); (R.M.)
| | - Mirjana Čurlin
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Rajna Malinar
- Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.P.); (B.V.); (R.M.)
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19
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Alqahtani S, Alqahtani S, Saquib Q, Mohiddin F. Toxicological impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on humans: understanding the mechanistic aspect of the interaction. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1193386. [PMID: 37521752 PMCID: PMC10375051 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1193386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic is a pervasive material that has become an indispensable part of our daily lives and is used in various commercial products. However, plastic waste has significantly impacted the environment, accumulating in water and land ecosystems and harming all forms of life. When plastic degrades, it breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics (MPs), which can further breakdown into nanoplastics (NPs). Due to their small size and potential toxicity to humans, NPs are of particular concern. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the production of plastic had reached unprecedented levels, including essential medical kits, food bags, and personal protective equipment (PPE), which generate MPs and NPs when burned. MPs and NPs have been detected in various locations, such as air, food, and soil, but our understanding of their potential adverse health effects is limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the sources, interactions, ecotoxicity, routes of exposure, toxicity mechanisms, detection methods, and future directions for the safety evaluation of MPs and NPs. This would improve our understanding of the impact of MPs and NPs on our health and environment and identify ways to address this global crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Alqahtani
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Comparative Pathobiology Department, Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Shaherah Alqahtani
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Quaiser Saquib
- Chair for DNA Research, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fayaz Mohiddin
- Mountain Research Center for Field Crops, Khudwani, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Srinagar, India
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20
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Horn S, Mölsä KM, Sorvari J, Tuovila H, Heikkilä P. Environmental sustainability assessment of a polyester T-shirt - Comparison of circularity strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 884:163821. [PMID: 37137359 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The considerable environmental burden of textiles is currently globally recognized. This burden can be mitigated by applying circular economy (CE) strategies to the commonly linear, short garment life cycles that end with incineration or landfill disposal. Even though all CE strategies strive to promote environmental sustainability, they might not be equally beneficial. Environmental data on different textile products is insufficiently available, which leads to complications when assessing and deciding on different CE strategies to be implemented. This paper studies the environmental impacts of a polyester T-shirt's linear life cycle through life cycle assessment (LCA) and evaluates the benefits attainable by adopting different CE strategies, and their order of priority, while noting uncertainty arising from poor data quality or unavailability. The LCA is complemented by assessing health and environmental risks related to the different options. Most of the linear life cycle's LCA-based impacts arise from use-phase washing. Hence, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact notably (37 %) by reducing the washing frequency. Adopting a CE strategy in which the shirt is reused by a second consumer, to double the number of uses, enables an 18 % impact reduction. Repurposing recycled materials to produce the T-shirt and recycling the T-shirt material itself emerged as the least impactful CE strategies. From the risk perspective, reusing the garment is the most efficient way to reduce environmental and health risks while washing frequency has a very limited effect. Combining different CE strategies offers the greatest potential for reducing both environmental impacts as well as risks. Data gaps and assumptions related to the use phase cause the highest uncertainty in the LCA results. To gain the maximum environmental benefits of utilizing CE strategies on polyester garments, consumer actions, design solutions, and transparent data sharing are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Horn
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Kiia M Mölsä
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Sorvari
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannamaija Tuovila
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Visiokatu 4, 33103 Tampere, Finland
| | - Pirjo Heikkilä
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Visiokatu 4, 33103 Tampere, Finland
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21
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Leite L, Pais V, Silva C, Boticas I, Bessa J, Cunha F, Relvas C, Ferreira N, Fangueiro R. Halochromic Textiles for Real-Time Sensing of Hazardous Chemicals and Personal Protection. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2938. [PMID: 37109774 PMCID: PMC10141884 DOI: 10.3390/ma16082938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemical protective clothing (CPC) has become mandatory when performing various tasks to ensure user protection and prevent chemicals from contacting the skin and causing severe injuries. In addition to protection, there is a need to develop a simple mechanism that can be attached to CPC and be capable of detecting and alerting the user to the presence of harmful chemical agents. In this study, a double-sensor strategy was investigated, using six different pH indicators stamped on cotton and polyester knits to detect acidic and alkaline substances, both liquid and gaseous. Functionalized knits underwent microscopic characterization, air permeability and contact angle evaluation. All samples exhibited hydrophobic behavior (contact angle > 90°) and air permeability values above 2400 L/min/cm2/bar, with the best condition demonstrating a contact angle of 123° and an air permeability of 2412.5 L/min/cm2/bar when the sensor methyl orange and bromocresol purple (MO:BP) was stamped on polyester. The performed tests proved the functionality of the sensors and showed a visible response of all knits when contacting with different chemicals (acids and bases). Polyester functionalized with MO:BP showed the greatest potential, due to its preeminent color change. Herein, the fiber coating process was optimized, enabling the industrial application of the sensors via a stamping method, an alternative to other time- and resource-consuming techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Leite
- Fibrenamics—Institute of Innovation on Fiber-Based Materials and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Vânia Pais
- Fibrenamics—Institute of Innovation on Fiber-Based Materials and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cristina Silva
- Fibrenamics—Institute of Innovation on Fiber-Based Materials and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Inês Boticas
- Fibrenamics—Institute of Innovation on Fiber-Based Materials and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Bessa
- Fibrenamics—Institute of Innovation on Fiber-Based Materials and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Fernando Cunha
- Fibrenamics—Institute of Innovation on Fiber-Based Materials and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cátia Relvas
- A. Ferreira & Filhos, Rua Amaro de Sousa 408, 4815-901 Caldas de Vizela, Portugal
| | - Noel Ferreira
- A. Ferreira & Filhos, Rua Amaro de Sousa 408, 4815-901 Caldas de Vizela, Portugal
| | - Raul Fangueiro
- Fibrenamics—Institute of Innovation on Fiber-Based Materials and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- Department of Textile Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
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22
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Ferreira GVB, Justino AKS, Eduardo LN, Schmidt N, Martins JR, Ménard F, Fauvelle V, Mincarone MM, Lucena-Frédou F. Influencing factors for microplastic intake in abundant deep-sea lanternfishes (Myctophidae). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161478. [PMID: 36634781 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is ubiquitous in the hydrosphere. Yet, we lack an understanding of contamination among deep-sea species and primarily how each trait can influence microplastic intake. We investigated microplastic contamination in the digestive tract of hyper-abundant mesopelagic lanternfishes (n = 364 individuals) from the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic, captured from 90 to 1000 m depth. Overall, microplastics were detected in most individuals analysed (frequency of occurrence = 68 %). Large microplastics, mostly of a filamentous shape were the most frequent, followed by smaller fragments and foams. Microplastics made of high-density polymers (PET, PVC, PA, SBR rubber) were more prevalent than low-density ones (PE, EVA and PBD rubber), especially under deeper layers. Larger microplastics were detected in lanternfishes captured off the northeastern Brazilian coast (mean 0.88 ± SE 0.06 mm) compared to those from around the Rocas Atoll and Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (0.70 ± 0.07 mm; p≤ 0.05), ∼350 km from the continent. Moreover, lanternfishes that migrate from the upper mesopelagic (200-500 m) to the epipelagic layers (<200 m) had simultaneously the highest intake and the smallest particles (1.65 ± 0.17 particles individual-1 and 0.55 ± 0.07 mm; p≤ 0.05). Biological mediated transport of microplastics from the epipelagic to the mesopelagic waters was evinced, but fishes foraging in shallower layers had the lowest intake (1.11 ± 0.10 part. ind.-1; p≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the jaw length was positively associated with an increment in microplastic intake (Incidence Rate Ratio = 1.1; p≤ 0.05). The lanternfishes that preferably prey upon fish larvae are more prone to microplastic intake than their counterparts, which forage mostly on crustaceans and gelatinous zooplankton (p≤ 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme V B Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Anne K S Justino
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Toulon, France
| | - Leandro N Eduardo
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil; MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
| | - Natascha Schmidt
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Marseille, France
| | - Júlia R Martins
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Conservação (PPG-CiAC), Av. São José do Barreto, 764, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Ménard
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Fauvelle
- Université de Toulouse, LEGOS (CNES/CNRS/IRD/UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Michael M Mincarone
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), Av. São José do Barreto, 764, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil; Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Flávia Lucena-Frédou
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
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23
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Costa LL, Arueira VF, Silva TN, da Silva Oliveira A, Dos Santos Nascimento L, Sant'Anna MEAS, Viana CF, da Silva KC, Gunner B, Leite V, da Costa ID. Quantifying microplastics in fishes: The first case study contrasting the perspective of untrained and experienced researchers. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114736. [PMID: 36812717 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic studies hold a low explored potential for citizen science and environmental education, but methodological issues challenge data produced by non-specialists. We compared microplastic abundance and diversity in the red tilapia Oreochromis niloticus recovered by untrained students with those recovered by researchers that have experience of three years studying the incorporation of this pollutant by aquatic organisms. Seven students dissected 80 specimens and performed digestion of digestive tract in hydrogen peroxide. The solution was filtered and inspected under a stereomicroscope by the students and by two expert researchers. A control treatment consisted of 80 samples handled only by experts. The students overestimated the abundance of fibers and fragments. Striking differences in abundance and richness of microplastics were verified between the fish dissected by students and by expert researchers. Therefore, citizen science projects involving the uptake of microplastics by fish should provide training until a satisfactory level of expertise is reached.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Solar Brasil de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento - ISOBRAS, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Vitor Figueira Arueira
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thayanne Nascimento Silva
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ariane da Silva Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leticia Dos Santos Nascimento
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Animal, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Camyla Freitas Viana
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kaique Carvalho da Silva
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna Gunner
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor Leite
- Instituto Federal Fluminense, Campus Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Igor David da Costa
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Biológicas e da Terra, Santo Antônio de Pádua, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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24
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da Costa ID, Costa LL, da Silva Oliveira A, de Carvalho CEV, Zalmon IR. Microplastics in fishes in amazon riverine beaches: Influence of feeding mode and distance to urban settlements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 863:160934. [PMID: 36539082 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global problem and has affected several biological levels even in protected areas. In the present study, MP contamination was investigated in fish associated with sandy beaches in a permanent environmental protection area in the Amazon. In order to achieve this goal, the shape, color, abundance, richness, and chemical composition of MPs in the digestive tract of 29 fish species in 24 beaches of the Machado River, western Brazilian Amazon, were evaluated. Linear mixed models (LMMs) were adjusted to test the effects of local human modification (HMc), distance from urban settlements, distance from the closest affluent, and trophic categories of fish species on microplastic abundance and richness in their digestive tracts. From the 1082 fish analyzed, 332 (30 %) presented MPs in their digestive tracts. A total of 617 MPs was found (1.8 ± 1.6 MPs; 4.5 ± 1.9 MPs/g fish). Omnivorous and insectivorous fish presented more MPs in sandy beaches located closer to urban settlements. However, carnivorous fish presented a higher abundance of MPs in their digestive tracts compared with the other trophic guilds. This is the first study to analyze plastic contamination in fish associated with sandy beaches in the Amazon (Brazil), and it revealed contamination of the ichthyofauna mainly related to the distance from urban settlements. Our results reinforce the need for better management of landscape surrounding protected areas to mitigate MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor David da Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Biológicas e da Terra, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Santo Antônio de Pádua, 28470-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Regulação de Recursos Hídricos, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, 76900-726 Rondônia, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ariane da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Veiga de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ilana Rosental Zalmon
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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25
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Santonicola S, Volgare M, Di Pace E, Mercogliano R, Cocca M, Raimo G, Colavita G. Research and characterization of fibrous microplastics and natural microfibers in pelagic and benthic fish species of commercial interest. Ital J Food Saf 2023; 12:11032. [PMID: 37064521 PMCID: PMC10102967 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ingestion of synthetic microfibers, the most prevalent type of microplastics in marine environments, and natural fibers was assessed in Engraulis engrasicolus and Mullus barbatus, two commercially important fish species in the Mediterranean Sea. Microfibers were isolated from the fish gastrointestinal tract using a 10% potassium hydroxide solution. For the microfiber characterization, the evaluation of specific morphological features using a light microscope, coupled with the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of a subsample of isolated particles, was applied. The preliminary results showed the occurrence of microfibers in 53 and 60% of European anchovy and Red mullet, respectively. A mean of 6.9 microfibers/individual was detected in anchovies, while on average Red mullet samples contained 9.2 microfibers/individual. The most common colors of fibers in both species were black, blue, and transparent. Visual characterization of fibers allowed the classification of 40% of the items as synthetic microfibers. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the visual classification by fiber morphology. Microfibers were made of different typologies of polymers, represented by cellulose, cotton, and polyester. These findings confirm as the wide distribution of fibrous microplastics, and natural microfibers may impact both pelagic and deep-sea trophic webs. Despite the presence of microfibers in fish species poses a potential risk to human health, the literature is scarce regarding studies on the uptake by commercial marine fish mostly due to methodological issues. The visual characterization, corroborated by spectroscopic techniques, may be useful to differentiate synthetic and natural fibers, representing a fast and easy method to assess fibrous microplastic pollution in commercially important fish species.
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26
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Hazlehurst A, Tiffin L, Sumner M, Taylor M. Quantification of microfibre release from textiles during domestic laundering. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:43932-43949. [PMID: 36680713 PMCID: PMC10076413 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25246-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Domestic laundering of textiles is being increasingly recognised as a significant source of microfibre pollution. Reliable quantification of microfibre release is necessary to understanding the scale of this issue and to evaluate the efficacy of potential solutions. This study explores three major factors that influence the quantification of microfibres released from the domestic laundering of textiles: test methodologies, laundering variables, and fabric variables.A review of different test methods is presented, highlighting the variation in quantification created by using different methodologies. A reliable and reproducible method for quantifying microfibre release from domestic laundering is used to explore the impact of laundering and fabric variables experimentally. The reproducibility and reliability of the method used was validated through inter-laboratory trials and has informed the development of European and international testing standards. Our results show that increasing the wash liquor ratio and wash agitation results in a greater mass of microfibres released, but we found that fabric variables can have a greater influence on microfibre release than the laundering variables tested in this study. However, no single fabric variable appeared to have a dominant influence.Using the data obtained and assumptions for washing load size and frequency, results were scaled to reflect possible annual microfibre release from untreated domestic laundering in the UK. Depending on different laundering and fabric variables, these values range from 6490 tonnes to 87,165 tonnes of microfibre discharged in the UK each year.
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27
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Sol D, Menéndez-Manjón A, Carrasco S, Crisóstomo-Miranda J, Laca A, Laca A, Díaz M. Contribution of household dishwashing to microplastic pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:45140-45150. [PMID: 36701065 PMCID: PMC10076389 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25433-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
At household level, clothes washing has been recognised as an emitter of microplastics (MPs) into the environment and it is supposed that dishwashing is also a source of MPs, although little attention has been paid so far. In this work, the emission of MPs released from dishwashing procedures at household level has been studied. The effect of different parameters such as time, temperature and type of detergent has been analysed. In addition, the MP content of tap water has been evaluated in order to determine its contribution to the MPs in dishwasher effluent. Results showed that when the dishwasher was operated empty with a pre-wash programme (15 min and room water temperature), between 207 and 427 MPs were released per load (3 L), whereas this value increased notably with an intensive programme (164 min and water at 70 °C) (1025-1370 MPs per load, 15 L), which highlighted the effect of temperature and time on MP release. Additionally, when a polypropylene lunch box was washed, the number of MPs released increased by 14 ± 3 MPs and 166 ± 12 MPs of total. Finally, the influence of the use of detergent with the dishwasher empty and containing lunch boxes has been studied. With detergent, 35-54% more MPs were released from dishwasher accessories, whereas no additional release took place from lunch boxes. This work shows for the first time the important contribution of domestic dishwashing to MP pollution and the environmental benefits of using more environmentally friendly materials in both dishwashing machine accessories and food utensils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sol
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Andrea Menéndez-Manjón
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sofía Carrasco
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jacinto Crisóstomo-Miranda
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Amanda Laca
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Adriana Laca
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Mario Díaz
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
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28
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Ashrafy A, Liza AA, Islam MN, Billah MM, Arafat ST, Rahman MM, Rahman SM. Microplastics Pollution: A Brief Review of Its Source and Abundance in Different Aquatic Ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 9:100215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
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29
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Li Y, Lu Q, Xing Y, Liu K, Ling W, Yang J, Yang Q, Wu T, Zhang J, Pei Z, Gao Z, Li X, Yang F, Ma H, Liu K, Zhao D. Review of research on migration, distribution, biological effects, and analytical methods of microfibers in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158922. [PMID: 36155038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been proven to be one of the critical environmental pollution issues. Moreover, microfibers, the most prominent form of microplastics in the environment, have likewise attracted the attention of various countries. With the increase in global population and industrialization, the production and use of fibers continue to increase yearly. As a result, a large number of microfibers are formed. If fiber products are not used or handled correctly, it will cause direct/indirect severe microfiber environmental pollution. Microfibers will be further broken into smaller fiber fragments when they enter the natural environment. Presently, researchers have conducted extensive research in the identification of microfibers, laying the foundation for further resourcefulness research. This work used bibliometric analysis to review the microfiber contamination researches systematically. First, the primary sources of microfibers and the influencing factors are analyzed. We aim to summarize the influence of the clothing fiber preparation and care processes on microfiber formation. Then, this work elaborated on the migration in/between water, atmosphere, and terrestrial environments. We also discussed the effects of microfiber on ecosystems. Finally, microfibers' current and foreseeable effective treatment, disposal, and resource utilization methods were explained. This paper will provide a structured reference for future microfiber research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China; School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qingbin Lu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Kai Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wei Ling
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qizhen Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Tianqi Wu
- Human Resources Department, Yangquan Power Supply Company of State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company, Yangquan 045000, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zengxin Pei
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ziyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Iron and Steel Industry Environmental Protection, No. 33, Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Hongjie Ma
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Kehan Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ding Zhao
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
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30
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Le LT, Nguyen KQN, Nguyen PT, Duong HC, Bui XT, Hoang NB, Nghiem LD. Microfibers in laundry wastewater: Problem and solution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158412. [PMID: 36055511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Data corroborated in this study highlights laundry wastewater as a primary source of microfibers (MFs) in the aquatic environment. MFs can negatively impact the aquatic ecosystem via five possible pathways, namely, acting as carriers of other contaminats, physical damage to digestive systems of aquatic organisms, blocking the digestive tract, releasing toxic chemicals, and harbouring invasive and noxious plankton and bacteria. This review shows that small devices to capture MFs during household laundry activities are simple to use and affordable at household level in developed countries. However, these low cost and small devices are unrealiable and can only achieve up to 40 % MF removal efficiency. In line filtration devices can achieve higher removal efficiency under well maintained condition but their performance is still limited compared to over 98 % MF removal by large scale centralized wastewater treatment. These results infer that effort to increase sanitation coverage to ensure adequate wastewater treatment prior to environmental discharge is likely to be more cost effective than those small devices for capturing MFs. This review also shows that natural fabrics would entail significantly less environmental consequences than synthetic materials. Contribution from the fashion industry to increase the share of natural frabics in the current textile market can also reduce the loading of plastic MFs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh-Thy Le
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP), Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City 72714, Viet Nam; Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet nam
| | - Kim-Qui N Nguyen
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet nam
| | - Phuong-Thao Nguyen
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet nam
| | - Hung C Duong
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Environmental Engineering, Le Quy Don Technical University, 236 Hoang Quoc Viet, Co Nhue, Bac Tu Liem, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Xuan-Thanh Bui
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet nam
| | - Ngoc Bich Hoang
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Long D Nghiem
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
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31
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Matsushita R, Nakanishi T, Watanabe S, Iwai T, Takatsu M, Honda S, Funaki K, Ishikawa T, Seto Y. Effects of Machine Washing on the Chromatography Parameters of Polyester Fiber Gel Permeation. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:38789-38795. [PMID: 36340080 PMCID: PMC9631878 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fiber examination is frequently performed in forensics, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is one candidate method for discriminating polyester fibers. Here, the effects of machine washing on weight-average molecular weight (M w), polydispersity index (PDI), and the percentage peak area of cyclic ethylene terephthalate trimer (PPAL) of commercial polyester shirts and manufactured poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) yarns were investigated using GPC. GPC was performed using a 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-propan-2-ol polymer solubilizer, styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer GPC columns, a chloroform mobile phase, and a 254 nm absorbance monitor. The statistical change in the polyester fibers during machine washing was evaluated by comparing three GPC parameters of the same fiber samples before and after machine washing. Among the commercial polyester shirts examined, the GPC parameters changed significantly after machine washing with a considerable PPAL decrease. In contrast, the GPC parameters of manufactured PET yarns changed significantly with a moderate increase in M w. This work elucidates the change on GPC parameters of polyester fibers by machine washing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritsuko Matsushita
- RIKEN
SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1
Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Toshio Nakanishi
- RIKEN
SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1
Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Shimpei Watanabe
- RIKEN
SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1
Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Takahiro Iwai
- RIKEN
SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1
Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Masahisa Takatsu
- RIKEN
SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1
Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Sadao Honda
- Japan
Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Kenichi Funaki
- TOYOBO
Co., Ltd., 2-1-2 Katata, Otsu, Shiga 520-0292, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ishikawa
- RIKEN
SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1
Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Yasuo Seto
- RIKEN
SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1
Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
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32
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Meier P, Zabara M, Hirsch C, Gogos A, Tscherrig D, Richner G, Nowack B, Wick P. Evaluation of fiber and debris release from protective COVID-19 mask textiles and in vitro acute cytotoxicity effects. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 167:107364. [PMID: 35853388 PMCID: PMC9212752 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the start of the current COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time a significant fraction of the world's population cover their respiratory system for an extended period with mostly medical facemasks and textile masks. This new situation raises questions about the extent of mask related debris (fibers and particles) being released and inhaled and possible adverse effects on human health. This study aimed to quantify the debris release from a textile-based facemask in comparison to a surgical mask and a reference cotton textile using both liquid and air extraction. Under liquid extractions, cotton-based textiles released up to 29'452 ± 1'996 fibers g-1 textile while synthetic textiles released up to 1'030 ± 115 fibers g-1 textile. However, when the masks were subjected to air-based extraction scenarios, only a fraction (0.1-1.1%) of this fiber amount was released. Several metals including copper (up to 40.8 ± 0.9 µg g-1) and iron (up to 7.0 ± 0.3 µg g-1) were detected in acid dissolved textiles. Additionally the acute in vitro toxicity of size-fractionated liquid extracts (below and above 0.4 µm) were assessed on human alveolar basal epithelial cells. The current study shows no acute cytotoxicity response for all the analyzed facemasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Meier
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen 9014, Switzerland.
| | - Mahsa Zabara
- SVP Technology/Science and Consumer Interface, Livinguard AG, Cham 6330, Switzerland.
| | - Cordula Hirsch
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen 9014, Switzerland.
| | - Alexander Gogos
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen 9014, Switzerland.
| | - Dominic Tscherrig
- Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP, Spiez Laboratory, Spiez 3700, Switzerland.
| | - Gilles Richner
- Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP, Spiez Laboratory, Spiez 3700, Switzerland.
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen 9014, Switzerland.
| | - Peter Wick
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen 9014, Switzerland.
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Choi S, Kim J, Kwon M. The Effect of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Synthetic Fabrics on the Release of Microplastics during Washing and Drying. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14163384. [PMID: 36015640 PMCID: PMC9412705 DOI: 10.3390/polym14163384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic fibers released during washing are the primary source of microplastic pollution. Hence, research on reducing the release of microplastic fibers during washing has recently attracted considerable attention. As a result of previous studies, there is a difference in the amount of microplastic emission according to various types of fabrics. To mitigate the release of microplastics, the study of the reason for the difference in the amount of microplastics is needed. Therefore, this study investigated different synthetic fabrics that release microplastics and the physical properties of the fabrics that affect the release of fibers. Three types of fabrics with different chemical compositions were analyzed. The washing and drying processes were improved by focusing on the mechanical factors that affected microplastic release. Furthermore, based on the mass of the collected microplastic fibers, it was found that the chemical compositions of the fabric can affect the microplastics released during washing and drying. This evaluation of physical properties helped to identify the physical factors that affect microplastic release. These results may provide a basis for reducing microplastic fiber types, thereby minimizing unintended environmental pollution.
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Mahbub MS, Shams M. Acrylic fabrics as a source of microplastics from portable washer and dryer: Impact of washing and drying parameters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155429. [PMID: 35461942 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Increasing uses of synthetic textiles are now a concerning issue as these synthetic textiles are shedding microfibers during the laundering of the fabrics and are considered as a potential source of microplastics (size <5 mm). In addition, manmade fibers like polyester, acrylic, and nylon represent 60% of the worldwide consumption of textile fibers. The novelty of this study is to assess the releasing trends of microfibers from acrylic fabrics during washing and drying under different conditions from a portable washer and dryer machine. Washing and drying effluents were filtered out which were further quantified with gravimetric analysis to determine the net weight of the released microfibers. Among different washing parameters, the mean length and diameter of the released microfibers were found to be approximately 2411 ± 1500 μm and 18 ± 4 μm, respectively. The results indicate that the release of microfibers increased by 2 and 1.4 times respectively when washing and drying time increased from 30 min to 60 min due to high mechanical stresses and longer rotational forces on the fabrics. The use of detergent during washing also promoted more microfiber release (162.49 ± 44.21 mg/kg) when compared to without detergent (60.22 ± 13.32 mg/kg). Moreover, microfibers were released approximately 1.8 times higher from washing when washed with 40 °C of water than with 20 °C of water. However, subsequent washing and drying cycles showed decreasing patterns of microfiber release as microfiber released 45% and 67% less during the 7th washing and drying cycle, respectively, compared to the 1st cycle. Results of this study would help to understand the releasing patterns of microfibers which can help to improve the existing systems to reduce the microplastic emissions from laundering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shahriar Mahbub
- School of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Mehnaz Shams
- School of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA.
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35
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Dreillard M, Barros CDF, Rouchon V, Emonnot C, Lefebvre V, Moreaud M, Guillaume D, Rimbault F, Pagerey F. Quantification and morphological characterization of microfibers emitted from textile washing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154973. [PMID: 35367554 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a subject of growing interest as they are a potential threat for living organisms. Textile microfibers (MFs) are an important microplastics sub-group that have been reported as a major source of microplastics release into the environment. This pollution occurs mainly during the washing of synthetic garments. However, standardized methods to quantify and characterize these MFs are scarce. This study proposes a new analytical protocol to characterize these MFs in number and size by means of filtration techniques, optical and electronic microscopy and automatic image post-processing. This approach was developed and validated on effluents from washing machines produced in different conditions (5 different garments, sequential cycles, and presence or not of detergent). Among the analyzed effluents, it was found that 40 to 75% of microfibers have a length comprised between 50 and 200 μm, with average microfiber diameters ranging from 8 to 17 μm depending on the type of textile. The emission range of microfibers was estimated to be between 220,000 to 2,820,000 microfibers per kg of textile depending on the type of garment and the washing conditions. The counting method developed is adapted to a certain range of textiles, such as 100% polyester fleece jackets (PET-1), 100% smooth polyester T-shirt (PET-2) and 100% acrylic sweater (PAN), and is not affected by the presence of detergent. The proposed method of characterization of these MFs lengths can also be extrapolated to the counting of other objects that have a similar morphology to the analyzed fibers. Hence, it can be helpful to develop new testing capture technologies and, thus, contribute to the enhancement of filtering techniques of several pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Dreillard
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France.
| | | | - Virgile Rouchon
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France
| | - Coralie Emonnot
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France
| | - Véronique Lefebvre
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France
| | - Maxime Moreaud
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France; MINES ParisTech, PSL-Research University, CMM, Fontainebleau, France
| | - Denis Guillaume
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, BP3, 69360 Solaize, France
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Ramasamy R, Aragaw TA, Balasaraswathi Subramanian R. Wastewater treatment plant effluent and microfiber pollution: focus on industry-specific wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:51211-51233. [PMID: 35606585 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20930-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The production, use, and disposal of synthetic textiles potentially release a significant amount of microfibers into the environment. Studies performed on municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluent reported a higher presence of microfibers due to the mix of domestic laundry effluent through sewage. As municipal WWTPs receive influents from households and industries, it serves as a sink for the microfibers. However, research on textile industry WWTPs that primarily treat the textile fabric processing wastewater was not explored with the concern of microfibers. Hence, the review aims to analyze the existing literature and enlighten the impact of WWTPs on microplastic emission into the environment by specifically addressing textile industry WWTPs. The results of the review confirmed that even after 95-99% removal, municipal WWTPs can emit around 160 million microplastics per day into the environment. Microfiber was the dominant shape identified by the review. The average microfiber contamination in the WWTP sludge was estimated as 200 microfibers per gram of sludge. As far as the industry-specific effluents are analyzed, textile wet processing industries effluents contained > 1000 times higher microfibers than municipal WWTP. Despite few existing studies on textile industry effluent, the review demonstrates that, so far, no studies were performed on the sludge obtained from WWTPs that handle textile industry effluents alone. Review results pointed out that more attention should be needed to the textile wastewater research which is addressing the textile wet processing industry WWTPs. Moreover, the sludge released from these WWTPs should be considered as an important source of microfiber as they contain more quantity of microfibers than the effluent, and also, their routes to the environment are huge and easy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tadele Assefa Aragaw
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Esterhuizen M, Buchenhorst L, Kim YJ, Pflugmacher S. In vivo oxidative stress responses of the freshwater basket clam Corbicula javanicus to microplastic fibres and particles. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 296:134037. [PMID: 35183583 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been detected in several aquatic organisms, especially bivalves such as clams, oysters, and mussels. To understand the ecotoxicological implication of microplastic accumulation in biota, it is crucial to investigate effects at the physiological level to identify knowledge gaps regarding the threat posed to the environment and assist decision-makers to set the necessary priorities. Typically, xenobiotics elicit an overproduction of reactive oxygen species in organisms, resulting in oxidative stress and cellular damage when not combated by the antioxidative system. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish the impacts of microplastic particles and fibres on the freshwater basket clam Corbicula javanicus. We measured the oxidative stress responses following microplastic exposure as the specific activities of the antioxidative enzymes glutathione S-transferase and catalase. When exposed to polyester fibres from the fleece jackets, the enzyme activities increased in the clams, while the enzyme activities decreased with high-density polyethylene microplastic fragments from bottle caps. All the exposures showed that the adverse effects on the antioxidative response system were elicited, indicating the negative ecotoxicological implications of microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maranda Esterhuizen
- University of Helsinki, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Niemenkatu 73, 15140 Lahti, Finland, And Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Fabianinkatu 33, 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Korea Institute of Science and Technology Europe (KIST Europe) Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Joint Laboratory of Applied Ecotoxicology, Environmental Safety Group, Universität des Saarlandes Campus E7 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany; University of Manitoba, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, Wallace Building, 125 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Lucille Buchenhorst
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Ecology, Chair Ecological Impact Research & Ecotoxicology, Ernst-Reuter-Platz 1, 10587, Berlin, Germany; Stockholm University, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Svante Arrhenius väg 20A, 11418, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Young Jun Kim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology Europe (KIST Europe) Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Joint Laboratory of Applied Ecotoxicology, Environmental Safety Group, Universität des Saarlandes Campus E7 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Stephan Pflugmacher
- University of Manitoba, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, Wallace Building, 125 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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38
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Frost H, Bond T, Sizmur T, Felipe-Sotelo M. A review of microplastic fibres: generation, transport, and vectors for metal(loid)s in terrestrial environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:504-524. [PMID: 35348562 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00541c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The laundering of synthetic fabrics has been identified as an important and diffuse source of microplastic (<5 mm) fibre contamination to wastewater systems. Home laundering can release up to 13 million fibres per kg of fabric, which end up in wastewater treatment plants. During treatment, 72-99% of microplastics are retained in the residual sewage sludge, which can contain upwards of 56 000 microplastics per kg. Sewage sludge is commonly disposed of by application to agricultural land as a soil amendment. In some European countries, application rates are up to 91%, representing an important pathway for microplastics to enter the terrestrial environment, which urgently requires quantification. Sewage sludge also often contains elevated concentrations of metals and metalloids, and some studies have quantified metal(loid) sorption onto various microplastics. The sorption of metals and metalloids is strongly influenced by the chemical properties of the sorbate, the solution chemistry, and the physicochemical properties of the microplastics themselves. Plastic-water partition coefficients for the sorption of cadmium, mercury and lead onto microplastics are up to 8, 32, and 217 mL g-1 respectively. Sorptive capacities of microplastics may increase over time, due to environmental degradation processes increasing the specific surface area and surface density of oxygen-containing functional groups. A range of metal(loid)s, including cadmium, chromium, and zinc, have been shown to readily desorb from microplastics under acidic conditions. Sorbed metal(loid)s may therefore become more bioavailable to soil organisms when the microplastics are ingested, due to the acidic gut conditions facilitating desorption. Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) should be of particular focus for future research, as few quantitative sorption studies currently exist, it is potentially overlooked from density separation studies due to its high density, and it is by far the most widely used fibre in apparel textiles production.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Frost
- Department of Chemistry, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - T Bond
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - T Sizmur
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6DW, UK
| | - M Felipe-Sotelo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK.
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Nanoplastics and Human Health: Hazard Identification and Biointerface. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12081298. [PMID: 35458006 PMCID: PMC9026096 DOI: 10.3390/nano12081298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are associated with several risks to the ecology and toxicity to humans. Nanoplastics are synthetic polymers with dimensions ranging from 1 nm to 1 μm. They are directly released to the environment or secondarily derived from plastic disintegration in the environment. Nanoplastics are widely detected in environmental samples and the food chain; therefore, their potentially toxic effects have been widely explored. In the present review, an overview of another two potential sources of nanoplastics, exposure routes to illustrate hazard identification of nanoplastics, cell internalization, and effects on intracellular target organelles are presented. In addition, challenges on the study of nanoplastics and future research areas are summarized. This paper also summarizes some approaches to eliminate or minimize the levels of nanoplastics to ensure environmental safety and improve human health.
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40
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Šaravanja A, Pušić T, Dekanić T. Microplastics in Wastewater by Washing Polyester Fabrics. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15072683. [PMID: 35408015 PMCID: PMC9000408 DOI: 10.3390/ma15072683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become one of the most serious environmental hazards today, raising fears that concentrations will continue to rise even further in the near future. Micro/nanoparticles are formed when plastic breaks down into tiny fragments due to mechanical or photochemical processes. Microplastics are everywhere, and they have a strong tendency to interact with the ecosystem, putting biogenic fauna and flora at risk. Polyester (PET) and polyamide (PA) are two of the most important synthetic fibres, accounting for about 60% of the total world fibre production. Synthetic fabrics are now widely used for clothing, carpets, and a variety of other products. During the manufacturing or cleaning process, synthetic textiles have the potential to release microplastics into the environment. The focus of this paper is to explore the main potential sources of microplastic pollution in the environment, providing an overview of washable polyester materials.
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41
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Valentino M, Bĕhal J, Bianco V, Itri S, Mossotti R, Fontana GD, Battistini T, Stella E, Miccio L, Ferraro P. Intelligent polarization-sensitive holographic flow-cytometer: Towards specificity in classifying natural and microplastic fibers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152708. [PMID: 34990679 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micron size fiber fragments (MFFs), both natural and synthetic, are ubiquitous in our life, especially in textile clothes, being necessary in modern society. In the Earth's aquatic ecosystem, microplastic fibers account for ~91% of microplastic pollution, thus deserving notable attention as one of the most alarming ecological problems. Accurate automatic identification of MFFs discharges in specific upstream locations is highly demanded. Computational microscopy based on Digital Holography (DH) and machine learning has been demonstrated to identify microplastics in respect to microalgae. However, DH is a non-specific optical tool, meaning it cannot distinguish different types of plastic materials. On the other hand, materials-specific assessments are pivotal to establish the environmental impact of different textile products and production processes. Spectroscopic assays can be employed to identify microplastics for their intrinsic specificity, although they are generally low-throughput and require large concentrations to enable effective measurements. Conversely, MFFs are usually finely dispersed within a water sample. Here we rely on a polarization-resolved holographic flow cytometer in a Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platform for analysing MFFs. We demonstrate that two important objectives can be achieved, i.e. adding material specificity through polarization analysis while operating in a microfluidic stream modality. Through a machine learning numerical pipeline, natural fibers (i.e. cotton and wool) can be clearly separated from synthetic microfilaments, namely PA6, PA6.6, PET, PP. Moreover, the proposed system can accurately distinguish between different polymers under investigation, thus fulfilling the specificity goal. We extract and select different features from amplitude, phase and birefringence maps retrieved from the digital holograms. These are shown to typify MFFs without the need for sample pre-treatment or large concentrations. The simplicity of the DH method for identifying MFFs in LoC-based flow cytometers could promote the use of polarization resolved field-portable analysis systems suitable for studying pollution caused by washing processes of synthetic textiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Valentino
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "Eduardo Caianiello" (ISASI-CNR), via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Dip. di Ingegneria Elettrica e delle Tecnologie dell'Informazione, via Claudio 21, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Jaromír Bĕhal
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "Eduardo Caianiello" (ISASI-CNR), via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vittorio Bianco
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "Eduardo Caianiello" (ISASI-CNR), via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Simona Itri
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "Eduardo Caianiello" (ISASI-CNR), via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mossotti
- STIIMA-CNR Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing National Research Council of Italy, C.so G., Pella 16, Biella 13900, Italy
| | - Giulia Dalla Fontana
- STIIMA-CNR Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing National Research Council of Italy, C.so G., Pella 16, Biella 13900, Italy
| | | | - Ettore Stella
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato (STIIMA-CNR), via Amendola 122 D/O, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Lisa Miccio
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "Eduardo Caianiello" (ISASI-CNR), via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "Eduardo Caianiello" (ISASI-CNR), via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
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Rimondi V, Monnanni A, De Beni E, Bicocchi G, Chelazzi D, Cincinelli A, Fratini S, Martellini T, Morelli G, Venturi S, Lattanzi P, Costagliola P. Occurrence and Quantification of Natural and Microplastic Items in Urban Streams: The Case of Mugnone Creek (Florence, Italy). TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040159. [PMID: 35448420 PMCID: PMC9025813 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The terrestrial environment is an important contributor of microplastics (MPs) to the oceans. Urban streams, strictly interwoven in the city network and to the MPs’ terrestrial source, have a relevant impact on the MP budget of large rivers and, in turn, marine areas. We investigated the fluxes (items/day) of MPs and natural fibers of Mugnone Creek, a small stream crossing the highly urbanized landscape of Florence (Italy) and ending in the Arno River (and eventually to the Tyrrhenian Sea). Measurements were done in dry and wet seasons for two years (2019–2020); stream sediments were also collected in 2019. The highest loads of anthropogenic particles were observed in the 2019 wet season (109 items/day) at the creek outlet. The number of items in sediments increased from upstream (500 items/kg) to urban sites (1540 items/kg). Fibers were the dominant shape class; they were mostly cellulosic in composition. Among synthetic items, fragments of butadiene-styrene (SBR), indicative of tire wear, were observed. Domestic wastewater discharge and vehicular traffic are important sources of pollution for Mugnone Creek, especially during rain events. The study of small creeks is of pivotal importance to limit the availability of MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rimondi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessio Monnanni
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
| | - Eleonora De Beni
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
| | - Gabriele Bicocchi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Fratini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Guia Morelli
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Stefania Venturi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
| | | | - Pilario Costagliola
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
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Arias AH, Alfonso MB, Girones L, Piccolo MC, Marcovecchio JE. Synthetic microfibers and tyre wear particles pollution in aquatic systems: Relevance and mitigation strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 295:118607. [PMID: 34883149 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Evidence shows that the majority of aquatic field microplastics (MPs) could be microfibers (MFs) which can be originated directly from massive sources such as textile production and shedding from garments, agricultural textiles and clothes washing. In addition, wear and tear of tyres (TRWPs) emerges as a stealthy major source of micro and nanoplastics, commonly under-sampled/detected in the field. In order to compile the current knowledge in regards to these two major MPs sources, concentrations of concern in aquatic environments, their distribution, bulk emission rates and water mitigation strategies were systematically reviewed. Most of the aquatic field studies presented MFs values above 50%. MPs concentrations varied from 0.3 to 8925 particles m-3 in lakes, from 0.69 to 8.7 × 106 particles m-3 in streams and rivers, from 0.16 to 192000 particles m-3 estuaries, and from 0 to 4600 particles m-3 in the ocean. Textiles at every stage of production, use and disposal are the major source of synthetic MFs to water. Laundry estimates showed an averaged release up to 279972 tons year-1 (high washing frequency) from which 123000 tons would annually flow through untreated effluents to rivers, streams, lakes or directly to the ocean. TRWPs in the aquatic environments showed concentrations up to 179 mg L-1 (SPM) in runoff river sediments and up to 480 mg g-1 in highway runoff sediments. Even though average TRWR emission is of 0.95 kg year-1 per capita (10 nm- 500 μm) there is a general scarcity of information about their aquatic environmental levels probably due to no-availability or inadequate methods of detection. The revision of strategies to mitigate the delivering of MFs and TRWP into water streams illustrated the importance of domestic laundry retention devices, Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) with at least a secondary treatment and stormwater and road-runoff collectors quality improvement devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés H Arias
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida, 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW, Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Avenida Alem 1253, B8000DIC, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - María B Alfonso
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida, 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW, Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga, 816-8580, Japan
| | - Lautaro Girones
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida, 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - María C Piccolo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida, 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW, Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Geografía y Turismo, Universidad Nacional del Sur, 12 de Octubre 1198, B8000CTX, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Jorge E Marcovecchio
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida, 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW, Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Universidad Tecnológica Nacional-Facultad Regional Bahía Blanca (UTN-FRBB),11 de Abril 461, B8000LMI, Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Universidad de la Fraternidad de Agrupaciones Santo Tomás de Aquino, Gascón, 3145, B7600FNK, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Academia Nacional de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales (ANCEFN), Av. Alvear 1711, C1014 AAE, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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De Felice B, Antenucci S, Ortenzi MA, Parolini M. Laundering of face masks represents an additional source of synthetic and natural microfibers to aquatic ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150495. [PMID: 34844332 PMCID: PMC8457919 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
From the onset of Covid-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has been adapted as one of the main measures to slow down the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide. The inadequate handling and management of face masks lead to a massive dispersal in the environment, resulting in a new source of microfibers because of their breakdown and/or degradation. In addition, the laundering of reusable face masks of different polymeric composition can represent an additional sources of microfibers to natural ecosystems, but it was largely neglected. The present study explored the release of synthetic or natural microfibers from reusable and disposable face masks of five different fabrics when subjected to a cycle of laundering in a domestic washing machine. After a single wash, face masks released an average (± SE) of 284.94 ± 73.66 microfibers, independently of the fabrics. Focusing on the fabrics composing the face masks, polyurethane (541.33 ± 51.84 microfibers) and cotton-based (823.00 ± 112.53 microfibers) face masks released the highest amount of synthetic and natural microfibers, respectively. Considering the crucial role of face masks to counteract the pandemic and the increasing trend of their use, further studies represent a priority to estimate the contribution of face mask-derived microfibers to freshwater contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Antenucci
- Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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Batool I, Qadir A, Levermore JM, Kelly FJ. Dynamics of airborne microplastics, appraisal and distributional behaviour in atmosphere; a review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150745. [PMID: 34656602 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of plastics is common across all aspects of human life owing to its durable and versatile nature. The generation and utilization of plastics are directly related to the anthropogenic activities. The extensive use of plastics and adoption of inappropriate waste-management frameworks has resulted in their release into the environment, where they may persist. Different environmental factors, such as, photochemical, thermo-oxidation, and biological degradation, can lead to the degradation of plastics into micro- (MPs) and nano-plastics (NPs). The behaviour and concentration of MPs in the terrestrial environment can depend on their size, density, and local atmospheric conditions. Microplastics and nanoplastics may enter the food web, carrying various organic pollutants, which bio-accumulate at different trophic levels, prompting organism health concerns. Microplastics being airborne identifies as new exposure route. Dietary and airborne exposure to MPs has led researchers to stress the importance of evaluating their toxicological potential. The primary goal of this paper is to explore the environmental fate of MPs from sources to sink in the terrestrial environment, as well as detail their potential impacts on human health. Additionally, this review article focuses on the presence of airborne microplastics, detailed sample pre-processing methods, and outlines analytical methods for their characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iffat Batool
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Abdul Qadir
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Joseph M Levermore
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 10th Floor, Michael Uren Building, White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Frank J Kelly
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 10th Floor, Michael Uren Building, White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
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Chen Y, Chen Q, Zhang Q, Zuo C, Shi H. An Overview of Chemical Additives on (Micro)Plastic Fibers: Occurrence, Release, and Health Risks. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 260:22. [PMCID: PMC9748405 DOI: 10.1007/s44169-022-00023-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Plastic fibers are ubiquitous in daily life with additives incorporated to improve their performance. Only a few restrictions exist for a paucity of common additives, while most of the additives used in textile industry have not been clearly regulated with threshold limits. The production of synthetic fibers, which can shed fibrous microplastics easily (< 5 mm) through mechanical abrasion and weathering, is increasing annually. These fibrous microplastics have become the main composition of microplastics in the environment. This review focuses on additives on synthetic fibers; we summarized the detection methods of additives, compared concentrations of different additive types (plasticizers, flame retardants, antioxidants, and surfactants) on (micro)plastic fibers, and analyzed their release and exposure pathways to environment and human beings. Our prediction shows that the amounts of predominant additives (phthalates, organophosphate esters, bisphenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and nonylphenol ethoxylates) released from clothing microplastic fibers (MFs) are estimated to reach 35, 10, 553, 0.4, and 568 ton/year to water worldwide, respectively; and 119, 35, 1911, 1.4, and 1965 ton/year to air, respectively. Human exposure to MF additives via inhalation is estimated to be up to 4.5–6440 µg/person annually for the above five additives, and via ingestion 0.1–204 µg/person. Notably, the release of additives from face masks is nonnegligible that annual human exposure to phthalates, organophosphate esters, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from masks via inhalation is approximately 491–1820 µg/person. This review helps understand the environmental fate and potential risks of released additives from (micro)plastic fibers, with a view to providing a basis for future research and policy designation of textile additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuye Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
- Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Chencheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
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Periyasamy AP. Evaluation of microfiber release from jeans: the impact of different washing conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:58570-58582. [PMID: 34115293 PMCID: PMC8536618 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14761-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic particles are a burgeoning population crisis in the marine environment. This research examines the emission of microfibers from three different jeans (garments) during domestic washing. The jeans types, washing temperature, washing duration, spin speed, detergent types, and addition of conditioner are the main factors for this research work. The average length and diameter of the microfibers for the 100% PET jeans (jeans-P) has 7800 ± 4000 μm and 11.9±3.2 μm and for polyester/cotton jeans (jeans-PB) has 4900 ± 2200 μm 17.4±4.8 μm, respectively. The maximum microfiber released was observed in the rigorous washing treatment (90 min, 60°C, 1400 rpm, powder detergent with the presence of conditioner). The surmised number of microfibers discharged from the 1 kg wash load of jeans-P was calculated within the extent of 2300000-4900000 microfibers, and it is varied by the washing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravin Prince Periyasamy
- Textile Chemistry, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, Espoo, 02150, Finland.
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Microplastics in Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Plants: Occurrence and Removal of Microfibres. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112110109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), and specifically microfibres (MPFs), are ubiquitous in water bodies, including wastewater and drinking water. In this work, a thorough literature review on the occurrence and removal of MPs, and specifically MPFs in WWTPs and DWTPs, has been carried out. When the water is treated, an average microfiber removal efficiency over 70% is achieved in WWTPs and DWTPs. These high percentages are still inefficient for avoiding the presence of a large number of microfibres in treated wastewater and also in tap water. RSF, DAF, oxidation ditch and CAS processes have been described as the most efficient treatments for eliminating MPFs from wastewater treatment. It is remarkable the wide range of the data reported on this topic; for example, treated wastewater contains between not detected and 347 MPFs/L, whereas tap water contains between not detected and 168 MPFs/L. Microfibres constitute more than half of the MPs found in treated wastewater and sewage sludge, whereas in DWTP effluents the percentage of MPFs is around 32%. Nevertheless, the relative amount of MPFs reported in tap water is notably higher (71%). Microfibres from WWTPs are discharged to the environment, being a source of MP pollution. Additionally, MPs released by DWTPs directly enter the drinking water lines, which constitute a direct route for MP human consumption, so that it has been estimated that an adult may ingest an average value of 7500 MPFs per year only via tap water. Thus, this review provides an update on the performance of WWTPs and DWTPs in removing MPs from water, which is an issue of great interest.
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Volgare M, De Falco F, Avolio R, Castaldo R, Errico ME, Gentile G, Ambrogi V, Cocca M. Washing load influences the microplastic release from polyester fabrics by affecting wettability and mechanical stress. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19479. [PMID: 34593897 PMCID: PMC8484352 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98836-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics released from textiles during the washing process represent the most prevalent type of microparticles found in different environmental compartments and ecosystems around the world. Release of microfibres during the washing process of synthetic textiles is due to the mechanical and chemical stresses that clothes undergo in washing machines. Several washing process parameters, conditions, formulations of laundering additives have been correlated to microfibre release and some of them have been identified to affect microfibre release during washing process, while no correlation has been evaluated between microfibre release and washing load. In the present study, microfibre release was evaluated as function of the washing load in a real washing process, indicating a progressive decrease of microfibre release with increasing washing load. The quantity of released microfibres increased by around 5 times by decreasing the washing load due to a synergistic effect between water-volume to fabric ratio and mechanical stress during washing. Moreover, the higher mechanical stress to which the fabric is subjected in the case of a low washing load, hinders the discrimination of the effect on the release of other washing parameters like the type of detergent and laundry additives used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Volgare
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.,Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P.Le Tecchio, 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca De Falco
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy. .,School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, Devon, UK.
| | - Roberto Avolio
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Rachele Castaldo
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Maria Emanuela Errico
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gentile
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Veronica Ambrogi
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P.Le Tecchio, 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.
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