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Rani-Borges B, Arena MVN, Gomes IN, Lins LHFDC, Cestaro LDSC, Pompêo M, Ando RA, Alves-Dos-Santos I, Toppa RH, Martines MR, Queiroz LG. More than just sweet: current insights into microplastics in honey products and a case study of Melipona quadrifasciata honey. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024. [PMID: 39072473 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00262h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Honey, traditionally known as a pure and natural substance, has become an unexpected reservoir for microplastic contamination. This study consisted of an experimental investigation to assess the occurrence of microplastics in honey produced by Melipona quadrifasciata, a native bee species in Brazil. Our investigation covers eight areas (one sample per area), including built and vegetated areas located in São Paulo city, Brazil, to understand the distribution of microplastics in these environments. Honey samples (10 mL) were collected using a syringe and sent to the laboratory for further analysis. Microplastics extracted from honey samples were characterized under a stereomicroscope to determine their size, color, and morphology. Also, the polymer type was determined by FTIR analysis. All honey samples (100%) showed microplastics. The predominant particles displayed a fiber shape with a size below 299 μm and a transparent color and were primarily composed of polypropylene. Their concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 2.6 particles per mL of honey, raising concerns about their potential impact on bee populations and human consumers. This study underscores the need for further research on the sources and implications of microplastic contamination in Melipona quadrifasciata honey, shedding light on the broader issue of environmental plastic pollution and its impact on pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Rani-Borges
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Victorino Nicolosi Arena
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Center for Studies in Landscape Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, 13565-905 Sorocaba, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Naiara Gomes
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Center for Ecological Synthesis and Conservation, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, 31270-910 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Pompêo
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Augusto Ando
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Isabel Alves-Dos-Santos
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rogério Hartung Toppa
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Center for Studies in Landscape Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, 13565-905 Sorocaba, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto Martines
- Department of Geography, Tourism, and Humanities, Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, 13565-905 Sorocaba, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gonçalves Queiroz
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil.
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Sousa RR, Vasconcelos RB, Barbosa RS, Sarmento RA, Pereira DH, Souza NLGD, Cavallini GS. Behavioral and physiological responses of Girardia tigrina exposed to polyethylene microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:46052-46060. [PMID: 38981965 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34304-8] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic particles appear in great abundance and variety in freshwater ecosystems across the globe, spanning lakes and rivers, with increasingly frequent exposure of aquatic organisms. Studies on the mechanisms of any effects of plastic particles are still scarce, particularly in relation to the regenerative capacity of biota, for which there is no established model organism; however, planaria have shown sensitivity for assessing these risks to the aquatic environment. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the behavioral and regeneration responses of the freshwater planaria Girardia tigrina exposed to polyethylene (PE) microplastics (MPs) incorporated into their food source. The greatest effect was observed on planarian regeneration, which was manifested at 10 μg/mg liver. Planaria reproduction and fertility were affected at 50 μg/mg liver; however, planaria locomotion was not affected at the concentrations evaluated. Mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to identify the constituent polymers, and ingestion of the polyethylene microplastic by the planaria was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. The results highlight the potential adverse effects of exposure to polyethylene microplastic and show that the reproductive behavior and regeneration of a freshwater organism can be indicators of toxicity resulting from environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayane Reis Sousa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Produção Vegetal, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, Tocantins, 77402-970, Brazil
| | - Roberta Brito Vasconcelos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Química, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, Tocantins, 77402-970, Brazil
| | - Rone Silva Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Produção Vegetal, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, Tocantins, 77402-970, Brazil
| | - Renato Almeida Sarmento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Produção Vegetal, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, Tocantins, 77402-970, Brazil
| | - Douglas Henrique Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Química, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, Tocantins, 77402-970, Brazil
| | | | - Grasiele Soares Cavallini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Química, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, Tocantins, 77402-970, Brazil.
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Iwalaye OA, Maldonado MT. Microcosm study of the effects of polyester microfibers on the indigenous marine amphipod (Cyphocaris challengeri) in the Strait of Georgia (BC, Canada). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167301. [PMID: 37758137 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167301] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) remain contaminants of great concern in the ocean because of their abundance, prevalence, and threat to marine organisms. Still, there is a great need for studies on the impact of MP on marine zooplankton. Here, we investigated the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibers (Mf) on the survival, Mf ingestion and retention, predation, and fecal pellets (FP) of the marine amphipod (Cyphocaris challengeri) at environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000 and 50,000 Mf·L-1) and varied exposure time (24, 48 and 72 h). Our study demonstrated that exposure of C. challengeri to PET Mf did not affect their survival. The average number of ingested Mf and the Mf ingestion rate increased significantly with Mf concentrations. Nonetheless, the Mf ingestion rates by C. challengeri decreased significantly between 24 and 72 h in the two highest Mf treatments (10,000 and 50,000 Mf·L-1), suggesting careful rejection of the Mf or reduced feeding activity. Indeed, PET Mf significantly reduced the copepod feeding rate of the amphipods at Mf concentrations ≥1000 Mf·L-1 after 24 and 48 h of exposure duration. Over time, prey intake reduction in amphipods due to Mf ingestion could affect their reproductive outcome, growth, development, and cellular and ecosystem function. The encapsulation of PET Mf into the FP of C. challengeri significantly increased the FP density and sinking velocities, ultimately doubling the transfer rate of the FP from the surface waters to the sediments in SoG. Conversely, ingesting PET microfibers and their incorporation in FP will potentially enhance the role of C. challengeri in the biological C pump and sequestration in SoG. Our study showed that changes in Mf concentration had a more significant effect on C. challengeri Mf ingestion and ingestion rate, prey consumption, FP density and sinking velocity than the exposure time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladimeji Ayo Iwalaye
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada; Ocean Wise Conservation Association, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 2N5, Canada.
| | - Maria T Maldonado
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Cesarini G, Coppola F, Campos D, Venditti I, Battocchio C, Di Giulio A, Muzzi M, Pestana JLT, Scalici M. Nanoplastic exposure inhibits feeding and delays regeneration in a freshwater planarian. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121959. [PMID: 37271363 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of nanoplastics (NPs) is expected to increase in aquatic environments thus potentially threatening freshwater organisms through interactions with plastic particles that variously float, circulate in the water column or sink into the benthos. Studies into the mechanisms of any NP effects are still scarce, particularly with respect to the regenerative ability of biota for which there is no recognised model organism. The present study therefore aimed to investigate behavioural and regeneration responses of the freshwater planarian Girardia tigrina after 10 days exposed to along a gradient 0.01-10 mg/L of poly (styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) NPs (∼426 ± 175 nm). Exposure to NPs induced a significant reduction in planarian feeding rate even at low concentrations (LOEC of 0.01 mg/L), while head regeneration was delayed in a clear dose response way (LOEC of 0.1 mg/L for blastema length). Planaria locomotion assessed was not affected. Our results highlight the potential adverse effects of exposure to poly (styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) NPs and show that feeding behaviour and regeneration of a freshwater benthic organism can be indicators of the resulting toxicity. Planarians are becoming widely used model organisms in ecotoxicology and can help to address potential effects of plastic polymers on regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cesarini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Coppola
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diana Campos
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Iole Venditti
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Battocchio
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - João L T Pestana
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Massimiliano Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
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Rani-Borges B, Queiroz LG, Prado CCA, de Melo EC, de Moraes BR, Ando RA, de Paiva TCB, Pompêo M. Exposure of the amphipod Hyalella azteca to microplastics. A study on subtoxic responses and particle biofragmentation. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 258:106516. [PMID: 37004465 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widespread pollutants in the environment and are considered a global pollution problem. Microplastics mostly originate from larger plastics and due to environmental conditions are undergoing constant fragmentation processes. It is important to understand the fragmentation pathways, since they play a key role in the fate of the particles, and also directly influence toxicity. Amphipods are potential inducers of plastic debris fragmentation. Here, Hyalella azteca was exposed to different concentrations (540, 2700, 5400 items/L) of 24.5 µm polystyrene microplastics (PS-MP) for 7 days. After exposure, oxidative stress, particle size reduction, and mortality were checked. No significant mortality was seen in any of the treatments, although changes were recorded in all enzymatic biomarkers analyzed. It was observed that throughout the ingestion and egestion of PS-MP by H. azteca, particles underwent intense fragmentation, presenting a final size up to 25.3% smaller than the initial size. The fragmentation over time (24, 72, 120, 168 h) was verified and the results showed a constant reduction in average particle size indicating that H. azteca are able to induce PS-MP fragmentation. This process may facilitate bioaccumulation and trophic particle transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Rani-Borges
- Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, UNESP, 3 de Março Avenue 511, Alto da Boa Vista, Sorocaba 18087-180, Brazil; Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue 748, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Gonçalves Queiroz
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue 748, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, USP, Matão Street 321, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Caio César Achiles Prado
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, USP, Municipal do Campinho Road, Lorena 12602-810, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Carmine de Melo
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue 748, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Rocha de Moraes
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue 748, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Augusto Ando
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue 748, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Teresa Cristina Brazil de Paiva
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, USP, Municipal do Campinho Road, Lorena 12602-810, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Pompêo
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, USP, Matão Street 321, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
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