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Najibzadeh M, Kazemi A, Hassan HU, Esmaeilbeigi M. Hazard assessment of microplastics and heavy metals contamination in Levant frogs (Pelophylax bedriagae): A bioindicator in Western Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119774. [PMID: 39151558 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The increasing pollution of aquatic ecosystems caused by microplastics (MPs) and heavy metal ions worldwide threatens the life of aquatic organisms, including amphibians. In this study, we investigated the presence and accumulation of MPs and heavy metal ions in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the Levant frog (Pelophylax bedriagae) as a bioindicator in contaminated sites of Western Iran. A total of 192 adult frogs from 16 locations in the west and northwest of Iran were collected. We measured the accumulation of MPs and heavy metal ions in the collected frogs and determined the characteristics of MPs in the samples. Our findings revealed widespread MPs and heavy metal ions contamination in the frog GIT across all sampled stations. We found 742 MP particles in the digestive system of frogs, with the highest (7.09 MP/individual) and lowest (2.37 MP/individual) number observed in stations 10 and 9, respectively. Fibers were the most common MPs and polyester (PES) (42.5%) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (17.2%) were found to be the most common polymers in the GIT of frogs. The average accumulation of heavy metal ions showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among 16 sampling stations, and zinc (II) and mercury (II) showed the highest and lowest concentrations in frogs. We also found moderate to strong positive correlations between the detected MPs and heavy metal ions in the frog samples across all sampling stations. Our findings confirm the contamination of frogs by MPs and heavy metal ions and the potential capacity of MPs to increase the toxicity of heavy metals in P. bedriagae as a bioindicator in contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Najibzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, 384817758, Iran.
| | - Ali Kazemi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Arak University, Arak, Iran.
| | - Habib Ul Hassan
- Department of Zoology, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Milad Esmaeilbeigi
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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2
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Altunışık A, Yıldız MZ, Tatlı HH. Microplastic accumulation in a lizard species: Observations from the terrestrial environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124754. [PMID: 39151782 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are a global environmental problem, polluting both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Terrestrial lizards are suitable model organisms to study human-induced pollution in these areas, as they can live in urbanized areas where microplastics are most abundant. Therefore, we analyzed the prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in a common Lacertid lizard, the snake-eyed lizard, Ophisops elegans. We detected MPs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of 33 of 152 specimens from 18 populations. The detected MPs had six distinct polymer compositions, namely Polyethylene terephthalate, Polyacrylonitrile, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Poly methyl methacrylate and Polyamide. The majority of these MPs were fiber-type and the dominant color was navy blue. The lengths of MPs varied from 37 to 563 μm, with an average length of 175 μm. MPs were detected in the GITs of 43% of juveniles (n = 7), 30% of males (n = 105), and 18% of females (n = 40), with a mean of 0.27 per specimen. Furthermore, we found that microplastic densities varied with habitat distance from human settlements, supporting the theory that high levels of microplastic contamination are associated with extensive anthropogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Altunışık
- Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, 53100, Merkez, Rize, Türkiye.
| | - Mehmet Zülfü Yıldız
- Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Adıyaman University, 02040, Merkez, Adıyaman, Türkiye
| | - Hatice Hale Tatlı
- Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, 53100, Merkez, Rize, Türkiye
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3
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Szkudlarek M, Najbar B, Jankowiak Ł. Variation in microplastic characteristics among amphibian larvae: a comparative study across different species and the influence of human activity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13574. [PMID: 38866833 PMCID: PMC11169503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61432-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a significant global environmental issue, and impacts span from individual organisms to the entire ecosystems. This study investigated the properties of microplastics in amphibian larvae, shedding light on their environmental interactions and potential ecological consequences. We examined microplastics extracted from amphibian larvae of 10 taxa, sampled from sites experiencing different levels of human impact. Our findings revealed a predominance of blue microplastics and fibres, each comprising 53% of the total microplastics in amphibian larvae. Microplastic fibres were also notably longer than other morphological types of microplastics. Furthermore, we observed variations in the surface area of microplastics among different amphibian families. An interesting observation from our research is the apparent positive relationship between the size of amphibian larvae and the length of granular and flake-shaped microplastics. Conversely, we observed a negative relationship between the length of these microplastics and human environmental impact. These insights significantly contribute to the understanding of microplastic pollution in freshwater environments, highlighting its complexities beyond marine ecosystems. Our research emphasises the intricate relationships between microplastics and freshwater organisms, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Szkudlarek
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Room 504, Profesora Zygmunta Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland.
- Doctoral School of Exact and Technical Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, al. Wojska Polskiego 69, 65-762, Zielona Góra, Poland.
- Department of Ecology and Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Bartłomiej Najbar
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Room 504, Profesora Zygmunta Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Łukasz Jankowiak
- Department of Ecology and Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland
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4
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Rahman MM, Kim ES, Sung HC. Microplastics as an emerging threat to amphibians: Current status and future perspectives. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28220. [PMID: 38560268 PMCID: PMC10979166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28220] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Given their pervasiveness in the environment, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, plastics are posing a growing concern worldwide. Many vertebrates and invertebrates in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems exhibit microplastic (MP) uptake and accumulation. Some studies have indicated the fatal impacts of MPs on animals and their possible transfer through food chains. Thus, it is crucial to study MP pollution and its impacts on environment-sensitive and globally threatened animal groups, such as amphibians, which also play an important role in the energy transfer between ecosystems. Unfortunately, research in this field is lacking and sources of organized information are also scarce. Hence, we systematically reviewed published literature on MPs in amphibians to fill the existing knowledge gap. Our review revealed that most of the previous studies have focused on MP bioaccumulation in amphibians, whereas, only a few research highlighted its impacts. We found that more than 80% of the studied species exhibited MP accumulation. MPs were reported to persist in different organs for a long time and get transferred to other trophic levels. They can also exhibit cytotoxic and mutagenic effects and may have fatal impacts. Moreover, they can increase the disease susceptibility of amphibians. Our study concludes the MPs as a potential threat to amphibians and urges increasing the scope and frequency of research on MP pollution and its impacts on this vulnerable animal group. We also provide a generalized method for studying MPs in amphibians with future perspectives and research directions. Our study is significant for extending the knowledge of MPs and their impacts on amphibians and guiding prospective research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Sam Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Center for Next Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Sustainable Ecological Environment, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Cheol Sung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Sustainable Ecological Environment, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
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5
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Szkudlarek M, Najbar B, Jankowiak Ł. Similarity of Microplastic Characteristics between Amphibian Larvae and Their Aquatic Environment. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:717. [PMID: 38473103 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, pervasive environmental pollutants, are found across various ecosystems, including small inland water bodies. They are reported in different environmental media, yet little is known about the mutual relationships of microplastics' properties across components of small inland water bodies. Here, having extracted and analyzed these particles from water, sediment, and amphibian larvae from 23 sites, we test within-site similarities regarding shape (morphological type), color, and chemical composition (polymer type). We also provide a brief characterization of the microplastics extracted from water and sediment regarding these parameters. We observed a statistically significant similarity of microplastics' shapes and colors between those extracted from water and amphibian larvae. Such a similarity, though less pronounced, was also found between amphibian larvae and sediment. However, the chemical composition (polymer type) of the microplastics from water, sediment, and amphibian larvae did not exhibit any similarities beyond what would be expected by chance. The observed congruence in the colors and shapes of microplastics between amphibian larvae and their corresponding aquatic habitats underscores the profound interconnectedness among the constituents of freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Szkudlarek
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Profesora Zygmunta Szafrana 1, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Technical Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Al. Wojska Polskiego 69, 65-762 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Najbar
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Profesora Zygmunta Szafrana 1, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Łukasz Jankowiak
- Department of Ecology and Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
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6
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Burger M, Bouwman H, du Preez LH, Landman W. Larger Common River Frogs (Amietia delalandii) have Fewer and Shorter Tissue Microplastic Fibres than Smaller Frogs. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 112:29. [PMID: 38281207 PMCID: PMC10822785 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-024-03852-7] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about microplastics (MPs) in adult frogs. We investigated MPs in adult Common River Frogs (Amietia delalandii) from Potchefstroom, South Africa. Five kinds of samples were analysed: natural water, water used to rinse the skin, skin, intestine, and the remainder of the body (corpus). Tissues were digested. Microplastics occurred in all frogs and sample types (1128 MPs counted). Fibres were the most prevalent MP. Fibre lengths were between 28 and 4300 μm, either polyester or polyvinyl alcohol. MPs in skin were likely derived from the ambient, and MPs in the corpus from translocation via the skin. Fibres in tissues were significantly shorter in larger frogs, a phenomenon we provisionally assign to in situ biodegradation. Microplastics in frogs can potentially be transferred through the food web to higher trophic levels. This study provides the first evidence of MPs in adult frog tissues and avenues for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Burger
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Hindrik Bouwman
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Louis H du Preez
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Herpetology, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Willie Landman
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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7
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Dursun C, Karaoğlu K, Özdemir N, Candan K, Kumlutaş Y, Ilgaz Ç, Gül S. Spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in true frogs (Ranidae:Pelophylax) populations from Türkiye. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116774. [PMID: 37516266 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116774] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), which are of increasing concern in almost all ecosystems, continue to be an environmental threat. In the present study, the presence of MPs is investigated by using the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) obtained from the true frog individuals sampled in the past years. The sample consists of a total of 146 individuals obtained from various regions of Türkiye. The results show that MPs were found in 87 adult frog individuals. The most predominant shape of MPs found was fiber, with a predominance of transparent color, and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) was also the most abundant microplastic material. The highest amount of MPs among adult frog populations were found in the Denizli province. The size of MPs ranged between a minimum of 66 and a maximum of 3770 μm. In addition, no relationship was found between the body length and weight of the frogs and the sizes of MPs. Historically, most MPs were found in samples from 1990 and the highest content in terms of both color and material was detected in 1990. MPs were detected in almost all the years studied, but microplastic abundance varied from year to year. These results can be explained by the number of samples, habitat, and feeding behavior of adult frogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cantekin Dursun
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Türkiye
| | - Kaan Karaoğlu
- Department of Chemical and Chemical Processing Technologies, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Türkiye
| | - Nurhayat Özdemir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Türkiye
| | - Kamil Candan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca, İzmir, 35390, Türkiye; Fauna and Flora Research and Application Center, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca, İzmir, 35390, Türkiye
| | - Yusuf Kumlutaş
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca, İzmir, 35390, Türkiye; Fauna and Flora Research and Application Center, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca, İzmir, 35390, Türkiye
| | - Çetin Ilgaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca, İzmir, 35390, Türkiye; Fauna and Flora Research and Application Center, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca, İzmir, 35390, Türkiye
| | - Serkan Gül
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Türkiye.
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8
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Ruthsatz K, Schwarz A, Gomez-Mestre I, Meyer R, Domscheit M, Bartels F, Schaeffer SM, Engelkes K. Life in plastic, it's not fantastic: Sublethal effects of polyethylene microplastics ingestion throughout amphibian metamorphosis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 885:163779. [PMID: 37146798 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163779] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are an abundant, long-lasting, and widespread type of environmental pollution that is of increasing concern as it might pose a serious threat to ecosystems and species. However, these threats are still largely unknown for amphibians. Here, we used the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) as a model species to investigate whether polyethylene MP ingestion affects amphibian growth and development and leads to metabolic changes across two consecutive life stages (larvae and juveniles). Furthermore, we examined whether MP effects were more pronounced at higher rearing temperatures. Larval growth, development, and body condition were recorded, and standard metabolic rate (SMR) and levels of stress hormone (corticosterone, CORT) were measured. We determined variation in size, morphology, and hepatosomatic index in juveniles to identify any potential consequences of MP ingestion across metamorphosis. In both life stages, MP accumulation in the body was assessed. MP ingestion was found to result in sublethal effects on larval growth, development, and metabolism, to lead to allometric carry-over effects on juvenile morphology, and to accumulate in the specimens at both life stages. In larvae, SMR and developmental rate increased in response to MP ingestion; there additionally was a significant interaction of MP ingestion and temperature on development. CORT levels were higher in larvae that ingested MP, except at higher temperature. In juveniles, body was wider, and extremities were longer in animals exposed to MP during the larval stage; a high rearing temperature in combination with MP ingestion counteracted this effect. Our results provide first insights into the effects of MP on amphibians throughout metamorphosis and demonstrate that juvenile amphibians may act as a pathway for MP from freshwater to terrestrial environments. To allow for generalizations across amphibian species, future experiments need to consider the field prevalence and abundance of different MP in amphibians at various life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ruthsatz
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Anja Schwarz
- Institute of Geosystems and Bioindication, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ivan Gomez-Mestre
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Department Ecology and Evolution, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Ruth Meyer
- Institute of Geosystems and Bioindication, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marie Domscheit
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Fabian Bartels
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sarah-Maria Schaeffer
- Institute of Geosystems and Bioindication, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Karolin Engelkes
- Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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9
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Scribano G, Gazzola A, Winkler A, Balestrieri A, Grioni A, Lastrico G, Tremolada P, Pellitteri-Rosa D. Anti-predator behavioral responses of Italian agile frog tadpoles (Rana latastei) exposed to microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:13688-13696. [PMID: 36136197 PMCID: PMC9898332 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23131-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are nowadays abundant, persistent, and ubiquitous in the environment, representing a new threat for terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. Although anuran populations and species are globally declining, the effect of MP exposure on this taxon has been poorly investigated. With the aim of assessing the effects of microplastic exposure on the defensive responses of Italian agile frog (Rana latastei) tadpoles, we exposed them to three different concentrations (1, 7, and 50 mg L-1) of a mixture of plastic polymers (HPDE, PVC, PS, and PES) for 2 weeks. Then, we measured the total distance covered by individual tadpoles before and after exposure to tadpole-fed dragonfly larvae (Aeshna cyanea) cues. As expected, predation risk sharply lowered the total distance travelled by tadpoles; however, MP concentration did not affect their defensive performances. We also collected data on tadpole development, activity, and mortality. In contrast with previous experiments, neither tadpole growth nor mortality varied with MP concentration. Our results indicate that the intensity of MP effects on growth and development may depend on tadpole size, with large tadpoles being less susceptible to the negative effects of MP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Scribano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gazzola
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Winkler
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Via Celoria, 26, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Balestrieri
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Via Celoria, 26, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Grioni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuditta Lastrico
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Via Celoria, 26, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tremolada
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Via Celoria, 26, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Bhatt V, Chauhan JS. Microplastic in freshwater ecosystem: bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and biomagnification. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:9389-9400. [PMID: 36508090 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24529-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic wastes in the environment ultimately reach to the aquatic habitats and become available to aquatic organisms. The pathway of microplastic in aquatic ecosystem is very less investigated specially in freshwater. There have been evidences of MPs ingestion by freshwater biota but the fate of these MPs further in the food chain is unexplored. Thus, we reviewed the status of MPs in freshwater biota and tried to compare the studies to merge the available information, concepts, and perspectives in order to draw a conclusion on bioaccumulation potential, trophic transfer possibilities, biomagnification, and trends of ingesting MPs by the biota. In this review, the previously available information about MPs in aquatic biota is arranged, analyzed, and interpreted to understand all possible routes of MPs in freshwater habitats. The review further provides a better understanding about the lack of information and research gaps that are needed to be explored to develop a solution to the problem of MPs in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Bhatt
- Aquatic Ecology Lab, Department of Himalayan Aquatic Biodiversity, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - Jaspal Singh Chauhan
- Aquatic Ecology Lab, Department of Himalayan Aquatic Biodiversity, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 246174, India.
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11
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Burgos-Aceves MA, Faggio C, Betancourt-Lozano M, González-Mille DJ, Ilizaliturri-Hernández CA. Ecotoxicological perspectives of microplastic pollution in amphibians. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2022; 25:405-421. [PMID: 36351281 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2022.2140372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants widely distributed in the environment and biota. Previously, most studies focused on identifying and characterizing microplastics in the marine environment, while their impact on freshwater ecosystems remains to be determined. This review summarizes recent findings regarding MPs physiological, immunological, and genetic effects on amphibians based upon the biological relevance of this species as indicators of freshwater pollution. Data demonstrated that MPs contamination may potentially alter various physiological processes in aquatic animals, mainly in the embryonic stages. It is worthwhile noting that adverse effects might be enhanced in synergy with other pollutants. However, amphibians might counteract the effect of MPs and other pollutants through microbiota present both in the intestine and on the skin. In addition, amphibian microbial composition might also be altered by MPs themselves in a manner that leads to unpredicted health consequences in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario A Burgos-Aceves
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), CIACyT, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Donají J González-Mille
- Programa Cátedras del Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT). Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - César A Ilizaliturri-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), CIACyT, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
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12
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Tatlı HH, Altunışık A, Gedik K. Microplastic prevalence in anatolian water frogs (Pelophylax spp.). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:116029. [PMID: 36007384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116029] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Frogs are on the verge of extinction due to various biotic and abiotic stressors. Rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and ditches that make up their habitats are exposed to different anthropogenic pollutants. Today, plastics stand out among these pollutants due to their widespread use; however, the information on microplastic (MP) accumulation in frogs is insufficient. In the present study, adult frog samples were collected from 19 different stations in Türkiye, including marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) from 18 stations and levantine frogs (Pelophylax bedriagae) from 1 station. MP was found in 147 (82.4%) of the 176 frogs that were analyzed. MP abundance in frogs varied between 0.20 and 18.93 MP individual-1. The characterization of MPs was determined predominantly as follows; PET (70.1%) in polymer type, fiber (92.2%) in shape, navy blue/blue (76.1%) in color, and >90% were smaller than 300 μm. No significant relationship with frog's weight (correlation coefficient = 0.01, P = 0.812) or length (correlation coefficient = 0.06, P = 0.473) and MP abundance was detected. The outcomes of this survey might be a baseline to assess the ecological risks posed by MPs and to guide future experimental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Hale Tatlı
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkiye
| | - Abdullah Altunışık
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkiye
| | - Kenan Gedik
- Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkiye.
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13
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Venâncio C, Gabriel A, Oliveira M, Lopes I. Feeding exposure and feeding behaviour as relevant approaches in the assessment of the effects of micro(nano)plastics to early life stages of amphibians. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113476. [PMID: 35613634 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The sedimentation of micro and nanosized plastics is of considerable environmental relevance and the need to assess its sublethal effects to biota increasingly recognized. In their majority, as bottom, non-selective grazers, independent-feeding young life stages of amphibians, an already severely endangered worldwide group, may be particularly vulnerable to sedimented plastics. Alongside, they may be good model organisms for the assessment of the effects of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) through ingestion. However, to our knowledge, few studies have assessed amphibians' exposure to MNPs through contaminated food or its effects in feeding behaviour assays. The available studies reveal a lack of consistent methodology: organisms, food type, media of exposure, or exposure conditions (temperature and light) in the assessment of effects. This perspective article, will address major differences found in the available studies, identifying type, size and concentrations of the polymers tested, species, and observed effects, aiming to highlight the importance of feeding exposure assays when attempting to evaluate the effect of MNPs in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Venâncio
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antonieta Gabriel
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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14
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Warrier AK, Kulkarni B, Amrutha K, Jayaram D, Valsan G, Agarwal P. Seasonal variations in the abundance and distribution of microplastic particles in the surface waters of a Southern Indian Lake. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134556. [PMID: 35429497 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Hazardous anthropogenic particles, such as microplastics (MPs) in the lake ecosystems, are a serious concern. In this work, we have investigated the seasonal occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the surface water samples of Lake Manipal in southwest India. The concentration of MPs was found to be higher during the monsoon season (0.423 particles/L) in comparison with the post-monsoon (0.117 particles/L) period. The higher abundance is attributed to the input of storm-water sewers connected to the lake as well as surface runoff during periods of high rainfall. The concentrations of small-sized (0.3-1 mm) microplastics were greater in both seasons. Approximately 96% of the microplastics were fibres, followed by smaller amounts of fragments, pellets, films, and foams. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the principal polymer composition of the microplastics, followed by cellulose. The PET and cellulose fibres were mainly derived from the laundering of clothes in the residential colonies and hostels situated close to the lake. The storm-water sewers were the likely conduit for these PET fibres into the lake. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) data reveals that pollution due to microplastics in Lake Manipal falls within the Level I risk category. The PLI was higher during the monsoon season due to an increased flux of these particles from the nearby region. During the post-monsoon period, the PLI values decreased, suggesting that MPs in the water column may have settled and mixed with the sediments. The baseline data generated in this study is important as different types of birds, amphibians, and other microorganisms are present in the environment of Lake Manipal. We also propose certain policy measures that can be adopted by the regional population to mitigate microplastic pollution in the lake and its vicinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Kumar Warrier
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India; Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - Bhavani Kulkarni
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - K Amrutha
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Dhanasree Jayaram
- Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India; Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Gokul Valsan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Prashansa Agarwal
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
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15
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Ruthsatz K, Domscheit M, Engelkes K, Vences M. Microplastics ingestion induces plasticity in digestive morphology in larvae of Xenopus laevis. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 269:111210. [PMID: 35398256 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Global changes in temperature, predator introductions, and pollution might challenge animals by altering food conditions. A fast-growing source of environmental pollution are microplastics. If ingested with the natural food source, microplastics act as artificial fibers that reduce food quality by decreasing nutrient and energy density with possible ramifications for growth and development. Animals might cope with altered food conditions with digestive plasticity. We examined experimentally whether larvae of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) exhibit digestive morphology plasticity (i.e., gut length, mass, and diameter) in response to microplastics ingestion. As natural systems contain non-digestible particles similar in size and shape to microplastics, we included cellulose as a natural fiber control group. Gut length and mass increased in response to microplastics and cellulose ingestion indicating that both types of fibers induced digestive plasticity. Body mass and body condition were similar across experimental groups, indicating that larvae fully compensated for low nutrient and energy density by developing longer intestines. The ability of a species to respond plastically to environmental variation, as X. laevis responded, indicates that this species might have the potential to cope with new conditions during global change, although it is uncertain whether this potential may be reduced in a multi-stressor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ruthsatz
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Marie Domscheit
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Karolin Engelkes
- Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany. https://twitter.com/KarolinEngelkes
| | - Miguel Vences
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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16
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Buss N, Sander B, Hua J. Effects of Polyester Microplastic Fiber Contamination on Amphibian-Trematode Interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:869-879. [PMID: 33683732 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination poses a global threat to aquatic organisms, yet we know little as to how microplastics may indirectly affect organismal health via their influence on species-species interactions (e.g., host-parasite interactions). This is problematic because microplastic-mediated alterations to host-parasite dynamics could negatively impact individual- population-level health of hosts. Using a larval amphibian (host) and free-living trematode (parasite) model, we asked whether 1) polyester microplastic fibers influence parasite survival; 2) whether polyester microplastic fiber ingestion by amphibians alters amphibian susceptibility to infection; and 3) whether simultaneous exposure of amphibians and trematodes to polyester microplastic fibers influences infection outcomes. Polyester microplastic fibers did not alter trematode survival, nor did their ingestion by amphibians increase amphibian susceptibility to infection. However, when amphibians and trematodes were exposed simultaneously to the fibers, the infection success of the parasite was reduced. Lastly, we conducted a field survey for microfiber contamination across multiple ponds and found microfibers across each of the sampled ponds. Overall, our results contribute to the limited knowledge surrounding the ecological consequences of microplastic contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:869-879. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Buss
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Brianna Sander
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Hua
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
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17
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Hu L, Fu J, Zheng P, Dai M, Zeng G, Pan X. Accumulation of microplastics in tadpoles from different functional zones in Hangzhou Great Bay Area, China: Relation to growth stage and feeding habits. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127665. [PMID: 34799175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems, including inland small waterbodies (e.g., ponds and ditches), which are unique habitats for tadpoles. The uptake of MPs by tadpoles is influenced by their habitat, life stage, and feeding strategy. In this study, we investigated MP levels in small waterbodies in three different functional zones from the Hangzhou Great Bay Area, China, and resident tadpoles at different stages of metamorphosis with different feeding habits. Our results indicated that MPs in all three sampling areas were predominantly fibers; and the highest abundances of MPs were observed in water (4.70 ± 2.30 items/L) and sediment (728 ± 324 items/kg) from a textile industrial area, likely the result of nearby human activities. There was no significant difference in MP number in tadpoles between areas; however, omnivorous tadpoles with labial teeth and horny beaks ingested more MPs than did filter feeders. Based on their developmental characteristics, the collected tadpoles were categorized as: pre-metamorphosis, pro-metamorphosis, and metamorphic climax. The MP levels exhibited an upward trend, and MP size gradually increased as tadpole development progressed. This suggests that MPs may accumulate in tadpoles as they grow and potentially affect their metamorphosis from larvae to frogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Hu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juyang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Pingjia Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Mengzheng Dai
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ganning Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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18
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Microplastics Occurrence in the European Common Frog (Rana temporaria) from Cottian Alps (Northwest Italy). DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14020066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is arousing growing attention, yet knowledge about its occurrence in amphibians is scant to date. With this study, we aimed to determine whether plastic (>5000 μm) and MPs (10–5000 μm) could be detected in adult Rana temporaria from a high-mountain ecosystem (the Cottian Alps, northwest Italy). To do this, aquatic compartments and the digestive tract of adult R. temporaria were analyzed. Water, sediment, periphyton, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and tadpoles tested negative for plastic and MPs. Microplastics were detected in all the adult frogs (n = 5); all the identified items (one per specimen) were fibers (size range: 550.91–2355.51 µm). A statistically significant positive correlation between the particle length and frog size was recorded. The predominant fiber color was blue. The chemical composition was polyamide (60%), polyethylene (20%), and polyethylene terephthalate (20%). Since both the biotic and the abiotic freshwater compartments (tadpoles included) revealed the absence of MPs, it can be assumed that adult frogs ingest MPs from the surrounding terrestrial environment.
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19
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Zhang F, Xu J, Wang X, Jabeen K, Li D. Microplastic contamination of fish gills and the assessment of both quality assurance and quality control during laboratory analyses. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113051. [PMID: 34710671 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has received substantial international attention in terrestrial and marine environments and in the atmosphere. In this study, we assessed microplastic pollution and analyzed the accumulation of microplastics in the gills of fish caught in the Zhoushan fishing ground from September 2017 to March 2018. The average abundance of microplastics was 0.49 ± 0.54 particles/gill and frequently found chemical polymers was polyethylene terephthalate. We also conducted experiments on microplastic pollution in the water and the working solutions used during the analytical process and found that the source of microplastic contamination was the solutions used. Moreover, we evaluated and scored experimental quality control and quality assurance adapted from the 'Total Accumulated Score' method. Valuable steps are recommended in order to produce reliable results and improve the quality of results in microplastic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Khalida Jabeen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Plastic Marine Debris Research Center, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China; Regional Training and Research Center on Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics, IOC-UNESCO, Shanghai 200241, China.
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20
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Araújo APDC, Rocha TL, E Silva DDM, Malafaia G. Micro(nano)plastics as an emerging risk factor to the health of amphibian: A scientometric and systematic review. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131090. [PMID: 34153909 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) is recognized at different trophic levels, our know-how about their effects on amphibians is limited. Thus, we present and discuss the current state on studies involving amphibians and plastic particles, based on a broad approach to studies published in the last 5 years. To search for the articles, the ISI Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were consulted, using different descriptors related to the topic of study. After the systematic search, we identified 848 publications. Of these, 12 studies addressed the relationship "plastic particles and amphibians" (7 studies developed in the laboratory and 5 field studies). The scientometric analysis points to geographic concentration of studies in Brazil and China; low investment in research in the area, and limited participation of international authors in the studies carried out. In the systematic approach, we confirm the scarcity of available data on the toxicity of plastic particles in amphibians; we observed a concentration of studies in the Anura order, only one study explored the toxicological effects of NPs and polystyrene and polyethylene are the most studied plastic types. Moreover, the laboratory tested concentrations are distant from those of the environmentally relevant; and little is known about the mechanisms of action of NPs/MPs involved in the identified (eco)toxicological effects. Thus, we strongly recommend more investments in this area, given the ubiquitous nature of NPs/MPs in aquatic environments and their possible consequences on the dynamics, reproduction, and survival of species in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Pereira da Costa Araújo
- Biological Research Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Melo E Silva
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Laboratory of Environmental Mutagenesis, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Biological Research Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
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21
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Vaid M, Sarma K, Gupta A. Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments with special emphasis on riverine systems: Current understanding and way forward. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 293:112860. [PMID: 34089959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as a severe threat in our environment. Their diverse existence in marine environments is being researched globally and thus a widely known fact; however, their presence in the freshwater counterpart has gained attention lately only. Riverine systems, the most critical freshwater resources serve as an essential link between terrestrial and marine environments and their contamination with MPs is going to create severe environmental issues. Because of their small size and unique morphology, these polymers can exhibit variable toxicity to the interacting biota and alter their habitat properties; thus, causing serious impacts on the environment and health of living beings, including humans. These microplastics can also interact with pollutants like heavy metals and organic pollutants, which further augment their harming potential. Inefficient and poor plastic waste disposal practices play an important role in the generation of microplastic pollutants. In the present COVID 19 pandemics, the excessive use of plastic to contain the spread of infection has further added the plastic load in the environment which will eventually lead to the generation of microplastic particles. Also, a significant amount of microplastic pollutants in riverine systems are delivered through wastewater treatment plant effluents. These trade-offs create a distress situation in the environment. The present study connects these key issues for a better understanding of the diverse existence of microplastic pollutants, their sources, and fate, with a special emphasis on riverine systems. A critical appraisal of the knowledge gaps and proposal of suitable solutions through this review might open up avenues for further research and effective management of the microplastics in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Vaid
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Kiranmay Sarma
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Anshu Gupta
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India.
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22
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Dimitriadi A, Papaefthimiou C, Genizegkini E, Sampsonidis I, Kalogiannis S, Feidantsis K, Bobori DC, Kastrinaki G, Koumoundouros G, Lambropoulou DA, Kyzas GZ, Bikiaris DN. Adverse effects polystyrene microplastics exert on zebrafish heart - Molecular to individual level. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:125969. [PMID: 34492880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the present study the effects of sublethal concentrations of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on zebrafish were evaluated at multiple levels, related to fish activity and oxidative stress, metabolic changes and contraction parameters in the heart tissue. Zebrafish were fed for 21 days food enriched with PS-MPs (particle sizes 3-12 µm) and a battery of stress indices like DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, autophagy, ubiquitin levels, caspases activation, metabolite adjustments, frequency and force of ventricular contraction were measured in fish heart, parallel to fish swimming velocity. In particular, exposure to PS-MPs caused significant decrease in heart function and swimming competence, while enhanced levels of oxidative stress indices and metabolic adjustments were observed in the heart of challenged species. Among stress indices, DNA damage was more vulnerable to the effect of PS-MPs. Our results provide evidence on the multiplicity of the PS-MPs effects on cellular function, physiology and metabolic pathways and heart rate of adult fish and subsequent effects on fish activity and fish fitness thus enlightening MPs characterization as a potent environmental pollutant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chrisovalantis Papaefthimiou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Genizegkini
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sampsonidis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, GR-574 00 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros Kalogiannis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, GR-574 00 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Feidantsis
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra C Bobori
- Laboratory of Ichthyology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | | | - Dimitra A Lambropoulou
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Z Kyzas
- Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, Kavala GR-654 04, Greece
| | - Dimitrios N Bikiaris
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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