1
|
Ciocan C, Annels C, Fitzpatrick M, Couceiro F, Steyl I, Bray S. Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) boats and the impact on coastal environment - Evidence of fibreglass ingestion by marine bivalves from natural populations. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134619. [PMID: 38754228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134619] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Classified as marine debris, man made materials are polluting the world's oceans. Recently, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) has been shown to degrade and contaminate the coasts. In this pioneering study, fibreglass particles have been detected in the soft parts of oysters and mussels collected from natural populations, in front of an active boatyard. The presence of particulate glass, with concentrations up to 11,220 particles/kg ww in Ostrea edulis and 2740 particles/kg ww in Mytilus edulis, was confirmed by micro Raman spectroscopy. The results showed higher accumulation during the winter months, when boat maintenance activities are peaking and, through repair work, the release of glass fibres in the environment is more likely. Bivalves are considered high risk species due to their sessile nature and extensive filter feeding behaviour. The microparticle inclusion may contribute to adverse impacts on physiological processes and eventually to a decline in the overall health and subsequent death of the animal. The high costs involved in the proper GRP disposal and the lack of recycling facilities worldwide lead to boat abandonement and further contamination of the coasts. For the first time this study presents the extensive fibreglass contamination of natural bivalve populations, in a popular South England sailing harbour, designated a biological and geological site of specific scientific interest (SSRI).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina Ciocan
- University of Brighton, School of Applied Sciences, Moulsecoomb Campus, Brighton BN1 4GJ, UK.
| | - Claude Annels
- University of Brighton, School of Applied Sciences, Moulsecoomb Campus, Brighton BN1 4GJ, UK
| | - Megan Fitzpatrick
- University of Brighton, School of Applied Sciences, Moulsecoomb Campus, Brighton BN1 4GJ, UK
| | - Fay Couceiro
- University of Portsmouth, School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK
| | - Ilse Steyl
- Aqass Limited, Netley Abbey, Southampton, UK, SO31 5QA
| | - Simon Bray
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building (Building 85), Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sheng S, Han N, Wei Y, Wang J, Han W, Xing B, Xing M, Zhang W. Liver Injury Induced by Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics Alone or in Combination with Cadmium in Mice Is Mediated by Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:2170-2183. [PMID: 37736782 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03835-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been considered an emerging environmental pollutant which, when combined with toxic metals, enter the circulatory system of mammals and eventually cause damage. Therefore, it is important to study the toxicity of the mixture of MPs and heavy metals for evaluating risk assessment of mammals. In the present study, the toxicological effects of different concentrations of polystyrene (PS)-MPs alone or in combination with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) during chronic exposure (8 weeks) were evaluated using intragastric administration in mice. Using comparative analysis, it was revealed that PS-MPs alone or in combination with Cd could destroy the normal structural morphology of liver tissue and increase the levels of two biochemical indicators of liver damage, thereby inducing changes in antioxidant and hyperoxide capacities. In addition, PS-MPs and/or Cd activated the antioxidant signaling pathway Nrf2-Keap1 and affected the endogenous apoptosis signaling pathway p53-Bcl-2/Bax, thus promoting apoptosis. These findings suggested that exposure to MPs alone or in combination with Cd led to adverse effects on the liver. Furthermore, it was revealed that co-exposure to MPs and Cd reduced Cd toxicity, thereby highlighting the possibility MPs may act as carriers of other toxic substances and coordinate with them. Therefore, evaluating the synergistic or anti-agonistic effects of MPs on the toxicity and bioavailability of xenobiotics is in the future critical in environmental toxicological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Sheng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningxin Han
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Wei
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghan Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Han
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Boyu Xing
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingwei Xing
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Wildlife Diseases and Biosecurity Management, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Forero-López AD, Toniolo MA, Colombo CV, Rimondino GN, Cuadrado D, Perillo GME, Malanca FE. Marine microdebris pollution in sediments from three environmental coastal areas in the southwestern Argentine Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169677. [PMID: 38163594 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and antifouling paint particles (APPs) are important components of marine microdebris (MDs), which constitute a potential environmental risk. This study analyzed baseline contamination levels of MDs and mesodebris (MesDs) in intertidal sediments at different depths, exploring the geomorphological influence in three Argentine coastal environments: Bahía Blanca Estuary (BBE), Los Pocitos (LP) and Puerto Madryn (PM). The MDs and MesDs samples were characterized by μ-FTIR, SEM/EDX and XRD. The abundance of MPs and APPs in sediments, range between 19.78 and 1087.19 and between 0 and 172.93 items/kg d.w., respectively. Despite variations in population and industrial developments in these areas, MPs abundance shows no significant differences in low and high intertidal zones. However, mean MPs concentrations were higher in the surface layer (0-5 cm) compared to the deeper sediments (5-10 cm), indicating recent MPs deposition. Chemical characterization evidenced the presence of cellulose (CE) and denser polymers as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyacrylics (PAN), APPs, metallic and black MDs. Surface degradation and heavy metals (Zn, Cr, and Ba) were also detected in APPs and other MDs, either as additives or adhered to their surfaces. Changes in crystallinity were also observed on the MesDs due to weathering. The calculated polymer hazard index (PHI) and the presence of hazardous polymers such as ABS and PAN indicated an increased risk of MPs pollution on the BBE and PM coasts. The pollution load index (PLI) values (from 4.63 to 5.34) suggested unpolluted to moderately polluted levels. These findings offer insights into potential risks associated with MDs in Argentine intertidal sediments, underscoring the critical need to comprehend the geomorphology and the influence of coastal dynamics. This is crucial for effectively addressing challenges linked to MDs pollution guiding the development of robust management and mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A D Forero-López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - M A Toniolo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C V Colombo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - G N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - D Cuadrado
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G M E Perillo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F E Malanca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Johnson J, Peer N, Sershen, Rajkaran A. Microplastic abundance in urban vs. peri-urban mangroves: The feasibility of using invertebrates as biomonitors of microplastic pollution in two mangrove dominated estuaries of southern Africa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115657. [PMID: 37864863 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115657] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) prevalence has been well documented, however, knowledge gaps exist for African mangrove forests. This research is the first to compare MP pollution (using FT-IR analysis) in an urban (Durban Bay) and peri-urban (Mngazana Estuary) mangrove forest in South Africa, across different compartments. MP pollution (typology, abundance, and distribution) was quantified in estuarine surface water, sediment and the soft tissue of three keystone species (Austruca occidentalis, Chiromantes eulimene and Cerithidea decollata) in relation to disturbances acting on these systems. MP averages ranged from 99 to 82 MPs/kg sediment, 177 to 76 MPs/L water and 82 to 59 MP/g-1 DW in biota. Overall fibres were the dominant MP type across all compartments. The three invertebrate species exhibited MP bioaccumulation, however, significant differences were observed between MP concentrations in the soft body tissue of invertebrates and abiotic compartments, providing evidence that they are not effective biomonitors of MP pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Johnson
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Way, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa.
| | - Nasreen Peer
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Natural Sciences Building, Merriman Avenue, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Sershen
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Way, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa
| | - Anusha Rajkaran
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Way, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa; South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Julius D, Awe A, Sparks C. Environmental concentrations, characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in water and sediment along the Western Cape coastline, South Africa. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18559. [PMID: 37560631 PMCID: PMC10407148 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic debris is accumulating in all environments globally and South Africa's poor waste management plan has led to an increase in plastic contamination throughout the country. Information about microplastics (MPs) in urban and rural coastal environments in South Africa is poor. The aim of this study was to determine coastal MP concentrations in water (particles/L) and sediment (particles/kg). Sampling took place in summer of 2020 during low tide at 14 sites, along the coast of the Western Cape, South Africa. MPs were extracted and analysed based on shape, color, size and polymer type (using an ATR-FTIR). An ecological risk assessment was done to assess the potential risks posed by MPs in all sample types. Sediment MP concentrations (185.07 ± 15.25 standard error particles/kg) were higher than water (1.33 ± 0.15 particles/L). Gordon's Bay (site 12) had the highest MP concentrations in sediment samples (360 ± 36.74 particles/kg), identifying harbors as the main source for MP contamination. Kalk Bay (site 9) displayed the highest concentration in water samples (4.97 ± 0.18 particles/L), suggesting that the source of MPs are from stormwater outfall pipes and human activities. Filaments were the most dominant MP shape (89%) for all samples, with black/grey (water) and transparent (sediment) being the most dominant colors (31% and 31% respectively). Dominant sizes were 1000-2000 μm in water and 2000-5000 μm in sediment. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (29%) was the most dominant polymer type recorded in water samples and natural fibres (mainly cotton) (32%) recorded in sediment. Based on the risk assessment, MPs recorded at Mouille Point (site 6) poses the greatest ecological risk associated with polymers. MP concentrations reported in this study provide a baseline for future studies along the Western Cape coastline of South Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Julius
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adetunji Awe
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Conrad Sparks
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang TT, Tang WQ, Wu DH, Yu XR, Wang GY, Cai XW, Shao S, Wang S, Mo L, Liu YS, Ying GG, Chen ZB. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the Wanquan River estuary, Hainan Island. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114810. [PMID: 36924692 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As the nexus where rivers and oceans meet, estuaries are vulnerable to microplastic (MP) pollution derived from rivers. However, few studies have focused on the pollution status of MPs in small estuarine areas. Here, the abundance and characteristics of MPs in surface water and sediment samples from a small estuary, the Wanquan River estuary, were studied. The average abundance of MPs was 6573 ± 2659 n/m3 in surface water and 1065 ± 696 n/kg dw in sediment samples from the Wanquan River estuary. Most of the MPs in water samples and sediments were red (92.9 % and 88.1 %) fragments (87.4 % and 95.5 %) with sizes <1.0 mm (90.8 % and 92.4 %) made up of antifouling paint particles (APPs) (83.5 % and 89.8 %), respectively. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between the concentration of Cu2+ and the abundance of APPs in sediment samples from the Wanquan River estuary. The APPs in the sediments can act as a continuous source of toxic chemicals (e.g., Cu2+) to marine environments. The results of this study expand our knowledge about MP pollution in small estuaries, and the ecological risk of APPs in the Wanquan River estuary to aquatic organisms should not be ignored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuan-Tuan Wang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, China
| | - Wang-Qing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Dong-Hai Wu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, China
| | - Xin-Rui Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guang-Yu Wang
- Shanghai Ocean University, International Research Centre for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science & Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xing-Wei Cai
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, China
| | - Sai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Ling Mo
- Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - You-Sheng Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhong-Bing Chen
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|