1
|
Rosner A, Ballarin L, Barnay-Verdier S, Borisenko I, Drago L, Drobne D, Concetta Eliso M, Harbuzov Z, Grimaldi A, Guy-Haim T, Karahan A, Lynch I, Giulia Lionetto M, Martinez P, Mehennaoui K, Oruc Ozcan E, Pinsino A, Paz G, Rinkevich B, Spagnuolo A, Sugni M, Cambier S. A broad-taxa approach as an important concept in ecotoxicological studies and pollution monitoring. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:131-176. [PMID: 37698089 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13015] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic invertebrates play a pivotal role in (eco)toxicological assessments because they offer ethical, cost-effective and repeatable testing options. Additionally, their significance in the food chain and their ability to represent diverse aquatic ecosystems make them valuable subjects for (eco)toxicological studies. To ensure consistency and comparability across studies, international (eco)toxicology guidelines have been used to establish standardised methods and protocols for data collection, analysis and interpretation. However, the current standardised protocols primarily focus on a limited number of aquatic invertebrate species, mainly from Arthropoda, Mollusca and Annelida. These protocols are suitable for basic toxicity screening, effectively assessing the immediate and severe effects of toxic substances on organisms. For more comprehensive and ecologically relevant assessments, particularly those addressing long-term effects and ecosystem-wide impacts, we recommended the use of a broader diversity of species, since the present choice of taxa exacerbates the limited scope of basic ecotoxicological studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of (eco)toxicological studies, focusing on major aquatic invertebrate taxa and how they are used to assess the impact of chemicals in diverse aquatic environments. The present work supports the use of a broad-taxa approach in basic environmental assessments, as it better represents the natural populations inhabiting various ecosystems. Advances in omics and other biochemical and computational techniques make the broad-taxa approach more feasible, enabling mechanistic studies on non-model organisms. By combining these approaches with in vitro techniques together with the broad-taxa approach, researchers can gain insights into less-explored impacts of pollution, such as changes in population diversity, the development of tolerance and transgenerational inheritance of pollution responses, the impact on organism phenotypic plasticity, biological invasion outcomes, social behaviour changes, metabolome changes, regeneration phenomena, disease susceptibility and tissue pathologies. This review also emphasises the need for harmonised data-reporting standards and minimum annotation checklists to ensure that research results are findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR), maximising the use and reusability of data. The ultimate goal is to encourage integrated and holistic problem-focused collaboration between diverse scientific disciplines, international standardisation organisations and decision-making bodies, with a focus on transdisciplinary knowledge co-production for the One-Health approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Rosner
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
| | - Loriano Ballarin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, I-35121, Italy
| | - Stéphanie Barnay-Verdier
- Sorbonne Université; CNRS, INSERM, Université Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging Nice, 28 avenue Valombrose, Nice, F-06107, France
| | - Ilya Borisenko
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Embryology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya embankment 7/9, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Laura Drago
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, I-35121, Italy
| | - Damjana Drobne
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1111, Slovenia
| | - Maria Concetta Eliso
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, 80121, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Zoya Harbuzov
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
- Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, Department of Marine Biology, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Koushy Ave., Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant, Varese, 3-21100, Italy
| | - Tamar Guy-Haim
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
| | - Arzu Karahan
- Middle East Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences, Erdemli-Mersin, PO 28, 33731, Turkey
| | - Iseult Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Maria Giulia Lionetto
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via prov. le Lecce -Monteroni, Lecce, I-73100, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina, 61, Palermo, I-90133, Italy
| | - Pedro Martinez
- Department de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- Institut Català de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
| | - Kahina Mehennaoui
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 41, rue du Brill, Belvaux, L-4422, Luxembourg
| | - Elif Oruc Ozcan
- Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology, Cukurova University, Balcali, Saricam, Adana, 01330, Turkey
| | - Annalisa Pinsino
- National Research Council, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, 90146, Italy
| | - Guy Paz
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
| | - Baruch Rinkevich
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, PO 2336 Sha'ar Palmer 1, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
| | - Antonietta Spagnuolo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, 80121, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Sébastien Cambier
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 41, rue du Brill, Belvaux, L-4422, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang T, Liu W. Metabolic equilibrium and reproductive resilience: Freshwater gastropods under nanoplastics exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141017. [PMID: 38159739 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have gained increasing attention due to their widespread presence in aquatic environments and potential adverse effects on organisms. The interaction between NPs and freshwater gastropods can lead to a range of physiological and reproductive disturbances. In this study, we investigated the adverse effects of NPs (two size: 20 nm and 100 nm; three concentrations: 0.5, 50 and 100 ppm) on energy metabolism and reproductive fitness in freshwater gastropods Lymnean stagnalis after 21 days exposure. Briefly, the condition index negatively correlated with increasing NPs concentrations for both sizes. Bioaccumulation revealed a concentration-dependent trend in the 100 nm group, and the highest accumulation appeared in the 100 ppm group, compared to all the rest groups. This phenomenon could be attributed to the larger surface area which facilitates stronger attachment to tissues, while smaller particles could be cleared more readily from body. Carbohydrate and protein reserves remained largely unaffected at all concentrations. However, 100 nm NPs triggered stress responses, increasing lipid production, and 20 nm NPs potentially interfered with mitochondrial function, affecting electron transport system activity. Despite the variations observed in lipid levels and energy cost, the ratio of available energy to energy cost remained stable across for both NPs sizes, and this resilience suggests that cellular energy allocation endured undisturbed, hinting at mechanisms that enable gastropods to maintain their metabolic equilibrium. Reproductively, NPL-exposed groups had fewer clutches, with clutches per collection time decreasing over time for both sizes. In terms of egg development, shell growth and hatching rates remained unaffected, suggesting resilience in aquatic ecosystems.In conclusion, this study underscores the substantial impact of NPs on freshwater gastropods, raising ecological and reproductive concerns. The intricate interplay between nanoparticle size, concentration, and physiological responses highlights the complexity of NPs interactions in aquatic ecosystems, necessitating further research and regulatory measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- University of Geneva, Faculty of Sciences, Earth and Environment Sciences, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wei Liu
- University of Geneva, Faculty of Sciences, Earth and Environment Sciences, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Çakır B, Klobučar G, Akat Çömden E. Investigating the toxic effects of ethoprophos on Eisenia fetida: Integrating light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and biochemical analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141019. [PMID: 38141679 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141019] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
This research investigated the ecological impact of exposing Eisenia fetida, an essential component of soil ecosystems, to the organophosphate pesticide ethoprophos, widely used in agriculture. With a focus on understanding the specific effects on earthworms, we employed three concentrations (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) over 28 days, considering the pesticide's short half-life and existing data on environmental concentrations. We aimed to contribute to a broader understanding of how these pesticides affect soil health. Histological analysis, including staining with Hematoxylin-eosin, Mallory Trichrome, Periodic acid-Schiff, and Alcian blue methods, was conducted on control and treatment groups. The histological and histopathological results were evaluated using the light microscopy, revealing various degenerations in the epithelial and muscle layers. Scanning electron microscopy analysis detected concentration-related notable compaction of the body surface, asymmetry, and distortion in the body segments. In the exposed groups, especially those subjected to higher ethoprophos concentrations, the grid-like appearance of the clitellum was visibly disturbed. This disturbance in the grid-like pattern is indicative of structural changes and disruptions at the microscopic level. Furthermore, total protein, carbohydrate, lipid analyses, as well as acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities, were also evaluated for earthworms from each experimental group. The analyses showed a concentration-related decrease in all biochemical measurements, except acid phosphatase enzyme activity. In conclusion, our study reveals that the environmentally realistic concentrations of ethoprophos, an effective and widely used pesticide in pest control, have detrimental effects on the health and physiology of E. fetida. These effects are manifested through histological deformities, altered biochemical profiles, and observable physiological disturbances. These results shed light on the harmful effects of ethoprophos on earthworms, underlining the necessity to restrict its usage in agricultural practices and thereby support environmental sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berna Çakır
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35040, İzmir, Turkey; Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Göran Klobučar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Esra Akat Çömden
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35040, İzmir, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Urbisz AZ, Małota K, Chajec Ł, Sawadro MK. Size-dependent and sex-specific negative effects of micro- and nano-sized polystyrene particles in the terrestrial invertebrate model Drosophila melanogaster. Micron 2024; 176:103560. [PMID: 37871471 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is believed to be one of the most widespread and long-lasting changes on a global scale. Our understanding that microplastics significantly impact terrestrial systems and are a global change stressor continues to grow. In the present study, we investigated the negative effect of long-term (28 days of exposure in food) polystyrene particles of micro (1.0-1.9 µm, 0.4-0.6 µm) and nano (0.04-0.06 µm) scale, in low doses, on the fruit fly - representing a common, globally distributed terrestrial invertebrate, and a model species in many fields. Our observations involved such parameters as ingestion and transfer of particles, survival, reproduction, changes in ultrastructure and tissue and cell responses in midgut epithelium (the place of direct contact with plastic), ovary, and testis in adults, and transgenerational effects in larvae. These observations may indicate possible toxic effects of the tested substances, even in low doses, that can be expected in other taxa, in terrestrial ecosystems. We observed a negative impact of polystyrene particles on the fruit fly survival, midgut, ovary, and testis, involving ultrastructural alterations, such as autophagy and/or ultimately necrosis in the midgut, triggering oxidative stress and activating processes of antioxidative protection. Despite the changes, midgut function and reproduction were not altered - spermatogenesis and oogenesis proceeded normally. The effect was size-dependent - the smaller the polystyrene particles were, the more substantial was the impact they caused. Ultrastructural changes and studied parameters, i.e., generation of ROS (overproduction of which generates oxidative stress), total glutathione concentration (involved in defense against ROS, acting in distinct pathways), and total antioxidant concentration (the oxidative defense system) showed the highest levels after exposure to the smallest nanoparticles, and vice versa. The effect was also sex-dependent, with male flies being more sensitive. Negative effects in males were more substantial and more prominent, even after contact with larger particles, compared to females. The smaller particles (0.4-0.6 µm, 0.04-0.06 µm) were transferred to the ovary and accumulated in the oocytes. In this case, a transgenerational negative effect was detected in larvae. It was characterized by size-dependent alterations, with smaller particles triggering higher levels of ROS and cellular oxidative response. Only the largest particles (1.0-1.9 µm) did not pass into the gonad and did not alter the larvae. These observations together demonstrated that polystyrene particles of micro- and nanoscale, even in a low dose, can induce numerous negative effects on terrestrial invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Z Urbisz
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Karol Małota
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Chajec
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marta K Sawadro
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tuazon H, Nguyen C, Kaufman E, Tiwari I, Bermudez J, Chudasama D, Peleg O, Bhamla MS. Collecting-Gathering Biophysics of the Blackworm Lumbriculus variegatus. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1474-1484. [PMID: 37370237 PMCID: PMC10755170 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many organisms exhibit collecting and gathering behaviors as a foraging and survival method. Benthic macroinvertebrates are classified as collector-gatherers due to their collection of particulate matter. Among these, the aquatic oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus (California blackworms) demonstrates the ability to ingest both organic and inorganic materials, including microplastics. However, earlier studies have only qualitatively described their collecting behaviors for such materials. The mechanism by which blackworms consolidate discrete particles into a larger clump remains unexplored quantitatively. In this study, we analyze a group of blackworms in a large arena with an aqueous algae solution (organic particles) and find that their relative collecting efficiency is proportional to population size. We found that doubling the population size (N = 25-N = 50) results in a decrease in time to reach consolidation by more than half. Microscopic examination of individual blackworms reveals that both algae and microplastics physically adhere to the worm's body and form clumps due to external mucus secretions by the worms. Our observations also indicate that this clumping behavior reduces the worm's exploration of its environment, possibly due to thigmotaxis. To validate these observed biophysical mechanisms, we create an active polymer model of a worm moving in a field of particulate debris. We simulate its adhesive nature by implementing a short-range attraction between the worm and the nearest surrounding particles. Our findings indicate an increase in gathering efficiency when we add an attractive force between particles, simulating the worm's mucosal secretions. Our work provides a detailed understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the collecting-gathering behavior in L. variegatus, informing the design of bioinspired synthetic collector systems, and advances our understanding of the ecological impacts of microplastics on benthic invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Tuazon
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Chantal Nguyen
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Emily Kaufman
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ishant Tiwari
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jessica Bermudez
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Darshan Chudasama
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Orit Peleg
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - M Saad Bhamla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Ruijter VN, Hof M, Kotorou P, van Leeuwen J, van den Heuvel-Greve MJ, Roessink I, Koelmans AA. Microplastic Effect Tests Should Use a Standard Heterogeneous Mixture: Multifarious Impacts among 16 Benthic Invertebrate Species Detected under Ecologically Relevant Test Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19430-19441. [PMID: 37992256 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics require a risk assessment framework that takes their multidimensionality into account while exclusively considering robust data. Therefore, effect tests should use a diverse, environmentally relevant microplastic (ERMP) standard material that adheres to high-quality requirements. In this study, we provide chronic dose-effect relationships and effect thresholds for 16 benthic species exposed to ERMP. The ERMP was created from plastic items collected from natural sources and cryogenically milled to represent the diversity of microplastics. The test design met 20 previously published quality assurance and quality control criteria. Adverse effect thresholds (EC10) were determined at ERMP concentrations of 0.11 ± 0.17% sediment dry weight (Gammarus pulex, growth), 0.49 ± 0.68% sediment dry weight (Lumbriculus variegatus, growth), and 1.90 ± 1.08% sediment dry weight (L. variegatus, reproduction). A positive effect of microplastics, such as decreased mortality, was observed for Cerastoderma edule (EC10 = 0.021 ± 0.027% sediment dry weight) and Sphaerium corneum (EC10 = 7.67 ± 3.41% sediment dry weight), respectively. Several of these laboratory-based single-species effect thresholds for ERMP occurred at concentrations lower than those found in the environment. For other species, no significant effects were detected up to an ERMP dose of 10% dry weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera N de Ruijter
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Matthias Hof
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Petranta Kotorou
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jesse van Leeuwen
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, Post Office Box 77, 4400 AB Yerseke, Netherlands
| | | | - Ivo Roessink
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kumar K, Umapathi R, Ghoreishian SM, Tiwari JN, Hwang SK, Huh YS, Venkatesu P, Shetti NP, Aminabhavi TM. Microplastics and biobased polymers to combat plastics waste. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140000. [PMID: 37652244 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140000] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become the major global concern due to their adverse effects on the environment, human health, and hygiene. These complex molecules have numerous toxic impacts on human well-being. This review focuses on the methods for chemically quantifying and identifying MPs in real-time samples, as well as the detrimental effects resulting from exposure to them. Biopolymers offer promising solutions for reducing the environmental impact caused by persistent plastic pollution. The review also examines the significant progress achieved in the preparation and modification of various biobased polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), lignin-based polymers, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), and poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHA), which hold promise for addressing the challenges associated with unplanned plastic waste disposal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, India; NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Reddicherla Umapathi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, India; NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyed Majid Ghoreishian
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jitendra N Tiwari
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul, 100-715, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kyu Hwang
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea.
| | | | - Nagaraj P Shetti
- Center for Energy and Environment, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Vidyanagar, Hubballi, 580 031, Karnataka, India; University Center for Research & Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, Panjab, India
| | - Tejraj M Aminabhavi
- Center for Energy and Environment, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Vidyanagar, Hubballi, 580 031, Karnataka, India; University Center for Research & Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, Panjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vidal A, Neury-Ormanni J, Latchere O, Roman C, Gillet P, Métais I, Châtel A. Aquatic worms: relevant model organisms to investigate pollution of microplastics throughout the freshwater-marine continuum. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:91534-91562. [PMID: 37495809 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28900-3] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global and emergency concern. Degradation processes of plastic macrowaste, either at the millimetre- and micrometre-size scales (microplastics, MP) or a nanometre one (nanoplastic, NP), is now well documented in all environmental compartments. It is hence necessary to study the environmental dynamic of MNP (micro(nano)plastic) on aquatic macrofauna considering their dispersion in different compartments. In this context, worms, having a large habitat in natural environments (soil, sediment, water) represent a relevant model organism for MNP investigations. In aquatic systems, worms could be used to compare MNP contamination between freshwater and seawater. The aim of this review was to discuss the relevance of using worms as model species for investigating MNP pollution in freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems. In this context, studies conducted in the field and in laboratory, using diverse classes of aquatic worms (polychaete and clitellate, i.e. oligochaete and hirudinea) to assess plastic contamination, were analysed. In addition, the reliability between laboratory exposure conditions and the investigation in the field was discussed. Finally, in a context of plastic use regulation, based on the literature, some recommendations about model species, environmental relevance, and experimental needs related to MNP are given for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Vidal
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France.
| | - Julie Neury-Ormanni
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Oihana Latchere
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Coraline Roman
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Patrick Gillet
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Isabelle Métais
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Amélie Châtel
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Battistin G, Latella L, Iannilli V. Microplastic pollution in the food web: observation of ingestion by the talitrid amphipod Cryptorchestia garbinii on the shores of Lake Garda. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2022.2160019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G. Battistin
- Department of Zoology, Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - L. Latella
- Department of Zoology, Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - V. Iannilli
- Department for Sustainability, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kang H, Zhang W, Jing J, Huang D, Zhang L, Wang J, Han L, Liu Z, Wang Z, Gao A. The gut-brain axis involved in polystyrene nanoplastics-induced neurotoxicity via reprogramming the circadian rhythm-related pathways. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131949. [PMID: 37392641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The production of plastic is still increasing globally, which has led to an increasing number of plastic particles in the environment. Nanoplastics (NPs) can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and induce neurotoxicity, but in-depth mechanism and effective protection strategies are lacking. Here, C57BL/6 J mice were treated with 60 μg polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs, 80 nm) by intragastric administration for 42 days to establish NPs exposure model. We found that 80 nm PS-NPs could reach and cause neuronal damage in the hippocampus, and alter the expression of neuroplasticity-related molecules (5-HT, AChE, GABA, BDNF and CREB), and even affect the learning and memory ability of mice. Mechanistically, combined with the results of hippocampus transcriptome, gut microbiota 16 s ribosomal RNA and plasma metabolomics, we found that the gut-brain axis mediated circadian rhythm related pathways were involved in the neurotoxicity of NPs, especially Camk2g, Adcyap1 and Per1 may be the key genes. Both melatonin and probiotic can significantly reduce intestinal injury and restore the expression of circadian rhythm-related genes and neuroplasticity molecules, and the intervention effect of melatonin is more effective. Collectively, the results strongly suggest the gut-brain axis mediated hippocampal circadian rhythm changes involved in the neurotoxicity of PS-NPs. Melatonin or probiotics supplementation may have the application value in the prevention of neurotoxicity of PS-NPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Kang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jiaru Jing
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Danyang Huang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lin Han
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ziyan Liu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ziyan Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ai Gao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Silva SAM, Prata JC, Dias-Pereira P, Rodrigues ACM, Soares AMVM, Sarmento RA, Rocha-Santos T, Gravato C, Patrício Silva AL. Microplastics altered cellular responses, physiology, behaviour, and regeneration of planarians feeding on contaminated prey. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162556. [PMID: 36870489 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater benthic environments are among the major sinks of microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm) sourced on inland anthropogenic activities. The ecotoxicological effects of MPs on benthic macroinvertebrates have been assessed preferably in collectors, shredders, and filter-feeders, but resulting in insufficient knowledge on the potential trophic transfer and its effects on macroinvertebrates with predator behaviour such as planarians. This work evaluated the behavioural (feeding, locomotion), physiological (regeneration) and biochemical responses (aerobic metabolism, energy reserves, oxidative damage) of the planarian Girardia tigrina after consuming contaminated live prey Chironomus riparius larvae previously exposed to microplastics of polyurethane (PU-MPs; 7-9 μm in size; 375 mg PU-MPs/kg). After the feeding period (3 h), planarians consumed 20 % more contaminated prey than uncontaminated prey, probably related to increased curling/uncurling movements of larvae (that might be more appellative to planarians). Histological analysis revealed planarians' limited intake of PU-MPs, mainly detected near the pharynx. The consumption of contaminated prey (and intake of PU-MPs) did not result in oxidative damage but slightly increased the aerobic metabolism and energy reserves which show that the consumption of more prey was sufficient to cope with the potential adverse effects of internalized MPs. Moreover, no effects were observed in the locomotion of planarians in good agreement with the hypothesis of sufficient energy acquired by the exposed planarians. Despite the previous, it seems that the energy acquired was not allocated for planarians' regeneration since a significant delay in the regeneration of the auricles was observed for planarians feeding on contaminated prey. Therefore, further studies should be performed considering the potential long-term effects (i.e., reproduction/fitness) and the effects of MPs that might result from continuous feeding on contaminated prey, representing a more realistic exposure scenario.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara A M Silva
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, CESPU, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), 3810-193 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Dias-Pereira
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Porto University (ICBAS-UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia C M Rodrigues
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Renato A Sarmento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, Tocantins 77402-970, Brazil
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nantege D, Odong R, Auta HS, Keke UN, Ndatimana G, Assie AF, Arimoro FO. Microplastic pollution in riverine ecosystems: threats posed on macroinvertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27839-9. [PMID: 37248351 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants of emerging concern that have been reported in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well as in food items. The increasing production and use of plastic materials have led to a rise in MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems. This review aimed at providing an overview of the abundance and distribution of MPs in riverine ecosystems and the potential effects posed on macroinvertebrates. Microplastics in riverine ecosystems are reported in all regions, with less research in Africa, South America, and Oceania. The abundance and distribution of MPs in riverine ecosystems are mainly affected by population density, economic activities, seasons, and hydraulic regimes. Ingestion of MPs has also been reported in riverine macroinvertebrates and has been incorporated in caddisflies cases. Further, bivalves and chironomids have been reported as potential indicators of MPs in aquatic ecosystems due to their ability to ingest MPs relative to environmental concentration. Fiber and fragments are the most common types reported. Meanwhile, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (polyester), polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride are the most common polymers. These MPs are from materials/polymers commonly used for packaging, shopping/carrier bags, fabrics/textiles, and construction. Ingestion of MPs by macroinvertebrates can physically harm and inhibit growth, reproduction, feeding, and moulting, thus threatening their survival. In addition, MP ingestion can trigger enzymatic changes and cause oxidative stress in the organisms. There is a need to regulate the production and use of plastic materials, as well as disposal of the wastes to reduce MP pollution in riverine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Nantege
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria.
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Robinson Odong
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Helen Shnada Auta
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Unique Ndubuisi Keke
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Gilbert Ndatimana
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Attobla Fulbert Assie
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Francis Ofurum Arimoro
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tuazon H, Nguyen C, Kaufman E, Tiwari I, Bermudez J, Chudasama D, Peleg O, Bhamla MS. Collecting-Gathering Biophysics of the Blackworm L. variegatus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.28.538726. [PMID: 37162967 PMCID: PMC10168430 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.28.538726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Many organisms exhibit collecting and gathering behaviors as a foraging and survival method. Certain benthic macroinvertebrates are classified as collector-gatherers due to their collection of particulate matter as a food source, such as the aquatic oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus (California blackworms). Blackworms demonstrate the ability to ingest organic and inorganic materials, including microplastics, but previous work has only qualitatively described their possible collecting behaviors for such materials. The mechanism through which blackworms consolidate discrete particles into a larger clumps remains unexplored quantitatively. By analyzing a group of blackworms in a large arena with an aqueous algae solution, we discover that their relative collecting efficiency is proportional to population size. Examining individual blackworms under a microscope reveals that both algae and microplastics physically adhere to the worm's body due to external mucus secretions, which cause the materials to clump around the worm. We observe that this clumping reduces the worm's exploration of its environment, potentially due to thigmotaxis. To validate the observed biophysical mechanisms, we create an active polymer model of a worm moving in a field of particulate debris with a short-range attractive force on its body to simulate its adhesive nature. We find that the attractive force increases gathering efficiency. This study offers insights into the mechanisms of collecting-gathering behavior, informing the design of robotic systems, as well as advancing our understanding the ecological impacts of microplastics on benthic invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Tuazon
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Chantal Nguyen
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Georgia, United States
| | - Emily Kaufman
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Ishant Tiwari
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jessica Bermudez
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Darshan Chudasama
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Orit Peleg
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Georgia, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
| | - M. Saad Bhamla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Martinez SA, Simon CJ, Cohen RA. Synthetic Microfiber Material Influences Ingestion by Freshwater Worms. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 110:87. [PMID: 37119338 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03725-5] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastics enter the environment, amongst others, from synthetic textiles, which shed microplastic fibers (microfibers) during their production, use and disposal. We tested whether short- and long-term effects of microfibers on the aquatic worm, Lumbriculus variegatus, depend on the synthetic microfiber material. Microcosms containing L. variegatus were exposed to no microfibers (control) or one of three polymer treatments (nylon, polyester, or olefin) at 5 g of microfibers kg-1 of sediment for 48 h or 28 days. Following exposure, L. variegatus were counted, weighed, and the number of microfibers ingested determined. Polyester microfibers occurred in higher quantities (10-12) than nylon and olefin (< one) per individual after 48 h and 28 days. Only the olefin per individual doubled after 28 days compared to 48 h. These findings indicate that polyester microfibers are more likely to affect L. variegatus and have greater potential to be ingested by higher trophic levels than other polymers.
Collapse
|
15
|
Oliveira AM, Patrício Silva AL, Soares AMVM, Barceló D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Current knowledge on the presence, biodegradation, and toxicity of discarded face masks in the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 11:109308. [PMID: 36643396 PMCID: PMC9832688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.109308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, facemasks became mandatory, with a great preference for disposable ones. However, the benefits of face masks for health safety are counteracted by the environmental burden related to their improper disposal. An unprecedented influx of disposable face masks entering the environment has been reported in the last two years of the pandemic, along with their implications in natural environments in terms of their biodegradability, released contaminants and ecotoxicological effects. This critical review addresses several aspects of the current literature regarding the (bio)degradation and (eco)toxicity of face masks related contaminants, identifying uncertainties and research needs that should be addressed in future studies. While it is indisputable that face mask contamination contributes to the already alarming plastic pollution, we are still far from determining its real environmental and ecotoxicological contribution to the issue. The paucity of studies on biodegradation and ecotoxicity of face masks and related contaminants, and the uncertainties and uncontrolled variables involved during experimental procedures, are compromising eventual comparison with conventional plastic debris. Studies on the abundance and composition of face mask-released contaminants (microplastics/fibres/ chemical compounds) under pre- and post-pandemic conditions should, therefore, be encouraged, along with (bio)degradation and ecotoxicity tests considering environmentally relevant settings. To achieve this, methodological strategies should be developed to overcome technical difficulties to quantify and characterise the smallest MPs and fibres, adsorbents, and leachates to increase the environmental relevancy of the experimental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Oliveira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barceló
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhao Y, Jia H, Deng H, Xing W, Feng D, Li J, Ge C, Yu H, Zhang Y, Chen H. Response of earthworms to microplastics in soil under biogas slurry irrigation: Toxicity comparison of conventional and biodegradable microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160092. [PMID: 36370787 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As a reliable environment-friendly alternative, biodegradable plastic mulching films have been introduced into agricultural practice to reduce the adverse threats posed by conventional plastic products. Information regarding whether potential untoward effects of biodegradable plastics exist in soil and how strong are such effects on terrestrial organisms, however, still remains unknown. This study examined differences in the responses of earthworm, represented by Eisenia fetida, to exposure to biodegradable (PLA: polylactic acid) and conventional microplastics (PVC: polyvinylchloride, LDPE: low-density polyethylene) in soil with biogas slurry irrigation. Mortality, growth, histopathology and biochemical enzymes of the earthworms exposed to different concentrations of microplastics (5, 20 and 50 g/kg wet weight of soil, respectively) were investigated after 28 days of incubation in the experiment. The obtained results showed that the ecotoxicity of microplastics (MPs) to earthworms was time-dependent. Regardless of MPs type, continuous exposure to MPs at the concentration of 50 g/kg induced mucous vacuolization, longitude muscle disorder, and granular lipofuscin-like deposits generation in the epithelium. Moreover, tissue fibrosis and cavity formation were also observed in intestinal tissue. The presence of MPs stimulated the oxidative stress system of the earthworms, as indicated by the enhancement of malonaldehyde (MDA) content in vivo. The antioxidative defense system in earthworms was supposed to collapse at the MPs concentration of 50 g/kg after 28 days of exposure. Interestingly, PLA exhibited similar ecotoxicity effects with LDPE, which might violate the original intention of biodegradable plastics with less harmful or nontoxic influence on the terrestrial biotas. Thus, knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic mechanisms of the earthworms in soil containing biodegradable plastics should be further explored to better understand the risk posed by biodegradable plastics in the agroecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhao
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Huiting Jia
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Hui Deng
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Wenzhe Xing
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Dan Feng
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China; Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jiatong Li
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Chengjun Ge
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Huamei Yu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Hainan University, Ministry of Education, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Haiying Chen
- Hainan Qingshi Environmental Engineering & Technology Co., Ltd, Haikou 570100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Garrard SL, Spicer JI, Thompson RC. Tyre particle exposure affects the health of two key estuarine invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120244. [PMID: 36152711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120244] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tyre wear particles may be the largest source of microplastic to the natural environment, yet information on their biological impacts is inadequate. Two key estuarine invertebrates; the clam Scrobicularia plana and the ragworm Hediste diversicolor were exposed to 10% tyre particles in sediment for three days. Both species consumed the particles, although S. plana consumed 25x more than H. diversicolor (967 compared with 35 particles.g-1 wet weight, respectively). We then investigated the impact of 21 days exposure to different concentrations of tyre particles in estuarine sediments (0.2, 1, and 5% dry weight sediment) on aspects of the health of S. plana and H. diversicolor. Reductions in feeding and burial rates were observed for S. plana but not H. diversicolor, whilst both species showed a decrease in protein content in response to the greatest tyre particle concentration (5%), linked to an 18% decrease in energy reserves for H. diversicolor. Five percent tyre particle exposure led to an increase in total glutathione in the tissues of H. diversicolor, whilst lipid peroxidation decreased in the digestive glands of S. plana, possibly due to an increase in cell turnover. This study found that S. plana's health was impacted at lower concentrations than H. diversicolor, likely due to its consumption of large quantities of sediment. At the high exposure concentration (5%), the health of both invertebrates was impacted. This study did not separate the effects caused by the microplastic particles versus the effects of the chemical additives leaching from these particles, but our results do indicate that future studies should investigate effects in isolation and in combination, to determine the main drivers of toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S L Garrard
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological & Marine Science University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK; Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK.
| | - J I Spicer
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological & Marine Science University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - R C Thompson
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological & Marine Science University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Silva SAM, Rodrigues ACM, Rocha-Santos T, Silva ALP, Gravato C. Effects of Polyurethane Small-Sized Microplastics in the Chironomid, Chironomus riparius: Responses at Organismal and Sub-Organismal Levels. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192315610. [PMID: 36497682 PMCID: PMC9741373 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater provides valuable services and functions to humankind. However, macroinvertebrates that underpin the delivery of many of those ecosystem services and functions are under an additional threat caused by microplastic pollution. Chironomids are one of the most abundant groups of macroinvertebrates in these environments and the most sensitive to microplastics. This investigation addressed the effects of polyurethane (PU-MPs; 7.0-9.0 µm) on the chironomid Chironomus riparius at the organism and sub-organism levels. For this purpose, two assays were carried out: (i) addressing the effects of PU-MPs on C. riparius partial life cycle traits (larval size and emergence parameters) in a 28 d assay considering concentrations up to 750 mg/Kg, and (ii) larvae behaviour (locomotion) as well as the biochemical responses (oxidative damage, aerobic energy production, and energy reserves) in a 10 d assay considering an environmentally relevant concentration with no observed effects on C. riparius previous life history traits (no observed effect concentration; NOEC = (375 mg/kg). Exposure to PU-MPs did not affect C. riparius larval length nor cumulative and time to emergence. Conversely, when exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration for 10 days, contaminated larvae were revealed to be lighter (but not smaller nor less nutritionally affected in terms of energy reserves) and more active when foraging, which was reflected in the activation of their aerobic metabolism when assessing the electron transport chain as a proxy. Notwithstanding, PU-MPs did not originate observable energy costs, either on protein, lipid, or sugar contents on contaminated larvae, which may justify the absence of effects on larval growth and emergence. Therefore, the increased production of energy used for the locomotion and functioning of larvae was at the expense of the fraction of energy that should have been allocated for the weight of the individuals. A long-term exposure involving a multigenerational assessment would bring intel on the potential (cumulative) sub-lethal effects of PU-MPs on C. riparius fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. M. Silva
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia C. M. Rodrigues
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L. Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences, CESAM, University of Lisbon, Campos Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Silva CJM, Machado AL, Campos D, M V M Soares A, Pestana JLT. Combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and natural stressors on Chironomus riparius life-history traits. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113641. [PMID: 35716817 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113641] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that ingestion of microplastics causes adverse effects in aquatic organisms, including sediment-dwelling invertebrates. Most studies focus on evaluating the effects of plastic particles alone without testing the mediating effects of different natural stressors and thus lacking realistic exposure scenarios. The present study addresses the interactive effects of exposure to polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs; 2.5 g/kg) in the midge Chironomus riparius life history traits under different temperatures (15, 20 and 25 °C), a salinity gradient (0, 1 and 3 g L-1 sodium chloride - NaCl) and different levels of food (0.5, 0.25 and 0.125 mg macerated fish food larva-1day-1). By the analyses of linear models and independent action models applied to different life-history traits, such as larval growth, development time and imagoes body weight, the present work reveals that under temperatures lower than 20 °C or severe food shortage (<0.25 mg macerated fish food larva-1day-1), microplastics' effects can be stronger than those observed at standard toxicity test conditions (20 °C and 0.5 mg food larva-1day-1). Additionally, we also found that, in general, toxicity induced by PE-MPs to C. riparius larvae was reduced under warmer temperature (25 °C) and salinity. As observed, MPs toxicity can be mediated by natural stressors, which underlines the importance of co-exposure studies. In this sense, these results contribute to a more accurate risk assessment of microplastics. Despite the complex interactions between microplastics and natural factors here tested, were not found evidence that the deleterious effects of PE-MPs on C. riparius life cycle history are aggravated under increased temperature, food shortage, or salinisation of freshwaters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J M Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Machado
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Diana Campos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yao Z, Seong HJ, Jang YS. Environmental toxicity and decomposition of polyethylene. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 242:113933. [PMID: 35930840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the more than 100 years since the invention of plastics, various plastic polymers have been developed that exhibit different characteristics and have been widely used in production and life. In 2020 alone, nearly 400 million tons of plastics were produced globally. However, while plastic such as polyethylene brings us convenience, it also threatens environmental sustainability and human health. Due to insufficient recycling efficiency, millions of tons of polyethylene pollutants accumulate in terrestrial or marine environments each year. Polyethylene is elastic, chemically stable, and non-biodegradable, and the traditional disposal methods include landfilling and incineration. These methods are costly, unsustainable, and further increase the burden on the environment. Therefore, recent research has increasingly focused on the biodegradation of polyethylene. In this work, we briefly summarized polyethylene's properties and environmental toxicity. We also reviewed the recent advances in the biodegradation of polyethylene with a summary of traditional abiotic methods. Finally, we proposed a brief research direction in polyethylene study with the aspect of environmental toxicology and industrial applications of decomposition technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Yao
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21), Department of Applied Life Chemistry, Institute of Agriculture & Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Jeong Seong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21), Department of Applied Life Chemistry, Institute of Agriculture & Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Sin Jang
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21), Department of Applied Life Chemistry, Institute of Agriculture & Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ferreira-Filipe DA, Paço A, Natal-da-Luz T, Sousa JP, Saraiva JA, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Patrício Silva AL. Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154269. [PMID: 35276171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154269] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biobased and biodegradable plastic mulch films (aka, mulch biofilm) have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic mulch films in agriculture, promising to reduce soil contamination with plastic residues through in situ biodegradation. However, current standards certifying biodegradable plastics cannot predict biodegradability in natural settings. The scarce studies considering the possible biodegradation and ecotoxicity of mulch biofilms in soil systems question the environmental friendliness of these alternative options. This study assessed the biodegradation of a commercially available mulch biofilm by the soil-dwelling fungus Penicillium brevicompactum (in solid culture media and soil for 15 and 28 days, respectively), and the ecotoxicological effects of mulch biofilm microplastics on the earthworm Eisenia andrei (pristine or UV-weathered, at 0.125-0.250-0.500 g/kg). Results (from microplastics' mass loss, microscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy) suggest that the presence of P. brevicompactum promotes mulch biofilm's biodegradation. Exposure to environmental concentrations of pristine biofilm microplastics (and its ingestion) increased earthworms' sensitivity to touch, induced physiological alterations, decreased energy reserves, and decreased their reproduction (>30%). Conversely, exposure to weathered biofilm microplastics slightly increased earthworms' sensitivity, as well as carbohydrate reserves,without affecting their reproduction. The tested mulch biofilm seems to be, at first sight, an environmentally friendly alternative as it presented susceptibility for biodegradation by a widespread fungus, and the absence of ecotoxicological chronic effects on a key macroinvertebrate species in soil ecosystems when considering environmental relevant concentrations and plastics weathered conditions. Notwithstanding, the obtained results highlight the need to revise current standards, as they often neglect the role of, and their chronic effects on, naturally occurring organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tiago Natal-da-Luz
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Paulo Sousa
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge A Saraiva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang Y, Zhou B, Chen H, Yuan R, Wang F. Distribution, biological effects and biofilms of microplastics in freshwater systems - A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134370. [PMID: 35318017 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly rising output and mass use of plastics have made plastics pollution a major environmental problem. Since plastics are persistent in the environment, understanding the migration transformation characteristics of plastics is critical. Given the ever-increasing concern about the environmental risks posed by microplastics, their prevalence, fate, abundance and impact have been intensively studied. Most of these investigations focused on the marine environment, but research on freshwater microplastics is less extensive. This article aims to briefly summarize the research progress of freshwater microplastics, identify existing gaps and draw novel conclusions, so as to provide useful information for the research of freshwater microplastics. Using the statistics and analysis of freshwater microplastics studies in 2016-2021, this review systematically discusses microplastics in globally freshwater systems. The biological effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms were discussed as well. Some potential ecological effects of microplastic biofilms were shown, such as climate change and material circulation. More importantly, we present some unique conclusions. For example, the detection of freshwater microplastics is mainly concentrated in natural freshwater systems, while few are concentrated in artificial freshwater systems. In addition, polystyrene is the main mode for testing the biological effects of freshwater microplastics, and polyethene and polypropylene which are the most common in freshwater environments, have not been taken seriously. We also pointed out that studies on advanced freshwater plants in the topic of biological effects of microplastics still need strengthen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Beihai Zhou
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Huilun Chen
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Rongfang Yuan
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dolar A, Drobne D, Dolenec M, Marinšek M, Jemec Kokalj A. Time-dependent immune response in Porcellio scaber following exposure to microplastics and natural particles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 818:151816. [PMID: 34813818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151816] [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: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are very common contaminants in the environment. Despite increasing efforts to assess the effects of microplastics on soil organisms, there remains a lack of knowledge on how organisms respond to diverse types of microplastics after different exposure durations. In the present study, we investigated the immune response of the terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber exposed to the two most common microplastic particles in the environment: polyester fibres and tyre particles. We also tested two natural particles: wood dust and silica powder, with all treatments performed at 1.5% w/w. The response of P. scaber was evaluated at the level of the immune system, and also the biochemical, organism and population level, after different exposure durations (1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 days). These data reveal dynamic changes in the levels of some immune parameters shortly after exposure, with a gradual return to control values. The total number of haemocytes was significantly decreased after 4 days of exposure to tyre particles, while the proportion of different haemocyte types in the haemolymph was altered shortly after exposure to both polyester fibres and tyre particles. Moreover, 7 days of exposure to tyre particles resulted in increased superoxide dismutase activity in the haemolymph, while metabolic activity in whole woodlice (measured as electron transport system activity) was increased after exposure for 7, 14 and 21 days. In contrast, the natural particles did not elicit any significant changes in the measured parameters. Survival and feeding of P. scaber were not altered by exposure to the microplastics and natural particles in soil. Overall, this study defines a time-dependent transient immune response of P. scaber, which indicates that immune parameters represent sensitive biomarkers of exposure to microplastics. We discuss the importance of using natural particles in studies of microplastics exposure and their effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andraž Dolar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Damjana Drobne
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Dolenec
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjan Marinšek
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anita Jemec Kokalj
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Castro-Castellon AT, Horton AA, Hughes JMR, Rampley C, Jeffers ES, Bussi G, Whitehead P. Ecotoxicity of microplastics to freshwater biota: Considering exposure and hazard across trophic levels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151638. [PMID: 34774956 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to marine ecosystems, the toxicity impact of microplastics in freshwater environments is poorly understood. This contribution reviews the literature on the range of effects of microplastics across and between trophic levels within the freshwater environment, including biofilms, macrophytes, phytoplankton, invertebrates, fish and amphibians. While there is supporting evidence for toxicity in some species e.g. growth reduction for photoautotrophs, increased mortality for some invertebrates, genetic changes in amphibians, and cell internalization of microplastics and nanoplastics in fish; other studies show that it is uncertain whether microplastics can have detrimental long-term impacts on ecosystems. Some taxa have yet to be studied e.g. benthic diatoms, while only 12% of publications on microplastics in freshwater, demonstrate trophic transfer in foodwebs. The fact that just 2% of publications focus on microplastics colonized by biofilms is hugely concerning given the cascading detrimental effects this could have on freshwater ecosystem function. Multiple additional stressors including environmental change (temperature rises and invasive species) and contaminants of anthropogenic origin (antibiotics, metals, pesticides and endocrine disruptors) will likely exacerbate negative interactions between microplastics and freshwater organisms, with potentially significant damaging consequences to freshwater ecosystems and foodwebs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice A Horton
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Jocelyne M R Hughes
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Cordelia Rampley
- Oxford Molecular Biosensors, Centre for Innovation and Enterprise, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford OX5 1PF, UK
| | | | - Gianbattista Bussi
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Paul Whitehead
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Stanković J, Milošević D, Jovanović B, Savić-Zdravković D, Petrović A, Raković M, Stanković N, Stojković Piperac M. In Situ Effects of a Microplastic Mixture on the Community Structure of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in a Freshwater Pond. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:888-895. [PMID: 34003520 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Benthic communities contain some of the most threatened organisms in aquatic habitats due to different anthropogenic pressures. The high abundance of microplastics in sediments will continue to increase in the future, further increasing the probability of interactions between macroinvertebrates and microplastics. In the present study, a benthic community in a relatively pristine shallow pond was exposed either to an environmentally relevant high concentration of a microplastic mixture of 80 g m-2 in the sediment, or a control sediment, without the addition of microplastics. The mixture of microplastics contained irregularly shaped polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyamide in a ratio of 50:25:25%, respectively. The in situ experiment lasted for 100 d. The total number of taxa that colonized the microcosms was 22 (17 in the control and 18 in the microplastic treatment), and the colonization was not affected by the treatment. The most dominant group within the macroinvertebrate community was the dipteran family Chironomidae, in both the control and the microplastic treatment. No significant differences in the abundance and biomass at a community level were recorded between the groups by permutational multivariate analysis of variance (F = 0.993, p = 0.456 and F = 0.344, p = 0.797, respectively). The mixture of microplastics did not influence the abundance or biomass of the functional feeding groups (F = 1.810, p = 0.137 and F = 0.377, p = 0.736, respectively). The species richness, species abundance, species biomass, Shannon's diversity index, and Simpson's index of diversity showed no statistically significant differences between the control and treatment groups. Czekanowski's quantitative similarity index indicated that 84% of the community remained unaffected after microplastic exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:888-895. © 2021 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Stanković
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Djuradj Milošević
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Boris Jovanović
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Ana Petrović
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research Siniša Stanković, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Raković
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nikola Stanković
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Milica Stojković Piperac
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tourinho PS, Silva ARR, Santos CSA, Prodana M, Ferreira V, Habibullah G, Kočí V, van Gestel CAM, Loureiro S. Microplastic Fibers Increase Sublethal Effects of AgNP and AgNO 3 in Daphnia magna by Changing Cellular Energy Allocation. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:896-904. [PMID: 34101905 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5136] [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: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of combined exposure to microplastics and contaminants are still not completely understood. To fill this gap, we assessed the effects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastic fibers (100 mg/L; 360 µm average length) on the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 32 nm) and silver nitrate (AgNO3 ; 0.1-10 µg Ag/L) to Daphnia magna. Acute immobilization (median effect concentration [EC50]) and cellular energy allocation (CEA; ratio between available energy and energy consumption) were determined in neonates (<24 h old) and juveniles (7 d old), respectively. The 48-h EC50 for AgNP and AgNO3 (2.6 and 0.67 µg Ag/L, respectively) was not affected by the presence of microplastic fibers (2.2 and 0.85 µg Ag/L, respectively). No decrease in the available energy was observed: lipid, carbohydrate, and protein contents were unaffected. However, a significant increase in energy consumption was observed in animals exposed to AgNO3 (250% compared with control) and to the combination of microplastic fibers with AgNP (170%) and AgNO3 (260%). The exposure to microplastic fibers alone or in combination with both Ag forms decreased the CEA (values were 55-75% of control values). Our results show that after short-term exposure (48 h), microplastic fibers increased Ag toxicity at a subcellular level (i.e., CEA), but not at the individual level (i.e., immobilization). These results highlight the importance of combining different levels of biological organization to fully assess the ecotoxicological effects of plastics in association with environmental contaminants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:896-904. © 2021 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula S Tourinho
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Rita R Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cátia S A Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marija Prodana
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Violeta Ferreira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Giyaullah Habibullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Kočí
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susana Loureiro
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jewett E, Arnott G, Connolly L, Vasudevan N, Kevei E. Microplastics and Their Impact on Reproduction—Can we Learn From the C. elegans Model? FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:748912. [PMID: 35399297 PMCID: PMC8987311 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.748912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologically active environmental pollutants have significant impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) particles are pollutants that are present in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at virtually every level of the food chain. Moreover, recently, airborne microplastic particles have been shown to reach and potentially damage respiratory systems. Microplastics and nanoplastics have been shown to cause increased oxidative stress, inflammation, altered metabolism leading to cellular damage, which ultimately affects tissue and organismal homeostasis in numerous animal species and human cells. However, the full impact of these plastic particles on living organisms is not completely understood. The ability of MPs/NPs to carry contaminants, toxic chemicals, pesticides, and bioactive compounds, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals, present an additional risk to animal and human health. This review will discusses the current knowledge on pathways by which microplastic and nanoplastic particles impact reproduction and reproductive behaviors from the level of the whole organism down to plastics-induced cellular defects, while also identifying gaps in current knowledge regarding mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we suggest that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides an advantageous high-throughput model system for determining the effect of plastic particles on animal reproduction, using reproductive behavioral end points and cellular readouts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Jewett
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Arnott
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Connolly
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Nandini Vasudevan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Kevei
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Eva Kevei,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The Pressing Issue of Micro- and Nanoplastic Contamination: Profiling the Reproductive Alterations Mediated by Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020193. [PMID: 35204076 PMCID: PMC8868557 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are among the most widely distributed pollutants in the environment. It has been suggested that exposure to MPs/NPs can trigger toxicity pathways among which inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) play a pivotal role. Once absorbed, MPs/NPs may act locally or access the bloodstream and, following the translocation process, reach several organs and tissues, including the gonads. Notably, MPs/NPs can bioaccumulate in human and murine placenta, opening new scenarios for toxicological evaluations. We review recent studies on the effects of MPs/NPs on the reproductive health in aquatic and terrestrial organisms of both sexes, focusing on the role of OS and the antioxidant defence system failure as the main underlying mechanisms. Alterations in gametogenesis, embryonic and offspring development, and survival have been shown in most studies and often related to a broken redox balance. All these detrimental effects are inversely related to particle size, whereas they are closely linked to shape, plastic polymer type, superficial functionalization, concentration, and time of exposure. To date, the studies provide insights into the health impacts, but no conclusions can be drawn for reproduction toxicity. The main implication of the few studies on antioxidant substances reveals their potential role in mitigating MP-induced toxic effects.
Collapse
|
29
|
Silva CJM, Machado AL, Campos D, Rodrigues ACM, Patrício Silva AL, Soares AMVM, Pestana JLT. Microplastics in freshwater sediments: Effects on benthic invertebrate communities and ecosystem functioning assessed in artificial streams. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150118. [PMID: 34798725 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The high levels of microplastics (MPs) found in freshwaters, particularly in riverine sediments, may impose a threat to the macroinvertebrate communities with possible consequences at ecosystem-level. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a mixture of different sizes of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on the composition and structure of macroinvertebrate communities and key-functions, such as primary production and leaf litter decomposition. MPs were mixed in the sediment at three different concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 g kg-1) already found in freshwater sediments to enhance the relevance of the work. After eight days of exposure to PE-MPs, the observed changes in macroinvertebrate community structure were mostly due to the reduction in the abundance of deposit-feeders and grazers that were reduced by ca 31-50% and 34-39%, in the two highest MPs concentrations respectively, in comparison with the control treatment after 8 days of exposure. MPs internal concentrations were detected only in organisms exposed to plastic particles within artificial streams with chironomids and mayflies presenting higher MPs internal levels (average of 115 particles/individual found in chironomids, 166/individual for Baetis sp. and 415 particles/individual for Ephemerella sp.) suggesting higher ingestion of plastic microparticles. Nevertheless, the alterations in the community structure did not translate into impairments in the functional endpoints analysed, leaf litter decomposition and primary production, that were expected due to possible sub-lethal effects (e.g., feeding inhibition) on detritivores and grazers. This study represents one of the few assessments of MPs effects on freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate community structure and the first that simultaneously considered ecosystem-level functional endpoints. Further research combining different microplastics and longer exposure periods are needed to raise knowledge on potential ecological consequences of MPs to freshwaters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J M Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Machado
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Diana Campos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia C M Rodrigues
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Muñiz-González AB, Silva CJM, Patricio Silva AL, Campos D, Pestana JLT, Martínez-Guitarte JL. Suborganismal responses of the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius to polyethylene microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:146981. [PMID: 34088153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater riverbeds are a major repository of microplastics (MPs) from inland activities. Benthic macroinvertebrates that live in close contact with sediments seem to ingest a considerable amount of such plastic particles. The effects of MPs on life-history traits are relatively well-known, but the suborganismal mechanisms underlying such effects remain unclear. This study addressed the potential effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs on Chironomus riparius larvae at cellular and molecular levels. Fourth instar C. riparius larvae were exposed to 0.025 and 2.5 g/kg LDPE of dry sediment (sizes: <32 and 32-45 μm; with irregular shape) under laboratory conditions for 48 h. These short-term exposures to environmental concentrations of LDPE MPs induced changes in the energy reserves (mostly by decreasing carbohydrates and increasing lipids), increased antioxidant and detoxification responses (tGSH, CAT, and GST), and induced increases in the activity of AChE (related to neurotransmission). In addition, at the gene level, exposure to MPs modified mRNA levels of InR, Dis, EcR, Dronc, Met (endocrine system), Def (immune system), PARP, ATM, NLK, and Decay (DNA repair), generating important alterations in the C. riparius development and response to unfavorable situations. This study provides new evidence of the effects of LDPE MPs at the suborganismal level, filling the gap in knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of MPs and spotlighting gene expression analyses as early indicators of MP toxicity in C. riparius which were confirmed by Integrated biomarker response analyses highlighting the gene expression as sensible and useful endpoints for LPDE pollution in freshwaters. These results, coupled with previous investigations on responses at the organismal level, emphasizes the potential adverse effects of LDPE MPs on C. riparius, which may compromise freshwater benthic communities, considering its ecological role within these habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Belén Muñiz-González
- Environmental Toxicology and Biology Group, Mathematical and Fluid Physics, Department, Sciences Faculty, UNED, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carlos J M Silva
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patricio Silva
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diana Campos
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José-Luis Martínez-Guitarte
- Environmental Toxicology and Biology Group, Mathematical and Fluid Physics, Department, Sciences Faculty, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Silva CJM, Beleza S, Campos D, Soares AMVM, Patrício Silva AL, Pestana JLT, Gravato C. Immune response triggered by the ingestion of polyethylene microplastics in the dipteran larvae Chironomus riparius. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125401. [PMID: 33640731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The activation of insects' immune system due to the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) has only been evidenced by the upregulation of specific genes. The activation of phenoloxidase (PO) system is one of the primary responses involved in insects' innate immunity when facing parasites and pathogens, and ingestion of MPs can trigger a similar process. This study aimed at addressing the activities of basal PO and total PO (PO+ prophenoloxidase - proPO), in Chironomus riparius larvae (a model species in ecotoxicology) exposed to sediments spiked with polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs; size-range 32-63 µm; concentrations: 1.25; 5; to 20 g kg-1) for 48 h. The ingestion of PE-MPs by larvae triggered a significant increase of basal PO activity at 5 and 20 g PE-MPs kg-1, by 26% and 29%, respectively, whereas total PO increased significantly in the latter (+48%), suggesting de novo synthesis of proPO by organisms. Considering the particle size, the immune response's activation is probably linked to damage in the epithelial cells of the gut lumen. This research work provides the first evidence on the activation of the insect's innate immune system after ingestion of MPs and underlines the PO activity as a good indicator of the immune response induced by MPs' ingestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J M Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sónia Beleza
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diana Campos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences & CESAM, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|