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Mahu E, Vanderpuye-Orgle TJ, Boateng CM, Edusei MO, Yeboah GA, Chuku EO, Okpei P, Okyere I, Dodoo-Arhin D, Akintoye EA. Quantification and characterization of microplastics ingested by mangrove oysters across West Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:50283-50296. [PMID: 39088173 PMCID: PMC11364619 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34470-9] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic ingestion by marine organisms presents a challenge to both ecosystem functioning and human health. We characterized microplastic abundance, shape, size, and polymer types ingested by the West African mangrove oyster, Crassostrea tulipa (Lamarck, 1819) sampled from estuaries and lagoons from the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, and Nigeria using optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. A total of 780 microplastics were isolated in the whole tissues of the 250 oysters (n = 50 oysters per country). The abundance and distribution of microplastics in the oysters followed the pattern: the Gambia > Ghana > Sierra Leone > Nigeria > Benin. The Tanbi wetlands in the Gambia recorded the highest average of 10.50 ± 6.69 per oyster while the Ouidah lagoon in Benin recorded the lowest average of 1.80 ± 1.90 per oyster. Overall, microplastic numbers varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the five countries. Microfibers, particularly those within 1001-5000 μm size, dominated the total microplastic count with a few fragments and films. No spherical microplastics were isolated in the oysters. In the Sierra Leone and Benin oysters, fragments and films were absent in the samples. Microplastic between the 1001 and 5000 μm size class dominated the counts, followed by 501-1000 μm, 101-500 μm, and 51-100 μm. Five polymer groups namely polyethylene, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and polyamide were identified across the five countries, with polyethylene occurring in oysters from all five countries and polyester occurring in all but the oysters from Nigeria. This diversity of polymers suggests varied sources of microplastics ingested by the studied oysters. The absence of microspheres across the five supports findings from other studies that they are the least ingested and highly egested by the oysters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edem Mahu
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | | | | | - Maurice Oti Edusei
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Ernest Obeng Chuku
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, 7053, Australia
| | - Paulina Okpei
- University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Isaac Okyere
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, CANS, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Cape Coast, Ghana
- Centre for Coastal Management, Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience - (ACECoR), UCC, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - David Dodoo-Arhin
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Moodley T, Abunama T, Kumari S, Amoah D, Seyam M. Applications of mathematical modelling for assessing microplastic transport and fate in water environments: a comparative review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:667. [PMID: 38935176 PMCID: PMC11211188 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12731-x] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics in the environment are considered complex pollutants as they are chemical and corrosive-resistant, non-biodegradable and ubiquitous. These microplastics may act as vectors for the dissemination of other pollutants and the transmission of microorganisms into the water environment. The currently available literature reviews focus on analysing the occurrence, environmental effects and methods of microplastic detection, however lacking a wide-scale systematic review and classification of the mathematical microplastic modelling applications. Thus, the current review provides a global overview of the modelling methodologies used for microplastic transport and fate in water environments. This review consolidates, classifies and analyses the methods, model inputs and results of 61 microplastic modelling studies in the last decade (2012-2022). It thoroughly discusses their strengths, weaknesses and common gaps in their modelling framework. Five main modelling types were classified as follows: hydrodynamic, process-based, statistical, mass-balance and machine learning models. Further, categorisations based on the water environments, location and published year of these applications were also adopted. It is concluded that addressed modelling types resulted in relatively reliable outcomes, yet each modelling framework has its strengths and weaknesses. However, common issues were found such as inputs being unrealistically assumed, especially biological processes, and the lack of sufficient field data for model calibration and validation. For future research, it is recommended to incorporate macroplastics' degradation rates, particles of different shapes and sizes and vertical mixing due to biofouling and turbulent conditions and also more experimental data to obtain precise model inputs and standardised sampling methods for surface and column waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone Moodley
- Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Taher Abunama
- Research Center for Treatment and Management of Water (CEBEDEAU), 4031, Liege, Belgium
| | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Dennis Amoah
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, 85721, USA
| | - Mohammed Seyam
- Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
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3
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Liu X, Pu Q, Cheng Y, Wu J, Yan J, Wang Z, Wang X, Wang H, Qian Q. Comparative impact of pristine and aged microplastics with triclosan on lipid metabolism in larval zebrafish: Unveiling the regulatory role of miR-217. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172580. [PMID: 38657822 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172580] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastics (MPs), especially aged particles, interacting with contaminants like triclosan (TCS), raises concerns about their toxicological effects on aquatic life. This study focused on the impact of aged polyamide (APA) MPs and TCS on zebrafish lipid metabolism. APA MPs, with rougher surfaces and lower hydrophobicity, exhibited reduced TCS adsorption than unaged polyamide (PA) MPs. Co-exposure to PA/APA MPs and TCS resulted in higher TCS accumulation in zebrafish larvae, notably more with PA than APA. Larvae exposed to PA + TCS exhibited greater oxidative stress, disrupted lipid metabolism, and altered insulin pathway genes than those exposed to TCS. However, these negative effects were lessened in the APA + TCS group. Through miRNA-seq and miR-217 microinjection, it was revealed that PA + TCS co-exposure upregulated miR-217, linked to lipid metabolic disorders in zebrafish. Moreover, molecular docking showed stable interactions formed between PA, TCS, and the insulin signaling protein Pik3r2. This study demonstrated that PA and TCS co-exposure significantly inhibited the insulin signaling in zebrafish, triggering lipid metabolism dysregulation mediated by miR-217 upregulation, while APA and TCS co-exposure alleviated these disruptions. This research underscored the ecological and toxicological risks of aged MPs and pollutants in aquatic environments, providing crucial insights into the wider implications of MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingcheng Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Qian Pu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Ji Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Jin Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Zejun Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Xuedong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Huili Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Qiuhui Qian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
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4
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Osman DM, Yuan W, Shabaka S, Nyaga MP, Geng J, Yu Y, Yang Y. The threat of micro/nanoplastic to aquatic plants: current knowledge, gaps, and future perspectives. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 265:106771. [PMID: 38000132 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106771] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have been recognized as an emerging pollutant and have raised global concerns due to their widespread distribution in the environment and potential harm to living systems. However, research on the threat of micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) to the unique group of aquatic plants is far behind, necessitating a comprehensive review to summarize current research progress and identify future research needs. This review explores the sources and distribution patterns of MPs/NPs in aquatic environments, highlighting their uptake by aquatic plants through roots and leaves, and subsequent translocation via the vascular system facilitated by the transpiration stream. Exposure to MPs/NPs elicits diverse effects on the growth, physiology, and ecological interactions of aquatic plants, with variations influenced by plastic properties, plant species, and experimental conditions. Furthermore, the presence of MPs/NPs can impact the toxicity and bioavailability of other associated toxicants to aquatic plants. This review shows critical knowledge gaps and emphasizes the need for future research to bridge the current understanding of the limitations and challenges posed by MPs/NPs in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donia M Osman
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenke Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt
| | - Muthii Patrick Nyaga
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun Geng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongxiang Yu
- Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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5
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Cozzolino L, Nicastro KR, Lefebvre S, Corona L, Froneman PW, McQuaid C, Zardi GI. The effect of interspecific and intraspecific diversity on microplastic ingestion in two co-occurring mussel species in South Africa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115649. [PMID: 37864858 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115649] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Interspecific and intraspecific diversity are essential components of biodiversity with far-reaching implications for ecosystem function and service provision. Importantly, genotypic and phenotypic variation within a species can affect responses to anthropogenic pressures more than interspecific diversity. We investigated the effects of interspecific and intraspecific diversity on microplastic ingestion by two coexisting mussel species in South Africa, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Perna perna, the latter occurring as two genetic lineages. We found significantly higher microplastic abundance in M. galloprovincialis (0.54 ± 0.56 MP items g-1WW) than P. perna (0.16 ± 0.21 MP items g-1WW), but no difference between P. perna lineages. Microbeads were the predominant microplastic (76 % in P. perna, 99 % in M. galloprovincialis) and polyethylene the prevalent polymer. Interspecific differences in microplastic abundance varied across locations, suggesting diverse sources of contamination. We suggest that microplastic ingestion can be species-specific even in organisms that coexist and play similar functional roles within ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Cozzolino
- CCMAR-Centro de Ciências do Mar, CIMAR Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal.
| | - Katy R Nicastro
- CCMAR-Centro de Ciências do Mar, CIMAR Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR 8187 - LOG - Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, station marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sebastien Lefebvre
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR 8187 - LOG - Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, station marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Luana Corona
- CCMAR-Centro de Ciências do Mar, CIMAR Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
| | | | - Christopher McQuaid
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Gerardo I Zardi
- CCMAR-Centro de Ciências do Mar, CIMAR Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal; Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques, UMR 8067 BOREA (CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, UCBN, IRD-207), CS 14032, 14000 Caen, France; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
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6
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Nkosi MS, Cuthbert RN, Wu N, Shikwambana P, Dalu T. Microplastic abundance, distribution, and diversity in water and sediments along a subtropical river system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:91440-91452. [PMID: 37479936 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28842-w] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments has been a ubiquitous concern in recent years, owing to their rapid production combined with poor waste management practices. However, information on freshwater microplastics in the Global South is still scarce, despite growing research on freshwater microplastics in recent years, particularly within the Global North. To help address this knowledge gap, we studied water and sediment microplastic dynamics along a subtropical river system, i.e. Crocodile River around the Nelspruit City area (South Africa), across three different seasons (i.e. cool-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet) using a combination of diversity indices and multivariate analyses. Microplastics were more abundant during the cool-dry season in the surface water samples (mean 1058 particles m-3) and high during the hot-dry season (mean 568 particles kg-1 dwt) in the sediment samples. The hot-wet season had a low particle density in both surface water (mean 625 particles m-3) and sediments (mean 86 particles kg-1 dwt) samples. Microplastic shapes were dominated by fibres and fragments, with the colour scheme dominated by transparent, blue, and black. The abundance of microplastics was positively correlated with pH and resistivity, and negatively with river flow. Wastewater was attributed as a primary source of microplastics, particularly because of the observed dominant fibre microplastics, usually released during laundry. Our results suggest that Crocodile River and its tributaries are temporary sinks of microplastics during periods of low rainfall. Implications of this pollution are far-reaching, including effects on residents who are dependent on the Crocodile River as a source of drinking water and aquatic biota which may be exposed to these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masimini S Nkosi
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 5DL, Belfast, UK
| | - Naicheng Wu
- Department of Geography and Spatial Information Techniques, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Purvance Shikwambana
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa.
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
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7
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Choudhury A, Simnani FZ, Singh D, Patel P, Sinha A, Nandi A, Ghosh A, Saha U, Kumari K, Jaganathan SK, Kaushik NK, Panda PK, Suar M, Verma SK. Atmospheric microplastic and nanoplastic: The toxicological paradigm on the cellular system. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115018. [PMID: 37216859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The increasing demand for plastic in our daily lives has led to global plastic pollution. The improper disposal of plastic has resulted in a massive amount of atmospheric microplastics (MPs), which has further resulted in the production of atmospheric nanoplastics (NPs). Because of its intimate relationship with the environment and human health, microplastic and nanoplastic contamination is becoming a problem. Because microplastics and nanoplastics are microscopic and light, they may penetrate deep into the human lungs. Despite several studies demonstrating the abundance of microplastics and nanoplastics in the air, the potential risks of atmospheric microplastics and nanoplastics remain unknown. Because of its small size, atmospheric nanoplastic characterization has presented significant challenges. This paper describes sampling and characterization procedures for atmospheric microplastics and nanoplastics. This study also examines the numerous harmful effects of plastic particles on human health and other species. There is a significant void in research on the toxicity of airborne microplastics and nanoplastics upon inhalation, which has significant toxicological potential in the future. Further study is needed to determine the influence of microplastic and nanoplastic on pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmol Choudhury
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | | | - Dibyangshee Singh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Paritosh Patel
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India; Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Adrija Sinha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aditya Nandi
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aishee Ghosh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Utsa Saha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Khushbu Kumari
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Saravana Kumar Jaganathan
- School of Engineering, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Pritam Kumar Panda
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-75120 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
| | - Suresh K Verma
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
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8
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Apetogbor K, Pereao O, Sparks C, Opeolu B. Spatio-temporal distribution of microplastics in water and sediment samples of the Plankenburg river, Western Cape, South Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121303. [PMID: 36804560 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution has become a subject of environmental concern due to its wide ubiquity in the environment. Microplastics are possible sources of other hazardous chemicals to aquatic organisms due to their composition and sorption properties. In this study, MPs occurrence in water and sediment samples of the Plankenburg River, Western Cape, South Africa was investigated. The physicochemical characterization of the river water was done onsite. 30 L water samples were collected and filtered in 10 L triplicates through a 250 μm mesh onsite using a metal bucket. An additional 12 L sample was collected and filtered in 4 L triplicates through 20 μm mesh in the laboratory. The extraction of MPs from water in the laboratory was by density separation. Sediment samples were also collected at the selected sites, oven-dried and microplastics in the laboratory. Sampling was conducted over four seasons - spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Microplastics were classified by visual observation and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). The seasonal distribution of MPs in the surface water samples varied across all sites. However, spring samples had the highest MPs occurrence (5.13 ± 6.62 MP/L) and the least, in autumn (1.52 ± 2.54 MP/L). The MPs in sediment samples were observed in spring (1587.50 ± 599.32 MP/kg). Fibres were the most dominant microplastic particle type (shape), with a size range of 500-1000 μm at the different sites. The infrared spectroscopic analysis confirmed the dominant polymer type to be polyethylene. This study provides an understanding of the microplastic occurrence in the Plankenburg River system and gives a baseline for future monitoring and assessment of water and sediment in the South African freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komlan Apetogbor
- Environmental and Toxicology Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Symphony way, PO Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Omoniyi Pereao
- Environmental and Toxicology Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Symphony way, PO Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
| | - Conrad Sparks
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology District Six Campus, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Beatrice Opeolu
- Environmental and Toxicology Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Symphony way, PO Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
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9
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Krishnan RY, Manikandan S, Subbaiya R, Karmegam N, Kim W, Govarthanan M. Recent approaches and advanced wastewater treatment technologies for mitigating emerging microplastics contamination - A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159681. [PMID: 36302412 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been identified as an emerging pollutant due to their irrefutable prevalence in air, soil, and particularly, the aquatic ecosystem. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are seen as the last line of defense which creates a barrier between microplastics and the environment. These microplastics are discharged in large quantities into aquatic bodies due to their insufficient containment during water treatment. As a result, WWTPs are regarded as point sources of microplastics release into the environment. Assessing the prevalence and behavior of microplastics in WWTPs is therefore critical for their control. The removal efficiency of microplastics was 65 %, 0.2-14 %, and 0.2-2 % after the successful primary, secondary and tertiary treatment phases in WWTPs. In this review, other than conventional treatment methods, advanced treatment methods have also been discussed. For the removal of microplastics in the size range 20-190 μm, advanced treatment methods like membrane bioreactors, rapid sand filtration, electrocoagulation and photocatalytic degradation was found to be effective and these methods helps in increasing the removal efficiency to >99 %. Bioremediation based approaches has found that sea grasses, lugworm and blue mussels has the ability to mitigate microplastics by acting as a natural trap to the microplastics pollutants and could act as candidate species for possible incorporation in WWTPs. Also, there is a need for controlling the use and unchecked release of microplastics into the environment through laws and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishnan Yedhu Krishnan
- Department of Food Technology, Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kanjirappally, Kottayam 686 518, Kerala, India
| | - Sivasubramanian Manikandan
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Nagar, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105. Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramasamy Subbaiya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, The Copperbelt University, Riverside, Jambo Drive, P O Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Natchimuthu Karmegam
- PG and Research Department of Botany, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 636 007, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
| | - Muthusamy Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
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10
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Zheng R, Li Q, Li P, Li L, Liu J. Total organic carbon content as an index to estimate the sorption capacity of micro- and nano-plastics for hydrophobic organic contaminants. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137374. [PMID: 36435320 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide existing micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) showed high sorption capacity for hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs), and thus leading to change of the environmental behaviors and fates of HOCs. However, there is a lack of general index for evaluating the sorption capacity of MNPs for HOCs. Herein, we investigated the sorption of chlorobenzene, naphthalene and phenanthrene to 10 MNPs of different polymer types with and without UV-aging, respectively. It was found that the sorption was well fitted by Freundlich isotherm model with coefficients R2 in the range of 0.892-1.00, and aging of most MNPs resulted in decreased sorption capacity for naphthalene and phenanthrene but slightly increased sorption capacity for chlorobenzene. More importantly, for the 8 MNPs commonly present in the environment and with measured total organic carbon (TOC) covering the range of 23.0-91.9%, the logarithm sorption constant (logKd) values of the studied HOCs positively correlated with TOC contents of MNPs, with a good determination coefficient (R2) of 0.923 for naphthalene, 0.694 for chlorobenzene, and 0.565 for phenanthrene. Our study demonstrated that the TOC content of MNPs is a good index for estimating the contribution of total MNPs to the sorption of nonpolar HOCs in the environmental media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronggang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qingcun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
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11
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Ceschin S, Mariani F, Di Lernia D, Venditti I, Pelella E, Iannelli MA. Effects of Microplastic Contamination on the Aquatic Plant Lemna minuta (Least Duckweed). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:207. [PMID: 36616336 PMCID: PMC9823687 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely spread in aquatic environments. Although they are considered among the most alarming contaminants, toxic effects on organisms are unclear, particularly on freshwater plants. In this study, the duckweed Lemna minuta was grown on different concentrations (50, 100 mg/L) of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) microplastics (MP) and exposure times (T0, T7, T14, T28 days). The phytotoxic effects of MP were investigated by analyzing several plant morphological and biochemical parameters (frond and root size, plant growth, chlorophyll, and malondialdehyde content). Observations by scanning electron microscope revealed MP adsorption on plant surfaces. Exposition to MP adversely affected plant growth and chlorophyll content with respect to both MP concentrations and exposure times. Conversely, malondialdehyde measurements did not indicate an alteration of oxidative lipid damage in plant tissue. The presence of MP induced root elongation when compared to the control plants. The effects of MP on L. minuta plants were more evident at T28. These results contribute to a better understanding of MP's impact on aquatic plants and highlight that MP contamination manifests with chronic-type effects, which are thus detectable at longer exposure times of 7 days than those traditionally used in phytotoxicology tests on duckweeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ceschin
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Mariani
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Di Lernia
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Iole Venditti
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Pelella
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Adelaide Iannelli
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology—National Research Council (IBBA-CNR), Via Salaria Km 29.300, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Rome, Italy
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12
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Angnunavuri PN, Attiogbe F, Mensah B. Particulate plastics in drinking water and potential human health effects: Current knowledge for management of freshwater plastic materials in Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120714. [PMID: 36423889 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120714] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic materials have contributed to the release of environmentally relevant particulate plastics which can be found almost everywhere and may be present in drinking water. Human exposure to these materials is diverse and our understanding of their internalization in the human body is incipient. This review discusses the state of knowledge of particulate plastics exposure in drinking water and the potential risks of adverse health in the human body. Particulate plastics have problematized water systems worldwide, and about 4,000,000 fine plastics may be ingested from drinking water annually by an individual. Testing methods for these materials in environmental media are presently inconsistent and standard protocols do not exist. Their potential ecotoxicological consequences are recognised to be linked to their physicochemical diversity, biological transpositions, and cytological tolerance in living organisms. It is observed that toxicological endpoints are varied and lack properly defined modes of action. In particular, fine particulate plastics have been observed to translocate into body tissues and cells where they are capable of provoking endocrine disruption, genetic mutations, and cancer responses. We propose a reclassification of particulate plastics to cater for their biological deposition and attributable risks of adverse health. Environmental management of particulate plastics in many developing countries is weak and their potential releases into drinking water have received limited research. Given that large populations are exposed to fresh surface water and plastic packaged drinking water worldwide, and that the risk assessment pathways are unvalidated at the moment, we argue for developing countries to increase their capacity for the environmental monitoring and circular management of plastic materials. Large-scale epidemiological cohort studies and surrogate assessment pathways are also recommended to provide a better understanding of the hazard characterization of particulate plastics exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prosper Naah Angnunavuri
- School of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana.
| | - Francis Attiogbe
- School of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Bismark Mensah
- School of Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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13
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Blais N, Wells PG. The leatherback turtle ( Dermochelys coriacea) and plastics in the Northwest Atlantic ocean: A hazard assessment. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12427. [PMID: 36636212 PMCID: PMC9830159 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12427] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Atlantic leatherback turtles are faced with multiple threats, such as ship strikes, pollution and predation, throughout their annual migratory routes in the Northwest (NW) Atlantic. The risks associated with encounters with floating and submerged plastic debris are currently unknown. This study is a hazard assessment of plastics for this turtle's sub-population, using 2010-2019 data from the national Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (GSCS) program, therefore potential exposure, and published evidence on the interactions of plastics and leatherbacks, hence potential effects. The type of plastic items and their abundance along shorelines of three Atlantic Provinces - Nova Scotia (NS), Prince Edward Island (PEI), Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) - were evaluated and compared to plastic items known to interact with leatherbacks. During the 2010-2019 period, a total of 220,590 plastic items were collected from 578 sites, representing 1264 km of shoreline. Plastic bags and rope are in the top ten most common items found on shorelines of NS, PEI, and NL. Pot gear and trap nets are in the top ten for PEI and are the 14th most common plastic item found on all shorelines. Cigarette debris is also commonly found. From the literature, plastic bags, pot gear and trap nets, and rope are known to adversely affect leatherbacks. Assuming that a large proportion of the shoreline debris comes in from the sea, after being in coastal waters for unknown periods, the study shows that such items pose a hazard to leatherbacks through ingestion and entanglement, based on published studies. Evidence is now needed on actual exposure at sea to the most common items to establish the ecological risk of plastics to these turtles in NW Atlantic waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Blais
- Marine Affairs Program, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada,Corresponding author.
| | - Peter G. Wells
- Marine Affairs Program, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada,International Ocean Institute – Canada, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
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14
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Wang Y, Xiang L, Wang F, Wang Z, Bian Y, Gu C, Wen X, Kengara FO, Schäffer A, Jiang X, Xing B. Positively Charged Microplastics Induce Strong Lettuce Stress Responses from Physiological, Transcriptomic, and Metabolomic Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16907-16918. [PMID: 36354282 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can enter plants through the foliar pathway and are potential hazards to ecosystems and human health. However, studies related to the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of foliar exposure to differently charged MPs to leafy vegetables are limited. Because the surfaces of MPs in the environment are often charged, we explored the uptake pathways, accumulation concentration of MPs, physiological responses, and molecular mechanisms of lettuce foliarly exposed to MPs carrying positive (MP+) and negative charges (MP-). MPs largely accumulated in the lettuce leaves, and stomatal uptake and cuticle entry could be the main pathways for MPs to get inside lettuce leaves. More MP+ entered lettuce leaves and induced physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic changes, including a decrease in biomass and photosynthetic pigments, an increase in reactive oxygen species and antioxidant activities, a differential expression of genes, and a change of metabolite profiles. In particular, MP+ caused the upregulation of circadian rhythm-related genes, and this may play a major role in the greater physiological toxicity of MP+ to lettuce, compared to MP-. These findings provide direct evidence that MPs can enter plant leaves following foliar exposure and a molecular-scale perspective on the response of leafy vegetables to differently charged MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Leilei Xiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Ziquan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yongrong Bian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenggang Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xin Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | | | - Andreas Schäffer
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Xin Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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15
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Microplastic burden in Africa: A review of occurrence, impacts, and sustainability potential of bioplastics. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2022.100402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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16
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Shi K, Zhang H, Xu H, Liu Z, Kan G, Yu K, Jiang J. Adsorption behaviors of triclosan by non-biodegradable and biodegradable microplastics: Kinetics and mechanism. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156832. [PMID: 35760165 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has been becoming serious and widespread in the global environment. Although MPs have been identified as vectors for contaminants, adsorption and desorption behaviors of chemicals with non-biodegradable and biodegradable MPs during the aging process is limited. In this work, the adsorption behaviors of triclosan (TCS) by non-biodegradable polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) were investigated. The differences in morphology, chemical structures, crystallization, and hydrophilicity were investigated after the ultraviolet aging process and compared with the virgin MPs. The results show that the water contact angles of the aged MPs were slightly reduced compared with the virgin MPs. The aged MPs exhibited a stronger adsorption capacity for TCS because of the physical and chemical changes in MPs. The virgin biodegradable PLA had a larger adsorption capacity than the non-biodegradable PE and PP. The adsorption capacity presented the opposite trend after aging. The main adsorption mechanism of MPs relied on hydrophobicity interaction, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interaction. The work provides new insights into TCS as hazardous environmental contaminants, which will enhance the vector potential of non-biodegradable and biodegradable MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Shi
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China.
| | - HaoMing Xu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Zhe Liu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Guangfeng Kan
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
| | - Kai Yu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
| | - Jie Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
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17
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Gao D, Liu X, Junaid M, Liao H, Chen G, Wu Y, Wang J. Toxicological impacts of micro(nano)plastics in the benthic environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 836:155620. [PMID: 35508242 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have sparked growing public and scientific concerns as emerging pollutants in recent decades, due to their small size and potential for significant ecological and human health impacts. Understanding the toxicological effects of MNPs on aquatic organisms is of great importance; however, most of the available research on aquatic organisms has focused on the pelagic organisms, and studies on benthic organisms are lacking yet. Being bottom-dwelling creatures, benthos perhaps confronts more extreme pressure from MNPs. Therefore, this review summarizes the current literature on the impacts of MNPs on benthic organisms to reveal their toxicity on the survival, growth, development and reproductive systems. MNPs can accumulate in various tissues of benthos and probably cause tissue-specific damage, resulting in genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity to benthic organisms. And, in severe cases, they may also pass on the adverse effects to the next generations. The complexity of co-exposure to MNPs with other aquatic contaminants is also highlighted. Furthermore, we have comprehensively discussed the internal and external factors affecting the toxicity of MNPs in benthic organisms. Additionally, we also presented the current research gaps and potential future challenges, providing overall background information for a thorough understanding of the toxic effects of MNPs in the benthic aquatic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Guangzhou Dublin International College of Life Sciences and Technology, College of International Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hongping Liao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Guanglong Chen
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Guangzhou Environmental Monitoring Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China.; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 528478, China.
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18
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López de las Hazas MC, Boughanem H, Dávalos A. Untoward Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics: An Expert Review of Their Biological Impact and Epigenetic Effects. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:1310-1323. [PMID: 34928307 PMCID: PMC9340974 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of plastic has dramatically increased in the last 50 y. Because of their stability and durability, plastics are ubiquitously incorporated in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Plastic is acted upon by biological, chemical, and physical agents, leading to fragmentation into small pieces [i.e., microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs)], classified depending on their size. MPs range from 0.1 to 5000 μm and NPs are fragments between 0.001 to 0.1 μm. MPs and, especially NPs, are easily incorporated into living beings via ingestion. The penetration of MPs and NPs into the food system is an important issue, for both food security and health risk assessment. Ingestion of different MPs and NPs has been associated with different issues in the intestine, such as direct physical damage, increased intestinal permeability, diminished microbiota diversity, and increases in local inflammatory response. However, the potential harmful effects of low-dose dietary plastic are still unclear. Some evidence indicates that intestinal uptake of plastic particles is relatively low and is mostly dependent on the particle's size. However, other evidence highlights that NPs dysregulate key molecular signaling pathways, modify the gut microbiota composition, and may induce important epigenetic changes, including transgenerational effects that might be involved in the onset of many different metabolic disorders. Until now, experiments have been mostly performed on marine organisms, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mouse models, but some research indicates accidental plastic dietary consumption by humans, raising the issue of detrimental health effects of MPs and NPs. This review discusses the impact that MPs and NPs could have on the intestinal tract and the biodistribution and systemic, cellular, and molecular levels. Accumulated evidence of MPs' effects on the human gut suggests that large exposure to MPs and NPs may have phenotypical untoward effects in humans, calling for urgent research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Carmen López de las Hazas
- Laboratory of Epigenetics of Lipid Metabolism, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA)–Food, CEI UAM + CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hatim Boughanem
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición del Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alberto Dávalos
- Laboratory of Epigenetics of Lipid Metabolism, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA)–Food, CEI UAM + CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Wang Y, Zhou B, Chen H, Yuan R, Wang F. Distribution, biological effects and biofilms of microplastics in freshwater systems - A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134370. [PMID: 35318017 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly rising output and mass use of plastics have made plastics pollution a major environmental problem. Since plastics are persistent in the environment, understanding the migration transformation characteristics of plastics is critical. Given the ever-increasing concern about the environmental risks posed by microplastics, their prevalence, fate, abundance and impact have been intensively studied. Most of these investigations focused on the marine environment, but research on freshwater microplastics is less extensive. This article aims to briefly summarize the research progress of freshwater microplastics, identify existing gaps and draw novel conclusions, so as to provide useful information for the research of freshwater microplastics. Using the statistics and analysis of freshwater microplastics studies in 2016-2021, this review systematically discusses microplastics in globally freshwater systems. The biological effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms were discussed as well. Some potential ecological effects of microplastic biofilms were shown, such as climate change and material circulation. More importantly, we present some unique conclusions. For example, the detection of freshwater microplastics is mainly concentrated in natural freshwater systems, while few are concentrated in artificial freshwater systems. In addition, polystyrene is the main mode for testing the biological effects of freshwater microplastics, and polyethene and polypropylene which are the most common in freshwater environments, have not been taken seriously. We also pointed out that studies on advanced freshwater plants in the topic of biological effects of microplastics still need strengthen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Beihai Zhou
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Huilun Chen
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Rongfang Yuan
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China.
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20
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Cutroneo L, Capello M, Domi A, Consani S, Lamare P, Coyle P, Bertin V, Dornic D, Reboa A, Geneselli I, Anghinolfi M. Microplastics in the abyss: a first investigation into sediments at 2443-m depth (Toulon, France). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:9375-9385. [PMID: 35001272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17997-z] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic and microplastic pollutions are known to be widespread across the planet in all types of environments. However, relatively little about microplastic quantities in the deeper areas of the oceans is known, due to the difficulty to reach these environments. In this work, we present an investigation of microplastic (<5 mm) distribution performed in the bottom sediments of the abyssal plain off the coast and the canyon of Toulon (France). Four samples of deep-sea sediment were collected at the depth of 2443 m during the sea operations carried out by the French oceanographic cruises for the KM3NeT project. The chemical and physical characterisation of the sediment was carried out, and items were extracted from sediments by density separation and analysed by optical microscope and µRaman spectroscopy. Results show microplastics in the deep-sea sediments with a concentration of about 80 particles L-1, confirming the hypothesis of microplastics spread to abyssal sediments in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cutroneo
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Capello
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alba Domi
- DIFI, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso, 33, 16146, Genoa, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics, 33 Via Dodecaneso, I-16146, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sirio Consani
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrick Lamare
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM, Marseille, France
| | - Paschal Coyle
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Bertin
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM, Marseille, France
| | - Damien Dornic
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM, Marseille, France
| | - Anna Reboa
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Irene Geneselli
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Anghinolfi
- DIFI, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso, 33, 16146, Genoa, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics, 33 Via Dodecaneso, I-16146, Genoa, Italy
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21
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Adsorptive Recovery of Cu2+ from Aqueous Solution by Polyethylene Terephthalate Nanofibres Modified with 2-(Aminomethyl)Pyridine. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112411912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of plastic waste products in the environment has adversely affected wildlife and human beings. Common plastics that accumulate in the environment are plastics that are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer. PET plastic waste products can be recycled for beneficial use, which would reduce their negative impacts. In this study, modified PET or waste PET (WPET) from plastic bottles was blended with powder commercial 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine (SiAMPy) resin and electrospun into composite nanofibres and applied for Cu2+ adsorption. PET-SiAMPy or WPET-SiAMPy composite nanofibres fibre diameters from the HRSEM images were 90–140 nm and 110–155 nm, respectively. In batch adsorption experiments, PET-SiAMPy or WPET-SiAMPy composite nanofibres achieved Cu2+ adsorption equilibrium within 60 secs of contact time with 0.98 mmol/g (89.87%) or 1.24 mmol/g (96.04%) Cu2+ adsorption capacity. The Cu2+ complex formation rate (k) with WPET-SiAMPy was 0.0888 with the mole ratio of Cu2+ and WPET-SiAMPy nanofibres 1:2. The complex molecular formula formed was Cu(WPET-SiAMPy)2 with a square planar geometry structure. The WPET-SiAMPy nanofibres’ adsorption was best fitted to the Freundlich isotherm. WPET-SiAMPy composite nanofibres were considered highly efficient for Cu2+ adsorption from aqueous solution and could be regenerated at least five times using 5 M H2SO4.
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22
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Vilakati B, Sivasankar V, Nyoni H, Mamba BB, Omine K, Msagati TAM. The Py - GC-TOF-MS analysis and characterization of microplastics (MPs) in a wastewater treatment plant in Gauteng Province, South Africa. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 222:112478. [PMID: 34214769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in South Africa, like is the case for most WWTPs around the globe albeit capable of removing substantial quantities of microplastics (MPs) and in fact, the treatments become ineffective for those plastic particles less than 100 µm. As a consequence, the receiving water bodies in which the final effluent is discharged becomes highly polluted. The present research is devoted to the analysis of the pervasive MPs in wastewaters of the treatment plant located in the Gauteng Province, South Africa using Pyrolysis - GC-TOF-MS. Based on the results, there were 23 pyrolyzate products with contributions from PVC, PA, PET and PE with abundances of 47.8%, 13.1%, 17.4% and 4.3% respectively. The remaining 17.4% could be attributed as additives in MPs. The SEM images illustrated that the MPs appeared to be inter - wined, fibrous of different thicknesses and lengths. The highly weathered MPs exhibited the rough surface which was noticeably damaged with peeled off layers presumably because of photo-oxidation during the aging process. The vibrational modes of FTIR revealed the presence of the various functional groups in the corresponding polymers of MPs. The thermal studies confirmed the presence of calcium, aluminum and silicon as residues of catalysts or flame retardants or UV stabilizers in MPs or as adsorbates resulting from the surface adsorption from the surroundings. The Py-GC-TOF-MS confirmed the identity of the various fragments related to the MPs monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongekile Vilakati
- University of South Africa, College of Science Engineering and Technology, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Florida 1709, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - V Sivasankar
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Chemistry, Pachaiyappa's College (Affiliated to University of Madras), Chennai 600030, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Hlengilizwe Nyoni
- University of South Africa, College of Science Engineering and Technology, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Florida 1709, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bhekie B Mamba
- University of South Africa, College of Science Engineering and Technology, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Florida 1709, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kiyoshi Omine
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki-Daigaku, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852 8521, Japan
| | - Titus A M Msagati
- University of South Africa, College of Science Engineering and Technology, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Florida 1709, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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23
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Dalu T, Banda T, Mutshekwa T, Munyai LF, Cuthbert RN. Effects of urbanisation and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:36102-36111. [PMID: 33686602 PMCID: PMC8277625 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13185-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Global freshwaters are increasingly threatened by pollutants emanating from human activities around watersheds. Microplastic pollution is an increasing problem for rivers worldwide, potentially threatening ecological integrity, ecosystem services and human health. We present quantifications and characterisations of sediment microplastic pollution in a subtropical river system in southern Africa, and relate distributions to wastewater treatment works, abiotic variables and urban environments. We additionally apply several diversity indices to decipher how microplastic types differ across the river system seasonally. Over two thousand microplastic particles were found across five sites and three seasons in the river system, comprising microbeads of various colours and microfibres. Microplastic concentrations were highest and most diverse in the hot-wet (mean range 76.0 ± 10.0-285.5 ± 44.5 microplastic kg-1) season as compared to the cool-dry (16.5 ± 4.5-27.0 ± 5.0 microplastic kg-1) and hot-dry (13.0 ± 4.0-29.0 ± 10.0 microplastic kg-1) seasons, and were mostly dominated by microfibres. However, no clear patterns were found in relation to wastewater treatment operations spatially, or in relation to abiotic variables in the river system. This study therefore finds a diverse range of microplastic types widely distributed in the river system that differ across seasons. Our results provide important, novel insights into plastic pollution in an understudied area of the Global South, and point to extensive pollution from sources outside of wastewater treatment works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Dalu
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa.
| | - Thabiso Banda
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | - Thendo Mutshekwa
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | - Linton F Munyai
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
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24
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Yuan F, Zhao H, Sun H, Zhao J, Sun Y. Abundance, morphology, and removal efficiency of microplastics in two wastewater treatment plants in Nanjing, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:9327-9337. [PMID: 33141384 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11411-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be major contributors of microplastics to the aquatic environment. Detailed research in China, which is relevant to the local situation, remains in the initial stage. Herein, the microplastic abundance, morphology, and removal efficiency of two WWTPs (C and P) equipped with tertiary treatment processes in different districts of Nanjing, an important city in the Yangtze River Basin, were investigated. The influence of technology, operational parameters, daily capacity, and sewage source and its proportion were discussed. Observations by optical microscope and FT-IR analysis and systematic calculation revealed that the microplastics have four shapes, including fragments, granules, film, and fibers, with various sizes and proportions, which were dependent on wastewater source. The total removal rates of 97.67% and 98.46% for WWTP C and WWTP P, respectively, indicated their highly efficient reduction of microplastics. Treatment technology had a considerable influence on the removal rate, especially the secondary and tertiary processes. However, a large number of microplastics from WWTPs were still released into the environmental waters due to the huge daily capacity. Sewage source determined the concentration, morphology feature, and chemical composition of microplastics to a certain extent. Compared with industrial wastewater, domestic wastewater possibly contained smaller microplastics of polyethylene and polypropylene with lower abundance. Furthermore, additional attention was provided on the flocculation process, drainage system, and treatment efficiency of microplastics with different shapes. This work is expected to provide some technical supports to guide the operation and management of WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yuan
- School of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Puzhu Road 30, Nanjing, 211816, People's Republic of China.
| | - Han Zhao
- School of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Puzhu Road 30, Nanjing, 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibing Sun
- School of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Puzhu Road 30, Nanjing, 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhui Zhao
- School of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Puzhu Road 30, Nanjing, 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjun Sun
- School of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Puzhu Road 30, Nanjing, 211816, People's Republic of China
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25
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Towards Characterising Microplastic Abundance, Typology and Retention in Mangrove-Dominated Estuaries. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12102802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Plastic and, particularly, microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing research theme, dedicated largely to marine systems. Occurring at the land–sea interface, estuarine habitats such as mangroves are at risk of plastic pollution. This study compared MP pollution (level, morphotype, polymer composition, size and colour) across four South African estuaries, in relation to the built and natural environment. Mouth status, surrounding human population densities and land-use practices influenced the level and type of MP pollution. Systems that were most at risk were predominantly open estuaries surrounded by high population densities and diverse land use types. Microplastic levels and the diversity of types detected increased with increasing levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Overall, microfibres dominated in estuarine water (69%) and mangrove sediment (51%). Polyethylene (43%) and polypropylene (23%) were the dominant polymers overall. Weathered fishing gear, weathered packaging items and run-off from urban/industrial centres are probable sources of MP pollution. Increased run-off and river input during the wet/rainy season may explain the markedly higher MP loads in estuarine waters relative to the dry season. By contrast, MP deposition in mangrove sediment was higher during the dry season. Sediment MP abundance was significantly positively correlated with both pneumatophore density and sediment size (500–2000 µm). This study highlights the role of mangroves as MP sinks, which may limit movement of MPs into adjacent environments. However, under conditions such as flooding and extreme wave action, mangroves may shift from sinks to sources of plastic pollution.
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