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Gambardella C, Miroglio R, Prieto Amador M, Castelli F, Castellano L, Piazza V, Faimali M, Garaventa F. High concentrations of phthalates affect the early development of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116473. [PMID: 38781890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The toxicity of three phthalates (PAEs) - butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - was tested on the Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Fertilized eggs were exposed to environmental and high PAE concentrations for 72 h. The potential toxic effects on larval development and any morphological anomalies were then assessed to estimate PAEs impact. Environmental concentrations never affected development, while high concentrations induced toxic effects in larvae exposed to BBP (EC50: 2.9 ×103 µg/L) and DEHP (EC50: 3.72 ×103 µg/L). High concentrations caused skeletal anomalies, with a slight to moderate impact for DEP/DEHP and BBP, respectively. PAE toxicity was: BBP>DEHP>DEP. In conclusion, the three PAEs at environmental concentrations do not pose a risk to sea urchins. However, PAE concentrations should be further monitored in order not to constitute a concern to marine species, especially at their early developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Gambardella
- CNR-IAS, via de Marini 6, Genova 16149, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) S.c.a.r.l., Piazza Marina 61 (c/o palazzo Steri), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Roberta Miroglio
- CNR-IAS, via de Marini 6, Genova 16149, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) S.c.a.r.l., Piazza Marina 61 (c/o palazzo Steri), Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Castellano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, Genoa 16128, Italy
| | | | - Marco Faimali
- CNR-IAS, via de Marini 6, Genova 16149, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) S.c.a.r.l., Piazza Marina 61 (c/o palazzo Steri), Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Garaventa
- CNR-IAS, via de Marini 6, Genova 16149, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) S.c.a.r.l., Piazza Marina 61 (c/o palazzo Steri), Palermo, Italy
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2
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Becchi A, Mantovani M, Lasagni M, Collina E, Montano S, Galli P, Saliu F. Application of non-lethal bioSPME-LC-MS/MS for the detection of human pharmaceuticals in soft corals: A survey at the North Nilandhe atoll (Maldives). CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 356:141781. [PMID: 38554875 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141781] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
At present the information regarding the occurrence of human pharmaceuticals (PhaCs) in coral reefs and their potential impacts on the associated fauna is limited. To optimize the collection of data in these delicate environments, we employed a solid-phase microextraction (bioSPME) and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) procedure that enabled in vivo determinations in soft corals. Specifically, we researched the antibiotics Ofloxacin Sulfamethoxazole and Clarithromycin, the anti-inflammatory Diclofenac Propyphenazone Ketoprofen and Amisulpride, the neuroactive compounds Gabapentin-lactam, the beta-blocker Metoprolol and the antiepileptic Carbamazepine. Reproducibility was between 2.1% and 9.9% and method detection limits LODs) were between 0.2 and 1.6 ng/g and LOQs between 0.8 and 5.4 mg/g. The method was then applied to establish a baseline for the occurrence of these compounds in the Maldivian archipelago. Colonies of Sarcophyton sp. and Sinularia sp. were sampled along an inner-outer reef transect. Five of the ten targeted PhaCs were identified, and 40% of the surveyed coral colonies showed the occurrence of at least one of the selected compounds. The highest concentrations were found inside the atoll rim. Oxoflacin (9.5 ± 3.9 ng/g) and Ketoprofen (4.5 ± 2.3 ng/g) were the compounds with the highest average concentrations. Outside the atoll rim, only one sample showed contamination levels above the detection limit. No significant differences were highlighted among the two surveyed soft coral species, both in terms of average concentrations and bioconcentration factors (BCFs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Becchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Mantovani
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Collina
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Montano
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Paolo Galli
- University of Dubai, PO Box: 14143, Dubai Academic City, United Arab Emirates
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
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3
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Vencato S, Montano S, Saliu F, Coppa S, Becchi A, Liotta I, Valente T, Cocca M, Matiddi M, Camedda A, Massaro G, Seveso D, Lasagni M, Galli P, de Lucia GA. Phthalate levels in common sea anemone Actinia equina and Anemonia viridis: A proxy of short-term microplastic interaction? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116125. [PMID: 38359481 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116125] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Phthalates are widely employed plasticizers blended to plastic polymers that, during plastic aging and weathering are prone to leach in the surrounding environment. Thus, phthalates were proposed to indirectly evaluate MPs contamination in marine environments, with still uncertain and scarce data, particularly for wildlife. This study investigates simultaneously microplastics (MPs) and phthalates (PAEs) occurrence in wild Actinia equina and Anemonia viridis, two common and edible sea anemone species. Both species had a 100 % frequency of MPs occurrence, with similar average concentrations. PAEs were detected in 70 % of samples, with concentrations up to 150 ng/g in A. equina and 144.3 ng/g for A. viridis. MPs and PAEs present in sea anemone tissues appear to reflect seawater plastic contamination conditions in the study area. Given the rapid biodegradation of PAEs, occurrence and concentrations of both these additives and their metabolites could be useful tracers of short-term plastic debris-biota interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vencato
- CNR-IAS, National Research Council - Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy; DISAT, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Montano
- DISAT, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives
| | - Francesco Saliu
- DISAT, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefania Coppa
- CNR-IAS, National Research Council - Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Becchi
- DISAT, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Immacolata Liotta
- CNR-IPCB, National Research Council - Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Via Campi Flegrei, 34-80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; DICMaPI, Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Tommaso Valente
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Roma, Italy; La Sapienza' University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- CNR-IPCB, National Research Council - Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Via Campi Flegrei, 34-80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Matiddi
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- CNR-IAS, National Research Council - Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Massaro
- CNR-IAS, National Research Council - Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Davide Seveso
- DISAT, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives
| | - Marina Lasagni
- DISAT, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- DISAT, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- CNR-IAS, National Research Council - Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
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Gobbato J, Becchi A, Bises C, Siena F, Lasagni M, Saliu F, Galli P, Montano S. Occurrence of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in key species of anthozoans in Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116078. [PMID: 38290362 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116078] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea's biodiversity is declining due to climate change and human activities, with plastics and emerging contaminants (ECs) posing significant threats. This study assessed phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) occurrence in four anthozoan species (Cladocora caespitosa, Eunicella cavolini, Madracis pharensis, Parazoanthus axinellae) using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All specimens were contaminated with at least one contaminant, reaching maximum values of 57.3 ng/g for the ∑PAEs and 64.2 ng/g (wet weight) for ∑APIs, with dibutyl phthalate and Ketoprofen being the most abundant. P. axinellae was the most contaminated species, indicating higher susceptibility to bioaccumulation, while the other three species showed two-fold lower concentrations. Moreover, the potential adverse effects of these contaminants on anthozoans have been discussed. Investigating the impact of PAEs and APIs on these species is crucial, given their key role in the Mediterranean benthic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gobbato
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, 12030 Faafu Atoll, Maldives.
| | - A Becchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - C Bises
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, 12030 Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - F Siena
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, 12030 Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - M Lasagni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - F Saliu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - P Galli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, 12030 Faafu Atoll, Maldives; University of Dubai, P.O. Box 14143, Dubai Academic City, United Arab Emirates; NBFC (National Biodiversity Future Center), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - S Montano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, 12030 Faafu Atoll, Maldives; NBFC (National Biodiversity Future Center), 90133 Palermo, Italy
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5
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Billings A, Jones KC, Pereira MG, Spurgeon DJ. Emerging and legacy plasticisers in coastal and estuarine environments: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168462. [PMID: 37963532 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of plastic waste in the environment is an emerging and ongoing concern. In addition to the physical impacts of macroplastics and microplastics on organisms, the chemical effects of plastic additives such as plasticisers have also received increasing attention. Research concerning plasticiser pollution in estuaries and coastal environments has been a particular focus, as these environments are the primary entry point for anthropogenic contaminants into the wider marine environment. Additionally, the conditions in estuarine environments favour the sedimentation of suspended particulate matter, with which plasticisers are strongly associated. Hence, estuary systems may be where some of the highest concentrations of these pollutants are seen in freshwater and marine environments. Recent studies have confirmed emerging plasticisers and phthalates as pollutants in estuaries, with the relative abundance of these compounds controlled primarily by patterns of use, source intensity, and fate. Plasticiser profiles are typically dominated by mid-high molecular weight compounds such as DnBP, DiBP, and DEHP. Plasticisers may be taken up by estuarine and marine organisms, and some phthalates can cause negative impacts in marine organisms, although further research is required to assess the impacts of emerging plasticisers. This review provides an overview of the processes controlling the release and partitioning of emerging and legacy plasticisers in aqueous environments, in addition to the sources of plasticisers in estuarine and coastal environments. This is followed by a quantitative analysis and discussion of literature concerning the (co-)occurrence and concentrations of emerging plasticisers and phthalates in these environments. We end this review with a discussion the fate (degradation and uptake by biota) of these compounds, in addition to identification of knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Billings
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK; Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Kevin C Jones
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - M Glória Pereira
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - David J Spurgeon
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
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Baneshi M, Tonney-Gagne J, Halilu F, Pilavangan K, Sabu Abraham B, Prosser A, Kanchanadevi Marimuthu N, Kaliaperumal R, Britten AJ, Mkandawire M. Unpacking Phthalates from Obscurity in the Environment. Molecules 2023; 29:106. [PMID: 38202689 PMCID: PMC10780137 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Phthalates (PAEs) are a group of synthetic esters of phthalic acid compounds mostly used as plasticizers in plastic materials but are widely applied in most industries and products. As plasticizers in plastic materials, they are not chemically bound to the polymeric matrix and easily leach out. Logically, PAEs should be prevalent in the environment, but their prevalence, transport, fate, and effects have been largely unknown until recently. This has been attributed, inter alia, to a lack of standardized analytical procedures for identifying them in complex matrices. Nevertheless, current advancements in analytical techniques facilitate the understanding of PAEs in the environment. It is now known that they can potentially impact ecological and human health adversely, leading to their categorization as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, carcinogenic, and liver- and kidney-failure-causing agents, which has landed them among contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Thus, this review article reports and discusses the developments and advancements in PAEs' standard analytical methods, facilitating their emergence from obscurity. It further explores the opportunities, challenges, and limits of their advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Baneshi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Jamey Tonney-Gagne
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Fatima Halilu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Kavya Pilavangan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Ben Sabu Abraham
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
- Engineering Co-op Intern, Dalhousie University, 1334 Barrington Street, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Ava Prosser
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Nikaran Kanchanadevi Marimuthu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
- MITACS Globalink Intern, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore 14, Tamil Nadu 641 014, India
| | - Rajendran Kaliaperumal
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Allen J. Britten
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Martin Mkandawire
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada (F.H.); (K.P.); (B.S.A.); (A.P.); (N.K.M.); (R.K.); (A.J.B.)
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7
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Pellegrini C, Saliu F, Bosman A, Sammartino I, Raguso C, Mercorella A, Galvez DS, Petrizzo A, Madricardo F, Lasagni M, Clemenza M, Trincardi F, Rovere M. Hotspots of microplastic accumulation at the land-sea transition and their spatial heterogeneity: The Po River prodelta (Adriatic Sea). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:164908. [PMID: 37385497 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Deltas are the locus of river-borne sediment accumulation, however, their role in sequestering plastic pollutants is still overlooked. By combining geomorphological, sedimentological, and geochemical analyses, which include time-lapse multibeam bathymetry, sediment provenance, and μFT-IR analyses, we investigate the fate of plastic particles after a river flood event providing an unprecedented documentation of the spatial distribution of sediment as well as of microplastics (MPs), including particles fibers, and phthalates (PAEs) abundances in the subaqueous delta. Overall sediments are characterized by an average of 139.7 ± 80 MPs/kg d.w., but display spatial heterogeneity of sediment and MPs accumulation: MPs are absent within the active sandy delta lobe, reflecting dilution by clastic sediment (ca. 1.3 Mm3) and sediment bypass. The highest MP concentration (625 MPs/kg d.w.) occurs in the distal reaches of the active lobe where flow energy dissipates. In addition to MPs, cellulosic fibers are relevant (of up to 3800 fibers/kg d.w.) in all the analyzed sediment samples, and dominate (94 %) with respect to synthetic polymers. Statistically significant differences in the relative concentration of fiber fragments ≤0.5 mm in size were highlighted between the active delta lobe and the migrating bedforms in the prodelta. Fibers were found to slightly follow a power law size distribution coherent with a one-dimensional fragmentation model and thus indicating the absence of a size dependent selection mechanism during burial. Multivariate statistical analysis suggests traveling distance and bottom-transport regime as the most relevant factors controlling particle distribution. Our findings suggest that subaqueous prodelta should be considered hot spots for the accumulation of MPs and associated pollutants, albeit the strong lateral heterogeneity in their abundances reflects changes in the relative influence of fluvial and marine processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pellegrini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy.
| | - F Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - A Bosman
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Geologia Ambientale e Geoingegneria (IGAG), Italy
| | - I Sammartino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - C Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - A Mercorella
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - D S Galvez
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - A Petrizzo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - F Madricardo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - M Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - M Clemenza
- INFN Sezione di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - F Trincardi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Dipartimento di Scienze del Sistema Terra e Tecnologie per l'Ambiente (DSSTTA), Rome, Italy
| | - M Rovere
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
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8
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Saliu F, Lasagni M, Andò S, Ferrero L, Pellegrini C, Calafat A, Sanchez-Vidal A. A baseline assessment of the relationship between microplastics and plasticizers in sediment samples collected from the Barcelona continental shelf. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:36311-36324. [PMID: 36547830 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24772-1] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
It has been suggested that the seafloor may be a sink for the plastic debris that enters the ocean. Therefore, the collection of data in the seafloor sediments regarding the co-presence of microplastics (MPs) and contaminants associated to plastic is considered a relevant topic. However, the number of studies addressing their possible correlation in this environment is still limited, and very little is known about the mechanisms that determine the release of plastic additives from plastic items. Starting from this basis, we investigated the presence of MPs and eleven phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in the continental shelf offshore Barcelona. Following a shelf-slope continuum approach, we sampled sediments from five stations, and we performed analysis by means of infrared micro spectroscopy (µFTIR) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MPs were found to range from 62.0 to 931.1 items/kg d.w. with maximum concentration in the submarine canyon Besòs and at the highest depth. Moreover, different trends in the size distribution of fibers and non-fibers were observed, indicating the occurrence of a size dependent selection mechanism during transport and accumulation. PAEs resulted comprised between 1.35 to 2.41 mg/kg with Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) the most abundant congeners (1.04 mg/kg). Statistical analysis revealed no correlation between the Σ11PAEs and the total MPs concentration, but correlation between DEHP and fibers (σ = 0.667, p = 0,037), that resulted both correlated to the distance to the coast (ρ = 0.941 with p = 0,008 and ρ = 0.673 with p = 0.035, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy.
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Sergio Andò
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Ferrero
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Claudio Pellegrini
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto Di Scienze Marine (ISMAR), Venice, Italy
| | - Antoni Calafat
- Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Chun S, Muthu M, Gopal J. Mass Spectrometry as an Analytical Tool for Detection of Microplastics in the Environment. CHEMOSENSORS 2022; 10:530. [DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors10120530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm accumulate in aqueous, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments and their discovery has been a serious concern when it comes to eco-toxicology and human health risk assessment. In the following review, the potential of mass spectrometry (MS) for the detection of microplastic (MP) pollutants has been elaborately reviewed. The use of various mass spectrometric techniques ranging from gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric (LC-MS) to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), including their variants, have been reviewed. The lapses in the detection system have been addressed and future recommendations proposed. The challenges facing microplastics and their detection have been discussed and future directions, including mitigation methods, have been presented.
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10
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Chubarenko I, Lazaryuk A, Orlova T, Lobchuk O, Raguso C, Zyubin A, Lasagni M, Saliu F. Microplastics in the first-year sea ice of the Novik Bay, Sea of Japan. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114236. [PMID: 36257245 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114236] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sea ice is heavily contaminated with microplastics particles (MPs, <5 mm). First-year sea ice cores (38-41 cm thick) were taken in the beginning of spring in a narrow populated bay of the Sea of Japan. Two ice cores were examined (layer-by-layer, excluding surface) for MPs content: one using μ-FTIR for 25-300 μm (SMPs), and another one - with visual+Raman identification for 300-5000 μm particles (LMPs). The integral (25-5000 μm) bulk mean abundance of MPs was found to be 428 items/L of meltwater, with fibers making 19 % in SMPs size range and 59 % in LMPs. Integral mean mass of MPs was estimated in 34.6 mg/L, with 99.6 % contribution from fragments of LMPs. Comparison with simple fragmentation models confirms deficit of SMPs (especially of fibers in size range 150-300 μm), suggested to result from their leakage with brine. Multivariate statistical analysis indicates strong positive correlation of large fiber (>300 μm) counts and ice salinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Chubarenko
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexander Lazaryuk
- Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Tatiana Orlova
- Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Olga Lobchuk
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Clarissa Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department (DISAT), University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrey Zyubin
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department (DISAT), University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department (DISAT), University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
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11
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Raguso C, Grech D, Becchi A, Ubaldi PG, Lasagni M, Guala I, Saliu F. Detection of microplastics and phthalic acid esters in sea urchins from Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114328. [PMID: 36368079 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in wild purple sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) of Sardinia (Italy, Western Mediterranean Sea) was surveyed. Specifically, MPs were analyzed in the digestive tract by μFTIR and PAEs in the gonads by SPME-LC-MS/MS. 9 out of 22 specimens resulted contaminated with MPs and 20 displayed levels of PAEs over the quantification limit. A total of 23 MPs were detected with a maximum concentration of 4 microplastics/individual in the commercially undersized specimens. PAEs displayed average concentration of 32 ng/g, σ = 5.3 with maximum value of 77 ng/g. The most abundant congeners were DEHP (17 ng/g, σ = 4.3) and DBP (10 ng/g, σ = 2.5). Statistical analysis showed correlation between DEHP and fiber concentrations and among the concentration of MEP, DEP, DBP and BBzP. Due to local use of sea urchin gonads as gourmet delicacy, the potential human exposition to MPs and PAEs by consumption is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Grech
- IMC - International Marine Centre, 09170 Loc.tà Sa Mardini, Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Becchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Giuseppe Ubaldi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Ivan Guala
- IMC - International Marine Centre, 09170 Loc.tà Sa Mardini, Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
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12
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Raguso C, Saliu F, Lasagni M, Galli P, Clemenza M, Montano S. First detection of microplastics in reef-building corals from a Maldivian atoll. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113773. [PMID: 35623215 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113773] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in the world's oceans and their effects on marine habitats are highly concerning. As suspension-feeders, corals are very exposed to microplastics, compromising the health of coral reef ecosystems. In this study we surveyed for the first time the presence of microplastics in Maldivian reef-building corals. Aiming to determine the influence of exposure and depth on microplastic distribution, analyses were carried out on 38 individuals belonging to three different species. 58% of the investigated colonies resulted contaminated with particles within the 25-150 μm size range. The maximum concentration was encountered in a Pocillopora verrucosa colony sampled from a shallow inner reef (8.9 particles/g of coral). No significant differences in microplastic concentration were observed between different depths, exposures, sites and species. Overall, this study confirmed microplastic presence in coral reefs of the Maldivian archipelago including foundation species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Massimiliano Clemenza
- Dipartimento di Fisica "G. Occhialini", University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milano, Italy; INFN Sezione di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Montano
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
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13
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Blasi MF, Avino P, Notardonato I, Di Fiore C, Mattei D, Gauger MFW, Gelippi M, Cicala D, Hochscheid S, Camedda A, de Lucia GA, Favero G. Phthalate esters (PAEs) concentration pattern reflects dietary habitats (δ 13C) in blood of Mediterranean loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 239:113619. [PMID: 35605320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113619] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are classified as endocrine disruptors, but it remains unclear if they can enter the marine food-web and result in severe health effects for organisms. Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) can be chronically exposed to PAEs by ingesting plastic debris, but no information is available about PAEs levels in blood, and how these concentrations are related to diet during different life stages. This paper investigated, for the first time, six PAEs in blood of 18 wild-caught Mediterranean loggerhead turtles throughout solid-phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography-ion trap/mass spectrometry. Stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen were also performed to assess the resource use pattern of loggerhead turtles. DEHP (12-63 ng mL-1) and DBP (6-57 ng mL-1) were the most frequently represented PAEs, followed by DiBP, DMP, DEP and DOP. The total PAEs concentration was highest in three turtles (124-260 ng mL-1) whereas three other turtles had concentrations below the detection limit. PAEs were clustered in three groups according to concentration in all samples: DEHP in the first group, DBP, DEP, and DiBP in the second group, and DOP and DMP in the third group. The total phthalates concentration did not differ between large-sized (96.3 ± 86.0 ng mL-1) and small-sized (67.1 ± 34.2 ng mL-1) turtles (p < 0.001). However, DMP and DEP were found only in large-sized turtles and DiBP and DBP had higher concentrations in large-sized turtles. On the other hand, DEHP and DOP were found in both small- and large-sized turtles with similar concentrations, i.e. ~ 21.0/32.0 ng mL-1 and ~ 7.1/9.9 ng mL-1, respectively. Winsored robust models indicated that δ13C is a good predictor for DBP and DiBP concentrations (significant Akaike Information criterion weight, AICwt). Our results indicate that blood is a good matrix to evaluate acute exposure to PAEs in marine turtles. Moreover, this approach is here suggested as a useful tool to explain the internal dose of PAEs in term of dietary habits (δ13C), suggesting that all marine species at high trophic levels may be particularly exposed to PAEs, despite their different dietary habitats and levels of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Francesca Blasi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy; Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy; Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Via Stimpagnato Filicudi, Lipari 98055, ME, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, Campobasso I-86100, Italy
| | - Ivan Notardonato
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, Campobasso I-86100, Italy
| | - Cristina Di Fiore
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, Campobasso I-86100, Italy
| | - Daniela Mattei
- Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy
| | | | - Michelle Gelippi
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Via Stimpagnato Filicudi, Lipari 98055, ME, Italy
| | - Davide Cicala
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Department of Biology - University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, Portici 80055, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- IAS-CNR Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, OR 09170, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- IAS-CNR Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, OR 09170, Italy
| | - Gabriele Favero
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy
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14
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Isa V, Saliu F, Bises C, Vencato S, Raguso C, Montano S, Lasagni M, Lavorano S, Clemenza M, Galli P. Phthalates bioconcentration in the soft corals: Inter- and intra- species differences and ecological aspects. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 297:134247. [PMID: 35259364 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The bioconcentration of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) diethyl phthalate (DEP) dibutyl phthalate (DBP) butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-(2-ethy hexyl) phthalates (DEHP), mono-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-(2-ethy hexyl) phthalate (MEHP) in the soft corals Coelogorgia palmosa, Sinularia sp., Sarcophyton glaucum, and Lobophytum sp. was investigated. Specimens were cultured in a microcosm environment built-up at the Genova Aquarium and analyses were carried out by in vivo SPME-LC-MS/MS. The distributions of the phthalates among the four surveyed species resulted significantly different. Calculated bioconcentration factors (BCFs) showed values spanning over two orders of magnitude, from a minimum of log10 BCFDEP = 1.0 in Sarcophyton glaucum to a maximum of log10 BCFDBP = 3,9 calculated for Coelogorgia palmosa. Moreover, the calculated BCFs of the long chain phthalates resulted up to three orders of magnitude lower than theoretically predicted (from logKow), whereas BCF of short chain phthalates resulted higher. This, together with the detection of phthalic acid monoesters, suggests the presence of species-specific different metabolic transformation among the surveyed soft coral species that involve DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Isa
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bises
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Vencato
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Clarissa Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Montano
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of, Maldives
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, 16128, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of, Maldives
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15
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Saliu F, Biale G, Raguso C, La Nasa J, Degano I, Seveso D, Galli P, Lasagni M, Modugno F. Detection of plastic particles in marine sponges by a combined infrared micro-spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:152965. [PMID: 35016940 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.152965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution threatens the marine environment, especially due to the adverse effects caused by micro and nano particles interacting with the marine biota. In order to provide reliable data regarding micro and nanoplastic contamination and the related impacts, efficient analytical solutions are needed. We developed a new analysis workflow that uses marine sponges to monitor plastic pollution by characterizing the plastic particles accumulated in their tissue. Specimens of cf. Haliclona (Haplosclerida) were sampled in the Maldivian archipelago. The aim was to optimize the method and to carry out a pilot study of the contamination of the related reef habitat. Particles were isolated, size fractioned, counted and submitted to morphological and chemical characterization. The constituting polymer was identified by infrared microspectroscopy for particles >25 μm, and by pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry for those <25 μm. Method recoveries were between 87 and 83% and limits of quantitation (LOQs) were between 6.6 and 30.2 ng/g. Analyses showed that 70% of the sponges presented plastic contamination, with an average of 1.2 particles/g tissue for the 25-150 μm size range, and a total plastic concentration of up to 4.8 μg/g in the 0.2-25 μm size range, with polyolefin being the most represented polymer in both size ranges. Overall, the study demonstrated the reliability of the proposed analytical workflow and of the use of sponges as biosamplers for plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Greta Biale
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy
| | - Clarissa Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Jacopo La Nasa
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Degano
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Seveso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Modugno
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Italy.
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16
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Hidalgo-Serrano M, Borrull F, Marcé RM, Pocurull E. Phthalate esters in marine ecosystems: analytical methods, occurrence and distribution. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Carro N, Mouteira A, García I, Ignacio M, Cobas J. Fast determination of phthalates in mussel samples by micro-matrix solid-phase dispersion (micro-MSPD) coupled with GC–MS/MS. J Anal Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s40543-021-00303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractA fast, effective and low cost sample preparation method based on miniaturized matrix solid-phase dispersion (micro-MSPD) combined with gas chromatography coupled to tandem triple-quadrupole-mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) has been developed for the determination of six phthalate diesters (DMP, DEP, DBP, BzBP, DEHP and DnOP) in mussel samples. The six target compounds have been included in the list of priority pollutants by United States Environmental Protection Agency. The extraction step was optimized on real spiked mussel coming from Galician Rías by means of a factorial design. The final procedure involved the use of 0.45 g of sample, 0.5 g of dispersant agent (Florisil) and 3 mL of organic solvent (ethyl acetate). The optimized method was validated giving satisfactory analytical performance, low detection limits (0.09 to 6.73 ng g−1 dw) and high recoveries (93 and 114%). The validated method was applied to four real mussel samples coming from Galician Rías.
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18
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Fast and Reliable Determination of Phthalic Acid Esters in the Blood of Marine Turtles by Means of Solid Phase Extraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography-Ion Trap/Mass Spectrometry. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9110279. [PMID: 34822670 PMCID: PMC8624151 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The presence of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in marine environments is an important issue. These chemicals are able to affect marine organisms, particularly marine turtles, and to act as endocrine disrupters. In this paper, for the first time, a simple and reproducible analytical method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with gas chromatography-ion trap/mass spectrometry (GC-IT/MS) was developed for the extraction of phthalates from the blood of marine turtles. The extraction was obtained by using C18 phthalates-free as the stationary phase. In order to individuate the best working conditions for the extraction, the adsorption isotherms and breakthrough curves were studied. The overall analytical methodology was validated in terms of limit of detection (LOD, 0.08-0.6 ng mL-1), limit of quantification (LOQ, 0.4-0.8 ng mL-1), and correlation coefficients (>0.9933). By using this procedure, percentage recoveries ranging from 89 to 103% were achieved. The precision parameters (intra-day and inter-day) were studied, and the obtained values were smaller than 12.5%. These data confirm the goodness of the proposed analytical methodology, which is applied to real samples.
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19
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Huang W, Chen M, Song B, Deng J, Shen M, Chen Q, Zeng G, Liang J. Microplastics in the coral reefs and their potential impacts on corals: A mini-review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:143112. [PMID: 33172634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143112] [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: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris exists worldwide and research on microplastic pollution has gradually spread from the oceans to freshwater and terrestrial systems. Coral reefs not only serve as one of the most charismatic and biodiverse ecosystems on our planet, but also maintain the human harvesting of natural resources and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. However, the abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in coral reef systems receive little scientific attention. Meanwhile, the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on coral health and its potential mechanisms remain further studied. Herein, this review first summarized the current status of microplastics pollution in global coral reefs, especially included (i) abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in different media (e.g., seawater, sediment, corals), and (ii) possible sources of microplastics in reef regions. Furthermore, the main interaction mechanisms between microplastics and corals are highlighted. Following this, the direct or indirect impacts of microplastics on coral species are discussed. With the rapid increase of plastic consumption and background of pervasive global coral bleaching, research on marine microplastics must focus on the critical coral reef regions and include a comprehensive knowledge about the distribution, fate, and potential risks from an ecosystem perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qiang Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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Panio A, Fabbri Corsarini S, Bruno A, Lasagni M, Labra M, Saliu F. Determination of phthalates in fish fillets by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): A comparison of direct immersion solid phase microextraction (SPME) versus ultrasonic assisted solvent extraction (UASE). CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 255:127034. [PMID: 32679634 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing presence of plastic and plastic associated contaminants in the aquatic environments, the monitoring of this contamination in fish products and the understanding of possible human health implications is considered urgent. However, data are still relatively scarce, mostly due to the methodological challenges in the chemical analysis: these contaminants are ubiquitous and procedural contamination from the laboratory is frequent. In this work, we compared solid-phase microextraction (SPME) to ultrasonic assisted solvent extraction (UASE) as sample preparation methods for the liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determination of phthalates in fish fillets. UASE was carried out with an acetone-hexane (1:1) solution and according to a reference procedure aimed to obtain the exhaustive extraction of the target analytes. SPME was carried out by applying C18 fibers in direct immersion mode and by using water/methanol 20:80 mixture to desorb the aliquot required for the analysis. Overall, SPME displayed an improved control of the background contamination and enabled lower LOQs. Precision, calculated as relative standard deviation (RSD) on replicates of a reference sample, was below 24% for both the method. Analysis of real samples purchased from Italian supermarkets showed that SPME might be an efficient tool for estimating the risk associated with fish consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Panio
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Fabbri Corsarini
- Biotechnologies and Biosciences Department University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonia Bruno
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Biotechnologies and Biosciences Department University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Labra
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Biotechnologies and Biosciences Department University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy.
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Montano S, Seveso D, Maggioni D, Galli P, Corsarini S, Saliu F. Spatial variability of phthalates contamination in the reef-building corals Porites lutea, Pocillopora verrucosa and Pavona varians. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 155:111117. [PMID: 32469762 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution represents a serious hazard for the marine environment, including coral reefs. Scleractinian corals can easily mistake microplastics with their natural preys, and ingest them and all the annexed plasticizer additives. Here we selectively searched on field for five phthalates esters (PAEs) namely dibutyl-phthalate (DBP), benzylbutyl-phthalate (BBzP), diethyl-phthalate (DEP), Bis(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), and dimethyl-phthalate (DMP) in the coral species Pocillopora verrucosa, Porites lutea and Pavona varians. Our data reveal that >95% of corals sampled were contaminated, with a maximum of 172.4 ng/g, a value 7 time-fold higher than those found in a previous study. The Σ5 PAEs showed an average of about 30 ng/g per coral, but no differences in PAEs contamination was detected between species, depth or reef exposure. Despite their effects on coral physiology are not yet known, PAEs should be now considered as a novel, and ubiquitous, form of contamination in corals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Montano
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives.
| | - Davide Seveso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Davide Maggioni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Stefano Corsarini
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
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