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Shen H, Tan H, Lu Y, Gao Y, Xia Y, Cai Z. The combination of detection and simulation for the distribution and sourcing of microplastics in Shing Mun River estuary, Hong Kong. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174305. [PMID: 38936714 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
For the first time, combined detection and simulation was performed on microplastic (MP) debris in surface water, sediment, and oyster samples at ten coastal sites of Shing Mun River estuary, Hong Kong at different tidal conditions. The MP debris were extracted and detected using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and the simulation was conducted using Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF) / Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) coupled hydro-dynamic modelling and the subsequent Lagrangian particle tracking. The results demonstrated the majority of polyethylene (with partial chlorine substitution) debris among all the MPs found, and great spatial and tidal variabilities of MP concentrations were observed. The combination of MP observation and simulations referred to the interpretation that a considerable percentage of MPs found in this study originated from South China Sea. Those MPs were probably transported to Tolo Harbour through sea currents and drifted inshore and offshore with tides. This study provided baseline measures of MP concentrations in Shing Mun River estuary and comprehensive understanding for how MPs transport and distribute within a dynamic estuarine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, China
| | - Hongli Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, China
| | - Yi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, China
| | - Yifei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, China
| | - Yongjun Xia
- School of Heath Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, China.
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2
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Tong R, Wang B, Xiao N, Yang S, Xing Y, Wang Y, Xing B. Selection of engineered degradation method to remove microplastics from aquatic environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176281. [PMID: 39278507 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic environment are difficult to degrade naturally due to their hydrophobicity and structure. A variety of engineered degradation methods were developed to treat MPs contamination in the aquatic environment. Current reviews of MPs degradation methods only provided an inventory but lacked systematic comparisons and application recommendations. However, selecting suitable degradation methods for different types of MPs contamination may be more effective. This work examined the present engineered degradation methods for MPs in the aquatic environment. They were categorized into chemical degradation, biodegradation, thermal degradation and photodegradation. These degradation methods were systematically summarized in terms of degradation efficiency, technical limitations and production of environmental hazards. Also, the potential influences of different environmental factors and media on degradation were analyzed, and the selection of degradation methods were suggested from the perspectives of contamination types and degradation mechanisms. Finally, the development trend and challenges for studying MPs engineered degradation were proposed. This work will contribute to a better selection of customized degradation methods for different types of MPs contamination scenarios in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhen Tong
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Shaanxi Geomatics Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
| | - Na Xiao
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yan Xing
- Shaanxi Environmental Monitoring Center, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Forewarning of Trace Pollutants, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Yanhua Wang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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3
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Bo T, Ralston DK, Geyer WR, McWilliams JC. On the role of small estuaries in retaining buoyant particles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2401498121. [PMID: 39159374 PMCID: PMC11363262 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2401498121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Estuaries, as connectors between land and ocean, have complex interactions of river and tidal flows that affect the transport of buoyant materials like floating plastics, oil spills, organic matter, and larvae. This study investigates surface-trapped buoyant particle transport in estuaries by using idealized and realistic numerical simulations along with a theoretical model. While river discharge and estuarine exchange flow are usually expected to export buoyant particles to the ocean over subtidal timescales, this study reveals a ubiquitous physical transport mechanism that causes retention of buoyant particles in estuaries. Tidally varying surface convergence fronts affect the aggregation of buoyant particles, and the coupling between particle aggregation and oscillatory tidal currents leads to landward transport at subtidal timescales. Landward transport and retention of buoyant particles is greater in small estuaries, while large estuaries tend to export buoyant particles to the ocean. A dimensionless width parameter incorporating the tidal radian frequency and lateral velocity distinguishes small and large estuaries at a transitional value of around 1. Additionally, higher river flow tends to shift estuaries toward seaward transport and export of buoyant particles. These findings provide insights into understanding the distribution of buoyant materials in estuaries and predicting their fate in the land-sea exchange processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Bo
- Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - David K Ralston
- Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543
| | - W Rockwell Geyer
- Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543
| | - James C McWilliams
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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4
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Li J, Liu J, Wang X, Zhang T, Wang D, Shan E, Teng J, Zhao J, Wang Q. Vertical transfer of microplastics in nearshore water by cultured filter-feeding oysters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134769. [PMID: 38870849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in the sea, but the vertical transfer of MPs by marine organisms in coastal area is still poorly understood. In this study, we used laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy to determine the number and characteristics of MPs deposited by cultured oyster Crassostrea gigas and further compared the differences between MPs of natural deposit and biodeposit in field environments. The amounts of MPs found in the biodeposit of cultured oysters were 3.54 times greater than that in the natural deposition. The polymer types of biodeposit MPs also differed from those of natural deposition. It was estimated that a single oyster can deposit 15.88 MPs per day, which is a figure much higher than the initial results, and hotspots of MPs deposition may be formed within the oyster aquaculture area. We used generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to further infer the sources of MPs in sediments and found that distance to shore, cultured zone and urban center were important predictors of MPs abundance in sediments of aquaculture area. The above results suggest that cultured bivalves have an important capacity for MPs biodeposition and will further change the vertical distribution pattern of MPs in coastal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasen Li
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jialin Liu
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Dongyu Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Encui Shan
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jia Teng
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China.
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5
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Nitzberg EJ, Parmar S, Arbuckle-Keil G, Saba GK, Chant RJ, Fahrenfeld NL. Microplastic concentration, characterization, and size distribution in the Delaware Bay estuary. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142523. [PMID: 38838865 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142523] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has been widely reported across water matrices including in estuaries, which are important for the understanding of oceanic MPs. Estuaries can greatly alter the fate, transport, size distribution, and abundance of plastic pollution. The aim of this study was to quantify and characterize MP pollution in the Delaware Bay estuary USA, including the size distribution. Samples (N = 31) were collected from the mouth of the Delaware River to the coastal ocean including multiple frontal zones across two sampling campaigns (2019 and 2022). MP were extracted from the collected particles using wet peroxide oxidation and density separation with saturated sodium chloride. Particles collected on 500 μm mesh sieves were analyzed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Across all samples, 324 of the 1015 particles analyzed were MP, and 11 macroplastics were observed. MP concentrations ranged from below detection to 4.12 MP/m3 (mean 0.34 ± 0.80 MP/m3). No significant differences were observed between sampling sites; nonetheless, the two highest MP concentrations were observed when sampling along frontal zones with visible debris including macroplastics. Polyethylene (53%) and polypropylene (43%) were the most abundant polymers observed. The majority of the non-plastic particles were classified as particulate natural organic matter (82% of non-plastics). Particles from samples collected during 2022 (N = 864) also had color, morphology, and two size dimensions recorded. MP particle size was significantly associated with sampling site, with the coastal ocean sampling site generally having the smallest MPs. A correlation between total post-extraction particles and total plastic particles was observed. Aspect ratios for the plastics ranged from one to 40.7, with larger ratios for fibers, with a mean (±standard deviation) of 3.39 ± 4.72 (unitless). These aspect ratios can be used to select shape factors used to estimate the total volume of MP in the studied size range. Overall, these results can help inform fate, transport, and risk assessments related to estuarine plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Nitzberg
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Swaraj Parmar
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Georgia Arbuckle-Keil
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Grace K Saba
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Robert J Chant
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - N L Fahrenfeld
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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6
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de Deus BCT, Costa TC, Altomari LN, Brovini EM, de Brito PSD, Cardoso SJ. Coastal plastic pollution: A global perspective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116478. [PMID: 38735173 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116478] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems have ecological importance worldwide and require control and prevention measures to mitigate human pollution. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review to provide a comprehensive overview of the global issue of coastal plastic pollution. 689 articles were eligible for qualitative synthesis and 31 were considered for quantitative analysis. There was an exponential increase in articles addressing coastal plastic pollution over the past 50 years. Studies were mainly carried out on beaches, and plastic bottles were the most found item, followed by cigarette butts. Polyethylene was the predominant plastic polymer, and white microplastic fragments stood out. China published most articles on the topic and Brazil had the highest number of sites sampled. Meta-analysis had significant effect sizes based on the reported data. These findings carry significant implications for environmental policies, waste management practices, and targeted awareness campaigns aimed at mitigating plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Corrêa Thomé de Deus
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thaiane Cantarino Costa
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leslie Nascimento Altomari
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Emília Marques Brovini
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Campus Universitário, Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000 Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Duque de Brito
- VALORIZA Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, Campus Politécnico, 10, 7300-555 Portalegre, Portalegre, Portugal
| | - Simone Jaqueline Cardoso
- Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, 36036-900, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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7
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Imbulana S, Tanaka S, Oluwoye I. Quantifying annual microplastic emissions of an urban catchment: Surface runoff vs wastewater sources. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 360:121123. [PMID: 38761621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Urban clusters are recognized as hotspots of microplastic pollution, and the associated urban rivers convey microplastics into the global oceans. Despite this knowledge, the relative contributions of various sources to the annual microplastic emissions from urban catchments remain scarcely quantified. Here, we quantified microplastic emissions from a riverine urban catchment in Japan. The total microplastics (size range: 10-5000 μm) released from the catchment amounted to 269.1 tons/annum, of which 78.1% is contributed by surface runoff and other uncontrolled emissions (UCE), and 21.1% emerges from the regulated wastewater (controlled emissions; CE), implying that approximately one-fifth is intercepted and removed by the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This further indicated higher microplastic pollution by unmanaged surface runoff compared to untreated wastewater. In the dry season, WWTPs contributed significantly to the reduction of total microplastic emissions (95%) compared to wet periods (8%). On an annual scale, the treated effluent occupies only 0.1% of the total microplastics released to the river network (212.4 tons/annum), while the remaining portion is dominated by UCE, i.e., primarily surface runoff emissions (98.9%), and trivially by the background microplastic inputs that are potentially derived through atmospheric depositions in dry days (1.0%). It was shown that moderate and heavy rainfall events which occur during 18% of the year (within the context of Japan), leading to 95% of the annual microplastic emissions, are crucial for pollution control of urban rivers. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that surface area-normalized microplastic emissions from an urban catchment (∼0.8 tons/km2/annum) is globally relevant, especially for planning microplastic interventions for developed cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachithra Imbulana
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Shuhei Tanaka
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Ibukun Oluwoye
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan; Curtin Corrosion Centre, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia
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8
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Talang RPN, Polruang S, Sirivithayapakorn S. Influencing factors of microplastic generation and microplastic contamination in urban freshwater. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30021. [PMID: 38707367 PMCID: PMC11068644 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30021] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This research analyzes data on the microplastic (MP) contamination in the environmental systems (atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere) and the levels of MPs in freshwater of cities with different levels of national income. This study investigates the influencing factors of MP generation, i.e., mismanaged plastic waste, untreated wastewater, number of registered motor vehicles, and stormwater runoff. The statistical correlations between the MP contamination in urban freshwater and the four influencing factors of MP generation are determined by linear regression. The results indicate that MPs are most abundant in aquatic systems (i.e., hydrosphere) and pose a serious threat to the human food chain. The regression analysis shows a strong correlation between mismanaged plastic waste and microfragment smaller than 300 μm in particle size in urban freshwater with high goodness-of-fit (R2 = 0.8091). A strong relationship with high goodness-of-fit also exists between untreated wastewater and microfragment of 1000-5000 μm in particle size (R2 = 0.9522). The key to mitigate the MP contamination in urban freshwater is to replace improper plastic waste management and wastewater treatment with proper management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutjaya Prateep Na Talang
- Environmental Modeling Consultant Center, Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Sucheela Polruang
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Thailand
| | - Sanya Sirivithayapakorn
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Thailand
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Parameswarappa Jayalakshmamma M, Na Nagara V, Borgaonkar A, Sarkar D, Sadik O, Boufadel M. Characterizing microplastics in urban runoff: A multi-land use assessment with a focus on 1-125 μm size particles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166685. [PMID: 37652378 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Urban areas play a significant role in generating microplastics (MPs) through increased vehicular and human activities, making urban runoff a key source of MP pollution in receiving waterways. The composition of MPs is anticipated to vary with land use; hence, identifying the hotspots of contamination within urban areas is imperative for the targeted interventions to reduce MPs at their sources. This study collected one-liter stormwater runoffs from three different land uses as sheet flow during two storm events to quantify the MPs and identify the polymers transported from land-based sources. The analytical method included a combination of Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, Raman microscope, and Nile red staining techniques. This study analyzed the broad spectrum of MPs, i.e., 1 μm-5 mm, and tire wear and bitumen particles, considered the two major research gaps in stormwater studies. The MP concentrations were 67.7 ± 11.3 pL-1in commercial, 23 ± 10.3 pL-1 in residential, and 168.7 ± 37.1 pL-1in highways. The trend of MP concentrations followed an order of highway > commercial > residential with an exclusive presence of polymethylmethacrylate and ethylene-vinyl acetate in highways; cellophane, methylcellulose, polystyrene, polyamide, and polytetrafluorethylene in commercial; and high-density polyethylene in residential areas. The dominant MP morphology consisted of fragments, accounting for 89 % of the identified MPs, followed by 10 % fibers and 1 % films. This study observed a prevalence of MPs sizes <125 μm constituting 49 % of the total composition. These findings underscore the vital role of land use patterns in shaping MP abundance and reinforce the urgency of implementing effective management strategies to mitigate MP pollution in stormwater runoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghana Parameswarappa Jayalakshmamma
- Center for Natural Resources, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 MLK Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Viravid Na Nagara
- Center for Natural Resources, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 MLK Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Ashish Borgaonkar
- School of Applied Engineering and Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 MLK Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Dibyendu Sarkar
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
| | - Omowunmi Sadik
- Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 MLK Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Michel Boufadel
- Center for Natural Resources, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 MLK Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102, USA.
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10
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Sipps K, Patil S, Ochoa L, Chan J, Auguste C, Arbuckle-Keil G, Fahrenfeld NL. Quantitative and qualitative impacts of nitric acid digestion on microplastic identification via FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, implications for environmental samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:6809-6823. [PMID: 37798472 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04960-9] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Quantification and characterization of microplastics, synthetic polymers less than 5 mm in diameter, requires extraction methods that can reduce non-plastic debris without loss or alteration of the polymers. Nitric acid has been used to extract plastic particles from zooplankton and other biota because it completely digests tissue and exoskeletons, thus reducing interferences. While the impact of acid digestion protocols on several polymers has been demonstrated, advice for quantifying microplastic and interpreting their spectra following nitric acid digestion is lacking. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and/or Raman spectroscopy was performed on plastics from > 50 common consumer products (including a variety of textiles) pre- and post-nitric acid treatment. The percent match and assigned polymer were tabulated to compare the accuracy of spectral identification before and after nitric acid digestion via two open spectral analysis software. Nylon-66, polyoxymethylene, polyurethane, polyisoprene, nitrile rubber, and polymethyl methacrylate had ≥ 90% mass loss in nitric acid. Other less-impacted polymers changed color, morphology, and/or size following digestion. Thus, using nitric acid digestion for microplastic extraction can impact our understanding of the particle sizes and morphologies ingested in situ. Spectral analysis results were compiled to understand how often (1) the best-hit matches were correct (30-60% of spectra), (2) the best-hit matches exceeding the (arbitrary) threshold of 65% match were correct (53-78% of spectra), and (3) the best-hit matches for anthropogenic polymers were incorrectly identified as natural polymers (12-15% of spectra). Based on these results, advice is provided on how nitric acid digestion can impact microplastics as well as spectral interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karli Sipps
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Eberly College of Science, Penn State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Shreya Patil
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 500 Bartholomew Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Langan Engineering, Parsippany, NJ, USA
| | - Lilia Ochoa
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 500 Bartholomew Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Julianne Chan
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 500 Bartholomew Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Caitlyn Auguste
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Georgia Arbuckle-Keil
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - N L Fahrenfeld
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 500 Bartholomew Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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11
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Defontaine S, Jalón-Rojas I. Physical processes matters! Recommendations for sampling microplastics in estuarine waters based on hydrodynamics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114932. [PMID: 37087826 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in estuarine waters is crucial for understanding the fate of microplastics at the land-sea continuum, and for developing policies and legislation to mitigate associated risks. However, if protocols to monitor microplastic pollution in ocean waters or beach sediments are well established, they may not be adequate for estuarine environments, due to the complex 3D hydrodynamics. In this note, we review and discuss sampling methods and strategies in relation to the main environmental forcing, estuarine hydrodynamics, and their spatio-temporal scales of variability. We propose recommendations about when, where and how to sample microplastics to capture the most representative picture of microplastic pollution. This note opens discussions on the urgent need for standardized methods and protocols to routinely monitor microplastics in estuaries which should, at the same time, be easily adaptable to the different systems to ensure consistency and comparability of data across different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Defontaine
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France; Ifremer - DYNECO/DHYSED, Centre de Bretagne, CS 10070, 29280 Plouzan, France.
| | - Isabel Jalón-Rojas
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
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12
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Cardoso-Mohedano JG, Ruiz-Fernández AC, Sanchez-Cabeza JA, Camacho-Torres SM, Ontiveros-Cuadras JF. Microplastics transport in a low-inflow estuary at the entrance of the Gulf of California. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161825. [PMID: 36716892 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as a global emergent pollution impact, which can affect all food chains. Estimating MPs transport pathways in coastal ecosystems is needed to assess their likely effects. Here, we studied MPs accumulation and transport pathways in the Estero de Urias lagoon system (low-inflow estuary) using field data and a 3D particle model. Field results showed that the MPs present similar abundances throughout the study area during the dry and rainy seasons. Model simulations indicated that i) morphology and tidal currents caused the MPs discharged in the lagoon to remain inside, and ii) wind-induced currents caused the MPs in the coastal area to be transported to the southwest. These transport processes may be responsible for homogenizing MPs concentrations through the studied area. In addition, model simulations suggested that EUL-dense waters can export MPs from the coastal area to the sea bottom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Gilberto Cardoso-Mohedano
- Estación el Carmen, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Carmen-Puerto Real km. 9.5, 24157 Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico.
| | - Ana Carolina Ruiz-Fernández
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Calz. Joel Montes Camarena s/n, 82040 Mazatlán, Mexico
| | - Joan-Albert Sanchez-Cabeza
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Calz. Joel Montes Camarena s/n, 82040 Mazatlán, Mexico
| | | | - Jorge Feliciano Ontiveros-Cuadras
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad Académica Procesos Oceánicos y Costeros, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
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13
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Yuan D, Zhao L, Yan C, Zhou J, Cui Y, Wu R, Cui J, Wang J, Wang C, Kou Y. Distribution characteristics of microplastics in storm-drain inlet sediments affected by the types of urban functional areas, economic and demographic conditions in southern Beijing. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115224. [PMID: 36626948 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A storm-drain inlet is an important link in the transport of microplastic pollutants in urban rainwater runoff. In three functional districts (agricultural, commercial, and residential) from Beijing South 2nd Ring Road to South 6th Ring Road, microplastics in storm-drain inlet sediments were analyzed for abundance and characteristics. The abundance of microplastics in the collected samples ranged from 1121 ± 247 items kg-1 to 7393 ± 491 items kg-1. Among the sample areas, the commercial area had the greatest abundance (11094 items kg-1), while the agricultural area had the lowest (833 items kg-1). The microplastics in the samples were mainly fragments, accounting for 50.4%. Microplastics of less than 1 mm accounted for 74.8%. The color of microplastics was diverse, with colored MPs accounting for 26% and transparent ones for 47.8%. Most of the polymers detected were PET, PS, and PP, which are the most commonly used polymers. Overall, the results provide baseline data on microplastic pollution and its associated risks, in addition to guidelines for controlling runoff pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghai Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Linghao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Chenling Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Municipal Solid Waste Detection Analysis and Evaluation, Beijing Municipal Institute of City Management, Beijing, 100028, PR China
| | - Jijiao Zhou
- Huzhou Environmental Sanitation Management Center, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 313000, PR China
| | - Yanqi Cui
- CAUPD(Beijing) Planning & Design Consultants Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100044
| | - Ruiying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Jun Cui
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Jiazhuo Wang
- CAUPD(Beijing) Planning & Design Consultants Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100044
| | - Chen Wang
- CAUPD(Beijing) Planning & Design Consultants Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100044
| | - Yingying Kou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
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14
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Jiang JJ, Hanun JN, Chen KY, Hassan F, Liu KT, Hung YH, Chang TW. Current levels and composition profiles of microplastics in irrigation water. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120858. [PMID: 36521719 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Land-based sources have been considered the most important sources of microplastic pollution to the coastal and marine environment. The number of research studies examining microplastic pollution in freshwater and inland water systems is increasing, but most research focuses on rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. This study investigated the spatial-temporal distribution, characteristics, sources, and risks of microplastics in irrigation water in Taiwan. The results showed that microplastics were widely and unevenly distributed along the irrigation system and were abundant at sites surrounded by a dense population and sites that received lateral canal and urban runoff input. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 1.88 items/L to 141 items/L, and samples collected in May had the highest microplastic concentrations. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene were identified as the predominant polymers. Fibers (36-64%) were the most typical and abundant shape, and 333-1000 μm size (49-63%) and white/transparent (45-51%) were the dominant size and colors among all samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to assess the impact of the rainy season and typhoons and addressed the dramatic changes in distinct population densities. The polymer risk index was calculated to evaluate the environmental risk of microplastics in irrigation water, and the results revealed a high microplastic risk throughout the year except in November and January. This study provided a valuable reference and impetus for a better understanding of the microplastic profile and source apportionment in irrigation water, which was important for environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jheng-Jie Jiang
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan; Center for Environmental Risk Management (CERM), Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan.
| | - Jihan Nabillah Hanun
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yu Chen
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Fahir Hassan
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan; Department of Civil Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Ting Liu
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsieh Hung
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wei Chang
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
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15
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Wang X, Xing Y, Lv M, Zhang T, Ya H, Jiang B. Recent advances on the effects of microplastics on elements cycling in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157884. [PMID: 35944635 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) are an emerging pollutant which have received increasing concern in recent years. Microplastics pose a serious hazard and potential risk to the environment due to their migration, transformation, adsorption and degradation properties. The effects of different types of microplastics on the elemental cycles (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles) in ecosystems were comprehensively summarized. The impacts of microplastics on the element cycle occur mainly in the soil environment and to less extent in other environments. Microplastics affect carbon sources, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and carbon conversion processes, mainly by affecting plant and animal activities, changing gene abundance, enzyme activity, and microbial community composition. Microplastics can affect nitrogen sources, nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification and denitrification processes by changing gene abundance, enzyme activity and microbial community composition. Microplastics can also influence phosphorus content and phosphorus conversion processes by stimulating enzyme activity and changing the composition of microbial communities. Future research needs to analyze the coupling of multiple microplastics and influencing factors on elemental cycling processes. This work provides a better view of the impacts of microplastics on element cycles and the interaction between microplastics and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Mingjie Lv
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Tian Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Haobo Ya
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Zhejiang Development & Planning Institute, Hangzhou 310030, PR China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing 100015, PR China.
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16
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Wang C, O'Connor D, Wang L, Wu WM, Luo J, Hou D. Microplastics in urban runoff: Global occurrence and fate. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 225:119129. [PMID: 36170770 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Public concerns on microplastic (MP) pollution and its prevalence in urban runoff have grown exponentially. Huge amounts of MPs are transported from urban environments via surface runoff to different environment compartments, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and oceans. The global concentrations of MPs in urban runoff range from 0 to 8580 particles/L. Understanding the sources, abundance, composition and characteristics of MPs in urban runoff on a global scale is a critical challenge because of the existence of multiple sources and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Additionally, dynamic processes in the mobilization, aging, fragmentation, transport, and retention of MPs in urban runoff have been largely overlooked. Furthermore, the MP flux through urban runoff into rivers, lakes and even oceans is largely unknown, which is very important for better understanding the fate and transport of MPs in urban environments. Here, we provide a critical review of the global occurrence, transport, retention process, and sinks of MPs in urban runoff. Relevant policies, regulations and measures are put forward. Future global investigations and mitigation efforts will require us to address this issue cautiously, cooperating globally, nationally and regionally, and acting locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengqian Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Real Estate and Land Management, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester GL7 1RS, United Kingdom
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Center for Sustainable Development & Global Competitiveness, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4020, United States
| | - Jian Luo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0355, United States
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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17
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Stang C, Mohamed BA, Li LY. Microplastic removal from urban stormwater: Current treatments and research gaps. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 317:115510. [PMID: 35751294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Stormwater is a major contributor to microplastic (MP) pollution in the aquatic environment. Although MPs are associated with many toxicological effects, their levels in stormwater are not regulated. This review compared the effectiveness of different MP removal technologies from stormwater runoff and examined the performance of typical stormwater treatment systems for MP removal to assess possible MP pollution control via stormwater management. Bioretention and filtration systems performed similarly with 84-96% MP removal efficiencies. Despite the limited number of studies that focused on wetlands and retention ponds, preliminary data suggested potential for MP removal with efficiencies of 28-55% and 85-99%, respectively. Despite the higher efficiency of bioretention and filtration systems, their removal efficiency of fibrous MPs was not optimal. Furthermore, wetlands were less effective in removing MPs than retention ponds, although the limited data might lead to an inaccurate representation of typical performances. Therefore, more research is required to arrive at definitive conclusions and to investigate alternative treatment options, such as ballasted sand flocculation, flotation, and biological degradation, and evaluate the effectiveness of bioretention and filtration for MPs <100 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camryn Stang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Badr A Mohamed
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Cairo University, El-Gamma Street, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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18
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Jiang N, Luo W, Zhao P, Ga B, Jia J, Giesy JP. Distribution of microplastics in benthic sediments of Qinghai Lake on the Tibetan Plateau, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155434. [PMID: 35461939 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although several studies of microplastics (MPs) with size <5 mm in lake sediments focused on lakeshore areas, there have been no studies of distributions of MPs from lakeshores to the center of a lake. To test our hypothesis that MPs decrease from lakeshore to the center, a study was conducted on the largest brackish lake on the remote and high-altitude Tibetan Plateau, China. Abundances and characteristics of MPs in 14 samples of surface sediment collected from a river bay, a lake bay, and a lake central area were investigated. Distributions were influenced by river inflow, tourism, and minimal activity of humans, respectively around Qinghai Lake. The mean abundance of MPs in sediments of Qinghai Lake was 393 ± 457 items/kg, dry mass (dm). Based on the range of MP abundances in surface sediments of lakes worldwide, Qinghai Lake was classified as being moderately polluted with MPs. The dominant color, shape, size, and polymer type of MPs in sediments were transparent, fiber, 0.05-1 mm, and polypropylene, respectively. The river bay had a mean abundance of MPs two-fold greater than either the bay or central area of the lake. This indicates that the river catchment caused more pollution with MPs, while the central area of the lake was not a sink for MPs. Spatial trends of MPs in sediments from the shore to the center of the lake differed among areas, and were significantly related to wind, lake current, sedimentation rate, water- and sediment-properties, water depth, and proximity to land sources of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jiang
- Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology Research, Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Pin Zhao
- Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bila Ga
- Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junmei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Program Faculty, Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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19
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He L, Ou Z, Fan J, Zeng B, Guan W. Research on the non-point source pollution of microplastics. Front Chem 2022; 10:956547. [PMID: 35936103 PMCID: PMC9353645 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.956547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are characterized with universality, persistence and toxicity to aquatic organisms, the pollution of microplastics has attracted worldwide attention. At present, studies on microplastic pollution were mainly focused on the composition, abundance and species of microplastics in water bodies and sediments, and few studies were focused on the source and influence characteristics of microplastics in surface water bodies. Starting from the sources of microplastic pollution in surface water of this paper, the pollution status of agricultural microplastics was analyzed, and the importance and urgency of studying microplastic pollution in agricultural non-point sources were put forward. Therefore, it was intended to provide effective scientific basis and technical support for the control of microplastics non-point source pollution in river basins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- Zunyi Normal University College, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhongwen Ou
- Army Logistics University of PLA, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangyang Fan
- CNOOC Petrochemical Engineering Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Boping Zeng
- Zunyi Normal University College, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Boping Zeng, ; Wei Guan,
| | - Wei Guan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Environmental Materials and Remediation Technologies, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Boping Zeng, ; Wei Guan,
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20
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Sipps K, Arbuckle-Keil G, Chant R, Fahrenfeld N, Garzio L, Walsh K, Saba G. Pervasive occurrence of microplastics in Hudson-Raritan estuary zooplankton. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 817:152812. [PMID: 34990688 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are considered emerging contaminants in the water environment, and there is an interest in understanding their entry into the food web. As a growing body of literature demonstrates the ingestion of MP by zooplankton in controlled laboratory studies, few data are available demonstrating in situ observations of MP in zooplankton. A field survey was performed to collect zooplankton in the highly urbanized Hudson-Raritan estuary. Following washing, sorting by species, and enumeration, three dominant species of copepods (Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus crassirostris and Centropages typicus) were digested. MP were filter concentrated and characterized by size, morphology, and color via microscopy and polymer type by micro-FTIR imaging and/or Raman spectroscopy. MP were observed in all extracts performed on the three copepod species with averages ranging from 0.30 to 0.82 MP individual-1. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the dominant polymer types observed and fragments and beads the most commonly observed morphologies for MP. These data were used to estimate the flux of MP through zooplankton based on gut turnover times, which we compare to estimates of MP entering this environment though the local waterways. The estimated fluxes were sufficiently large, indicating that ingestion by zooplankton is a major sink of MP in the size range subject to zooplankton feeding in surface estuarine waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karli Sipps
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
| | - Georgia Arbuckle-Keil
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
| | - Robert Chant
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Nicole Fahrenfeld
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Lori Garzio
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Kasey Walsh
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Grace Saba
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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21
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Malli A, Corella-Puertas E, Hajjar C, Boulay AM. Transport mechanisms and fate of microplastics in estuarine compartments: A review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113553. [PMID: 35303633 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the importance of estuaries as transition zones between freshwater and marine compartments, their role in the transport of microplastics is still unclear. This review analyzes the findings pertaining to the transport mechanisms and other factors that influence the fate of microplastics in estuaries. It was found that the concentration of microplastics temporally varies under daily tides, monthly tides, and seasonal flows. Moreover, it spatially varies due to density effects, biofouling, aggregation, and salinity. Wind direction and intensity impact the spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in the water column. Some of these processes transport microplastics to the estuarine sediments. Thereafter, microplastics are prone to resuspension by turbulence and bioturbation. Hence, estuaries act as temporary sinks that retain microplastics before being flushed to the ocean. Finally, a review of highly plastic-emitting rivers shows differences in the factors affecting the transport mechanisms of microplastics, which calls for regionalization when modelling their fate henceforward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Malli
- CIRAIG, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Baha and Walid Bassatne Department of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Energy, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Elena Corella-Puertas
- CIRAIG, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Carla Hajjar
- CIRAIG, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Boulay
- CIRAIG, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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22
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Qiang L, Cheng J, Mirzoyan S, Kerkhof LJ, Häggblom MM. Characterization of Microplastic-Associated Biofilm Development along a Freshwater-Estuarine Gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:16402-16412. [PMID: 34846850 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination is an increasing concern worldwide. Biofilms rapidly develop on surfaces in aquatic habitats, but the processes of biofilm formation and variation in bacterial community succession on different microplastics introduced into freshwater and estuarine environments are not well understood. In this study, the biofilm bacterial communities that developed on three different types of microplastics that are prevalent in the environment, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS), was investigated. Virgin microplastics were incubated in microcosms over a period of 31 days with water collected along a freshwater-estuarine gradient of the Raritan River in New Jersey. Through long-read MinION sequencing of bacterial ribosomal operons, we were able to examine biofilm bacterial communities at a species- and strain-level resolution. Results indicated that both salinity level and microplastic type impacted biofilm formation and promoted colonization by distinct microbial communities. Limnobacter thiooxidans was found to be one of the most abundant microplastics colonizing-bacteria, and it is hypothesized that different types of microplastics could select for different strains. Our findings indicate that multiple groups of highly similar L. thiooxidans rRNA operons could be discerned within the community profiles. Phylogenetic reconstruction further established that various Linmobacter species uniquely colonized the different microplastics from the different sampling sites. Our findings indicate that microplastics support abundant and diverse bacterial communities and that the various types of microplastics can influence how different bacterial biofilms develop, which may have ecological impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Qiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 76 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-8525, United States
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shihezi University, Xinjiang 832003, China
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Jinping Cheng
- Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution & Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Seda Mirzoyan
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 71 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-8521, United States
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Lee J Kerkhof
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 71 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-8521, United States
| | - Max M Häggblom
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 76 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-8525, United States
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Picó Y, Soursou V, Alfarhan AH, El-Sheikh MA, Barceló D. First evidence of microplastics occurrence in mixed surface and treated wastewater from two major Saudi Arabian cities and assessment of their ecological risk. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:125747. [PMID: 33819645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125747] [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: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, water of the channels and ponds that conduct residual water in two most important cities of Saudi Arabia were assessed to ascertain the influence of the population on the occurrence and pollution characteristics of microplastics (MPs) (> 20 µm in size). Riyadh has 7.6 million inhabitants and is an urban city even though also have industry while Al-Jubail has only 0.78 and is the biggest industrial city. MPs showed an average of 3.2 items/L in Riyadh and 0.2 items/L in Al-Jubail showing a statistically significant difference between both cities. Sampling with a Turton Tow Net of 20 µm mesh, fibers were dominant in all sites (60%). MPs size was mainly distributed between 80 and 250 µm (60%), and their major colors were white (40%), red (25%) and blue (20%). Infrared spectral analysis revealed that most of the selected particles were identified as MPs of polypropylene and polyethylene (48.3%). The risk assessment was carried out using both the hazard index (HI) and the pollution load index (PLI). The results showed that, in this case, the decisive index is the PLI since the main difference in the MPs characteristics between the two cities is their concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Picó
- Environmental and Food Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Desertification Research Centre CIDE (CSIC-UV-GV), Moncada-Naquera Road Km 4.5, 46113 Moncada, Spain.
| | - Vasiliki Soursou
- Environmental and Food Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Desertification Research Centre CIDE (CSIC-UV-GV), Moncada-Naquera Road Km 4.5, 46113 Moncada, Spain
| | - Ahmed H Alfarhan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A El-Sheikh
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA- CERCA, Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003, Girona, Spain
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