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Lyu L, Bagchi M, Markoglou N, An C, Peng H, Bi H, Yang X, Sun H. Towards environmentally sustainable management: A review on the generation, degradation, and recycling of polypropylene face mask waste. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132566. [PMID: 37742382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
There has been a considerable increase in the use of face masks in the past years. Managing face mask waste has become a global concern, as the current waste management system is insufficient to deal with such a large quantity of solid waste. The drastic increase in quantity, along with the material's inability to degrade plastic components such as polypropylene, has led to a large accumulation of plastic waste, causing a series of environmental and ecological challenges. In addition, the growing use also imposes pressure on waste management methods such as landfill and incineration, raising concerns about high energy consumption, low value-added utilization, and the release of additional pollutants during the process. This article initially reviews the impact of mask-related plastic waste generation and degradation behavior in the natural environment. It then provides an overview of various recently developed methods for recycling face mask plastic waste. The article also offers forward-looking strategies and recommendations on face mask plastic waste management. The review aims to provide guidance on harnessing the complexities of mask waste and other medical plastic pollution issues, as well as improving the current waste management system's deficiencies and inefficiencies in tackling the growing plastic waste problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Lyu
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Monisha Bagchi
- Department Research and Development, Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, QC H9P 2Z2, Canada
| | - Nektaria Markoglou
- Department Research and Development, Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, QC H9P 2Z2, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - He Peng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huifang Bi
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huijuan Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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2
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Herrera DAG, Mojicevic M, Pantelic B, Joshi A, Collins C, Batista M, Torres C, Freitas F, Murray P, Nikodinovic-Runic J, Brennan Fournet M. Exploring Microorganisms from Plastic-Polluted Sites: Unveiling Plastic Degradation and PHA Production Potential. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2914. [PMID: 38138058 PMCID: PMC10745504 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposure of microorganisms to conventional plastics is a relatively recent occurrence, affording limited time for evolutionary adaptation. As part of the EU-funded project BioICEP, this study delves into the plastic degradation potential of microorganisms isolated from sites with prolonged plastic pollution, such as plastic-polluted forests, biopolymer-contaminated soil, oil-contaminated soil, municipal landfill, but also a distinctive soil sample with plastic pieces buried three decades ago. Additionally, samples from Arthropoda species were investigated. In total, 150 strains were isolated and screened for the ability to use plastic-related substrates (Impranil dispersions, polyethylene terephthalate, terephthalic acid, and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate). Twenty isolates selected based on their ability to grow on various substrates were identified as Streptomyces, Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas spp. Morphological features were recorded, and the 16S rRNA sequence was employed to construct a phylogenetic tree. Subsequent assessments unveiled that 5 out of the 20 strains displayed the capability to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, utilizing pre-treated post-consumer PET samples. With Priestia sp. DG69 and Neobacillus sp. DG40 emerging as the most successful producers (4.14% and 3.34% of PHA, respectively), these strains are poised for further utilization in upcycling purposes, laying the foundation for the development of sustainable strategies for plastic waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana A. Garza Herrera
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland; (D.A.G.H.); (M.B.F.)
| | - Marija Mojicevic
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland; (D.A.G.H.); (M.B.F.)
| | - Brana Pantelic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.P.); (J.N.-R.)
| | - Akanksha Joshi
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, V94EC5T Limerick, Ireland; (A.J.); (C.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Catherine Collins
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, V94EC5T Limerick, Ireland; (A.J.); (C.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Batista
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.T.); (F.F.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Torres
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.T.); (F.F.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filomena Freitas
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.T.); (F.F.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrick Murray
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, V94EC5T Limerick, Ireland; (A.J.); (C.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.P.); (J.N.-R.)
| | - Margaret Brennan Fournet
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland; (D.A.G.H.); (M.B.F.)
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Zhu J, Dong G, Feng F, Ye J, Liao CH, Wu CH, Chen SC. Microplastics in the soil environment: Focusing on the sources, its transformation and change in morphology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165291. [PMID: 37406689 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic pieces less than 5 mm in size. Previous studies have focused on the sources, transports, and fates of MPs in marine or sediment environments. However, limited attention has been given to the role of land as the primary source of MPs, and how plastic polymers are transformed into MPs through biological or abiotic effects during the transport process remains unclear. Here, we focus on the exploration of the main sources of MPs in the soil, highlighting that MP generation is not solely a byproduct of plastic production but can also result from the impact of biological and abiotic factors during the process of MPs transport. This review presents a new perspective on understanding the degradation of MPs in soil, considering soil as a distinct fluid and suggesting that the main transformation and change mediated by abiotic factors occur on the soil surface, while the main biodegradation occurs in the soil interior. This viewpoint is suggested because the role of some abiotic factors becomes less obvious in the soil interior, and MPs, whose surface is expected to colonize microorganisms, are gradually considered a carbon source independent of photosynthesis and net primary production. This review emphasizes the need to understand basic MPs information in soil for a rational evaluation of its environmental toxicity. Such understanding enables better control of MPs pollution in affected areas and prevents contamination in unaffected regions. Finally, knowledge gaps and future research directions necessary for advancements in this field are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Zhu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Guowen Dong
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu Feng
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ye
- College of Environment and chemical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ching-Hua Liao
- School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Chih-Hung Wu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Chung Chen
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
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Li R, Nie J, Qiu D, Li S, Sun Y, Wang C. Toxic effect of chronic exposure to polyethylene nano/microplastics on oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and gut microbiota of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139774. [PMID: 37567271 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of aquaculture industry has provided a large amount of high-quality animal protein, while the food safety caused by microplastics and nanoplastics (MP/NPs) has become a major concern. In addition, recent evidence has shown the potential toxic effect of PE-MP/NPs, highlighting the need for further research into their environmental and health impacts. Chronic exposure of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and nanoplastics (PE-NPs) on adult zebrafish were conducted in the present study for 21 d. Organ-dependent oxidative damage induced by MP/NPs was observed. Insignificant differences in neurotoxicity and dysbiosis of gut microbiota were found between MPs and NPs. Changes in glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed that MP/NPs induced oxidative damage in gill and intestinal cells of zebrafish. The inhibited AChE activity suggested the potential neurotoxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics (MP/NPs). In addition, chronic exposure increased the alpha-diversity of intestinal microbiota. At the phylum level, the average relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased from 29.73% (control group) to 66.10% (microplastics), 54.84% (nanoplastics) and 60.03% (combined exposure), respectively. Tenericutes decreased from 55.43% (control group) to 20.02% (microplastics), 22.44% (nanoplastics) and 31.77% (combined exposure), respectively. Overall, this study provides new insights and objective evidence for the toxicity assessment of PE-MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixuan Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Jingjing Nie
- Yunnan Ecological Environmental Emergency Investigation and Complaint Center, Kunming, 650034, China
| | - Denggao Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cultivation and High-value Utilization of Marine Organisms in Fujian Province, Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Yingxue Sun
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Chun Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
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Gupta KK, Chandra H, Sagar K, Sharma KK, Devi D. Degradation of high density polyethylene (HDPE) through bacterial strain from Cow faeces. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2023.102646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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Parsaeimehr A, Miller CM, Ozbay G. Microplastics and their interactions with microbiota. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15104. [PMID: 37089279 PMCID: PMC10113872 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As a new pollutant, Microplastics (MPs) are globally known for their negative impacts on different ecosystems and living organisms. MPs are easily taken up by the ecosystem in a variety of organisms due to their small size, and cause immunological, neurological, and respiratory diseases in the impacted organism. Moreover, in the impacted environments, MPs can release toxic additives and act as a vector and scaffold for colonization and transportation of specific microbes and lead to imbalances in microbiota and the biogeochemical and nutrients dynamic. To address the concerns on controlling the MPs pollution on the microbiota and ecosystem, the microbial biodegradation of MPs can be potentially considered as an effective environment friendly approach. The objectives of the presented paper are to provide information on the toxicological effects of MPs on microbiota, to discuss the negative impacts of microbial colonization of MPs, and to introduce the microbes with biodegradation ability of MPs.
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Wani AK, Akhtar N, Naqash N, Rahayu F, Djajadi D, Chopra C, Singh R, Mulla SI, Sher F, Américo-Pinheiro JHP. Discovering untapped microbial communities through metagenomics for microplastic remediation: recent advances, challenges, and way forward. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:1-24. [PMID: 36637649 PMCID: PMC9838310 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25192-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants persisting almost everywhere in the environment. With the increase in anthropogenic activities, MP accumulation is increasing enormously in aquatic, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. Owing to the slow degradation of plastics, MPs show an increased biomagnification probability of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances thereby creating a threat to environmental biota. Thus, remediation of MP-pollutants requires efficient strategies to circumvent the mobilization of contaminants leaching into the water, soil, and ultimately to human beings. Over the years, several microorganisms have been characterized by the potential to degrade different plastic polymers through enzymatic actions. Metagenomics (MGs) is an effective way to discover novel microbial communities and access their functional genetics for the exploration and characterization of plastic-degrading microbial consortia and enzymes. MGs in combination with metatranscriptomics and metabolomics approaches are a powerful tool to identify and select remediation-efficient microbes in situ. Advancement in bioinformatics and sequencing tools allows rapid screening, mining, and prediction of genes that are capable of polymer degradation. This review comprehensively summarizes the growing threat of microplastics around the world and highlights the role of MGs and computational biology in building effective response strategies for MP remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Khurshid Wani
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Nahid Akhtar
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Nafiaah Naqash
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Farida Rahayu
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Djajadi Djajadi
- Research Center for Horticulture and Plantation, National Research Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16111, Indonesia
| | - Chirag Chopra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Reena Singh
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Sikandar I Mulla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Farooq Sher
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Juliana Heloisa Pinê Américo-Pinheiro
- Department of Forest Science, Soils and Environment, School of Agronomic Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Ave. Universitária, 3780, Botucatu, SP, 18610-034, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Brazil University, Street Carolina Fonseca, 584, São Paulo, SP, 08230-030, Brazil.
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Zhang Y, Feng S, Gao F, Wen H, Zhu L, Li M, Xi Y, Xiang X. The Relationship between Brachionus calyciflorus-Associated Bacterial and Bacterioplankton Communities in a Subtropical Freshwater Lake. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223201. [PMID: 36428428 PMCID: PMC9686566 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223201] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Zooplankton bodies are organic-rich micro-environments that support fast bacterial growth. Therefore, the abundance of zooplankton-associated bacteria is much higher than that of free-living bacteria, which has profound effects on the nutrient cycling of freshwater ecosystems. However, a detailed analysis of associated bacteria is still less known, especially the relationship between those bacteria and bacterioplankton. In this study, we analyzed the relationships between Brachionus calyciflorus-associated bacterial and bacterioplankton communities in freshwater using high-throughput sequencing. The results indicated that there were significant differences between the two bacterial communities, with only 29.47% sharing OTUs. The alpha diversity of the bacterioplankton community was significantly higher than that of B. calyciflorus-associated bacteria. PCoA analysis showed that the bacterioplankton community gathered deeply, while the B. calyciflorus-associated bacterial community was far away from the whole bacterioplankton community, and the distribution was relatively discrete. CCA analysis suggested that many environmental factors (T, DO, pH, TP, PO43-, NH4+, and NO3-) regulated the community composition of B. calyciflorus-associated bacteria, but the explanatory degree of variability was only 37.80%. High-throughput sequencing revealed that Raoultella and Delftia in Proteobacteria were the dominant genus in the B. calyciflorus-associated bacterial community, and closely related to the biodegradation function. Moreover, several abundant bacterial members participating in carbon and nitrogen cycles were found in the associated bacterial community by network analysis. Predictive results from FAPROTAX showed that the predominant biogeochemical cycle functions of the B. calyciflorus-associated bacterial community were plastic degradation, chemoheterotrophy, and aerobic chemoheterotrophy. Overall, our study expands the current understanding of zooplankton-bacteria interaction and promotes the combination of two different research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Sen Feng
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Fan Gao
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Hao Wen
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Lingyun Zhu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Meng Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Yilong Xi
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-Founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Xianling Xiang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-Founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Wuhu 241002, China
- Correspondence: author:
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Okeke ES, Ezeorba TPC, Chen Y, Mao G, Feng W, Wu X. Ecotoxicological and health implications of microplastic-associated biofilms: a recent review and prospect for turning the hazards into benefits. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:70611-70634. [PMID: 35994149 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22612-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), over the years, have been regarded as a severe environmental nuisance with adverse effects on our ecosystem as well as human health globally. In recent times, microplastics have been reported to support biofouling by genetically diverse organisms resulting in the formation of biofilms. Biofilms, however, could result in changes in the physicochemical properties of microplastics, such as their buoyancy and roughness. Many scholars perceived the microplastic-biofilm association as having more severe consequences, providing evidence of its effects on the environment, aquatic life, and nutrient cycles. Furthermore, other researchers have shown that microplastic-associated biofilms have severe consequences on human health as they serve as vectors of heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and antibiotic resistance genes. Despite what is already known about their adverse effects, other interesting avenues are yet to be fully explored or developed to turn the perceived negative microplastic-biofilm association to our advantage. The major inclusion criteria for relevant literature were that it must focus on microplastic association biofilms, while we excluded papers solely on biofilms or microplastics. A total of 242 scientific records were obtained. More than 90% focused on explaining the environmental and health impacts of microplastic-biofilm association, whereas only very few studies have reported the possibilities and opportunities in turning the microplastic biofilms association into benefits. In summary, this paper concisely reviews the current knowledge of microplastic-associated biofilms and their adverse consequences and further proposes some approaches that can be developed to turn the negative association into positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 41000, Nigeria
- Natural Science Unit, SGS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 41000, Nigeria
| | | | - Yao Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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