1
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Cheng S, Keang K, Cross JS. Evidence that microplastics at environmentally relevant concentration and size interfere with energy metabolism of microalgal community. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134995. [PMID: 38909468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134995] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
To address two current issues in evaluating the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) namely, conflicting results due to species specificity and the ecological irrelevance of laboratory data, this study conducted a 10-day exposure experiment using a microalgal community comprising three symbiotic species. The experiment involved virgin and Benzo[a]pyrene-spiked micron-scale fibers and fragments made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP). The results showed that, from a physiological perspective, environmentally relevant concentrations of micron-scale MPs decreased saccharide accumulation in microalgal cells, as confirmed by ultrastructural observations. MPs may increase cellular energy consumption by obstructing cellular motility, interfering with nutrient uptake, and causing sustained oxidative stress. Additionally, MPs and adsorbed B[a]P induced DNA damage in microalgae, potentially further disrupting cellular energy metabolism. Ecologically, MPs altered the species abundance in microalgal communities, suggesting they could weaken the ecological functions of these communities as producers and affect ecosystem diversity and stability. This study marks a significant advancement from traditional single-species toxicity experiments to community-level assessments, providing essential insights for ecological risk assessment of microplastics and guiding future mechanistic studies utilizing multi-omics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Cheng
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kimleng Keang
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jeffrey S Cross
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Guo Z, Li J, Zhang Z. Meta-analysis for systematic review of global micro/nano-plastics contamination versus various freshwater microalgae: Toxicological effect patterns, taxon-specific response, and potential eco-risks. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121706. [PMID: 38761590 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nano-plastics (MNPs), as emerging persistent pollutants, are threatening freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Microalgae are important primary producers at the base of trophic level and susceptible to MNPs contamination, possibly resulting in further contamination in higher trophic levels and water quality. This study conducted a systematic review of 1071 observations from 63 publications, utilizing meta-analysis and subgroup analysis to investigate the toxicological effect patterns of MNPs parameters (size, concentration, and type) on microalgae. We also explored the potential eco-risks of certain specific MNPs parameters and subtle variations in the response of various microalgae taxa to MNPs. Results suggested that microplastics significantly inhibited microalgal photosynthesis, while nano-plastics induced more severe cell membrane damage and promoted toxin-release. Within a certain range of concentrations (0∼50 mg/L), rising MNPs concentration progressively inhibited microalgal growth and chlorophyll-a content, and progressively enhanced toxin-release. Among MNPs types, polyamide caused higher growth inhibition and more severe lipid peroxidation, and polystyrene induced more toxin-release, whereas polyethylene terephthalate and polymethyl methacrylate posed minimal effects on microalgae. Moreover, Bacillariophyta growth was inhibited most significantly, while Chlorophyta displayed strong tolerance and Cyanophyta possessed strong adaptive and exceptional resilience. Particularly, Komvophoron, Microcystis, Nostoc, Scenedesmus, and Gomphonema were more tolerant and might dominate freshwater microalgal communities under MNPs contamination. These results are crucial for acquiring the fate of freshwater microalgae under various MNPs contamination, identifying dominant microalgae, and reasonably assessing and managing involved eco-risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Guo
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jieming Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Ziqing Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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3
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Ge J, Jin P, Xie S, Beardall J, Feng Y, Guo C, Ma Z, Gao G. Micro- and nanoplastics interact with conventional pollutants on microalgae: Synthesis through meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123127. [PMID: 38072023 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123127] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been found to occur intensively in aquatic environments, along with other conventional pollutants (Po) such as heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, etc. However, our understanding of how MNPs and Po interact on aquatic primary producers is fragmented. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis based on 933 published experimental assessments from 44 studies to examine the coupled effects of MNPs and Po on microalgae. Although the results based on interaction type frequency (the proportion of each interaction type in all results) revealed dominantly additive interactions (56%) for overall physiological performance, an overall antagonistic effect was observed based on the mean interaction effect sizes. A higher proportion of antagonistic interaction type frequency was found in marine species compared to fresh species. The antagonistic effects were particularly significant for growth, oxidative responses, and photosynthesis, which could be attributed to the adsorption effect of MNPs on Po and thus the decreasing concentrations of pollutants in the medium. Larger-sized, negatively charged or uncharged and aged MNPs had higher proportions of antagonistic effects compared to smaller-sized, positively charged and virgin MNPs, due to their stronger adsorption capacity to Po. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the interactive effects of MNPs and Po on microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingke Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Peng Jin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shuyu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - John Beardall
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China; School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VI 3800, Australia
| | - Yuan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Can Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zengling Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Guang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
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4
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Mendonça I, Faria M, Rodrigues F, Cordeiro N. Microalgal-based industry vs. microplastic pollution: Current knowledge and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168414. [PMID: 37963529 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168414] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae can play a crucial role in the environment due to their efficient capture of CO2 and their potential as a solution for a carbon-negative economy. Water quality is critical for the success and profitability of microalgal-based industries, and understanding their response to emergent pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs), is essential. Despite the published studies investigating the impact of MPs on microalgae, knowledge in this area remains limited. Most studies have mainly focused on microalgal growth, metabolite analysis, and photosynthetic activity, with significant discrepancies in what is known about the impact on biomass yield. Recent studies show that the yield of biomass production depends on the levels of water contamination by MPs, making it necessary to reduce the contamination levels in the water. However, present technologies for extracting and purifying water from MPs are limited, and further research and technological advancements are required. One promising solution is the use of bio-based polymer materials, such as bacterial cellulose, which offer biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendly detoxifying properties. This review summarises the current knowledge on MPs pollution and its impact on the viability and proliferation of microalgae-based industries, highlights the need for further research, and discusses the potential of bio-solutions for MPs removal in microalgae-based industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Mendonça
- LB3 - Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Madeira, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Marisa Faria
- LB3 - Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Madeira, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Rodrigues
- LB3 - Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Madeira, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Nereida Cordeiro
- LB3 - Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Madeira, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Portugal.
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5
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Liu L, Wei D, Huang H, Guo C, Liu J, Hu C, Huang J. Effects of polystyrene microplastics on Euglena gracilis: Intracellular distribution and the protozoan transcriptional responses. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 266:106802. [PMID: 38096643 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106802] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) introduced into aquatic environments inevitably interact with aquatic organisms such as plankton, potentially yielding adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem. The extent to which MPs can infiltrate planktonic cells and evoke a molecular response remains largely unknown. In the present study, the internalization of fluorescently labeled polystyrene (PS) MPs on Euglena gracilis cells was investigated, determining the transcriptional responses within protozoa after an 8-day exposure period. The results showed that exposure to 25 mg/L PS-MPs for 8 days, significantly inhibited protozoan growth (P < 0.05) and decreased the chlorophyll a content of E. gracilis. The photosynthetic efficiency of E. gracilis was suppressed by MPs after 4 days, and then recovered to control values by the eighth day. Fluorescence imaging confirmed the presence of MPs in E. gracilis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the influence of PS-MPs on a diverse range of transcriptional processes, encompassing oxidative phosphorylation, oxidation-reduction process, photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzymes. Notably, a majority of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) exhibited down-regulation. Furthermore, PS-MPs disturbed the transcriptional regulation of chloroplasts and photosynthesis. These findings indicate a direct interaction between PS-MPs and organelles within E. gracilis cells following internalization, thereby disrupting regular gene expression patterns and posing a substantial environmental risk to the aquatic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, PR China
| | - Dong Wei
- College of Life Science, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, PR China
| | - Hong Huang
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, PR China
| | - Canyang Guo
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, PR China
| | - Juan Liu
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, PR China.
| | - Changwei Hu
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, PR China
| | - Jiaying Huang
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, PR China
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6
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Yang B, Cui H, Gao J, Cao J, Klobučar G, Li M. Using a Battery of Bioassays to Assess the Toxicity of Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents in Industrial Parks. TOXICS 2023; 11:702. [PMID: 37624206 PMCID: PMC10457805 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Bioassays, as an addition to physico-chemical water quality evaluation, can provide information on the toxic effects of pollutants present in the water. In this study, a broad evaluation of environmental health risks from industrial wastewater along the Yangtze River, China, was conducted using a battery of bioassays. Toxicity tests showed that the wastewater treatment processes were effective at lowering acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, HepG2 cells' cytotoxicity, the estrogenic effect in T47D-Kbluc cells, DNA damage of Euglena gracilis and the mutagenicity of Salmonella typhimurium in the analyzed wastewater samples. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified as potential major toxic chemicals of concern in the wastewater samples of W, J and T wastewater treatment plants; thus, the potential harm of PAHs to aquatic organisms has been investigated. Based on the health risk assessment model, the risk index of wastewater from the industrial parks along the Yangtze River was below one, indicating that the PAHs were less harmful to human health through skin contact or respiratory exposure. Overall, the biological toxicity tests used in this study provide a good basis for the health risk assessment of industrial wastewater and a scientific reference for the optimization and operation of the treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haiyan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Göran Klobučar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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7
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Mendonça I, Cunha C, Kaufmann M, Faria M, Cordeiro N. Microplastics reduce microalgal biomass by decreasing single-cell weight: The barrier towards implementation at scale. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162950. [PMID: 36948319 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a widespread environmental threat, especially to aquatic and urban systems. Water quality is vital for biomass production in microalgal-based industries. Here, industrially relevant microalgae Tetraselmis suecica, Scenedesmus armatus, and Nannochloropsis gaditana were exposed to PS- and PE-MPs (polystyrene and polyethylene, respectively - 10-20 μm) contaminated waters (5 and 10 mg/L). Following industrial empirical and ecotoxicological procedures, the production period was established as four days (exponential growth phase). 27-long day experiments were conducted to determine the chronic effects of MPs contamination in microalgal biomass yields. MPs induced different responses in cell density: T. suecica decreased (up to 11 %); S. armatus showed no changes; and N. gaditana increased (up to 6 %). However, all three microalgae exhibited significant decreases in biomass production (up to 24, 48, and 52 %, respectively). S. armatus exposed to PS-MPs and N. gaditana exposed to PE-MPs were the most impacted regarding biomass production. The decrease in biomass yield was due to the reduction in single-cell weight (up to 14, 47, and 43 %), and/or the production of smaller-sized cells (T. suecica). In response to chronic exposure, microalgae showed signs of cell density adaptation. Despite cell density normalizing, biomass production was still reduced compared to biomass production in clean water. Computational modelling highlighted that MPs exposure had a concentration-dependent negative impact on microalgae biomass. The models allow the evaluation of the systematic risks that MPs impose in microalgal-based industries and stimulate actions towards implementing systems to contain/eliminate MPs contamination in the waters used in microalgae production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Mendonça
- LB3 - Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - César Cunha
- LB3 - Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Manfred Kaufmann
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Marine Biology Station of Funchal, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Marisa Faria
- LB3 - Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Nereida Cordeiro
- LB3 - Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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8
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Gomes AR, Freitas ÍN, Luz TMD, Guimarães ATB, Araújo APDC, Kamaraj C, Rahman MM, Islam ARMT, Arias AH, Silva FBD, Karthi S, Cruz-Santiago O, Silva FG, Malafaia G. Multiple endpoints of polyethylene microplastics toxicity in vascular plants of freshwater ecosystems: A study involving Salvinia auriculata (Salviniaceae). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 450:131069. [PMID: 36857830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131069] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
More recently, the number of studies on the impacts of microplastics (MPs) on plants has drawn attention considerably. However, many of these studies focused on terrestrial plants, with vascular plants from freshwater ecosystems being little studied. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible effects of exposure of Salvinia auriculata, for 28 days, to different concentrations of polyethylene MPs (PE MPs - diameter: 35.46 ± 18.17 µm) (2.7 ×108 and 8.1 ×108 particles/m3), using different biomarkers. Our data indicated that exposure to PE MPs caused alterations in plant growth/development (inferred by the lower floating frond number, "root" length, and the number of "roots"), as well as lower dispersion of individuals in the experimental units. Plants exposed to PE MPs also showed lower epidermal thickness (abaxial leaf face) and a longer length of the central leaf vein and vascular bundle area. Ultrastructural analyses of S. auriculata exposed to MPs revealed rupture of some epidermal cells and trichomes on the adaxial and abaxial, leaf necrosis, and chlorosis. In the "roots", we observed dehydrated filamentous structures with evident deformations in plants exposed to the pollutants. Both on the abaxial leaf face and on the "roots", the adherence of PE MPs was observed. Furthermore, exposure to PE MPs induced lower chlorophyll content, cell membrane damage, and redox imbalance, marked by reduced catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as well as malondialdehyde. However, in general, we did not observe the dose-response effect for the evaluated biomarkers. The values of the integrated biomarker response index, the principal component analysis (PCA) results and the hierarchical clustering analysis confirmed the similarity between the responses of plants exposed to different PE MPs concentrations. Therefore, our study sheds light on how PE MPs can affect S. auriculata and reinforces that putting these pollutants in freshwater environments might be hazardous from an ecotoxicological point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Rodrigues Gomes
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Agronomy, Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil
| | - Ítalo Nascimento Freitas
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Thiarlen Marinho da Luz
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | | | | | - Chinnaperumal Kamaraj
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), Directorate of Research and Virtual Education, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | | | - Andrés Hugo Arias
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Fábia Barbosa da Silva
- Laboratory of Tissue Culture, Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Sengodan Karthi
- Division of Biopesticides and Environmental Toxicology, Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Excellence in Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 412, India
| | - Omar Cruz-Santiago
- Programa Multidisciplinario de Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales (PMPCA), Agenda Ambiental, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Manuel Nava 201, Zona Universitaria, 78210 San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Fabiano Guimarães Silva
- Post-Graduation Program in Agronomy, Goiano Federal Institute, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Programa Multidisciplinario de Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales (PMPCA), Agenda Ambiental, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Manuel Nava 201, Zona Universitaria, 78210 San Luis Potosí, Mexico; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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9
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Lihanová D, Lukáčová A, Beck T, Jedlička A, Vešelényiová D, Krajčovič J, Vesteg M. Versatile biotechnological applications of Euglena gracilis. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:133. [PMID: 36959517 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03585-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Euglena gracilis is a freshwater protist possessing secondary chloroplasts of green algal origin. Various physical factors (e.g. UV) and chemical compounds (e.g. antibiotics) cause the bleaching of E. gracilis cells-the loss of plastid genes leading to the permanent inability to photosynthesize. Bleaching can be prevented by antimutagens (i.e. lignin, vitamin C and selenium). Besides screening the mutagenic and antimutagenic activity of chemicals, E. gracilis is also a suitable model for studying the biological effects of many organic pollutants. Due to its capability of heavy metal sequestration, it can be used for bioremediation. E. gracilis has been successfully transformed, offering the possibility of genetic modifications for synthesizing compounds of biotechnological interest. The novel design of the "next generation" transgenic expression cassettes with respect to the specificities of euglenid gene expression is proposed. Moreover, E. gracilis is a natural source of commercially relevant bioproducts such as (pro)vitamins, wax esters, polyunsaturated fatty acids and paramylon (β-1,3-glucan). One of the highest limitations of large-scale cultivation of E. gracilis is its disability to synthesize essential vitamins B1 and B12. This disadvantage can be overcome by co-cultivation of E. gracilis with other microorganisms, which can synthesize sufficient amounts of these vitamins. Such co-cultures can be used for the effective accumulation and harvesting of Euglena biomass by bioflocculation.
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Grants
- VEGA 1/0694/2021 Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, and the Academy of Sciences
- VEGA 1/0694/2021 Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, and the Academy of Sciences
- VEGA 1/0694/2021 Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, and the Academy of Sciences
- VEGA 1/0694/2021 Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, and the Academy of Sciences
- VEGA 1/0694/2021 Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, and the Academy of Sciences
- VEGA 1/0694/2021 Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, and the Academy of Sciences
- VEGA 1/0694/2021 Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, and the Academy of Sciences
- ITMS 26210120024 European Regional Development Fund
- ITMS 26210120024 European Regional Development Fund
- ITMS 26210120024 European Regional Development Fund
- ITMS 26210120024 European Regional Development Fund
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Lihanová
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 40, 974 01, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Lukáčová
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 40, 974 01, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
| | - Terézia Beck
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 40, 974 01, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
| | - Andrej Jedlička
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, 917 01, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Dominika Vešelényiová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, 917 01, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Krajčovič
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, 917 01, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Matej Vesteg
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 40, 974 01, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.
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10
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Zheng X, Zhang L, Jiang C, Li J, Li Y, Liu X, Li C, Wang Z, Zheng N, Fan Z. Acute effects of three surface-modified nanoplastics against Microcystis aeruginosa: Growth, microcystin production, and mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158906. [PMID: 36150599 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As plastic pollution continues to increase and plastic waste is shredded to form smaller plastic particles, there is growing concern about the potential impact of nanoplastics (NPs) on freshwater ecosystems. In this work, the effects of three surface-modified NPs, including polystyrene (PS), PS-NH2, and PS-COOH, on the growth, photosynthetic activity, oxidative damage, and microcystins (MCs) production/release of Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) were investigated. Results indicated that all three NPs significantly inhibited the growth of M. aeruginosa after a 96 h exposure, and the growth inhibition followed the order of PS-NH2 > PS > PS-COOH (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, all three NPs at the concentration of 100 mg/L significantly increased the content of intra-MCs (115 %, 147 %, and 121 % higher than the control, respectively) and extra-MCs (142 %, 175 %, and 151 % higher than the control, respectively) after a 96 h exposure (p < 0.05). Moreover, our findings also suggested that the potential mechanisms of surface-modified PS NPs on M. aeruginosa growth and MCs production/release were associated with physical constraints, photosynthetic activity obstruct, and oxidative damage. Our findings provided direct evidence for different kinds of surface modifications of PS NPs on freshwater algae and improve the understanding of the potential risk of NPs in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jue Li
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanyao Li
- Laboratory of Industrial Water and Ecotechnology, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Xianglin Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chengwei Li
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zeming Wang
- Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Zhengqiu Fan
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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11
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Qiao R, Mortimer M, Richter J, Rani-Borges B, Yu Z, Heinlaan M, Lin S, Ivask A. Hazard of polystyrene micro-and nanospheres to selected aquatic and terrestrial organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158560. [PMID: 36087672 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics contamination in the environment is a major concern. Risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics (MPL and NPL) poses significant challenges due to MPL and NPL heterogeneity regarding compositional polymers, particle sizes and morphologies in the environment. Yet, there exists considerable toxicological literature on commercial polystyrene (PS) micro- and nanospheres. Although such particles do not directly represent the environmental MPL and NPL, their toxicity data should be used to advance the hazard assessment of plastics. Here, toxicity data of PS micro- and nanospheres for microorganisms, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, fish, and higher plants was collected and analyzed. The evaluation of 294 papers revealed that aquatic invertebrates were the most studied organisms, nanosized PS was studied more often than microsized PS, acute exposures prevailed over chronic exposures, the toxicity of PS suspension additives was rarely addressed, and ∼40 % of data indicated no organismal effects of PS. Toxicity mechanisms were mainly studied in fish and nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, providing guidance for relevant studies in higher organisms. Future studies should focus on environmentally relevant plastics concentrations, wide range of organisms, co-exposures with other pollutants, and method development for plastics identification and quantification to fill the gap of bioaccumulation assessment of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxia Qiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Jelizaveta Richter
- National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
| | - Bárbara Rani-Borges
- Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Alto da Boa Vista, Sorocaba, São Paulo 18087-180, Brazil; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Zhenyang Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Margit Heinlaan
- National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Tallinn 12618, Estonia.
| | - Sijie Lin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Angela Ivask
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia.
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12
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Gu G, Ou D, Chen Z, Gao S, Sun S, Zhao Y, Hu C, Liang X. Metabolomics revealed the photosynthetic performance and metabolomic characteristics of Euglena gracilis under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:160. [PMID: 35834059 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03346-w] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Photosynthetic and metabolomic performance of Euglena gracilis was examined and compared under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions. Autotrophic protozoa (AP) obtained greater biomass (about 33% higher) than the mixotrophic protozoa (MP) after 12 days of growth. AP maintained steady photosynthesis, while MP showed a remarkable decrease in photosynthetic efficiency and dropped to an extremely low level at day 12. In MP, low light absorption and photosynthetic electron transport efficiency, and high energy dissipation were reflected by the chlorophyll (chl a) fluorescence (OJIP) of the protozoa. The values of ΨO, ΦEo, and ETO/RC of MP decreased to extremely low levels, to 1/15, 1/46, and 1/9 those of AP, respectively, while DIO/RC increased to approximately 16 times that of AP. A total of 137 metabolites were showed significant differences between AP and MP. AP accumulated more monosaccharide, lipids, and alkaloids, while MP produced more amino acids, peptides, and long-chain fatty acids including poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The top nine most important enriched pathways obtained from KEGG mapping were related to ABC transporters, biosynthesis of amino acids, purine metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. There were significant differences between AP and MP in photosynthetic activity, metabolites, and metabolic pathways. This work presented useful information for the production of high value bioproducts in E. gracilis cultured under different nutritional conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.,College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Ou
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhehua Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.,College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shumei Gao
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiqing Sun
- College of Advanced Materials Engineering, Jiaxing Nanhu University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjun Zhao
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Changwei Hu
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xianrui Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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13
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Araújo APDC, Luz TMD, Rocha TL, Ahmed MAI, Silva DDME, Rahman MM, Malafaia G. Toxicity evaluation of the combination of emerging pollutants with polyethylene microplastics in zebrafish: Perspective study of genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and redox unbalance. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 432:128691. [PMID: 35334274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater fish has been demonstrated in previous studies, their effects when mixed with other pollutants (organic and inorganic) are poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to test the hypothesis that the association of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) to a mix of emerging pollutants induces more adverse genotoxic, mutagenic, and redox unbalance effects in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio), after 15 days of exposure. Although the accumulation of MPs in animals was greater in animals exposed to PE-MPs alone, erythrocyte DNA damage (comet assay) and the frequency of erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENAs) evidenced in zebrafish exposed to PE-MPs alone were as pronounced as those observed in animals exposed to the mix of pollutant (alone or in combination with MPs), which constitutes the big picture of the current study. Moreover, we noticed that such effects were associated with an imbalance between pro-and antioxidant metabolism in animals, whose activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was assessed in different organs which were not sufficient to counterbalance the production of reactive oxygen species [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)] and nitrogen [nitric oxide (NO)] evaluated. The principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed that while the antioxidant activity was more pronounced in the brain and liver of animals, the highest production of H2O2 was perceived in the gills and muscles, suggesting that the biochemical response of the animals was organ-dependent. Thus, the present study did not demonstrate antagonistic, synergistic, or additive effects on animals exposed to the combination between PE-MPs and a mix of pollutants in the zebrafish, which reinforces the theory that interactions between pollutants in aquatic ecosystems may be as complex as their effects on freshwater ichthyofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiarlen Marinho da Luz
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 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
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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14
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Li X, Wang Z, Bai M, Chen Z, Gu G, Li X, Hu C, Zhang X. Effects of polystyrene microplastics on copper toxicity to the protozoan Euglena gracilis: emphasis on different evaluation methods, photosynthesis, and metal accumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:23461-23473. [PMID: 34806148 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17545-9] [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: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) released into aquatic environment interact with other pollutants that already exist in water, potentially altering their toxicity, which poses a new problem for aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, we first evaluated the effects of polystyrene MPs (mPS) on copper (Cu) toxicity to the protozoan Euglena gracilis using three methods based on 96-h acute toxicity, orthogonal test and 12-d sub-acute toxicity data. Thereafter, the 12-d sub-acute exposure was employed to investigate protozoan growth, photosynthetic parameters and pigments, soluble protein, total antioxidant capacity and trace metal accumulation in E. gracilis after exposure to either 1.5 mg/L of Cu, 75-nm mPS (1 and 5 mg/L) or a combination therein, with the objective to understand the underlined mechanisms. The results show that the concentration and exposure time are key factors influencing the effects of the mPS on Cu toxicity. A mPS concentration of 5 mg/L caused significantly more dissipation energy, which is used for photosynthesis and thus decreased photosynthetic efficiency, but this effect weakened after 12 d of exposure. Exposure to Cu alone resulted in significantly high Cu accumulation in the cells and inhibited uptake of manganese and zinc. The presence of mPS did not influence the effects of Cu on trace metal accumulation. Our result suggests that application of multiple methods and indices could provide more information for a comprehensive understanding of the effects of mPS on toxicity of other pollutants. In addition, long-term exposure seems necessary for evaluating mPS toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuling Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Linyi University, Linyi, 276000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengjun Wang
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Bai
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhehua Chen
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Gan Gu
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Li
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China
| | - Changwei Hu
- College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuezhen Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Bulannga RB, Schmidt S. Uptake and accumulation of microplastic particles by two freshwater ciliates isolated from a local river in South Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112123. [PMID: 34571033 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are considered environmental pollutants of serious concern. In freshwater environments, they can affect aquatic biota and accumulate along the food web. Therefore, this study investigated the capacity of bacterivorous freshwater ciliates, essential members of the aquatic food chain, to ingest plain and fluorescently-labeled polystyrene microspheres. Two holotrich ciliates were isolated from a stream in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and identified as members of the genera Paramecium and Tetrahymena based on morphological characteristics and 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis. While the larger bacterivorous ciliate Paramecium sp. strain RB1 ingested all three sizes of plain polystyrene microbeads tested (2,5,10 μm), the smaller sized Tetrahymena sp. strain RB2 only ingested microbeads of 2 and 5 μm. The two ciliates ingested polystyrene microbeads at rates ranging from 1650 to 3870 particles x ciliate-1 x hour-1 for all particle sizes ingested, matching rates determined for selected microbial prey (E. coli, S. cerevisiae) of similar size. The ability to ingest non-nutritious microplastic particles was confirmed for both ciliates using fluorescently-labeled microbeads as these were detected in food vacuoles by fluorescence microscopy. Therefore, ciliates such as Paramecium sp. strain RB1 and Tetrahymena sp. strain RB2 can contribute to the transfer and bioaccumulation of microplastics in freshwater food webs in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendani B Bulannga
- Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa
| | - Stefan Schmidt
- Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa.
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16
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Phuong NN, Duong TT, Le TPQ, Hoang TK, Ngo HM, Phuong NA, Pham QT, Doan TO, Ho TC, Da Le N, Nguyen TAH, Strady E, Fauvelle V, Ourgaud M, Schmidt N, Sempere R. Microplastics in Asian freshwater ecosystems: Current knowledge and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 808:151989. [PMID: 34883176 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151989] [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] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems, including microplastics (MPs) smaller than 5 mm, has become an emerging global concern. Asia is considered a "hot spot" for plastic pollution due to rapid economic and demographic growth, together with rapid urbanization. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on MP abundance, sources, fate, and transfer in Asian freshwater ecosystems based on publications from January 2014 to May 2021. MP contamination in freshwater compartments, including water, sediment, and biota, was found to vary strongly. In water, it ranged from 0.004 items m-3 in a moderately urbanized region to more than 500,000 items m-3 in a dumping river in a highly populated watershed. In the sediment, MP abundance ranged from 1 to more than 30,000 items kg-1 dry weight. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were predominant in both water and sediment compartments. MP was detected in biota samples from all the studied species, but their abundance depended on the locations and species studied. Overall, MP characteristics (form, size, color, and polymer type) depended on sources and natural constraints (mainly hydrodynamics). This study also revealed that MP in Asian freshwater ecosystems mainly originated from domestic wastewater/runoff, followed by industrial emissions, fisheries and aquaculture wastewater. Plastic waste is not efficiently recycled or incinerated in Asia, leading to MP transfer and accumulation in the aquatic environment, and, more importantly, to ingestion by low to high trophic level organisms. This work highlights several knowledge gaps to guides future research to improve MP pollution management for the sustainable development of highly populated regions such as Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Nam Phuong
- PhuTho College of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2201 Hung Vuong Boulevard, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province 290000, Viet Nam; Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Thi Thuy Duong
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Thi Phuong Quynh Le
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Trung Kien Hoang
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ha My Ngo
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Anh Phuong
- Vietnam National Lung Hospital, 463 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Quoc Tuan Pham
- PhuTho College of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2201 Hung Vuong Boulevard, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province 290000, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Oanh Doan
- Faculty of Environment, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Tu Cuong Ho
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Nhu Da Le
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Anh Huong Nguyen
- University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Emilie Strady
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Fauvelle
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Mélanie Ourgaud
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Natascha Schmidt
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Richard Sempere
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
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