1
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Fu J, Hu L, Pan X, Zhang D. Encapsulation and release of tetrabromobisphenol A in microplastics: Trade-off in their individual toxicity to Xenopus tropicalis tadpoles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 479:135649. [PMID: 39208625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135649] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The toxicity of microplastics (MPs) to aquatic animals is closely related to the presence and release kinetics of contained additives, as most plastic products contain various additives. However, the relationship between the occurrence and release of additives from MPs, and their individual or combined toxicity remains unclear. In this study, the nanoscale distribution and release of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA, a common flame retardant with endocrine-disrupting effect) in polystyrene (PS) MPs, and the long-term (60 days) toxicity of TBBPA and MPs containing TBBPA (at doses of 0 %, 1 %, 10 %, w/w) to Xenopus tropicalis tadpoles were investigated. Exposure to 10 μg/L TBBPA alone was the most toxics, while the encapsulation of TBBPA in MPs significantly delayed its lethal toxicity to tadpoles by inhibiting the rapid and extensive release of TBBPA. PS MPs alone and MPs containing 10 % TBBPA exhibited delayed survival toxicity compared to TBBPA alone, whereas PS MPs containing 1 % TBBPA did not show this effect but inhibited growth. These findings suggest that chronic toxicity assessments should be based on long-term (months or even years) exposure experiments due to the encapsulation-controlled slow release of toxic additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyang Fu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Lingling Hu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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2
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Li Z, Chen Y. Behavioral effects of polylactic acid microplastics on the tadpoles of Pelophylax nigromaculatus. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 285:117146. [PMID: 39378648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117146] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 09/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs), biobased plastics made from renewable resources, are considered to be a potential solution for alleviating the pollution pressure of plastics; however, the potential environmental risks of PLA-MPs must be further evaluated. In this study, the effects of PLA-MPs on the tadpoles of Pelophylax nigromaculatus were investigated by designing different PLA-MP exposure experiments. We found that PLA-MPs negatively affected the survival, growth and development of tadpoles. In addition, in open field tests, PLA-MPs also reduced tadpole locomotion while resulting in more repetitive searching behavior within a restricted area. This effect was more pronounced at higher concentrations of PLA-MPs (20 mg/mL) and in combination with the heavy metal Cd2+. In the tank tests, PLA-MPs increased tadpole aggregation, and their combined effect with Cd2+ resulted in a tendency for tadpole aggregation to increase and then decrease, with the distribution tending to favor aggregation in edge regions. PLA-MPs also strongly inhibited the spatiotemporal exploratory activities of tadpoles in the tanks. This study provides a more detailed investigation of the behavioral effects of PLA-MPs on tadpoles and provides a theoretical basis for subsequent ecotoxicological studies of PLA-MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Li
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Youhua Chen
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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3
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Park JK, Lee JE, Do Y. Life on both environment in semi-aquatic frogs: Impact of aquatic microplastic (MP) from MP enrichment to growth, immune function and physiological stress. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 366:143547. [PMID: 39419331 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143547] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive distribution of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems presents a significant threat to wildlife, with amphibians being particularly vulnerable due to their complex life cycles and ecological roles. This study investigates physiological and ecological impacts of aquatic MP exposure on juvenile black-spotted pond frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus), focusing on juvenile frog stage, history of life after metamorphosis. MP examinations in the intestine and body revealed accumulation primarily in the gastrointestinal tracts without evidence of systemic distribution. Experimental exposure to different concentrations of MPs demonstrated adverse effects on growth, physiological stress, and immune function. Notably, higher MP concentrations led to significant reductions in growth and innate immunity, indicative of compromised health. High concentrations of MPs were associated with elevated levels of corticosterone and antioxidant enzymes, indicating physiological stress. However, there was no evidence of extreme hormonal surges or imbalances in antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting that amphibians were able to effectively cope with the levels of MPs used in the study. Changes in gastrointestinal morphology and fecal microbiota composition were observed, reflecting response of metabolic adaptation to MP exposure. At low concentrations of MPs, adaptive changes in digestive tract morphology and the maintenance of gut microbiota balance were observed, indicating that the frogs were able to manage the exposure below a certain threshold. In contrast, high concentrations of MPs had clear negative effects on amphibians, which could impact biodiversity and ecosystem stability. These findings also suggest that MPs may trigger adaptive responses at lower concentrations, while still posing significant environmental risks at higher levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Kyu Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, (32588) Room 204, 56, Kongjudaehak-ro, Kongju-si, Gongju, 32588, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, (32588) Room 204, 56, Kongjudaehak-ro, Kongju-si, Gongju, 32588, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuno Do
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, (32588) Room 204, 56, Kongjudaehak-ro, Kongju-si, Gongju, 32588, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Rowan E, Leung A, Grintzalis K. A Novel Method for the Assessment of Feeding Rate as a Phenotypic Endpoint for the Impact of Pollutants in Daphnids. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:2211-2221. [PMID: 39056977 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Traditional approaches for monitoring aquatic pollution primarily rely on chemical analysis and the detection of pollutants in the aqueous environments. However, these methods lack realism and mechanistic insight and, thus, are increasingly supported by effect-based methods, which offer sensitive endpoints. In this context, daphnids, a freshwater species used extensively in molecular ecotoxicology, offer fast and noninvasive approaches to assess the impact of pollutants. Among the phenotypic endpoints used, feeding rate is a highly sensitive approach because it provides evidence of physiological alterations even in sublethal concentrations. However, there has been no standardized method for measuring feeding rate in daphnids, and several approaches follow different protocols. There is a diversity among tests employing large volumes, extensive incubation times, and high animal densities, which in turn utilize measurements of algae via fluorescence, radiolabeling, or counting ingested cells. These tests are challenging and laborious and sometimes require cumbersome instrumentation. In the present study, we optimized the conditions of a miniaturized fast, sensitive, and high-throughput assay to assess the feeding rate based on the ingestion of fluorescent microparticles. The protocol was optimized in neonates in relation to the concentration of microplastic and the number of animals to increase reproducibility. Daphnids, following exposures to nonlethal concentrations, were incubated with microplastics; and, as filter feeders, they ingest microparticles. The new approach revealed differences in the physiology of daphnids in concentrations below the toxicity limits for a range of pollutants of different modes of action, thus proving feeding to be a more sensitive and noninvasive endpoint in pollution assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2211-2221. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rowan
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Anne Leung
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
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5
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Park JK, Do Y. Developmental temperature modulates microplastics impact on amphibian life history without affecting ontogenetic microplastic transfer. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135325. [PMID: 39098196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135325] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
This study examines how temperature influences the response of Japanese tree frogs (Dryophytes japonicus) to microplastic (MP) pollution, assessing whether temperature can regulate the harmful effects of MPs on their life history and the dispersal of MPs across habitats. This analysis aims to understand the ecological and physiological ramifications of MP pollution. Our results demonstrated an ontogenetic transfer of MP particles across amphibian metamorphosis, possibly allowing and facilitating the translocation of MPs across ecosystems. Temperature did not significantly affect the translocation of aquatic MPs to land. However, high temperatures significantly reduced mortality and hindlimb deformities caused by MPs, thereby mitigating their harmful impact on amphibian life histories. Importantly, our study found that MPs cause hindlimb deformities during amphibian metamorphosis, potentially linked to oxidative stress. Additionally, MP exposure and ingestion induced a plastic response in the morphology of the digestive tract and changes in the fecal microbiome, which were evident at high temperatures but not at low temperatures. The effects of MPs persisted even after the frogs transitioned to the terrestrial stage, suggesting that MPs may have complex, long-term impacts on amphibian population sustainability. Our results enhance the understanding of the intricate environmental challenges posed by MPs and underscore the significant role of temperature in ectotherms regarding ontogenetic impacts and pollutant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Kyu Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Yuno Do
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, the Republic of Korea.
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6
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Priyadharshini S, Jeyavani J, Al-Ghanim KA, Govindarajan M, Karthikeyan S, Vaseeharan B. Eco-toxicity assessment of polypropylene microplastics in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio). JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 266:104415. [PMID: 39173506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, everyone has recognized microplastics as an emerging contaminant in aquatic ecosystems. Polypropylene is one of the dominant pollutants. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exposing zebrafish (Danio rerio) to water with various concentrations of polypropylene microplastics (11.86 ± 44.62 μm), including control (0 mg/L), group 1 (1 mg/L), group 2 (10 mg/L), and group 3 (100 mg/L) for up to 28 days (chronic exposure). The bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tract was noted after 28 days. From the experimental groups, blood and detoxifying organs of the liver and brain were collected. Using liver tissues evaluated the toxic effects by crucial biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species, anti-oxidant parameters, oxidative effects in protein & lipids, total protein content and free amino acid level. The study revealed that the bioaccumulation of microplastics in the organisms is a reflection of the oxidative stress and liver tissue damage experienced by the group exposed to microplastics. Also, apoptosis of blood cells was observed in the treated group as well as increased the neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholine esterase activity based on exposure concentration-dependent manner. The overall results indicated bioaccumulation of microplastics in the gut, which led to increased ROS levels. This consequently affected antioxidant biomarkers, ultimately causing oxidation of biomolecules and liver tissue injury, as evidenced by histological analysis. This study concludes that chronic ingestion of microplastics causes considerable effects on population fitness in the aquatic environment, as well as other ecological complications, and is also critical to understand the magnitude of these contaminants' influence on ichthyofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Priyadharshini
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyaraj Jeyavani
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khalid A Al-Ghanim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marimuthu Govindarajan
- Unit of Mycology, Parasitology, Tropical Medicine and Ecotoxicology, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, TamilNadu, India; Unit of Natural Products and Nanotechnology, Department of Zoology, Government College for Women (Autonomous), Kumbakonam 612 001, TamilNadu, India
| | - Sivashanmugam Karthikeyan
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tami Nadu 632,014, India
| | - Baskaralingam Vaseeharan
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Animal Health Lab, Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India.
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7
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Najibzadeh M, Kazemi A, Hassan HU, Esmaeilbeigi M. Hazard assessment of microplastics and heavy metals contamination in Levant frogs (Pelophylax bedriagae): A bioindicator in Western Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119774. [PMID: 39151558 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The increasing pollution of aquatic ecosystems caused by microplastics (MPs) and heavy metal ions worldwide threatens the life of aquatic organisms, including amphibians. In this study, we investigated the presence and accumulation of MPs and heavy metal ions in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the Levant frog (Pelophylax bedriagae) as a bioindicator in contaminated sites of Western Iran. A total of 192 adult frogs from 16 locations in the west and northwest of Iran were collected. We measured the accumulation of MPs and heavy metal ions in the collected frogs and determined the characteristics of MPs in the samples. Our findings revealed widespread MPs and heavy metal ions contamination in the frog GIT across all sampled stations. We found 742 MP particles in the digestive system of frogs, with the highest (7.09 MP/individual) and lowest (2.37 MP/individual) number observed in stations 10 and 9, respectively. Fibers were the most common MPs and polyester (PES) (42.5%) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (17.2%) were found to be the most common polymers in the GIT of frogs. The average accumulation of heavy metal ions showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among 16 sampling stations, and zinc (II) and mercury (II) showed the highest and lowest concentrations in frogs. We also found moderate to strong positive correlations between the detected MPs and heavy metal ions in the frog samples across all sampling stations. Our findings confirm the contamination of frogs by MPs and heavy metal ions and the potential capacity of MPs to increase the toxicity of heavy metals in P. bedriagae as a bioindicator in contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Najibzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, 384817758, Iran.
| | - Ali Kazemi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Arak University, Arak, Iran.
| | - Habib Ul Hassan
- Department of Zoology, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Milad Esmaeilbeigi
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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Gao S, Zhang S, Sun J, He X, Xue S, Zhang W, Li P, Lin L, Qu Y, Ward-Fear G, Chen L, Li H. Nanoplastic pollution changes the intestinal microbiome but not the morphology or behavior of a freshwater turtle. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173178. [PMID: 38750733 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Humans produce 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year, leading to microplastic pollution and widespread environmental contamination, particularly in aquatic environments. This subsequently impacts aquatic organisms in myriad ways, yet the vast majority of research is conducted in marine, rather than freshwater systems. In this study, we exposed eggs and hatchlings of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) to 80-nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and monitored the impacts on development, behavior and the gut microbiome. We demonstrate that 80-nm PS-NPs can penetrate the eggshell and move into developing embryos. This led to metabolic impairments, as evidenced by bradycardia (a decreased heart rate), which persisted until hatching. We found no evidence that nanoplastic exposure affected hatchling morphology, growth rates, or levels of boldness and exploration, yet we discuss some potential caveats here. Exposure to nanoplastics reduced the diversity and homogeneity of gut microbiota in P. sinensis, with the level of disruption correlating to the length of environmental exposure (during incubation only or post-hatching also). Thirteen core genera (with an initial abundance >1 %) shifted after nanoplastic treatment: pathogenic bacteria increased, beneficial probiotic bacteria decreased, and there was an increase in the proportion of negative correlations between bacterial genera. These changes could have profound impacts on the viability of turtles throughout their lives. Our study highlights the toxicity of environmental NPs to the embryonic development and survival of freshwater turtles. We provide insights about population trends of P. sinensis in the wild, and future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Gao
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shufang Zhang
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiahui Sun
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinni He
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shaoshuai Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peng Li
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Longhui Lin
- Herpetological Research Center, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yanfu Qu
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Georgia Ward-Fear
- School of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Lian Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Hong Li
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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9
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Burgos-Aceves MA, Banaee M, Vazzana I, Betancourt-Lozano M, González-Mille DJ, Aliko V, Faggio C, Ilizaliturri-Hernández CA. Effect of emerging pollutants on the gut microbiota of freshwater animals: Focusing on microplastics and pesticides. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174809. [PMID: 39019277 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, emerging environmental pollutants have increasingly endangered the health of freshwater organisms. The gut microbiota exhibits sensitivity to medications, dietary factors and environmental pollutants, rendering it a novel target for toxicological studies. The gut microbiota can be a potential exposure route affecting the host's health. Herein, we review the current knowledge on two different but concurrent pollutants, microplastics and pesticides, regarding their impact on the gut microbiota, which includes alterations in microbial composition, gene expression, function, and health effects in the hosts. Moreover, synergetic interactions between microplastics and pesticides can exacerbate dysbiosis and health risks. We discuss health-related implications of gut microbial changes based on the consequences in metabolism, immunity, and physiology function. Further research is needed to discover the mechanisms underlying these effects and develop strategies for mitigating their harmful impacts on freshwater animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario A Burgos-Aceves
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), CIACyT, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Mahdi Banaee
- Aquaculture Department, Faculty of Natural Resources and the Environment, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran
| | - Irene Vazzana
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A.Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Donají J González-Mille
- Programa Cátedras del Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Valbona Aliko
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, Messina, Italy; Department of Eco-sustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - César A Ilizaliturri-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), CIACyT, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
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10
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Szkudlarek M, Najbar B, Jankowiak Ł. Variation in microplastic characteristics among amphibian larvae: a comparative study across different species and the influence of human activity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13574. [PMID: 38866833 PMCID: PMC11169503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61432-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a significant global environmental issue, and impacts span from individual organisms to the entire ecosystems. This study investigated the properties of microplastics in amphibian larvae, shedding light on their environmental interactions and potential ecological consequences. We examined microplastics extracted from amphibian larvae of 10 taxa, sampled from sites experiencing different levels of human impact. Our findings revealed a predominance of blue microplastics and fibres, each comprising 53% of the total microplastics in amphibian larvae. Microplastic fibres were also notably longer than other morphological types of microplastics. Furthermore, we observed variations in the surface area of microplastics among different amphibian families. An interesting observation from our research is the apparent positive relationship between the size of amphibian larvae and the length of granular and flake-shaped microplastics. Conversely, we observed a negative relationship between the length of these microplastics and human environmental impact. These insights significantly contribute to the understanding of microplastic pollution in freshwater environments, highlighting its complexities beyond marine ecosystems. Our research emphasises the intricate relationships between microplastics and freshwater organisms, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Szkudlarek
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Room 504, Profesora Zygmunta Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland.
- Doctoral School of Exact and Technical Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, al. Wojska Polskiego 69, 65-762, Zielona Góra, Poland.
- Department of Ecology and Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Bartłomiej Najbar
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Room 504, Profesora Zygmunta Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Łukasz Jankowiak
- Department of Ecology and Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland
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11
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Rahman MM, Kim ES, Sung HC. Microplastics as an emerging threat to amphibians: Current status and future perspectives. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28220. [PMID: 38560268 PMCID: PMC10979166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Given their pervasiveness in the environment, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, plastics are posing a growing concern worldwide. Many vertebrates and invertebrates in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems exhibit microplastic (MP) uptake and accumulation. Some studies have indicated the fatal impacts of MPs on animals and their possible transfer through food chains. Thus, it is crucial to study MP pollution and its impacts on environment-sensitive and globally threatened animal groups, such as amphibians, which also play an important role in the energy transfer between ecosystems. Unfortunately, research in this field is lacking and sources of organized information are also scarce. Hence, we systematically reviewed published literature on MPs in amphibians to fill the existing knowledge gap. Our review revealed that most of the previous studies have focused on MP bioaccumulation in amphibians, whereas, only a few research highlighted its impacts. We found that more than 80% of the studied species exhibited MP accumulation. MPs were reported to persist in different organs for a long time and get transferred to other trophic levels. They can also exhibit cytotoxic and mutagenic effects and may have fatal impacts. Moreover, they can increase the disease susceptibility of amphibians. Our study concludes the MPs as a potential threat to amphibians and urges increasing the scope and frequency of research on MP pollution and its impacts on this vulnerable animal group. We also provide a generalized method for studying MPs in amphibians with future perspectives and research directions. Our study is significant for extending the knowledge of MPs and their impacts on amphibians and guiding prospective research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Sam Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Center for Next Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Sustainable Ecological Environment, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Cheol Sung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Sustainable Ecological Environment, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
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12
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Salla RF, Oliveira FN, Jacintho JC, Cirqueira F, Tsukada E, Vieira LG, Rocha TL. Microplastics and TiO 2 nanoparticles mixture as an emerging threat to amphibians: A case study on bullfrog embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123624. [PMID: 38387544 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123624] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Emerging contaminants can act as contributing factors to the decline of amphibian populations worldwide. Recently, scientists have drawn attention to the potential ecotoxicity of microplastics and nanomaterials in amphibians, however, their possible effects on embryonic developmental stages are still absent. Thus, the present study analyzed the developmental toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs; 60 mg/L) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs; 10 μg/L), isolated or in combination (Mix group) on bullfrog embryos, Aquarana catesbeiana, adapting the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay (FETAX, 96h). Allied to the FETAX protocol, we also analyzed the heart rate and morphometric data. The exposure reduced the survival and hatching rates in groups exposed to TiO2 NPs, and to a lesser extent, also affected the Mix group. TiO2 NPs possibly interacted with the hatching enzymes of the embryos, preventing hatching, and reducing their survival. The reduced effects in the Mix group are due to the agglomeration of both toxicants, making the NPs less available for the embryos. PE MPs got attached to the gelatinous capsule of the chorion (confirmed by fluorescence microscopy), which protected the embryos from eventual direct effects of the microplastics on the hatching and survival rates. Although there were no cardiotoxic effects nor morphometric alterations, there was a significant increase in abdominal edemas in the hatched embryos of the PE MPs group, which indicates that osmoregulation might have been affected by the attachment of the microplastics on the embryos' gelatinous capsule. This study presents the first evidence of developmental toxicity of environmental mixtures of microplastics and nanoparticles on amphibians and reinforces the need for more studies with other amphibian species, especially neotropical specimens that could present bigger sensibility. Our study also highlighted several features of the FETAX protocol as useful tools to evaluate the embryotoxicity of several pollutants on amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Fernanda Salla
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil; Post-graduation Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Campus Sorocaba, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fagner Neves Oliveira
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil; Laboratory for Research in Morphology and Ontogeny, Institute for Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline C Jacintho
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Felipe Cirqueira
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Elisabete Tsukada
- Post-graduation Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Campus Sorocaba, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucélia Gonçalves Vieira
- Laboratory for Research in Morphology and Ontogeny, Institute for Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
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Burger M, Bouwman H, du Preez LH, Landman W. Larger Common River Frogs (Amietia delalandii) have Fewer and Shorter Tissue Microplastic Fibres than Smaller Frogs. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 112:29. [PMID: 38281207 PMCID: PMC10822785 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-024-03852-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about microplastics (MPs) in adult frogs. We investigated MPs in adult Common River Frogs (Amietia delalandii) from Potchefstroom, South Africa. Five kinds of samples were analysed: natural water, water used to rinse the skin, skin, intestine, and the remainder of the body (corpus). Tissues were digested. Microplastics occurred in all frogs and sample types (1128 MPs counted). Fibres were the most prevalent MP. Fibre lengths were between 28 and 4300 μm, either polyester or polyvinyl alcohol. MPs in skin were likely derived from the ambient, and MPs in the corpus from translocation via the skin. Fibres in tissues were significantly shorter in larger frogs, a phenomenon we provisionally assign to in situ biodegradation. Microplastics in frogs can potentially be transferred through the food web to higher trophic levels. This study provides the first evidence of MPs in adult frog tissues and avenues for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Burger
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Hindrik Bouwman
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Louis H du Preez
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Herpetology, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Willie Landman
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Ruthsatz K, Schwarz A, Gomez-Mestre I, Meyer R, Domscheit M, Bartels F, Schaeffer SM, Engelkes K. Life in plastic, it's not fantastic: Sublethal effects of polyethylene microplastics ingestion throughout amphibian metamorphosis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 885:163779. [PMID: 37146798 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are an abundant, long-lasting, and widespread type of environmental pollution that is of increasing concern as it might pose a serious threat to ecosystems and species. However, these threats are still largely unknown for amphibians. Here, we used the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) as a model species to investigate whether polyethylene MP ingestion affects amphibian growth and development and leads to metabolic changes across two consecutive life stages (larvae and juveniles). Furthermore, we examined whether MP effects were more pronounced at higher rearing temperatures. Larval growth, development, and body condition were recorded, and standard metabolic rate (SMR) and levels of stress hormone (corticosterone, CORT) were measured. We determined variation in size, morphology, and hepatosomatic index in juveniles to identify any potential consequences of MP ingestion across metamorphosis. In both life stages, MP accumulation in the body was assessed. MP ingestion was found to result in sublethal effects on larval growth, development, and metabolism, to lead to allometric carry-over effects on juvenile morphology, and to accumulate in the specimens at both life stages. In larvae, SMR and developmental rate increased in response to MP ingestion; there additionally was a significant interaction of MP ingestion and temperature on development. CORT levels were higher in larvae that ingested MP, except at higher temperature. In juveniles, body was wider, and extremities were longer in animals exposed to MP during the larval stage; a high rearing temperature in combination with MP ingestion counteracted this effect. Our results provide first insights into the effects of MP on amphibians throughout metamorphosis and demonstrate that juvenile amphibians may act as a pathway for MP from freshwater to terrestrial environments. To allow for generalizations across amphibian species, future experiments need to consider the field prevalence and abundance of different MP in amphibians at various life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ruthsatz
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Anja Schwarz
- Institute of Geosystems and Bioindication, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ivan Gomez-Mestre
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Department Ecology and Evolution, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Ruth Meyer
- Institute of Geosystems and Bioindication, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marie Domscheit
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Fabian Bartels
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sarah-Maria Schaeffer
- Institute of Geosystems and Bioindication, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Karolin Engelkes
- Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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15
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Zhang Q, Lv Y, Liu J, Chang L, Chen Q, Zhu L, Wang B, Jiang J, Zhu W. Size matters either way: Differently-sized microplastics affect amphibian host and symbiotic microbiota discriminately. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 328:121634. [PMID: 37054867 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about the implications of microplastics (MPs) on aqueous animals have gained widespread attention. It has been postulated that the magnitude of MPs can influence its toxicity. However, little is known about how MPs toxicity changes with particle size. Amphibians are reliable bioindicators of ecosystem health due to their complex life cycles. In this study, we compared the influences of two sizes nonfunctionalized polystyrene microspheres (1 and 10 μm) on the metamorphosis of Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans). Acute exposure to MPs at high concentrations led to bioaccumulation in the digestive track and internal organs (i.e., liver and heart) of tadpoles. Long-term exposure to either size, at environmentally-related concentrations (1 and 4550 p/mL), led to growth and development delay in pro-metamorphic tadpoles. Remarkably, developmental plasticity mitigated these deleterious effects prior to the onset of metamorphic climax without compromising survival rate in later stages. MPs with a diameter of 10 μm dramatically altered the gut microbiota (e.g., abundance of Catabacter and Desulfovibrio) of pro-metamorphic tadpoles, whereas MPs with a diameter of 1 μm induced much more intensive transcriptional responses in the host tissues (e.g., upregulation of protein synthesis and mitochondrial energy metabolism, and downregulation of neural functions and cellular responses). Given that the two MPs sizes induced similar toxic outcomes, this suggests that their principal toxicity mechanisms are distinct. Small-sized MPs can travel easily across the intestinal mucosa and cause direct toxicity, while large-sized MPs accumulate in gut and affect the host by changing the homeostasis of digestive track. In conclusion, our findings indicate that MPs can affect the growth and development of amphibian larvae, but their developmental plasticity determines the ultimate detrimental effects. Multiple pathways of toxicity may contribute to the size-dependent toxicity of MPs. We anticipate that these findings will increase our understanding of the ecological effects of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunde Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, 610041, China; College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yan Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jiongyu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liming Chang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Qiheng Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Lifeng Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jianping Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Zhang S, Chen A, Deng H, Jiang L, Liu X, Chai L. Intestinal response of Rana chensinensis larvae exposed to Cr and Pb, alone and in combination. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 255:114774. [PMID: 36931087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although numerous investigations on the adverse impact of Cr and Pb have been performed, studies on intestinal homeostasis in amphibians are limited. Here, single and combined effects of Cr (104 μg/L) and Pb (50 μg/L) on morphological and histological features, bacterial community, digestive enzymes activities, as well as transcriptomic profile of intestines in Rana chensinensis tadpoles were assessed. Significant decrease in the relative intestine length (intestine length/snout-to-vent length, IL/SVL) was observed after exposure to Pb and Cr/Pb mixture. Intestinal histology and digestive enzymes activities were altered in metal treatment groups. In addition, treatment groups showed significantly increased bacterial richness and diversity. Tadpoles in treatment groups were observed to have differential gut bacterial composition from controls, especially for the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria as well as genus Citrobacter, Anaerotruncus, Akkermansia, and Alpinimonas. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis showed that the transcript expression profiles of GPx and SOD isoforms responded differently to Cr and/or Pb exposure. Besides, transcriptional activation of pro-apoptotic and glycolysis-related genes, such as Bax, Apaf 1, Caspase 3, PK, PGK, TPI, and GPI were detected in all treatment groups but downregulation of Bcl2 in Pb and Cr/Pb mixture groups. Collectively, these results suggested that Cr and Pb exposure at environmental relevant concentration, alone and in combination, could disrupt intestinal homeostasis of R. chensinensis tadpoles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siliang Zhang
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Aixia Chen
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Hongzhang Deng
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Lihong Chai
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China.
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17
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White KJ, Petrovan SO, Mayes WM. Pollutant accumulation in road mitigation tunnels for amphibians: A multisite comparison on an ignored but important issue. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1133253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Underpasses or road tunnels are increasingly installed to reconnect habitats and ensure safe wildlife passage, thus preventing habitat fragmentation caused by roads and mortality from collisions with vehicles. In the UK, such underpasses are regularly implemented for amphibians and especially the protected great crested newt, Triturus cristatus. However, roads are also a key source of environmental pollutants including trace metals, road salt, petroleum and diesel hydrocarbons and these might impact road mitigation structures where amphibians are funnelled to, yet the extent and implications of such pollutants are almost never quantified in relation to this aspect, despite the recognised sensitivity of amphibians to chemical pollutants. Sediments were analysed from four amphibian road mitigation tunnel sites across the UK and compared to natural soil formations at local reference sites to determine whether contaminants were indeed accumulating within the tunnels. Three potential contaminants (copper, lead, and total petroleum hydrocarbons) were found in greater concentrations in the underpass sediments than respective reference sites at three of four locations, while one (zinc) was found in greater concentrations at all four studied underpasses compared to reference sites. Aggregated sediment pH value was significantly greater in the underpass sediment than the respective reference sites at all four study sites and in several instances the contaminants reached values that exceeded the thresholds of environmental concern. Despite the large geographic area covered and the significant site differences the absolute values of potential pollutants in tunnels were similar across sites, thus suggesting similar pollution sources and pathways. These results suggest road tunnels installed for ecological mitigation could be a significant pathway for pollutants from road surfaces to amphibians and it is recommended that focussed monitoring and maintenance of the underpasses is enacted given that their short or long-term impacts on amphibians are currently unknown. Potential management options could include regular jet-washing of the underpasses, or alternatively, pre- or post-implementation modifications of mitigation designs should aim to minimise the pollution pathway from road surfaces.
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18
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Scribano G, Gazzola A, Winkler A, Balestrieri A, Grioni A, Lastrico G, Tremolada P, Pellitteri-Rosa D. Anti-predator behavioral responses of Italian agile frog tadpoles (Rana latastei) exposed to microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:13688-13696. [PMID: 36136197 PMCID: PMC9898332 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23131-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are nowadays abundant, persistent, and ubiquitous in the environment, representing a new threat for terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. Although anuran populations and species are globally declining, the effect of MP exposure on this taxon has been poorly investigated. With the aim of assessing the effects of microplastic exposure on the defensive responses of Italian agile frog (Rana latastei) tadpoles, we exposed them to three different concentrations (1, 7, and 50 mg L-1) of a mixture of plastic polymers (HPDE, PVC, PS, and PES) for 2 weeks. Then, we measured the total distance covered by individual tadpoles before and after exposure to tadpole-fed dragonfly larvae (Aeshna cyanea) cues. As expected, predation risk sharply lowered the total distance travelled by tadpoles; however, MP concentration did not affect their defensive performances. We also collected data on tadpole development, activity, and mortality. In contrast with previous experiments, neither tadpole growth nor mortality varied with MP concentration. Our results indicate that the intensity of MP effects on growth and development may depend on tadpole size, with large tadpoles being less susceptible to the negative effects of MP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Scribano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gazzola
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Winkler
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Via Celoria, 26, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Balestrieri
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Via Celoria, 26, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Grioni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuditta Lastrico
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Via Celoria, 26, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tremolada
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Via Celoria, 26, Milan, Italy.
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Landler L, Burgstaller S, Spießberger M, Horvath A, Zhelev Z, Mollov I, Sinsch U, Nepita J, Schwabel F, Kuhn W, Köbele C, Sedlmeier H, Amon C, Mazgajska J, Mazgajski TD, Sistani A, Schluckebier R, Andrä E, Ott M, Gollmann G. A Unified Approach to Analysis of Body Condition in Green Toads. DIVERSITY 2022; 15:43. [PMID: 36999161 PMCID: PMC7614385 DOI: 10.3390/d15010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Body condition is increasingly used to assess the status of populations and as a proxy for individual fitness. A common, quick and non-invasive approach is to estimate condition from the relation between body length and mass. Among the methods developed for this purpose, the Scaled Mass Index (SMI) appears best suited for comparisons among populations. We assembled data from 17 populations of European green toads (Bufotes viridis) with the aim of devising a standard formula applicable for monitoring this species. The mean value of the exponents describing length–mass allometry in these samples was 3.0047. Hence, we propose using 3 as a scaling coefficient for calculating the SMI in green toads. From the contrast of SMI values for both sexes within populations, estimated with either the population-specific or the standard coefficient, we conclude that applying the standard formula not only facilitates comparisons among populations but may also help to avoid misinterpretation of variation within populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Landler
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Burgstaller
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdalena Spießberger
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andras Horvath
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zhivko Zhelev
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Assen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ivelin Mollov
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Assen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ulrich Sinsch
- Department of Biology, AG Zoology, Institute of Integrated Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, 56070 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Johannes Nepita
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Schwabel
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Kuhn
- Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt der Technischen Universität München, Alte Akademie 8, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Christian Köbele
- Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern e.V. (LBV), Kreisgruppe München, Klenzestr. 37, 80469 München, Germany
| | - Heinz Sedlmeier
- Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern e.V. (LBV), Kreisgruppe München, Klenzestr. 37, 80469 München, Germany
| | - Cornelia Amon
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joanna Mazgajska
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Tomasz D. Mazgajski
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Amir Sistani
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rieke Schluckebier
- NABU—Naturschutzstation Leverkusen-Köln, Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 49, 50996 Köln, Germany
| | - Eberhard Andrä
- Independent Researcher, Ebenreuth 47, 94169 Thurmansbang, Germany
| | - Moritz Ott
- Landschaftserhaltungsverband Landkreis Ravensburg e.V., Frauenstr. 4, 88212 Ravensburg, Germany
| | - Günter Gollmann
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
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Deoniziak K, Cichowska A, Niedźwiecki S, Pol W. Thrushes (Aves: Passeriformes) as indicators of microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158621. [PMID: 36084782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is one of the leading global conservation issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of Common Blackbirds Turdus merula (N = 16) and Song Thrushes Turdus philomelos (N = 18), songbirds with exceptionally terrestrial lifestyles and a wide distribution range. We searched for microplastics of over 100 μm in size and assessed whether their contamination differed regarding the age of the birds and the time of year. We used birds that had died as a result of collision with anthropogenic infrastructure, which were sampled during wildlife monitoring of anthropogenic infrastructures and citizen science projects in north-eastern Poland. We found that all the analysed individuals contained microplastic in their gastrointestinal tracts, which were classified as fibers, fragments, films and pellets. A total number of 1073 microplastics were observed, mostly consisting of fibers (84 %) and films (10 %) below 1 mm in size. The dominant colours of microplastics were transparent (75 %) and brown (14 %). The species average microplastic concentration was higher in Song Thrushes (40.1) than Common Blackbirds (21.9), however the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, we found no seasonal or age-related differences in microplastic ingestion in either species. While our results show a ubiquity of microplastics in terrestrial environments, they also indicate that thrushes have the potential to be used as indicators of microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Deoniziak
- Laboratory of Insect Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Cichowska
- Laboratory of Insect Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Pol
- Department of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
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21
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Burgos-Aceves MA, Faggio C, Betancourt-Lozano M, González-Mille DJ, Ilizaliturri-Hernández CA. Ecotoxicological perspectives of microplastic pollution in amphibians. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2022; 25:405-421. [PMID: 36351281 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2022.2140372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants widely distributed in the environment and biota. Previously, most studies focused on identifying and characterizing microplastics in the marine environment, while their impact on freshwater ecosystems remains to be determined. This review summarizes recent findings regarding MPs physiological, immunological, and genetic effects on amphibians based upon the biological relevance of this species as indicators of freshwater pollution. Data demonstrated that MPs contamination may potentially alter various physiological processes in aquatic animals, mainly in the embryonic stages. It is worthwhile noting that adverse effects might be enhanced in synergy with other pollutants. However, amphibians might counteract the effect of MPs and other pollutants through microbiota present both in the intestine and on the skin. In addition, amphibian microbial composition might also be altered by MPs themselves in a manner that leads to unpredicted health consequences in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario A Burgos-Aceves
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), CIACyT, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Donají J González-Mille
- Programa Cátedras del Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT). Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - César A Ilizaliturri-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), CIACyT, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
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22
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Jia X, Liu Y, He Y, Yu H, Liu Y, Shen Y, Xu X, Li J. Exposure to microplastics induces lower survival, oxidative stress, disordered microbiota and altered metabolism in the intestines of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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Venâncio C, Gabriel A, Oliveira M, Lopes I. Feeding exposure and feeding behaviour as relevant approaches in the assessment of the effects of micro(nano)plastics to early life stages of amphibians. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113476. [PMID: 35613634 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The sedimentation of micro and nanosized plastics is of considerable environmental relevance and the need to assess its sublethal effects to biota increasingly recognized. In their majority, as bottom, non-selective grazers, independent-feeding young life stages of amphibians, an already severely endangered worldwide group, may be particularly vulnerable to sedimented plastics. Alongside, they may be good model organisms for the assessment of the effects of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) through ingestion. However, to our knowledge, few studies have assessed amphibians' exposure to MNPs through contaminated food or its effects in feeding behaviour assays. The available studies reveal a lack of consistent methodology: organisms, food type, media of exposure, or exposure conditions (temperature and light) in the assessment of effects. This perspective article, will address major differences found in the available studies, identifying type, size and concentrations of the polymers tested, species, and observed effects, aiming to highlight the importance of feeding exposure assays when attempting to evaluate the effect of MNPs in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Venâncio
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antonieta Gabriel
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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24
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Trabulo J, Pradhan A, Pascoal C, Cássio F. Can microplastics from personal care products affect stream microbial decomposers in the presence of silver nanoparticles? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155038. [PMID: 35390375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155038] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of great concern due to their abundance and persistence over time in aquatic environments. However, studies on their impacts on freshwater organisms are scarce. In resemblance, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are incorporated into textiles and personal care products and are also classified as emerging contaminants. We used the leaf litter decomposition model system to investigate the effects of MPs from a commercially used personal care product, alone or in mixture with Ag-NPs, on the diversity and activities of freshwater microbial decomposers. We exposed stream microbial communities associated with leaf litter to increasing concentrations of MPs (polyethylene extracted from a personal care product; 100 μg L-1 up to 1 g L-1 5 concentrations plus 1 control) for 27 days in the absence or presence of Ag-NPs (0.1 mg L-1 and 1 mg L-1). The exposure to MPs, alone or in mixture with Ag-NPs, negatively affected fungal diversity and sporulation, with a reduction in leaf litter decomposition (Cohen's d > 1.5; r> 0.8; Bonferroni, P < 0.01). Shifts in community structure of sporulating fungi were observed, and effects were more pronounced in mixtures with Ag-NPs at the highest concentration. Mixtures of MPs with Ag-NPs (at the higher concentration) had the strongest impacts on extracellular enzymatic (β-glucosidase, Cohen's d > 1; r > 0.5; phenol oxidase, Cohen's d > 1; r > 0.4) activities (ANOVAs, P < 0.05). Apart from sporulation rates, observed toxicity in mixtures was lower than that expected based on individual toxicity effects, mainly for higher concentrations (Bonferroni, P < 0.05). Our study provided evidence of the potential harmful effects of MPs, alone or in mixtures with Ag-NPs, on the activities of aquatic fungi and on a key ecosystem process, determinant to organic matter turnover in streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Trabulo
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Biology Department, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Arunava Pradhan
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Biology Department, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Pascoal
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Biology Department, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Cássio
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Biology Department, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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25
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Warrier AK, Kulkarni B, Amrutha K, Jayaram D, Valsan G, Agarwal P. Seasonal variations in the abundance and distribution of microplastic particles in the surface waters of a Southern Indian Lake. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134556. [PMID: 35429497 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Hazardous anthropogenic particles, such as microplastics (MPs) in the lake ecosystems, are a serious concern. In this work, we have investigated the seasonal occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the surface water samples of Lake Manipal in southwest India. The concentration of MPs was found to be higher during the monsoon season (0.423 particles/L) in comparison with the post-monsoon (0.117 particles/L) period. The higher abundance is attributed to the input of storm-water sewers connected to the lake as well as surface runoff during periods of high rainfall. The concentrations of small-sized (0.3-1 mm) microplastics were greater in both seasons. Approximately 96% of the microplastics were fibres, followed by smaller amounts of fragments, pellets, films, and foams. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the principal polymer composition of the microplastics, followed by cellulose. The PET and cellulose fibres were mainly derived from the laundering of clothes in the residential colonies and hostels situated close to the lake. The storm-water sewers were the likely conduit for these PET fibres into the lake. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) data reveals that pollution due to microplastics in Lake Manipal falls within the Level I risk category. The PLI was higher during the monsoon season due to an increased flux of these particles from the nearby region. During the post-monsoon period, the PLI values decreased, suggesting that MPs in the water column may have settled and mixed with the sediments. The baseline data generated in this study is important as different types of birds, amphibians, and other microorganisms are present in the environment of Lake Manipal. We also propose certain policy measures that can be adopted by the regional population to mitigate microplastic pollution in the lake and its vicinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Kumar Warrier
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India; Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - Bhavani Kulkarni
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - K Amrutha
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Dhanasree Jayaram
- Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India; Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Gokul Valsan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Prashansa Agarwal
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
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26
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Ruthsatz K, Domscheit M, Engelkes K, Vences M. Microplastics ingestion induces plasticity in digestive morphology in larvae of Xenopus laevis. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 269:111210. [PMID: 35398256 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Global changes in temperature, predator introductions, and pollution might challenge animals by altering food conditions. A fast-growing source of environmental pollution are microplastics. If ingested with the natural food source, microplastics act as artificial fibers that reduce food quality by decreasing nutrient and energy density with possible ramifications for growth and development. Animals might cope with altered food conditions with digestive plasticity. We examined experimentally whether larvae of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) exhibit digestive morphology plasticity (i.e., gut length, mass, and diameter) in response to microplastics ingestion. As natural systems contain non-digestible particles similar in size and shape to microplastics, we included cellulose as a natural fiber control group. Gut length and mass increased in response to microplastics and cellulose ingestion indicating that both types of fibers induced digestive plasticity. Body mass and body condition were similar across experimental groups, indicating that larvae fully compensated for low nutrient and energy density by developing longer intestines. The ability of a species to respond plastically to environmental variation, as X. laevis responded, indicates that this species might have the potential to cope with new conditions during global change, although it is uncertain whether this potential may be reduced in a multi-stressor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ruthsatz
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Marie Domscheit
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Karolin Engelkes
- Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany. https://twitter.com/KarolinEngelkes
| | - Miguel Vences
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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27
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Wang Y, Zhou B, Chen H, Yuan R, Wang F. Distribution, biological effects and biofilms of microplastics in freshwater systems - A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134370. [PMID: 35318017 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly rising output and mass use of plastics have made plastics pollution a major environmental problem. Since plastics are persistent in the environment, understanding the migration transformation characteristics of plastics is critical. Given the ever-increasing concern about the environmental risks posed by microplastics, their prevalence, fate, abundance and impact have been intensively studied. Most of these investigations focused on the marine environment, but research on freshwater microplastics is less extensive. This article aims to briefly summarize the research progress of freshwater microplastics, identify existing gaps and draw novel conclusions, so as to provide useful information for the research of freshwater microplastics. Using the statistics and analysis of freshwater microplastics studies in 2016-2021, this review systematically discusses microplastics in globally freshwater systems. The biological effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms were discussed as well. Some potential ecological effects of microplastic biofilms were shown, such as climate change and material circulation. More importantly, we present some unique conclusions. For example, the detection of freshwater microplastics is mainly concentrated in natural freshwater systems, while few are concentrated in artificial freshwater systems. In addition, polystyrene is the main mode for testing the biological effects of freshwater microplastics, and polyethene and polypropylene which are the most common in freshwater environments, have not been taken seriously. We also pointed out that studies on advanced freshwater plants in the topic of biological effects of microplastics still need strengthen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Beihai Zhou
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Huilun Chen
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Rongfang Yuan
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China.
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28
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Balestrieri A, Winkler A, Scribano G, Gazzola A, Lastrico G, Grioni A, Pellitteri-Rosa D, Tremolada P. Differential effects of microplastic exposure on anuran tadpoles: A still underrated threat to amphibian conservation? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 303:119137. [PMID: 35318069 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been reported to threaten a wide variety of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater organisms. However, knowledge about the effects of MPs on anuran amphibians, one of the most threatened taxa worldwide, is still limited. To assess the effects of MPs on the growth and survival of the Italian agile frog (Rana latastei) and green toad (Bufotes balearicus), we exposed tadpoles to three different concentrations (1, 7, and 50 mg L-1) of an environmental relevant mixture of microplastics (HPDE, PVC, PS and PES), recording data on their activity level, weight and mortality rates. While the effects of MPs on green toad tadpoles were negligible, Italian agile frog tadpoles were severely affected both in terms of growth and activity level, with high mortality rates even at the lowest MP density (1 mg L-1). Our results suggest that MP contamination of freshwater habitats may contribute to the ongoing decline of anuran amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Balestrieri
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy; Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Winkler
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scribano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gazzola
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuditta Lastrico
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Grioni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Tremolada
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, I-20133, Milan, Italy
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29
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Hu R, Zhang K, Wang W, Wei L, Lai Y. Quantitative and sensitive analysis of polystyrene nanoplastics down to 50 nm by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy in water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128388. [PMID: 35236023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite being an emerging risk to the environment and human health, little is known about the occurrence, formation, transport, and environmental impact of nanoplastics owing to the lack of quantitative and sensitive sensing techniques. Herein, a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method was developed for quantitative sensitive nanoplastics analysis, in which KI was added to Ag nanoparticles as a coagulant and cleaner to remove surface impurities. Polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics with four sizes (50, 100, 200, and 500 nm) were used to evaluate the proposed method, which exhibited high sensitivity (detection limit of 6.25 μg/mL for 100 nm PS nanoplastics), interference resistance, good repeatability, and quantitative analysis ability (R2 > 0.970). The feasibility of extending the proposed method to real-world water samples was verified using spiked lake water, and satisfactory recovery rates (87.5-110%) were obtained for nanoplastics with different sizes and concentrations. Thus, this study serves as a solid step in the quantitative analysis of nanoplastics, and the findings can be applied to other areas of research on nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Kaining Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Long Wei
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Yongchao Lai
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China.
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30
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Castro-Castellon AT, Horton AA, Hughes JMR, Rampley C, Jeffers ES, Bussi G, Whitehead P. Ecotoxicity of microplastics to freshwater biota: Considering exposure and hazard across trophic levels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151638. [PMID: 34774956 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to marine ecosystems, the toxicity impact of microplastics in freshwater environments is poorly understood. This contribution reviews the literature on the range of effects of microplastics across and between trophic levels within the freshwater environment, including biofilms, macrophytes, phytoplankton, invertebrates, fish and amphibians. While there is supporting evidence for toxicity in some species e.g. growth reduction for photoautotrophs, increased mortality for some invertebrates, genetic changes in amphibians, and cell internalization of microplastics and nanoplastics in fish; other studies show that it is uncertain whether microplastics can have detrimental long-term impacts on ecosystems. Some taxa have yet to be studied e.g. benthic diatoms, while only 12% of publications on microplastics in freshwater, demonstrate trophic transfer in foodwebs. The fact that just 2% of publications focus on microplastics colonized by biofilms is hugely concerning given the cascading detrimental effects this could have on freshwater ecosystem function. Multiple additional stressors including environmental change (temperature rises and invasive species) and contaminants of anthropogenic origin (antibiotics, metals, pesticides and endocrine disruptors) will likely exacerbate negative interactions between microplastics and freshwater organisms, with potentially significant damaging consequences to freshwater ecosystems and foodwebs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice A Horton
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Jocelyne M R Hughes
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Cordelia Rampley
- Oxford Molecular Biosensors, Centre for Innovation and Enterprise, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford OX5 1PF, UK
| | | | - Gianbattista Bussi
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Paul Whitehead
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
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31
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Buss N, Sander B, Hua J. Effects of Polyester Microplastic Fiber Contamination on Amphibian-Trematode Interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:869-879. [PMID: 33683732 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination poses a global threat to aquatic organisms, yet we know little as to how microplastics may indirectly affect organismal health via their influence on species-species interactions (e.g., host-parasite interactions). This is problematic because microplastic-mediated alterations to host-parasite dynamics could negatively impact individual- population-level health of hosts. Using a larval amphibian (host) and free-living trematode (parasite) model, we asked whether 1) polyester microplastic fibers influence parasite survival; 2) whether polyester microplastic fiber ingestion by amphibians alters amphibian susceptibility to infection; and 3) whether simultaneous exposure of amphibians and trematodes to polyester microplastic fibers influences infection outcomes. Polyester microplastic fibers did not alter trematode survival, nor did their ingestion by amphibians increase amphibian susceptibility to infection. However, when amphibians and trematodes were exposed simultaneously to the fibers, the infection success of the parasite was reduced. Lastly, we conducted a field survey for microfiber contamination across multiple ponds and found microfibers across each of the sampled ponds. Overall, our results contribute to the limited knowledge surrounding the ecological consequences of microplastic contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:869-879. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Buss
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Brianna Sander
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Hua
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
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32
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Hu L, Fu J, Zheng P, Dai M, Zeng G, Pan X. Accumulation of microplastics in tadpoles from different functional zones in Hangzhou Great Bay Area, China: Relation to growth stage and feeding habits. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127665. [PMID: 34799175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems, including inland small waterbodies (e.g., ponds and ditches), which are unique habitats for tadpoles. The uptake of MPs by tadpoles is influenced by their habitat, life stage, and feeding strategy. In this study, we investigated MP levels in small waterbodies in three different functional zones from the Hangzhou Great Bay Area, China, and resident tadpoles at different stages of metamorphosis with different feeding habits. Our results indicated that MPs in all three sampling areas were predominantly fibers; and the highest abundances of MPs were observed in water (4.70 ± 2.30 items/L) and sediment (728 ± 324 items/kg) from a textile industrial area, likely the result of nearby human activities. There was no significant difference in MP number in tadpoles between areas; however, omnivorous tadpoles with labial teeth and horny beaks ingested more MPs than did filter feeders. Based on their developmental characteristics, the collected tadpoles were categorized as: pre-metamorphosis, pro-metamorphosis, and metamorphic climax. The MP levels exhibited an upward trend, and MP size gradually increased as tadpole development progressed. This suggests that MPs may accumulate in tadpoles as they grow and potentially affect their metamorphosis from larvae to frogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Hu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juyang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Pingjia Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Mengzheng Dai
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ganning Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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Venâncio C, Melnic I, Tamayo-Belda M, Oliveira M, Martins MA, Lopes I. Polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics can cause developmental malformations in early life stages of Xenopus laevis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150491. [PMID: 34844312 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) production has increased almost 20% over the last years. With its release into the aquatic environment, its breakdown or degradation to nano dimensions (nanoplastics-NPLs) due to biological and physical/mechanical action is, theoretically, anticipated. The occurrence of PMMA-NPLs in aquatic ecosystems may thus cause adverse effects particularly to early life stages of amphibians, which may be in contact with PMMA-NPLs suspended in the water column or deposited in upper layers of the sediments. Accordingly, this work aimed at assessing the effects of PMMA-NPLs to aquatic early life stages of the model anuran species Xenopus laevis. To attain this objective, two types of toxicity assays were carried out by exposing embryos [Nieuwkoop and Faber (NF) stage 8-11] or tadpoles (NF 45) to three concentrations of PMMA-NPLs (1, 100 and 1000 μg/L): i) 96-h embryo teratogenicity assay, where survival, malformation, and total body length (BL) of embryos were assessed; and ii) 48-h feeding rate assay, where survival, feeding (FR), malformations and growth rates (body weight-BW and BL) of tadpoles were evaluated. PMMA-NPLs exposure had no significant effects on mortality, malformations of X. laevis embryos but BL was lower at 1000 μg PMMA-NPLs/L. In tadpoles, no effects on survival or FR were observed after exposure to PMMA-NPLs, but significant changes occured in BW and BL. Moreover, anatomical changes in the abdominal region (externalization of the gut) were observed in 62.5% of the tadpoles exposed to 1000 μg PMMA-NPLs/L. Despite the lack of knowledge regarding the environmental levels of NPLs, it is expected that sediments constitute a sink for these contaminants, where they can become available for organisms that, like tadpoles, feed on the organic matter at the surface of sediments. Considering the continuous release and subsequent accumulation of PMMA, the malformations obtained in the feeding assays suggest that, in the future, these nano-polymers may constitute a risk for aquatic life stages of amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Venâncio
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - I Melnic
- Faculty of Biology Alexandru Ioan Cuza, University of Iași, Romania
| | - M Tamayo-Belda
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M A Martins
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - I Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Microplastics Occurrence in the European Common Frog (Rana temporaria) from Cottian Alps (Northwest Italy). DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14020066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is arousing growing attention, yet knowledge about its occurrence in amphibians is scant to date. With this study, we aimed to determine whether plastic (>5000 μm) and MPs (10–5000 μm) could be detected in adult Rana temporaria from a high-mountain ecosystem (the Cottian Alps, northwest Italy). To do this, aquatic compartments and the digestive tract of adult R. temporaria were analyzed. Water, sediment, periphyton, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and tadpoles tested negative for plastic and MPs. Microplastics were detected in all the adult frogs (n = 5); all the identified items (one per specimen) were fibers (size range: 550.91–2355.51 µm). A statistically significant positive correlation between the particle length and frog size was recorded. The predominant fiber color was blue. The chemical composition was polyamide (60%), polyethylene (20%), and polyethylene terephthalate (20%). Since both the biotic and the abiotic freshwater compartments (tadpoles included) revealed the absence of MPs, it can be assumed that adult frogs ingest MPs from the surrounding terrestrial environment.
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Lajmanovich RC, Attademo AM, Lener G, Cuzziol Boccioni AP, Peltzer PM, Martinuzzi CS, Demonte LD, Repetti MR. Glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium, herbicides commonly used on genetically modified crops, and their interaction with microplastics: Ecotoxicity in anuran tadpoles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150177. [PMID: 34520929 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The effects of glyphosate (GLY)-based and glufosinate ammonium (GA)-based herbicides (GBH and GABH, respectively) and polyethylene microplastic particles (PEMPs) on Scinax squalirostris tadpoles were assessed. Tadpoles were exposed to nominal concentrations of both herbicides (from 1.56 to 100 mg L-1) and PEMPs (60 mg L-1), either alone or in combination, and toxicity evaluated at 48 h. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CbE), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were analyzed at the three lowest concentrations (1.56, 3.12 and 6.25 mg L-1, survival rates >85%) of both herbicides alone and with PEMPs. Additionally, the thermochemistry of the interactions between the herbicides and polyethylene (PE) was analyzed by Density Functional Theory (DFT). The median-lethal concentration (LC50) was 43.53 mg L-1 for GBH, 38.56 mg L-1 for GBH + PEMPs, 7.69 for GABH, and 6.25 mg L-1 for GABH+PEMPs. The PEMP treatment increased GST but decreased CbE activity, whereas GBH and GABH treatments increased GST but decreased AChE activity. In general, the mixture of herbicides with PEMPs increased the effect observed in the individual treatments: the highest concentration of GBH + PEMPs increased GST activity, whereas GABH+PEMP treatments decreased both AChE and CbE activities. DFT analysis revealed spontaneous interactions between the herbicides and PE, leading to the formation of bonds at the herbicide-PE interface, significantly stronger for GA than for GLY. The experimental and theoretical findings of our study indicate that these interactions may lead to an increase in toxicity when pollutants are together, meaning potential environmental risk of these combinations, especially in the case of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael C Lajmanovich
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Andrés M Attademo
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán Lener
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-Química de Córdoba-CONICET, Departamento de Química Teórica y Computacional, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana P Cuzziol Boccioni
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola M Peltzer
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Candela S Martinuzzi
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luisina D Demonte
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Programa de Investigación y Análisis de Residuos y Contaminantes Químicos, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María R Repetti
- Programa de Investigación y Análisis de Residuos y Contaminantes Químicos, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Silva CJM, Machado AL, Campos D, Rodrigues ACM, Patrício Silva AL, Soares AMVM, Pestana JLT. Microplastics in freshwater sediments: Effects on benthic invertebrate communities and ecosystem functioning assessed in artificial streams. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150118. [PMID: 34798725 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The high levels of microplastics (MPs) found in freshwaters, particularly in riverine sediments, may impose a threat to the macroinvertebrate communities with possible consequences at ecosystem-level. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a mixture of different sizes of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on the composition and structure of macroinvertebrate communities and key-functions, such as primary production and leaf litter decomposition. MPs were mixed in the sediment at three different concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 g kg-1) already found in freshwater sediments to enhance the relevance of the work. After eight days of exposure to PE-MPs, the observed changes in macroinvertebrate community structure were mostly due to the reduction in the abundance of deposit-feeders and grazers that were reduced by ca 31-50% and 34-39%, in the two highest MPs concentrations respectively, in comparison with the control treatment after 8 days of exposure. MPs internal concentrations were detected only in organisms exposed to plastic particles within artificial streams with chironomids and mayflies presenting higher MPs internal levels (average of 115 particles/individual found in chironomids, 166/individual for Baetis sp. and 415 particles/individual for Ephemerella sp.) suggesting higher ingestion of plastic microparticles. Nevertheless, the alterations in the community structure did not translate into impairments in the functional endpoints analysed, leaf litter decomposition and primary production, that were expected due to possible sub-lethal effects (e.g., feeding inhibition) on detritivores and grazers. This study represents one of the few assessments of MPs effects on freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate community structure and the first that simultaneously considered ecosystem-level functional endpoints. Further research combining different microplastics and longer exposure periods are needed to raise knowledge on potential ecological consequences of MPs to freshwaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J M Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Machado
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Diana Campos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia C M Rodrigues
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
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Hu J, Zuo J, Li J, Zhang Y, Ai X, Zhang J, Gong D, Sun D. Effects of secondary polyethylene microplastic exposure on crucian (Carassius carassius) growth, liver damage, and gut microbiome composition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 802:149736. [PMID: 34464809 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been found in the natural environment and even in the organs of fish, which is attracting worldwide attention. In this study, agricultural film was milled to simulate secondary polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) to evaluate their effect and toxicity on the growth, liver damage, and gut microbiome composition of crucian (Carassius carassius), a common freshwater fish, after 30 days of feed exposure. Three fish feed treatments with different PE-MPs concentrations, low, medium, and high, whose PE-MPs intake was 6.38, 12.18, and 22.33 mg MPs/fish/day, respectively, were used. The results indicated that crucian growth was promoted in the low and medium PE-MPs groups due to the increase in Firmicutes and decrease in Bacteroidetes, probably resulting in obesity and lipid accumulation, while the growth rate of crucians in the high PE-MPs group showed a clear downward trend. Severe liver damage was observed in PE-MPs-treated groups. Disordered liver tissue and necrosis of pancreatic acinar epithelial cells were observed in the medium and high PE-MPs groups compared with those of the control group. The gut microbiome composition of crucians showed significant alteration, and some harmful bacteria were found in the gut following PE-MPs exposure. Alpha diversity indices revealed that the diversity of the gut microbiome rose markedly in the low, medium, and high PE-MPs groups. This study suggests that MPs adversely affect crucian growth and health, with increased disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Hu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiane Zuo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiang Ai
- Qingke Zhilian Environmental Science Research Institute Co., Ltd, Xi'an 710000, China
| | - Jiwen Zhang
- Qingke Zhilian Environmental Science Research Institute Co., Ltd, Xi'an 710000, China
| | - Dahui Gong
- Qingke Zhilian Environmental Science Research Institute Co., Ltd, Xi'an 710000, China
| | - Dingming Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an 710000, China
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38
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Zhao C, Xu T, He M, Shah KJ, You Z, Zhang T, Zubair M. Exploring the toxicity of the aged styrene-butadiene rubber microplastics to petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria under compound pollution system. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 227:112903. [PMID: 34673417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112903] [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: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As a new pollutant, microplastics have increasingly drawn public attention to its toxic behavior in the environment. The aim was to investigate the effect of styrene-butadiene-rubber microplastics (mSBR) with different degrees of aging on petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) degrading bacteria in an environment with simultaneously existing pollutants. A series of experiments were carried out to investigate the changes in the physical and chemical properties of mSBR with aging and to examine the influence of these changes on the inhibition of PHC-degrading bacteria by mSBR in the vicinity of coexisting pollutants. The results showed that in the early stage of ultraviolet aging (10d), the particle surface shows wrinkles, but the structure is intact. After reaching the late stage of aging (20d), nano-scale fragments were generated on the surface of mSBR, the average particle size decreased from 3.074 µm to 2.297 µm, and the zeta potential increased from - 25.1 mV to - 33.1 mV. The inhibitory effect of bacteria is greater. At the same time, these changes in the physicochemical properties increase the adsorption effect of Cd by 20%, and also improve the stability of mSBR in solution, whereby bacterial growth is inhibited by inhibiting the LPO activity and protein concentration of PHC degrading bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changrong Zhao
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Tong Xu
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Miao He
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Kinjal J Shah
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Zhaoyang You
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Abstract
Microplastics are practically ubiquitous and pose a serious survival challenge for many species. Most of the exposure experiments for determining the toxicological effects of microplastics were performed with a microplastic varying little in shape and size (often purchased microplastic beads), but few studies deal with non-homogeneous samples. We analyzed the effect on Xenopuslaevis larva on the early development of polyester fibers, PEFs, taken from a dryer machine in which 100% polyester fabrics were dried after washing. Three concentrations were tested. The results showed that the gastrointestinal tract, GIT, was the most affected system by PEFs which modified the normal shape of the intestine with an EC50 96 h value of 6.3 µg mL−1. Fibers were observed to press against the digestive epithelium, deforming the normal architecture of the gut, sometimes pushing deep into the epithelium until piercing it. Physical GIT occlusion was observed in a concentration-dependent manner. However, no other damages were registered. No mortality was observed, but PEF-exposed larvae showed a significant reduction in their mobility. The results of the present paper suggest that environmental samples with their heterogeneity may have adverse effects on X. laevis development.
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Yin L, Wen X, Huang D, Du C, Deng R, Zhou Z, Tao J, Li R, Zhou W, Wang Z, Chen H. Interactions between microplastics/nanoplastics and vascular plants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:117999. [PMID: 34500397 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics are distributed in the environments universally. The interrelationship between vascular plants and micro/nanoplastics began to attract attention in recent years. Based on the relevant literatures collected from various databases, this review focuses on two topics: 1) the effect of vascular plants on the fate of micro/nanoplastics; 2) the effects of micro/nanoplastics on vascular plants. The review of the available studies reveals that vascular plants can act as sinks for microplastics and nanoplastics as their surfaces can adsorb these plastics; moreover, nanoplastics can be internalized by plants. Plastics on the surfaces and in the interiors of vascular plants can cause various phytotoxicity effects, including impacts on growth, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the results and mechanisms of phytotoxicity effects caused by microplastics or nanoplastics can be very different. However, knowledge gaps still exist in the relationships between micro/nanoplastics and vascular plants based on the analysis of available studies; thus, potential subjects for future studies were proposed, including the fates, analysis methods, influencing factors, mechanisms of phytotoxicity, and further influences of microplastics and nanoplastics in the vascular plant ecosystems. This study presents a review of micro/nanoplastics-vascular plant research and reaches a basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingshi Yin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Water-Sediment Sciences and Water Disaster Prevention of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Danlian Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China.
| | - Chunyan Du
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Rui Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhou
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Jiaxi Tao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Ruijin Li
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410114, China
| | - Haojie Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
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Bonfanti P, Colombo A, Saibene M, Motta G, Saliu F, Catelani T, Mehn D, La Spina R, Ponti J, Cella C, Floris P, Mantecca P. Microplastics from miscellaneous plastic wastes: Physico-chemical characterization and impact on fish and amphibian development. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 225:112775. [PMID: 34536794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution represents a global problem with negative impacts on aquatic environment and organisms' health. To date, most of the laboratory toxicological studies on microplastics (MPs) have made use of single commercial micro and nano-polymers, which do not reflect the heterogeneity of environmental MPs. To improve the relevance of the hazard assessment, micrometer-sized plastic particles of miscellaneous non-reusable waste plastics, with size <100 µm and <50 µm (waste microplastics, wMPs), were characterized by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and tested on developing zebrafish and Xenopus laevis by FET and FETAX assays respectively. Moreover, the modalities of wMP interaction with the embryonic structures, as well as the histological lesions, were explored by light and electron microscopy. We have shown that wMPs had very heterogeneous shapes and sizes, were mainly composed of polyethylene and polypropylene and contained metal and organic impurities, as well as submicrometric particle fractions, features that resemble those of environmental occurring MPs. wMPs (0.1-100 mg/L) caused low rate of mortality and altered phenotypes in embryos, but established species-specific biointeractions. In zebrafish, wMPs by adhering to chorion were able to delay hatching in a size and concentration dependent manner. In Xenopus embryos, which open stomodeum earlier than zebrafish, wMPs were accumulated in intestinal tract, where produced mechanical stress and stimulated mucus overproduction, attesting an irritation response. Although wMP biointeractions did not interfere with morphogenesis processes, further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and long-term impact of these, or even smaller, wMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Bonfanti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Anita Colombo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Melissa Saibene
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Motta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Tiziano Catelani
- Interdepartmental Microscopy Platform, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Dora Mehn
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Rita La Spina
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Jessica Ponti
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Claudia Cella
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Pamela Floris
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Paride Mantecca
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
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Bosch J, Thumsová B, López-Rojo N, Pérez J, Alonso A, Fisher MC, Boyero L. Microplastics increase susceptibility of amphibian larvae to the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22438. [PMID: 34789869 PMCID: PMC8599647 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01973-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), a new class of pollutants that pose a threat to aquatic biodiversity, are of increasing global concern. In tandem, the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causing the disease chytridiomycosis is emerging worldwide as a major stressor to amphibians. We here assess whether synergies exist between this infectious disease and MP pollution by mimicking natural contact of a highly susceptible species (midwife toads, Alytes obstetricans) with a Bd-infected reservoir species (fire salamanders, Salamandra salamandra) in the presence and absence of MPs. We found that MP ingestion increases the burden of infection by Bd in a dose-dependent manner. However, MPs accumulated to a greater extent in amphibians that were not exposed to Bd, likely due to Bd-damaged tadpole mouthparts interfering with MP ingestion. Our experimental approach showed compelling interactions between two emergent processes, chytridiomycosis and MP pollution, necessitating further research into potential synergies between these biotic and abiotic threats to amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Bosch
- Biodiversity Research Institute, University of Oviedo-Principality of Asturias-CSIC, Mieres, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación, Seguimiento y Evaluación, Parque Nacional Sierra de Guadarrama, Rascafría, Spain. .,Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Barbora Thumsová
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Asociación Herpetológica Española, Madrid, Spain
| | - Naiara López-Rojo
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine (LECA), Université Grenoble Alpes, UMR CNRS-UGA-USMB, Grenoble, France
| | - Javier Pérez
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Alberto Alonso
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Luz Boyero
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain
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Araújo APDC, Rocha TL, E Silva DDM, Malafaia G. Micro(nano)plastics as an emerging risk factor to the health of amphibian: A scientometric and systematic review. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131090. [PMID: 34153909 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) is recognized at different trophic levels, our know-how about their effects on amphibians is limited. Thus, we present and discuss the current state on studies involving amphibians and plastic particles, based on a broad approach to studies published in the last 5 years. To search for the articles, the ISI Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were consulted, using different descriptors related to the topic of study. After the systematic search, we identified 848 publications. Of these, 12 studies addressed the relationship "plastic particles and amphibians" (7 studies developed in the laboratory and 5 field studies). The scientometric analysis points to geographic concentration of studies in Brazil and China; low investment in research in the area, and limited participation of international authors in the studies carried out. In the systematic approach, we confirm the scarcity of available data on the toxicity of plastic particles in amphibians; we observed a concentration of studies in the Anura order, only one study explored the toxicological effects of NPs and polystyrene and polyethylene are the most studied plastic types. Moreover, the laboratory tested concentrations are distant from those of the environmentally relevant; and little is known about the mechanisms of action of NPs/MPs involved in the identified (eco)toxicological effects. Thus, we strongly recommend more investments in this area, given the ubiquitous nature of NPs/MPs in aquatic environments and their possible consequences on the dynamics, reproduction, and survival of species in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Pereira da Costa Araújo
- Biological Research Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Melo E Silva
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Laboratory of Environmental Mutagenesis, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Biological Research Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
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Ockenden A, Tremblay LA, Dikareva N, Simon KS. Towards more ecologically relevant investigations of the impacts of microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148507. [PMID: 34465042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a major environmental concern and the subject of a rapidly growing body of research. Much of this research has focused on the direct effects of microplastics on single species and there is limited information on how microplastics affect different functional groups of organisms, multi-species interactions, and ecosystem processes. We focused on freshwater systems and reviewed 146 studies of microplastic effects on freshwater biota and recorded features including particle characteristics, study designs, functional types of species tested and ecotoxicological endpoints measured. Study species were categorized based on their ecosystem role/functional feeding group rather than taxonomy. We found that most studies were conducted on single species (95%) and focused on a narrow range of functional groups of organisms (mostly filter feeders, 37% of studies). Very few studies have investigated multi-species interactions and ecosystem processes. In many studies, certain characteristics of microplastics, such as polymer type were not well matched with the feeding and habitat ecology of test species, potentially reducing their ecological relevance. Median laboratory study test concentrations were 5-6 orders of magnitude higher than those reported in the field and few studies considered the effects of chemical additives in plastics (6%). We recommend that studies addressing the ecological effects of microplastics need to address neglected functional groups of organisms, design experiments to better match the ecology of test species, and increase in experimental scale and complexity to identify any indirect effects on species interactions and ecosystem processes. We suggest that examining microplastics through an ecological lens that better integrates the feeding and habitat ecology of test organisms will advance our understanding of the effects microplastics have in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ockenden
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Science Centre, Building 302, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Louis A Tremblay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Building 110, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street, The Wood, Nelson 7010, New Zealand.
| | - Nadia Dikareva
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Science Centre, Building 302, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Kevin S Simon
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Science Centre, Building 302, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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Chen HL, Selvam SB, Ting KN, Gibbins CN. Microplastic pollution in freshwater systems in Southeast Asia: contamination levels, sources, and ecological impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:54222-54237. [PMID: 34386926 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15826-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are synthetic polymers known for their outstanding durability and versatility, and have replaced traditional materials in many applications. Unfortunately, their unique traits ensure that they pose a major threat to the environment. While literature on freshwater microplastic contamination has grown over the recent years, research undertaken in rapidly developing countries, where plastic production and use are increasing dramatically, has lagged behind that in other parts of the world. In the South East Asia (SEA) region, basic information on levels of contamination is very limited and, as a consequence, the risk to human and ecological health remains hard to assess. This review synthesises what is currently known about microplastic contamination of freshwater ecosystems in SEA, with a particular focus on Malaysia. The review 1) summarises published studies that have assessed levels of contamination in freshwater systems in SEA, 2) discusses key sources and transport pathways of microplastic in freshwaters, 3) outlines what is known of the impacts of microplastic on freshwater organisms, and 4) identifies key knowledge gaps related to our understanding of the transport, fate and effects of microplastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ling Chen
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Sivathass Bannir Selvam
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kang Nee Ting
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Christopher Neil Gibbins
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
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46
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Agathokleous E, Iavicoli I, Barceló D, Calabrese EJ. Micro/nanoplastics effects on organisms: A review focusing on 'dose'. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126084. [PMID: 34229388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become predominant contaminants, attracting much political and scientific attention. Despite the massively-increasing research on microplastics effects on organisms, the debate of whether environmental concentrations pose hazard and risk continues. This study critically reviews published literatures of microplastics effects on organisms within the context of "dose". It provides substantial evidence of the common occurrence of threshold and hormesis dose responses of numerous aquatic and terrestrial organisms to microplastics. This finding along with accumulated evidence indicating the capacity of organisms for recovery suggests that the linear-no-threshold model is biologically irrelevant and should not serve as a default model for assessing the microplastics risks. The published literature does not provide sufficient evidence supporting the general conclusion that environmental doses of microplastics cause adverse effects on individual organisms. Instead, doses that are smaller than the dose of toxicological threshold and more likely to occur in the environment may even induce positive effects, although the ecological implications of these responses remain unknown. This study also shows that low doses of microplastics can reduce whereas high doses can increase the negative effects of other pollutants. The mechanisms explaining these findings are discussed, providing a novel perspective for evaluating the risks of microplastics in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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47
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Agathokleous E, Iavicoli I, Barceló D, Calabrese EJ. Ecological risks in a 'plastic' world: A threat to biological diversity? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126035. [PMID: 33992919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is predicted to increase in the coming decades, raising concerns about its effects on living organisms. Although the effects of microplastics on individual organisms have been extensively studied, the effects on communities, biological diversity, and ecosystems remain underexplored. This paper reviews the published literature concerning how microplastics affect communities, biological diversity, and ecosystem processes. Microplastics increase the abundance of some taxa but decrease the abundance of some other taxa, indicating trade-offs among taxa and altered microbial community composition in both the natural environment and animals' gut. The alteration of community composition by microplastics is highly conserved across taxonomic ranks, while the alpha diversity of microbiota is often reduced or increased, depending on the microplastics dose and environmental conditions, suggesting potential threats to biodiversity. Biogeochemical cycles, greenhouse gas fluxes, and atmospheric chemistry, can also be altered by microplastics pollution. These findings suggest that microplastics may impact the U.N. Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) to improve atmospheric, soil, and water quality and sustaining biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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48
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Sun S, Shi W, Tang Y, Han Y, Du X, Zhou W, Zhang W, Sun C, Liu G. The toxic impacts of microplastics (MPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on haematic parameters in a marine bivalve species and their potential mechanisms of action. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:147003. [PMID: 33865135 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are universally detected in the marine ecosystem and may exert adverse impacts on marine species. Although under realistic pollution scenarios, PAH pollution usually occurs as a mixture of different PAH compounds, the toxic impacts of PAH mixtures on marine organisms remain largely unknown to date, including their interactions with other emergent pollutants such as MPs. In this study, the single and combined toxic impacts of polystyrene MPs and a mixture of PAHs (standard mix of 16 representative PAHs) on haematic parameters were evaluated in the blood clam Tegillarca granosa. Our data demonstrated that blood clams treated with the pollutants examined led to decreased total haemocyte count (THC), changed haematic composition, and inhibited phagocytosis of haemocytes. Further analyses indicated that MPs and a mixture of PAHs may exert toxic impacts on haematic parameters by elevating the intracellular contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), giving rise to lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA damage, reducing the viability of haemocytes, and disrupting important molecular signalling pathways (indicated by significantly altered expressions of key genes). In addition, compared to clams treated with a single type of pollutant, coexposure to MPs and a mixture of PAHs exerted more severe adverse impacts on all the parameters investigated, indicating a significant synergistic effect of MPs and PAHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuge Sun
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yu Tang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yu Han
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Xueying Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Weishang Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Weixia Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Changsen Sun
- Ninghai Institute of Mariculture Breeding and Seed Industry, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ninghai 315604, PR China.
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
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49
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Malafaia G, Nascimento ÍF, Estrela FN, Guimarães ATB, Ribeiro F, Luz TMD, Rodrigues ASDL. Green toxicology approach involving polylactic acid biomicroplastics and neotropical tadpoles: (Eco)toxicological safety or environmental hazard? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:146994. [PMID: 33865141 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Different and alternative renewable-source materials, commonly called bioplastics, have been proposed due to the high production and consumption of petroleum-derived plastics and to their high toxicity in the biota. However, their toxicological safety has not yet been assessed in a comprehensive way; therefore, their effects on several animal groups remain completely unknown. Thus, we aimed at testing the following hypothesis: the exposure of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles to polylaic acid biomicroplastic (PLA BioMP) at environmentally relevant concentrations (760 and 15,020 μg/L) induces physiological changes in them. Based on the collected data, biopolymer uptake changed tadpoles' growth and development features, reduced their lipid reserves (it was inferred by decreased triglyceride levels), as well as increased reactive oxygen and nitric oxide species production after 14-day exposure. The proportional increase in total glutathione levels, and in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, was not enough to counterbalance the production of reactive species. In addition, the two tested concentrations caused cholinesterase effect, which was marked by increased acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. This finding is indicative of the neurotoxic action of PLA BioMP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the harmful consequences of exposing amphibian representatives to the herein tested biopolymers. Therefore, this finding encourages further studies and contributes to demystify the idea that bioplastics are "harmless" to the aquatic biota in freshwater environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Malafaia
- Biological Research Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation of Natural Resources, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | | | - Fernanda Neves Estrela
- Biological Research Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Abraão Tiago Batista Guimarães
- Biological Research Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Fabianne Ribeiro
- Department of Biology & CESAM - Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Aline Sueli de Lima Rodrigues
- Post-Graduate Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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50
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Dimitriadi A, Papaefthimiou C, Genizegkini E, Sampsonidis I, Kalogiannis S, Feidantsis K, Bobori DC, Kastrinaki G, Koumoundouros G, Lambropoulou DA, Kyzas GZ, Bikiaris DN. Adverse effects polystyrene microplastics exert on zebrafish heart - Molecular to individual level. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:125969. [PMID: 34492880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the present study the effects of sublethal concentrations of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on zebrafish were evaluated at multiple levels, related to fish activity and oxidative stress, metabolic changes and contraction parameters in the heart tissue. Zebrafish were fed for 21 days food enriched with PS-MPs (particle sizes 3-12 µm) and a battery of stress indices like DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, autophagy, ubiquitin levels, caspases activation, metabolite adjustments, frequency and force of ventricular contraction were measured in fish heart, parallel to fish swimming velocity. In particular, exposure to PS-MPs caused significant decrease in heart function and swimming competence, while enhanced levels of oxidative stress indices and metabolic adjustments were observed in the heart of challenged species. Among stress indices, DNA damage was more vulnerable to the effect of PS-MPs. Our results provide evidence on the multiplicity of the PS-MPs effects on cellular function, physiology and metabolic pathways and heart rate of adult fish and subsequent effects on fish activity and fish fitness thus enlightening MPs characterization as a potent environmental pollutant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chrisovalantis Papaefthimiou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Genizegkini
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sampsonidis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, GR-574 00 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros Kalogiannis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, GR-574 00 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Feidantsis
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra C Bobori
- Laboratory of Ichthyology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | | | - Dimitra A Lambropoulou
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Z Kyzas
- Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, Kavala GR-654 04, Greece
| | - Dimitrios N Bikiaris
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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