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Milillo C, Aruffo E, Di Carlo P, Patruno A, Gatta M, Bruno A, Dovizio M, Marinelli L, Dimmito MP, Di Giacomo V, Paolini C, Pesce M, Ballerini P. Polystyrene nanoplastics mediate oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis in a human alveolar epithelial cell line. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1385387. [PMID: 38799687 PMCID: PMC11116779 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1385387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Nanoplastics, an emerging form of pollution, are easily consumed by organisms and pose a significant threat to biological functions due to their size, expansive surface area, and potent ability to penetrate biological systems. Recent findings indicate an increasing presence of airborne nanoplastics in atmospheric samples, such as polystyrene (PS), raising concerns about potential risks to the human respiratory system. Methods This study investigates the impact of 800 nm diameter-PS nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on A549, a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, examining cell viability, redox balance, senescence, apoptosis, and internalization. We also analyzed the expression of hallmark genes of these processes. Results We demonstrated that PS-NPs of 800 nm in diameter significantly affected cell viability, inducing oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and apoptosis. PS-NPs also penetrated the cytoplasm of A549 cells. These nanoparticles triggered the transcription of genes comprised in the antioxidant network [SOD1 (protein name: superoxide dismutase 1, soluble), SOD2 (protein name: superoxide dismutase 2, mitochondrial), CAT (protein name: catalase), Gpx1 (protein name: glutathione peroxidase 1), and HMOX1 (protein name: heme oxygenase 1)], senescence-associated secretory phenotype [Cdkn1a (protein name: cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A), IL1A (protein name: interleukin 1 alpha), IL1B (protein name: interleukin 1 beta), IL6 (protein name: interleukin 6), and CXCL8 (protein name: C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8)], and others involved in the apoptosis modulation [BAX (protein name: Bcl2 associated X, apoptosis regulator), CASP3 (protein name: caspase 3), and BCL2 (protein name: Bcl2, apoptosis regulator)]. Conclusion Collectively, this investigation underscores the importance of concentration (dose-dependent effect) and exposure duration as pivotal factors in assessing the toxic effects of PS-NPs on alveolar epithelial cells. Greater attention needs to be directed toward comprehending the risks of cancer development associated with air pollution and the ensuing environmental toxicological impacts on humans and other terrestrial mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Milillo
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Eleonora Aruffo
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Piero Di Carlo
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonia Patruno
- UdA-TechLab, Research Center, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Gatta
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bruno
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Melania Dovizio
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lisa Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Viviana Di Giacomo
- UdA-TechLab, Research Center, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cecilia Paolini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirko Pesce
- UdA-TechLab, Research Center, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ballerini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Gao C, Chen P, Ma Y, Sun L, Yan Y, Ding Y, Sun L. Multifunctional polylactic acid biocomposite film for active food packaging with UV resistance, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126494. [PMID: 37625746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Antibacterial packaging used to control the growth of microorganisms in food is of great value for prolonging the shelf life of food. In this study, a bio-based antibacterial agent PDI based on zwitterionic and stereochemical synergistic antibacterial was designed and synthesized, and it was simultaneously introduced into polylactic acid (PLA) matrix with antioxidant o-vanillin (oVL) and plasticizer glycerol (GL). A series of PLA/oVL/PDI composite membranes with antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-ultraviolet properties were prepared by solution casting method. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the composite film were significantly improved compared with pure PLA (tensile strength increased by 37 %, elongation at break increased by 209 %), which was mainly attributed to the microphase separation structure induced by synthetic bio-based antibacterial agent, which improved the mechanical strength of PLA matrix, and the hydrogen bond formed by glycerol, o-vanillin and carbonyl group in PLA molecules plasticized PLA matrix. At the same time, the antibacterial rate of PLA/oVL/PDI composite membrane against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus can reach >95 %. Packaging experiments showed that PLA/oVL/PDI series composite films could effectively extend the shelf life of fresh bananas and apples for 5 days, and had great application prospects in preservative food packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanhui Gao
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Picheng Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Ying Ma
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Luyang Sun
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Yuling Yan
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, PR China
| | - Yu Ding
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, United States.
| | - Lishui Sun
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China.
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Pin JM, Soltani I, Negrier K, Lee PC. Recyclability of Post-Consumer Polystyrene at Pilot Scale: Comparison of Mechanical and Solvent-Based Recycling Approaches. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4714. [PMID: 38139965 PMCID: PMC10748170 DOI: 10.3390/polym15244714] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Solvent-based and mechanical recycling technology approaches were compared with respect to each process's decontamination efficiency. Herein, post-consumer polystyrene (PS) feedstock was recycled by both technologies, yielding recycled PS resins (rPS). The process feedstock was subjected to four recycling cycles in succession to assess the technology perennity. The physico-chemical and mechanical properties of the rPS were then evaluated to discern the advantages and drawbacks of each recycling approach. The molecular weight of the mechanically recycled resin was found to decrease by 30% over the reprocessing cycles. In contrast, the solvent-base recycling technology yielded a similar molecular weight regarding the feedstock. This consistency in the rPS product is critical for consumer applications. Further qualitative and quantitative analyses on residual organic compounds and inorganic and particulate contaminants were investigated. It was found that the solvent-based technology is very efficient for purifying deeply contaminated feedstock in comparison to mechanical recycling, which is limited to well-cleaned and niche feedstocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Mathieu Pin
- Polystyvert Inc., 9350 Rue de l’Innovation, Anjou, QC H1J 2X9, Canada
| | - Iman Soltani
- Multifunctional Composites Manufacturing Laboratory (MCML), Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Road, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Keny Negrier
- Polystyvert Inc., 9350 Rue de l’Innovation, Anjou, QC H1J 2X9, Canada
| | - Patrick C. Lee
- Multifunctional Composites Manufacturing Laboratory (MCML), Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Road, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
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Qu M, An Y, Jiang X, Wu Q, Miao L, Zhang X, Wang Y. Exposure to epoxy-modified nanoplastics in the range of μg/L causes dysregulated intestinal permeability, reproductive capacity, and mitochondrial homeostasis by affecting antioxidant system in Caenorhabditis elegans. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 264:106710. [PMID: 37804785 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Although surface chemically modified nanopolystyrene (PS) has been reported to have potential toxicity toward organisms, the impact of epoxy modification on the toxicity of PS remains largely unknown. In this study, we first investigated the prolonged exposure effects of epoxy-modified PS (PS-C2H3O) in the range of μg/L on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) including general toxicity, target organ toxicity, and organelle toxicity. Our data revealed that C. elegans exposed to PS-C2H3O led to the alterations in increased lethality (≥ 1000 μg/L), shortened body length (≥ 100 μg/L), and decreased locomotion capacity (≥ 1 μg/L). In addition, toxicity analysis on target organs and organelles indicated that exposure to PS-C2H3O enhanced intestinal permeability (≥ 100 μg/L) by inhibiting the transcriptional levels of acs-22 (encoding fatty acid transport protein) (≥ 100 μg/L) and hmp-2 (encoding α-catenin) (≥ 1000 μg/L), reduced reproductive capacity (≥ 10 μg/L), and dysregulated mitochondrial homeostasis (≥ 1 μg/L). Moreover, the activation of antioxidant enzyme system could help nematodes against the toxicity caused by PS-C2H3O exposure (≥ 10 μg/L). Furthermore, we also compared the toxicity of PS-C2H3O with other chemically modified derivatives of PS, and the toxicity order was PS-NH2 > PS-SOOOH > PS-C2H3O > PS-COOH > PS > PS-PEG. Our study highlights the potential environmental impact of PS and its derivatives on organisms and suggests that the toxicity of nanoplastics may be charge-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Qu
- School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Yuhan An
- School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Qinlin Wu
- School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Long Miao
- School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to the School of Clinical Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China.
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Escamilla-Lara KA, Lopez-Tellez J, Rodriguez JA. Adsorbents obtained from recycled polymeric materials for retention of different pollutants: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139159. [PMID: 37290512 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric waste is an environmental problem, with an annual world production of approximately 368 million metric tons, and increasing every year. Therefore, different strategies for polymer waste treatment have been developed, and the most common are (1) redesign, (2) reusing and (3) recycling. The latter strategy represents a useful option to generate new materials. This work reviews the emerging trends in the development of adsorbent materials obtained from polymer wastes. Adsorbents are used in filtration systems or in extraction techniques for the removal of contaminants such as heavy metals, dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other organic compounds from air, biological and water samples. The methods used to obtain different adsorbents are detailed, as well as the interaction mechanisms with the compounds of interest (contaminants). The adsorbents obtained are an alternative to recycle polymeric and they are competitive with other materials applied in the removal and extraction of contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Escamilla-Lara
- Area Academica de Quimica, Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Hidalgo, Carr. Pachuca-Tulancingo Km. 4.5, 42184, Mineral de La Reforma, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tellez
- Area Academica de Quimica, Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Hidalgo, Carr. Pachuca-Tulancingo Km. 4.5, 42184, Mineral de La Reforma, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Jose A Rodriguez
- Area Academica de Quimica, Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Hidalgo, Carr. Pachuca-Tulancingo Km. 4.5, 42184, Mineral de La Reforma, Hidalgo, Mexico.
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Drage DS, Sharkey M, Berresheim H, Coggins M, Harrad S. Rapid Determination of Selected PFAS in Textiles Entering the Waste Stream. TOXICS 2023; 11:55. [PMID: 36668781 PMCID: PMC9860823 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to new European legislation, products entering the waste stream containing some perfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS) are subject to "low persistent organic pollutant concentration limits". Concentrations of restricted PFAS must be below this limit for them to be legally recycled or disposed of. A rapid extraction and clean-up method was developed for the determination of 21 PFAS in various polymers used in soft furnishings and upholstery. The optimised method used vortexing and ultrasonication in methanol (0.1% NH4OH), followed by a dilution and syringe filter clean-up step. PFAS were subsequently determined via UPLC-TripleTOF/MS. Good recoveries (80-120%) of target analytes were obtained with tall and narrow chromatogram peaks. The method was validated using control matrix samples spiked with target analytes. Repeated measurements of concentrations of target compounds showed good agreement with the spiked concentrations demonstrating good accuracy and precision. The resultant extracts provided low noise levels resulting in low limits of quantification ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 mg/kg. The developed method was applied successfully to real consumer products and it provided various advantages over traditional methods, including a substantially reduced analysis time, consumables and solvent consumption, and a high sample throughput which is critical to comply with implemented and proposed legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Simon Drage
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Martin Sharkey
- School of Natural Sciences & Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Harald Berresheim
- School of Natural Sciences & Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Marie Coggins
- School of Natural Sciences & Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Lopez-Tellez J, Ibarra IS, Cruz-Borbolla J, Vega M, Rodriguez JA. Retention and Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Urban Air Based on Recycled Polyurethane Foam Modified with Expanded Polystyrene. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2022.2162931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lopez-Tellez
- Area Academica de Quimica, Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Hidalgo, Mineral de la Reforma, Mexico
| | - Israel S. Ibarra
- Area Academica de Quimica, Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Hidalgo, Mineral de la Reforma, Mexico
| | - Julian Cruz-Borbolla
- Area Academica de Quimica, Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Hidalgo, Mineral de la Reforma, Mexico
| | - Marisol Vega
- Departamento de Quimica Analitica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jose A. Rodriguez
- Area Academica de Quimica, Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Hidalgo, Mineral de la Reforma, Mexico
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Sharkey M, Drage D, Harrad S, Stubbings W, Rosa AH, Coggins M, Berresheim H. POP-BFRs in consumer products: Evolution of the efficacy of XRF screening for legislative compliance over a 5-year interval and future trends. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158614. [PMID: 36089035 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In 2015-16, a study of approximately 500 waste plastic articles showed that portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was up to 95 % effective in screening for compliance with low persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentration limits (LPCLs) on brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in waste. The present study conducted in 2019-20 mirrors that conducted five years prior on a similar number and range of articles, testing the hypothesis that increased use of alternative BFRs as replacements for POP-BFRs will reduce the effectiveness of XRF as a tool for monitoring compliance with LPCLs. In comparing the results, the overall screening efficacy for LPCL compliance reduced from ~95 % to ~88 %, due in part to decreased prevalence of POP-BFRs and potentially increased presence of alternative flame retardants, particularly in goods with shorter lifecycles such as electronics. We additionally examined the impacts of a number of modifications to the XRF measurement protocol on its efficacy, including: using elemental Sb as a qualifier in detecting POP-BFRs in hard plastics; reduced XRF analysis time; and the elimination of background interference using a test stand. The rate at which hard plastics from electronic waste may be analysed by XRF can be substantially improved by reducing analysis time to 5 s, with minimal increase in false exceedances of the LPCL. Monitoring Sb does not appear an effective qualifier for the presence of POP-BFRs, as Sb seems to be used with a range of BFRs. Use of the test stand, while reducing interference, appeared to reduce accuracy when screening low density and thin samples. Despite a seeming increased use of alternative BFRs, screening of waste for compliance with LPCLs using rapid and low-cost screening methods such as portable XRF is still necessary as methods such as GC-MS cannot be scaled up to match the quantities of waste requiring screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sharkey
- Physics Unit, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City H91 CF50, Ireland.
| | - Daniel Drage
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - William Stubbings
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - André Henrique Rosa
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Três de Março 511, Alto da Boa Vista, Soracaba, SP 18087-180, Brazil
| | - Marie Coggins
- Physics Unit, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Harald Berresheim
- Physics Unit, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City H91 CF50, Ireland
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Drage D, Sharkey M, Al-Omran LS, Stubbings WA, Berresheim H, Coggins M, Rosa AH, Harrad S. Halogenated flame retardants in Irish waste polymers: Concentrations, legislative compliance, and preliminary assessment of temporal trends. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 309:119796. [PMID: 35863711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119796] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) were measured in 470 waste plastic articles from Ireland between 2019 and 2020. We identified articles containing concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A) exceeding European Union limits. Enforcement of existing limits of 1000 mg/kg will render an estimated 3.1% (2800 t) of articles in the waste categories studied unrecyclable, increasing to: 4.0, 4.9, and 5.6% if limits were reduced to 500, 200, and 100 mg/kg respectively. Meanwhile, enforcing limits of 1,000, 500, 200, and 100 mg/kg will respectively remove 78, 82, 84, and 85% of PBDEs, HBCDD, and TBBP-A present in such waste. Other FRs targeted were detected infrequently and predominantly at very low concentrations. However, 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine (TTBP-TAZ) was detected in 3 display/IT product samples at 14,000 to 32,000 mg/kg, indicating elevated concentrations of FRs used as alternatives to PBDEs and HBCDD, will likely increase in future. Comparison with data for Ireland in 2015-16, revealed concentrations and exceedances of limits for PBDEs, HBCDD, and TBBP-A were similar or have declined. For end-of-life vehicle fabrics and foams, HBCDD and ΣPBDE concentrations declined significantly (p < 0.05) since 2015-16. Moreover, ΣPBDE concentrations in waste small domestic appliances are significantly lower in 2019-20, with a similarly significant decline for TBBP-A in waste IT and telecommunications articles. In contrast, HBCDD concentrations in waste extruded polystyrene increased significantly between 2015-16 and 2019-20. For other waste categories studied, no statistically significant temporal trends are evident (p > 0.05). Fewer samples exceeded PBDE and HBCDD limits in 2019-20 (7.8%) than 2015-16 (8.7%), while exceedances for TBBP-A fell from 2.4% in 2015-16 to 0.57% in 2019-20. While comparison between the 2015-16 and 2019-20 datasets provide a preliminary indication of changes, further monitoring is required if the impact of legislation designed to eliminate HFRs from the waste stream is to be fully evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Drage
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Sharkey
- School of Natural Sciences & Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway H91TK33, Ireland
| | - Layla Salih Al-Omran
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
| | - William A Stubbings
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Harald Berresheim
- School of Natural Sciences & Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway H91TK33, Ireland
| | - Marie Coggins
- School of Natural Sciences & Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway H91TK33, Ireland
| | - André Henrique Rosa
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Três de Março, 511, Alto da Boa Vista, 18087-180, Sorocaba- SP, Brazil
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
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Zhang L, Wang S, Zhao Y, Nurdebek B, Bu Y, Wang D. Long-term exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles causes transgenerational toxicity by affecting the function and expression of MEV-1 and DAF-2 signals in Caenorhabditis elegans. NANOIMPACT 2022; 26:100403. [PMID: 35560288 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2022.100403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we determined the roles of oxidative stress and related signals in mediating transgenerational toxicity of 30 nm polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) in Caenorhabditis elegans. Using brood size and locomotion behavior as endpoints, exposure to 1-100 μg/L PS-NPs caused transgenerational toxicity. Meanwhile, the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also observed transgenerationally after exposure to 1-100 μg/L PS-NPs. After exposure to 1 μg/L PS-NPs, the transgenerational toxicity was monitored until F2 generation (F2-G) and recovered at F3-G. At the F1-G of 1 μg/L PS-NPs-exposed nematodes, RNAi knockdown of daf-2 with function to inhibit oxidative stress suppressed the transgenerational toxicity and increased the mitochondrial SOD-3 expression. In contrast, at F3-G of 1 μg/L PS-NPs-exposed nematodes, RNAi knockdown of mev-1 with function to induce oxidative stress promoted locomotion and brood size, and suppressed the SOD-3 expression. Moreover, we observed the dynamic expressions of mev-1, daf-2, and sod-2 transgenerationally after exposure to 1 μg/L PS-NPs at P0-G, which further suggested the involvement of MEV-1, DAF-2, and SOD-3 in affecting induction of transgenerational PS-NP toxicity. Therefore, we provided the evidence to suggest the roles of oxidative stress activation and related molecular signals in mediating induction of transgenerational PS-NP toxicity. Our data highlights the crucial function of oxidative stress-related signals during induction of transgenerational PS-NP toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shuting Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yunli Zhao
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | | | - Yuanqing Bu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen 518122, China.
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11
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Akinrinade OE, Stubbings WA, Abdallah MAE, Ayejuyo O, Alani R, Harrad S. Atmospheric concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, brominated flame retardants, and novel flame retardants in Lagos, Nigeria indicate substantial local sources. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112091. [PMID: 34562477 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs) like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), and novel flame retardants (NFRs) like decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Despite this, little is known about their concentrations in outdoor air in the African continent. To address this knowledge gap, concentrations of BFRs, NFRs, and PCBs were measured in outdoor air at 8 sites located within the metropolitan area of Lagos, Nigeria. Concentrations of ∑8BDEs, ∑HBCDD, ∑7NFRs and ∑8PCBs were: 21-750 (median = 100) pg/m3, <12-180 (median = < 12) pg/m3, 34-900 (median = 300) pg/m3 and 85-460 (median = 300) pg/m3, respectively. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209, range: <16-620 pg/m3, median = 71 pg/m3) and DBDPE (range: <37-890 pg/m3, median = 280 pg/m3) were the dominant BFRs detected, while the non-Arochlor PCB 11 (range: 49-220 pg/m3, median = 100 pg/m3) was the dominant PCB. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first data on the non-Arochlor PCB 11 in outdoor air in Africa. In general, concentrations of all target contaminants in this study were within the range reported elsewhere in Africa and worldwide. Likely due to the tropical climate of Lagos, no seasonal variation in concentrations was discernible for any of the target contaminants. While concentrations of PBDEs and some NFRs were correlated with population density, concentrations of PCBs appear more impacted by leaks from electrical transformers and for PCB 11 to proximity to activities like textile factories that produce and use dyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olumide Emmanuel Akinrinade
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - William A Stubbings
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | | | | | - Rose Alani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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12
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Yang S, Cheng Y, Chen Z, Liu T, Yin L, Pu Y, Liang G. In vitro evaluation of nanoplastics using human lung epithelial cells, microarray analysis and co-culture model. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 226:112837. [PMID: 34619472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics, including polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs), are widely existed in the atmosphere, which can be directly and continuously inhaled into the human body, posing a serious threat to the respiratory system. Therefore, it is urgent to estimate the potential pulmonary toxicity of airborne NPs and understand its underlying mechanism. In this research, we used two types of human lung epithelial cells (bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B, BEAS-2B) and (human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells, HPAEpiC) to investigate the association between lung injury and PS-NPs. We found PS-NPs could significantly reduce cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and selected 7.5, 15 and 30 μg/cm2 PS-NPs as the exposure dosage levels. Microarray detection revealed that 770 genes in the 7.5 μg/cm2 group and 1951 genes in the 30 μg/cm2 group were distinctly altered compared to the control group. Function analysis suggested that redox imbalance might play central roles in PS-NPs induced lung injury. Further experiments verified that PS-NPs could break redox equilibrium, induce inflammatory effects, and triggered apoptotic pathways to cause cell death. Importantly, we found that PS-NPs could decrease transepithelial electrical resistance by depleting tight junctional proteins. Result also demonstrated that PS-NPs-treated cells increased matrix metallopeptidase 9 and Surfactant protein A levels, suggesting the exposure of PS-NPs might reduce the repair ability of the lung and cause tissue damage. In conclusion, nanoplastics could induce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, followed by cell death and epithelial barrier destruction, which might result in tissue damage and lung disease after prolonged exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yanping Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Zaozao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Tong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, PR China.
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13
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Liu H, Qiu Y, Wang D. Alteration in expressions of ion channels in Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to polystyrene nanoparticles. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 273:129686. [PMID: 33486351 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels on cytoplasmic membrane function to sense various environmental stimuli. We here determined the changes of genes encoding ion channels in Caenorhabditis elegans after exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs). Exposure to 1-1000 μg/L PS-NPs could increase expressions of egl-19, mec-10, trp-4, trp-2, tax-4, cca-1, unc-2, and unc-93, and decrease the expressions of cng-3, mec-6, ocr-2, deg-1, exc-4, kvs-1, and eat-2. Among these 15 ion channel genes, RNAi knockdown of cng-3 or eat-2 caused resistance to PS-NPs toxicity and RNAi knockdown of egl-19, cca-1, tax-4, or unc-93 induced susceptibility to PS-NPs toxicity, suggesting that cng-3, eat-2, egl-19, cca-1, tax-4, and unc-93 were involved in the control of PS-NPs toxicity. EGL-19 and CCA-1 functioned in intestinal cells to control PS-NPs toxicity, and CNG-3, EAT-2, EGL-19, TAX-4, and UNC-93 functioned in neuronal cells to control PS-NPs. Moreover, in intestinal cells of PS-NPs exposed worms, cca-1 RNAi knockdown decreased elt-2 expression, and egl-19 RNAi knockdown decreased daf-16 and elt-2 expressions. In neuronal cells of PS-NPs exposed worms, eat-2 RNAi knockdown increased jnk-1, mpk-1, and dbl-1 expressions, unc-93 RNAi knockdown decreased mpk-1 and daf-7 expressions, and tax-4 RNAi knockdown decreased jnk-1 and daf-7 expressions. Therefore, two molecular networks mediated by ion channels in intestinal cells and neuronal cells were dysregulated by PS-NPs exposure in C. elegans. Our data suggested that the dysregulation in expressions of these ion channels mediated a protective response to PS-NPs in the range of μg/L in worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanliang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuexiu Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, 518122, China; College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404100, China.
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14
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Harris B, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah M. Exploring variations of hexabromocyclododecane concentrations in riverine sediments along the River Medway, UK. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:776-785. [PMID: 33982722 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00102g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Surface riverine sediment samples were collected along the course of the River Medway, UK, between Yalding and the mouth of the estuary at 40 different sites. The samples were then analysed for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) concentrations using a liquid chromatography system coupled to a high-resolution, accurate mass Orbitrap™ mass spectrometer. After normalisation to the sediment organic carbon (OC) content, average ΣHBCDD was 270 ng g-1 OC with a maximum concentration of 1006 ng g-1 OC. Spatial trend analysis revealed that industrial and residential land uses have significantly influenced HBCDD concentrations and profiles in riverine sediments. Higher concentrations of ΣHBCDD were found in sites near construction and maritime port locations, and these included freight ports, new builds and demolition sites. The HBCDD isomer profile reflected that of the commercial mixture with a comparatively high γ-HBCDD to α-HBCDD and β-HBCDD. The isomer profiles of sites located near construction activities indicate recent pollution events, with increased γ-HBCDD and decreased α-HBCDD compared to the study area's average profile. HBCDD isomer concentrations also indicated that the non-tidal portions of the river caused by locks showed a profile that was typical of older HBCDD contamination, indicating a possible sediment and HBCDD trap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Harris
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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15
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Wang S, Zhang R, Wang D. Induction of protective response to polystyrene nanoparticles associated with methylation regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 271:129589. [PMID: 33453486 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The epigenetic regulation mechanisms for toxicity induction of nanoplastics in organisms remain largely unknown. In Caenorhabditis elegans, we found that prolonged exposure to 1-100 μg/L polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) decreased expression of MET-2, a H3K9 methyltransferase. Meanwhile, RNAi knockdown of met-2 suppressed the PS-NPs toxicity in inducing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and in decreasing locomotion behavior, which suggesting that the decrease in MET-2 expression reflected a protective response. This resistance to PS-NPs toxicity could be further detected in worms with met-2 RNAi knockdown in both intestinal cells and germline cells. In PS-NPs exposed worms, intestinal RNAi knockdown of met-2 significantly increased expressions of daf-16, bar-1, and elt-2. Intestinal RNAi knockdown of daf-16, bar-1, or elt-2 suppressed the resistance of met-2(RNAi) worms to PS-NPs toxicity, suggesting that MET-2 functioned upstream of ELT-2, BAR-1, and DAF-16 in intestinal cells to control PS-NPs toxicity. Moreover, in PS-NPs exposed worms, germline RNAi knockdown of met-2 significantly decreased expressions of wrt-3 and pat-12. RNAi knockdown of wrt-3 or pat-12 further inhibited the susceptibility of worms overexpressing germline MET-2 to PS-NPs toxicity, suggesting that MET-2 functioned upstream of PAT-12 and WRT-3 in germline cells to control PS-NPs toxicity. Therefore, our data provided an important molecular basis for MET-2-mediated methylation regulation in causing protective response to nanoplastics in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ruijie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, 518122, China; College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404100, China.
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16
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Yang Y, Dong W, Wu Q, Wang D. Response of G protein-coupled receptor CED-1 in germline to polystyrene nanoparticles in Caenorhabditis elegans. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:1997-2006. [PMID: 36133095 PMCID: PMC9419163 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00867b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of a certain amount of nanopolystyrene (NPS) can be observed in the gonad of Caenorhabditis elegans. However, we still know little about the response of germline towards NPS exposure. In the germline of C. elegans, NPS (1-1000 μg L-1) increased the expression levels of two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), namely PAQR-2 and CED-1. Moreover, susceptibility to NPS toxicity was observed in ced-1(RNAi) worms, which suggested that the protective response of germline was mediated by GPCR CED-1. In the germline, five proteins (CED-10, VPS-34, SNX-1, RAB-7, and RAB-14) functioned as downstream targets of GPCR CED-1 in controlling NPS toxicity. Furthermore, these five targets in the germline regulated NPS toxicity by affecting the activities of p38 MAPK and insulin signaling pathways in intestinal cells. Therefore, we raised a GPCR CED-1-mediated signaling cascade in the germline in response to NPS exposure, which is helpful for understanding the molecular basis of the germline in response to NPS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhan Yang
- Medical School, Southeast University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Wenting Dong
- Medical School, Southeast University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Qiuli Wu
- Medical School, Southeast University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University Nanjing 210009 China
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17
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Liu H, Zhao Y, Bi K, Rui Q, Wang D. Dysregulated mir-76 mediated a protective response to nanopolystyrene by modulating heme homeostasis related molecular signaling in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 212:112018. [PMID: 33550076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating nanoplastic toxicity are still largely unclear in organisms. In nanopolystyrene (NPS) exposed Caenorhabditis elegans, the expression of mir-76 (a neuronal miRNA) was significantly decreased, and the mir-76 mutant was resistant to the toxicity of NPS. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular basis of mir-76 in controlling NPS toxicity in nematodes. The mir-76 mutation increased expression of glb-10 encoding a globin protein in NPS (1 μg/L) exposed nematodes. Exposure to NPS (1-100 μg/L) increased the glb-10 expression, and the glb-10(RNAi) worm was susceptible to NPS toxicity in inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and in decreasing locomotion behavior. Using ROS production and locomotion behavior as endpoints, mutation of glb-10 inhibited resistance of mir-76 mutant to NPS toxicity, and neuronal overexpression of mir-76 inhibited the resistance to NPS toxicity in nematodes overexpressing neuronal glb-10 containing 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Thus, GLB-10 functioned as a target of mir-76 in the neurons to regulate the NPS toxicity. Moreover, a signaling cascade of HRG-7-HRG-5 required for the control of heme homeostasis was identified to function downstream of neuronal GLB-10 to regulate the NPS toxicity. In this signaling cascade, the neuronal HRG-7 regulated the NPS toxicity by antagonizing function of intestinal HRG-5. Furthermore, in the intestine, HRG-5 controlled NPS toxicity by inhibiting functions of hypoxia-inducible transcriptional factor HIF-1 and transcriptional factor ELT-2. Our results highlight the crucial function of heme homeostasis related signaling in regulating the NPS toxicity in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanliang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yingyue Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kun Bi
- State Key Lab of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Qi Rui
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen 518122, China; College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404100, China.
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18
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Turner A. Polystyrene foam as a source and sink of chemicals in the marine environment: An XRF study. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128087. [PMID: 33297085 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene foam (expanded and extruded polystyrene: EPS and XPS, respectively) is a ubiquitous and pervasive type of marine plastic whose physical properties, transport and fate are distinctly different to those of other common (unfoamed) types of thermoplastic litter. In this study, a range of fragments of EPS and XPS retrieved from three beaches in southwest England have been characterised by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry in order to examine the chemical makeup and potential biological and geochemical impacts and interactions of this type of plastic waste. Analyses performed through sample faces and, in some cases and after dissection, through the material core, revealed variable concentrations of Fe, Ti and Zn among the fragments and, in many instances, within the same sample. This likely reflects the presence of reaction residues and pigments arising from the manufacture of polystyrene, and, for Fe and Ti, significant and heterogeneous ion and mineral acquisition from the environment during transport in suspension or while beached. Acquired oxides of Fe are partly responsible for the chemical fouling observed on the face of most samples and are able to act as an adsorbent for other metals, like Pb. Detection of Br in many fragments up to concentrations of 11,500 mg kg-1 likely results from the incorporation of the flame retardant, hexabromocyclododecane, in EPS and XPS designed for (but not necessarily limited to) the construction sector. These observations suggest that EPS and XPS can act as both a source and sink for contaminants in the marine environment that merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
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19
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Turner A. Foamed Polystyrene in the Marine Environment: Sources, Additives, Transport, Behavior, and Impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:10411-10420. [PMID: 32786582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Foamed polystyrene (PS) that may be either expanded (EPS) or extruded (XPS) is a rigid, lightweight insulating thermoplastic that has a variety of uses in the consumer, packaging, construction, and marine sectors. The properties of the material also result in waste that is readily generated, dispersed, and fragmented in the environment. This review focuses on foamed PS in the marine setting, including its sources, transport, degradation, acquisition of contaminants, ingestion by animals, and biological impacts arising from the mobilization of chemical additives. In the ocean, foamed PS is subject to wind-assisted transport and fracturing via photolytic degradation. The material may also act as a substrate for rafting organisms while being exposed to elevated concentrations of natural and anthropogenic surface-active chemicals in the sea surface microlayer. In the littoral setting, fragmentation is accentuated by milling in the swash zone and abrasion when beached, with wind transport leading to the temporary burial of significant quantities of material. Ingestion of EPS and XPS has been documented for a variety of marine animals, but principally those that feed at the sea surface or use the material as a habitat. As well as risking injuries due to gastro-intestinal blockage, ingestion of foamed PS exposes animals to harmful chemicals, and of greatest concern in this respect is the presence of the historical, but still recycled, flame-retardant, hexabromocyclododecane. Because foamed PS is particularly difficult to retrieve as a constituent of marine litter, means of reducing its presence and impacts will rely on the elimination of processes that generate foamed waste, modification of current storage and disposal practices, and the development of more durable and sustainable alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Plymouth Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K
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20
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Fauser P, Strand J, Vorkamp K. Risk assessment of added chemicals in plastics in the Danish marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 157:111298. [PMID: 32658720 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A risk assessment framework for direct exposure of residual additives and monomers present in ingested plastic particles, including microplastics, in the Danish marine environment, was presented. Eight cases of different polymer types and product groups were defined that represent the most significant exposures, and thus potential high-risk cases, towards marine organisms. Risk Quotients (RQ) were calculated for three trophic levels, i.e. pelagic/planktonic zooplankton: copepod, benthopelagic fish: Atlantic cod and seabird: northern fulmar. European and Danish Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) values were used as Predicted No-Effect Concentrations (PNEC). RQ larger than unity, indicating potential risks, were found for copepod and cod (pelagic community) and the flame-retardant pentabromodiphenyl ether (PeBDE) used in polyurethane (PUR), the biocide tributyltin (TBT) present as impurity in polyvinylchloride (PVC) and PUR, and the flame-retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) used in expanded polystyrene (EPS). A potential risk was found for fulmar (secondary poisoning) and PeBDE used in PUR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Fauser
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Denmark.
| | - Jakob Strand
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Denmark
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Denmark
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21
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Harrad S, Drage DS, Sharkey M, Berresheim H. Brominated flame retardants and perfluoroalkyl substances in landfill leachate from Ireland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 695:133810. [PMID: 31416038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Between June and November 2017, leachate samples were collected from 40 landfills across the Republic of Ireland. Concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) determined in these samples were within the range previously reported in other countries. Average concentrations of PFASs exceeded those of PBDEs and HBCDD; likely due to the higher water solubility of PFASs. Log-transformed concentrations of BDEs-47, 100, 153, and 183, as well as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in leachate from newer, lined landfills than in samples from unlined landfills. These higher concentrations in lined landfills are likely related to the fact that lined landfills are found to retain organic matter leading to a higher organic content of leachate from such landfills. This is evidenced by the significant (p < 0.05) correlation between log-transformed concentrations in leachate of most of the same contaminants and those of chemical oxygen demand (COD). Concentrations of the less water-soluble, higher molecular weight BDE-209 were not correlated with leachate COD, nor landfill age or the presence of a landfill liner. This suggests that the presence of BDE-209 in landfill leachate is driven more by physical abrasion of particles and fibres from waste articles, than dissolution into the aqueous phase. The higher concentrations of some PFASs and PBDEs in leachate from lined landfills present a challenge with respect to leachate disposal, when leachate is sent to wastewater treatment plants that do not necessarily have mechanisms in place to remove or destroy these chemicals prior to discharge into the environment. Moreover, the presence of these persistent organic chemicals in leachate from unlined landfills raises concerns about releases to the environment including groundwater over the lifetime of such landfills and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Daniel S Drage
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Martin Sharkey
- School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Harald Berresheim
- School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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22
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Towards a Circular Economy: Using Stakeholder Subjectivity to Identify Priorities, Consensus, and Conflict in the Irish EPS/XPS Market. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11236834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In European Seas, plastic litter from fishing activities, river transport, and poor waste management is one of the fastest growing threats to the health of the marine environment. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS), specifically, have become some of the most prominent types of marine litter found around Europe’s coastlines. To combat this problem, the European Commission has ratified a series of regulations and policies, including the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy. However, in order to ensure that the benefits of such regulations and policies are realized at a scale that can adequately address the scope of the problem, decision-makers will need to integrate the opinions, values, and priorities of relevant stakeholders who operate across the EPS/XPS product lifecycle. In this study, we apply a 35-statement Q-methodology to identify the priorities of stakeholders as they relate to the Irish EPS/XPS market and the wider societal transition to a circular economy. Based on the responses of nineteen individuals representing industry, policy-makers, and community leaders, we identified three distinct perspectives: System Overhaul; Incremental Upgrade; and Market Innovation. The results demonstrate that the type and format of policy interventions linked to Ireland’s EPS/XPS circular economy are heavily contested, which presents significant challenges for driving the debate forward. These results provide valuable information on viewpoints that can be used by different stakeholders at national and EU levels to address areas of conflict, ultimately fostering the development of more effective, broadly supported co-developed policies.
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23
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Qu M, Qiu Y, Kong Y, Wang D. Amino modification enhances reproductive toxicity of nanopolystyrene on gonad development and reproductive capacity in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 254:112978. [PMID: 31398636 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.112978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Although amino modified nanopolystyrene could cause toxicity on environmental organisms, the effect of amino modification on nanopolystyrene toxicity is still largely unclear. We here employed Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model to compare the effects between pristine and amino modified nanopolystyrene particles in inducing reproductive toxicity. Nanopolystyrene (35 nm) could cause the damage on gonad development as indicated by the endpoints of number of total germline cells, length of gonad arm, and relative area of gonad arm. Nanopolystyrene exposure also reduced the reproductive capacity as reflected by the endpoints of brood size and number of fertilized eggs in uterus. Moreover, amino modification enhanced nanopolystyrene toxicity on both the gonad development and the reproductive capacity. Additionally, induction of germline apoptosis and formation of germline DNA damage contributed to the enhancement of nanopolystyrene toxicity in reducing reproductive capacity by amino modification. Our results highlight the potential environmental risk of amino modified nanopolystyrene in inducing reproductive toxicity on gonad development and reproductive capacity of environmental organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Qu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering in Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuexiu Qiu
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yan Kong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering in Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering in Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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24
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Qu M, Liu Y, Xu K, Wang D. Activation of p38 MAPK Signaling‐Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Unfolded Protein Response by Nanopolystyrene Particles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1800325. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Man Qu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of EducationMedical SchoolSoutheast University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Yaqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of EducationMedical SchoolSoutheast University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Kangni Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of EducationMedical SchoolSoutheast University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of EducationMedical SchoolSoutheast University Nanjing 210009 China
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25
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Rigét F, Bignert A, Braune B, Dam M, Dietz R, Evans M, Green N, Gunnlaugsdóttir H, Hoydal KS, Kucklick J, Letcher R, Muir D, Schuur S, Sonne C, Stern G, Tomy G, Vorkamp K, Wilson S. Temporal trends of persistent organic pollutants in Arctic marine and freshwater biota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 649:99-110. [PMID: 30172138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
More than 1000 time-series of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Arctic biota from marine and freshwater ecosystems some extending back to the beginning of 1980s were analyzed using a robust statistical method. The Arctic area encompassed extended from Alaska, USA in the west to northern Scandinavian in the east, with data gaps for Arctic Russia and Arctic Finland. The aim was to investigate whether temporal trends for different animal groups and matrices were consistent across a larger geographical area. In general, legacy POPs showed decreasing concentrations over the last two to three decades, which were most pronounced for α-HCH and least pronounced for HCB and β-HCH. Few time-series of legacy POPs showed increasing trends and only at sites suspected to be influenced by local source. The brominated flame retardant congener BDE-47 showed a typical trend of increasing concentration up to approximately the mid-2000s followed by a decreasing concentration. A similar trend was found for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). These trends are likely related to the relatively recent introduction of national and international controls of hexa- and hepta-BDE congeners and the voluntary phase-out of PFOS production in the USA in 2000. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) was the only compound in this study showing a consistent increasing trend. Only 12% of the long-term time-series were able to detect a 5% annual change with a statistical power of 80% at α < 0.05. The remaining 88% of time-series need additional years of data collection before fulfilling these statistical requirements. In the case of the organochlorine long-term time-series, 45% of these would require >20 years monitoring before this requirement would be fulfilled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Rigét
- University of Aarhus, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, PO Box 570, Nuuk 3900, Greenland.
| | - Anders Bignert
- Dep. of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, PO Box 50 007, S-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Birgit Braune
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Maria Dam
- Environment Agency, Traðagøta 38, P.O. Box 2048, FO-165 Argir, Faroe Islands
| | - Rune Dietz
- University of Aarhus, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Marlene Evans
- Aquatic Ecosystem Protection Research Division, Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Norman Green
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Katrin S Hoydal
- Environment Agency, Traðagøta 38, P.O. Box 2048, FO-165 Argir, Faroe Islands
| | - John Kucklick
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Robert Letcher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Derek Muir
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stacy Schuur
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Christian Sonne
- University of Aarhus, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gary Stern
- Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS), Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources, University of Manitoba,586 Wallace Bld, 125 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg R3T 2N2, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gregg Tomy
- Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development, University of Manitoba, Department of Chemistry, Winnipeg R3T 2N2, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- University of Aarhus, Department of Environmental Science, Arctic Research Centre, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, PO Box 8100 Dep., N-0032 Oslo, Norway
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26
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Li L, Wania F. Elucidating the Variability in the Hexabromocyclododecane Diastereomer Profile in the Global Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:10532-10542. [PMID: 30146881 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) is a hazardous flame retardant subject to international regulation. Whereas γ-HBCDD is a dominant component in the technical HBCDD mixture, the diastereomer profile in environmental samples shows substantial temporal and spatial variations, ranging from γ- to α-HBCDD-dominant. To explain such variability, we simulate the global emissions and fate of HBCDD diastereomers, using a dynamic substance flow analysis model (CiP-CAFE) coupled to a multimedia environmental fate model (BETR-Global). Our modeling results indicate that, as of 2015, 340-1000 tonnes of HBCDD have been emitted globally, with slightly more γ-HBCDD (50%-65%) than α-HBCDD (30%-50%). Emissions of γ-HBCDD primarily originate from production and other industrial processes, whereas those of α-HBCDD are mainly associated with the use and end-of-life disposal of HBCDD-containing products. Presently, α-HBCDD dominates the contamination in the air of populated areas, while γ-HBCDD is more abundant in remote background areas and in regions with HCBDD production and processing facilities. Globally, the relative abundance of α-HBCDD is anticipated to increase after production of HBCDD is banned. Due to isomerization, α-HBCDD accumulates to a larger extent than γ-HBCDD in Arctic surface media. Since α-HBCDD is more persistent and bioaccumulative than other diastereomers, isomerization has bearing on the potential environmental and health impacts on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences , University of Toronto Scarborough , 1265 Military Trail , Toronto , Ontario Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Frank Wania
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences , University of Toronto Scarborough , 1265 Military Trail , Toronto , Ontario Canada M1C 1A4
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