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Pérez-Flores J, Borges-Ramírez MM, Vargas-Contreras JA, Osten JRV. Inter-annual variation in the microplastics abundance in feces of the Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) from the Selva Maya, México. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 941:173659. [PMID: 38839015 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are found in a wide range of ecosystems, from the Arctic to the deep ocean. However, there is no data on their presence in terrestrial mammals that inhabit the Selva Maya. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of MPs in the feces of the Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) from the region of Calakmul, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. We analyzed 129 fecal samples collected during 2017 and 2018, obtaining 57 and 72 samples during the rainy and dry seasons respectively. Sixty-eight percent of the samples contained 743 MPs with a mean of 19.3 ± 28.1 MPs/kg of dry weight (DW) feces in both years. An inter-annual variation in the average abundance of microplastic was observed during the two-year period (2017-2018), with a 72 % increase in these plastic particles in feces. Fourteen polymers were identified, with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PES) being the most abundant during both years. Although the effects of MPs on the health of tapirs are not known, their presence is cause for concern. There is an urgent need for the implementation of appropriate plastic waste management programs in communities of the Selva Maya to diminish the consumption of MPs in species including humans where they pose a significant risk to health. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: The use of plastics worldwide is increasing every day, so the presence of microplastics is and will continue to be a major environmental problem. It is known that contaminants can adhere to plastics, making them hazardous materials. Microplastics can contaminate remote areas such as Biosphere Reserves. Terrestrial species such as the tapir can ingest microplastics, putting their health at risk. Knowing the dispersion of microplastics is very important in order to manage them properly, taking into account their emission sources and type of polymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Pérez-Flores
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), Av. Insurgentes Sur 1582, CP 03940 Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico; El Colegio de La Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Unidad de Chetumal, Avenida Centenario Km 5.5, CP 77014 Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Merle M Borges-Ramírez
- Instituto de Ecología, Pesquería y Oceanografía del Golfo de México (EPOMEX), Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campus VI, Av. Héroe de Nacozari 480, CP 24070, Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Jorge A Vargas-Contreras
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campus V, Av. Ex Hacienda Kalá S/N, CP 24085 Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Jaime Rendón-von Osten
- Instituto de Ecología, Pesquería y Oceanografía del Golfo de México (EPOMEX), Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campus VI, Av. Héroe de Nacozari 480, CP 24070, Campeche, Campeche, Mexico.
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Ali W, Buriro RS, Gandahi JA, Chen Y, Aabdin ZU, Bhutto S, Sun J, Zhu J, Liu Z, Zou H. A critical review on male-female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics through different signaling pathways. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:110976. [PMID: 38552764 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that humans are constantly exposed to micro-plastics and nano-plastics through various routes, including inhalation of airborne particles, exposure to dust, and consumption of food and water. It is estimated that humans may consume thousand to millions of micro-plastic particles, equating to several milligrams per day. Prolonged exposure to micro-plastics and nano-plastics has been linked to negative effects on different living organisms, including neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity, and developmental toxicities. The main purpose of this review is to explore the effect of micro-plastics and nano-plastics on the male and female reproductive system, as well as their offspring, and the associated mechanism implicated in the reproductive and developmental toxicities. Micro-plastics and nano-plastics have been shown to exert negative effects on the reproductive system of both male and female mammals and aquatic animals, including developmental impacts on gonads, gametes, embryo, and their subsequent generation. In addition, micro-plastics and nano-plastics impact the hypothalamic-pituitary axes, leading to oxidative stress, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity, developmental abnormalities, poor sperm quality, diminishes ovarian ovulation and immune toxicity. This study discusses the so many different signaling pathways associated in the male and female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Rehana Shahnawaz Buriro
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jameel Ahmed Gandahi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zain Ul Aabdin
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
| | - Sahar Bhutto
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
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3
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Aplin JD, Jones CJP, Jauniaux E. Environmental nanoparticles and placental research. BJOG 2024; 131:551-554. [PMID: 37880085 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Carolyn J P Jones
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Eric Jauniaux
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
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Zhuang QL, Yuan HY, Qi JQ, Sun ZR, Tao BX, Zhang BH. Phosphorus fertiliser application mitigates the negative effects of microplastic on soil microbes and rice growth. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133278. [PMID: 38118199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133278] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Soil microplastics (MPs) have attracted widespread attention recently. Most studies have explored how soil MPs affect the soil's physicochemical parameters, matter circulation, and soil microbial community assembly. Similarly, a key concern in agricultural development has been the use of phosphorus (P) fertiliser, which is essential for plant health and development. However, the relationship between MPs and phosphate fertilisers and their effects on the soil environment and plant growth remains elusive. This study assessed the influence of adding low-density polyethylene MPs (1%) with different phosphate fertiliser application rates on microbial communities and rice biomass. Our results showed that MPs changed the structure of soil bacterial and phoD-harbouring microbial communities in the treatment with P fertiliser at the same level and suppressed the interactions of phoD-harbouring microorganisms. In addition, we found that MPs contamination inhibited rice growth; however, the inclusion of P fertiliser in MP-contaminated soils reduced the inhibitory action of MPs on rice growth, probably because the presence with P fertiliser promoted the uptake of NO3--N by rice in MP-contaminated soils. Our results provide further insights into guiding agricultural production, improving agricultural management, and rationally applying phosphate fertilisers in the context of widespread MPs pollution and global P resource constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Lu Zhuang
- School of Geography and Environment, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Hai-Yan Yuan
- School of Geography and Environment, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China.
| | - Jian-Qing Qi
- School of Geography and Environment, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Zhao-Ran Sun
- School of Geography and Environment, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Bao-Xian Tao
- School of Geography and Environment, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Bao-Hua Zhang
- School of Geography and Environment, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
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Hassan F, Mu B, Yang Y. Natural polysaccharides and proteins-based films for potential food packaging and mulch applications: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129628. [PMID: 38272415 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Conventional nondegradable packaging and mulch films, after reaching the end of their use, become a major source of waste and are primarily disposed of in landfills. Accumulation of non-degradable film residues in the soil leads to diminished soil fertility, reduced crop yield, and can potentially affect humans. Application of degradable films is still limited due to the high cost, poor mechanical, and gas barrier properties of current biobased synthetic polymers. In this respect, natural polysaccharides and proteins can offer potential solutions. Having versatile functional groups, three-dimensional network structures, biodegradability, ease of processing, and the potential for surface modifications make polysaccharides and proteins excellent candidates for quality films. Besides, their low-cost availability as industrial waste/byproducts makes them cost-effective alternatives. This review paper covers the performance properties, cost assessment, and in-depth analysis of macromolecular structures of some natural polysaccharides and proteins-based films that have great potential for packaging and mulch applications. Proper dissolution of biopolymers to improve molecular interactions and entanglement, and establishment of crosslinkages to form an ordered and cohesive polymeric structure can help to obtain films with good properties. Simple aqueous-based film formulation techniques and utilization of waste/byproducts can stimulate the adoption of affordable biobased films on a large-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faqrul Hassan
- Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design, 234 GNHS Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0802, United States
| | - Bingnan Mu
- Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design, 234 GNHS Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0802, United States
| | - Yiqi Yang
- Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design, 234 GNHS Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0802, United States; Department of Biological Systems Engineering, 234 GNHS Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0802, United States.
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Mo L, Fu H, Lu Q, Chen S, Liu R, Xiang J, Xing Q, Wang L, Sun K, Li B, Zheng J. Characteristics and ecological risks of microplastic pollution in a tropical drinking water source reservoir in Hainan province, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:451-460. [PMID: 38289156 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00528c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (<5 mm) pollution has become a pressing environmental concern in recent years. The present study investigated the occurrence characteristics and assessed the ecological risk of microplastics in the surface water and sediment of the Chitian Reservoir, a drinking water source in Hainan province (China). The results indicated that microplastics were detected in the surface water and sediment of the Chitian Reservoir and its surrounding areas. The overall abundance of microplastics in the water was 3.05 ± 1.16 items per L and in the sediment was 0.15 ± 0.06 items per g dry weight, which is relatively low compared to other reservoirs in China. The dominant components of microplastics detected in the Chitian Reservoir were polypropylene (PP), rayon, and polyester. Physical morphology analysis of microplastics showed that fibers with small particle sizes (<1 mm) and white color were the predominant characteristics in both the surface water and sediment. The domestic sewage from surrounding residents and agricultural wastewater may be the primary sources of microplastics in the reservoir. Ecological risk assessment revealed that the overall pollution load index (PLI) in the surface water (0.65) and sediment (0.51) of the Chitian Reservoir and its surrounding area is at a low level. The potential ecological hazards (RI) of microplastics (0.13 to 336.78 in water; 0.23 to 465.93 in sediment) in most sites fall within the scope of level I, but those in a few sites are at level II due to the presence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This study enriches the data on microplastic pollution in inland reservoir systems, providing fundamental reference information for future ecotoxicological studies and the management of microplastic pollution control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Mo
- Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haikou 571126, PR China
| | - Hongyu Fu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Qiyuan Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Sifan Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Ruijuan Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Jun Xiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Qiao Xing
- Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haikou 571126, PR China
| | - Licheng Wang
- Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haikou 571126, PR China
| | - Kexin Sun
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
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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.
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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
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Ijaz MU, Rafi Z, Hamza A, Sayed AA, Albadrani GM, Al-Ghadi MQ, Abdel-Daim MM. Mitigative potential of kaempferide against polyethylene microplastics induced testicular damage by activating Nrf-2/Keap-1 pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115746. [PMID: 38035520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115746] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) are one of the environmental contaminants that instigate oxidative stress (OS) in various organs of the body, including testes. Kaempferide (KFD) is a plant-derived natural flavonol with potential neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the alleviative effects of KFD against PE-MPs-prompted testicular toxicity in rats. Fourty eight adult male albino rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups: control, PE-MPs-administered (1.5 mgkg-1), PE-MPs (1.5 mgkg-1) + KFD (20 mgkg-1) co-treated and KFD (20 mgkg-1) only treated group. PE-MPs intoxication significantly (P < 0.05) lowered the expression of Nrf-2 and anti-oxidant enzymes, while increasing the expression of Keap-1. The activities of anti-oxidants i.e., catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hemeoxygene-1 (HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were reduced, besides malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents were increased significantly (P < 0.05) following the PE-MPs exposure. Moreover, PE-MPs exposure significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the sperm motility, viability and count, whereas considerably (P < 0.05) increased the dead sperm number and sperm structural anomalies. Furthermore, PE-MPs remarkably (P < 0.05) decreased steroidogenic enzymes and Bcl-2 expression, while increasing the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax. PE-MPs exposure significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone, whereas inflammatory indices were increased. PE-MPs exposure also induced significant histopathological damages in the testes. Nevertheless, KFD supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) abrogated all the damages induced by PE-MPs. The findings of our study demonstrated that KFD could significantly attenuate PE-MPs-instigated OS and testicular toxicity, due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, androgenic and anti-apoptotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan.
| | - Zainab Rafi
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Ali Hamza
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Amany A Sayed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ghadeer M Albadrani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muath Q Al-Ghadi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt.
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Li T, Cui L, Xu Z, Liu H, Cui X, Fantke P. Micro- and nanoplastics in soil: Linking sources to damage on soil ecosystem services in life cycle assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166925. [PMID: 37689210 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166925] [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] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Soil ecosystems are crucial for providing vital ecosystem services (ES), and are increasingly pressured by the intensification and expansion of human activities, leading to potentially harmful consequences for their related ES provision. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), associated with releases from various human activities, have become prevalent in various soil ecosystems and pose a global threat. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a tool for evaluating environmental performance of product and technology life cycles, has yet to adequately include MNPs-related damage to soil ES, owing to factors like uncertainties in MNPs environmental fate and ecotoxicological effects, and characterizing related damage on soil species loss, functional diversity, and ES. This study aims to address this gap by providing as a first step an overview of the current understanding of MNPs in soil ecosystems and proposing a conceptual approach to link MNPs impacts to soil ES damage. We find that MNPs pervade soil ecosystems worldwide, introduced through various pathways, including wastewater discharge, urban runoff, atmospheric deposition, and degradation of larger plastic debris. MNPs can inflict a range of ecotoxicity effects on soil species, including physical harm, chemical toxicity, and pollutants bioaccumulation. Methods to translate these impacts into damage on ES are under development and typically focus on discrete, yet not fully integrated aspects along the impact-to-damage pathway. We propose a conceptual framework for linking different MNPs effects on soil organisms to damage on soil species loss, functional diversity loss and loss of ES, and elaborate on each link. Proposed underlying approaches include the Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) for translating ecotoxicological effects associated with MNPs into quantitative measures of soil species diversity damage; trait-based approaches for linking soil species loss to functional diversity loss; and ecological networks and Bayesian Belief Networks for linking functional diversity loss to soil ES damage. With the proposed conceptual framework, our study constitutes a starting point for including the characterization of MNPs-related damage on soil ES in LCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; School of Environment and Science, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Lizhen Cui
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhihong Xu
- School of Environment and Science, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Hongdou Liu
- School of Environment and Science, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Xiaoyong Cui
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peter Fantke
- Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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10
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Hong Y, Wu S, Wei G. Adverse effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the reproductive system: A comprehensive review of fertility and potential harmful interactions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166258. [PMID: 37579804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have caused ubiquitous environmental pollution and raised widespread concern about their potential toxicity to human health, especially in the reproductive system. Moreover, infertility affects >15 % of couples worldwide, and the birth rate is decreasing. Environmental factors are some of the most important causes of infertility. However, little is known about the effects of MPs and NPs on the testes and ovaries. These particles can enter the body primarily via ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, target the reproductive system in a size-dependent manner and disturb germ cell and other somatic cell development. Our study systematically reviewed the adverse effects of plastic particles on reproductive function and offers valuable insights into the different stages of germ cells and the potential mechanisms. Moreover, the synergistic reproductive toxicity of these particles and carried contaminants was summarized. Given the limited research scale, a shift toward innovative technologies and the adoption of multiple omics are recommended for advancing related studies. Further study is needed to explore the reproductive toxicity of MPs and NPs based on their size, polymer type, shape, and carried toxins, establish effective protective measures, and develop precision medicine for targeted reproductive damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Hong
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Shengde Wu
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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11
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Dhevagi P, Keerthi Sahasa RG, Poornima R, Ramya A. Unveiling the effect of microplastics on agricultural crops - a review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2023; 26:793-815. [PMID: 37941363 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2023.2275152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), ever since they were identified as a potential and widely distributed persistent contaminant, the number of studies highlighting their impacts on various terrestrial ecosystems have been increasing. Recently, the effect of MPs on the agricultural ecosystem has gained momentum. Hence, the present review examines the impact of microplastics on agricultural crop systems and the mechanism underlying its toxicity. The current review revealed that most of the studies were conducted at a laboratory scale and under controlled conditions. Additionally, it was observed that polystyrene (PS) followed by polyethylene (PE) are the most studied polymer type, while the most studied plants are wheat and maize. Hitherto, literature studies suggest that the microplastics' influence on plant growth can be negative or sometimes neutral; while in some cases it exerts a hormetic effect which depends on other factors determining plant growth. Notably, the main mechanisms through which microplastics influence plant growth are mechanical damage, alteration of soil properties, or by leaching of additives. Overall, with burgeoning research interest in this aspect, the current review has significant implications for the toxicity of MPs on plants and throws light on the need to develop novel guidelines toward the sustainable use of plastics in agricultural sector. However, realistic field-level studies and estimating the MPs concentration at various region are essential to develop remediation approaches. Future studies should also focus on translocation and accumulation of micron sized MPs in edible portion of crops and their effect on food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Periyasamy Dhevagi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Ramesh Poornima
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ambikapathi Ramya
- Research Centre for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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12
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Zou W, Lu S, Wang J, Xu Y, Shahid MA, Saleem MU, Mehmood K, Li K. Environmental Microplastic Exposure Changes Gut Microbiota in Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2503. [PMID: 37570310 PMCID: PMC10417107 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As novel environmental contaminants, MPs exist widely in the environment and accumulate in organisms, which has become a global ecological problem. MP perturbations of organismal physiology and behavior have been extensively recorded in aquatic animals, but the potential effects of MPs on poultry are not well characterized. Here, we explored the adverse effects of MP exposure on the growth performance and gut microbiota of chickens. Results showed that the growth performance of chickens decreased significantly during MP exposure. Additionally, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria were found to be dominant in the gut microbiota of MP-exposed chickens, regardless of health status. Although the types of dominant bacteria did not change, the abundances of some bacteria and the structure of the gut microbiota changed significantly. Compared with the controls, the alpha diversity of gut microbiota in chickens exposed to MPs showed a significant decrease. The results of comparative analyses of bacteria between groups showed that the levels of 1 phyla (Proteobacteria) and 18 genera dramatically decreased, whereas the levels of 1 phyla (Cyanobacteria) and 12 genera dramatically increased, during MP exposure. In summary, this study provides evidence that exposure to MPs has a significant impact on the growth performance and gut microbial composition and structure of chickens, leading to a gut microbial imbalance. This may raise widespread public concern about the health threat caused by MP contamination, which is relevant to the maintenance of environmental quality and protection of poultry health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Sijia Lu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yixiao Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Muhammad Akbar Shahid
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Usman Saleem
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Kun Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (W.Z.); (S.L.); (J.W.); (Y.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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13
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Yang J, Kamstra J, Legler J, Aardema H. The impact of microplastics on female reproduction and early life. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230037. [PMID: 37547566 PMCID: PMC10399130 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution in our environment is one of the most important global health concerns right now. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are taken up by both humans and animals, mainly via food and water, and can pass important epithelial barriers. Indications of plastics in the blood circulation have recently been shown in both humans and farm animals, but standardized methods to quantify the exact levels of MNPs to which we are exposed are currently lacking. Potential hazards of MNPs are being investigated very recently, including the impact that MNPs may have on reproduction. However, studies on mammalian reproduction are scarce, but a wealth of data from aquatic species indicates reproductive effects of MNPs. The first studies in rodent models demonstrate that MNPs reach the gonads after oral exposure and may impact offspring after maternal exposure during the gestational period. These effects may arise from the particles themselves or the presence of plastic contaminants that leach from plastics. Plastic contamination has been detected in human placentas, fetal fluid and the meconium of newborns, indicating the presence of plastics from the very first start of life. Currently there is a lack of studies that investigate the impact of MNP exposure during the periconception and embryonic period, whereas this is an extremely sensitive period that needs considerable attention with the growing amount of plastics in our environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Yang
- Farm Animal Health, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jorke Kamstra
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Juliette Legler
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hilde Aardema
- Farm Animal Health, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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14
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Xu W, Yuan Y, Tian Y, Cheng C, Chen Y, Zeng L, Yuan Y, Li D, Zheng L, Luo T. Oral exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics reduced male fertility and even caused male infertility by inducing testicular and sperm toxicities in mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131470. [PMID: 37116333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are the novel hazardous materials and ubiquitous in environment with different sizes. Although recent studies showed testicular toxicity of PS-NPs, whether and how NPs affect male fertility and whether they have the size-dependent effect remain ambiguous in mammals. In this study, the male mice were orally exposed to 25-, 50-, and 100-nm polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) for 56 days. All three sized PS-NPs reduced male fertility and even caused male infertility. They accumulated in the testes, induced oxidative stress, affected the expression of apoptosis- and inflammation-related genes, and compromised energy metabolism, resulting in damaged testicular microstructure and functions. PS-NPs caused more severe testicular toxicity in infertile mice than in fertile mice. In addition, PS-NPs inhibited sperm capacitation and capacitation-dependent processes in infertile mice but not in fertile mice. In infertile mice, PS-NPs reduced the sperm levels of two Rho GTPases (RAC1 and CDC42) via increasing their ubiquitination levels and diminished sperm filamentous actin polymerization, thus inhibiting sperm capacitation. However, these testicular and sperm toxicities showed no size-dependent effect among three sized PS-NPs. In conclusion, PS-NPs inhibit male fertility by their multifaceted toxicity on testes and sperm in mice, providing novel insights into reproductive risks of NPs to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Xu
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Lianjie Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Liping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China.
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15
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Sheriff I, Yusoff MS, Manan TSBA, Koroma M. Microplastics in manure: Sources, analytical methods, toxicodynamic, and toxicokinetic endpoints in livestock and poultry. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANCES 2023; 12:100372. [DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2023.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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16
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Zhang P, Yuan Y, Zhang J, Wen T, Wang H, Qu C, Tan W, Xi B, Hui K, Tang J. Specific response of soil properties to microplastics pollution: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 232:116427. [PMID: 37327841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The soil environment is a critical component of the global ecosystem and is essential for nutrient cycling and energy flow. Various physical, chemical, and biological processes occur in the soil and are affected by environmental factors. Soil is vulnerable to pollutants, especially emerging pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs). MPs pollution has become a significant environmental problem, and its harm to human health and the environment cannot be underestimated. However, most studies on MPs pollution have focused on marine ecosystems, estuaries, lakes, rivers, and other aquatic environments, whereas few considered the effects and hazards of MPs pollution of the soil, especially the responses of different environmental factors to MPs. In addition, when many MPs pollutants produced by agricultural activities (mulching film, organic fertilizer) and atmospheric sedimentation enter the soil environment, it will cause changes in soil pH, organic matter composition, microbial community, enzyme activity, animals and plants and other environmental factors. However, due to the complex and changeable soil environment, the heterogeneity is very strong. The changes of environmental factors may react on the migration, transformation and degradation of MPs, and there are synergistic or antagonistic interactions among different factors. Therefore, it is very important to analyze the specific effects of MPs pollution on soil properties to clarify the environmental behavior and effects of MPs. This review focuses on the source, formation, and influencing factors of MPs pollution in soil and summarizes its effect and influence degree on various soil environmental factors. The results provide research suggestions and theoretical support for preventing or controlling MPs soil pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Taoyi Wen
- School of Civil Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Chengtun Qu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Kunlong Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Jun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
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17
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Afreen V, Hashmi K, Nasir R, Saleem A, Khan MI, Akhtar MF. Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1. [PMID: 37247153 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), with a diameter of less than 5 mm, include polymers such as polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The MPs occur in different morphologies including fragments, beads, fibers, and films that are swallowed by fresh water and land-based animals and enter their food chain, where they produce hazardous effects such as uterine toxicity, infertility, and neurotoxicity. The aim of this review is to explore the effects of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) on the female reproductive system and understand the mechanisms by which they produce reproductive toxicity. Several studies suggested that the exposure to PS-MPs increased the probability of larger ovaries with fewer follicles, decreased the number of embryos produced, and decreased the number of pregnancies in female mice. It also changed sex hormone levels and caused oxidative stress, which could have an impact on fertility and reproduction. Exposure to PS-MPs caused the death of granulosa cells through apoptosis and pyroptosis via activation of the NLRP3/caspase pathway and disruption of the Wnt-signaling pathway. Activation of TL4/NOX2 caused the uterine fibrosis resulting in endometrium thinning. The PS-MPs had a negative impact on ovarian capacity, oocyte maturation, and oocyte quality. Furthermore, the PS-MPs disrupted the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in marine animals, resulting in a decrease in hatching rate and offspring body size, causing trans-generational effects. It also reduced fecundity and produced germ-line apoptosis. The main focus of this review was to explore the different mechanisms and pathways through which PS-MPs adversely impact the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Afreen
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kanza Hashmi
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rimsha Nasir
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Furqan Akhtar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan.
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18
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Zeng L, Zhou C, Xu W, Huang Y, Wang W, Ma Z, Huang J, Li J, Hu L, Xue Y, Luo T, Zheng L. The ovarian-related effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human ovarian granulosa cells and female mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 257:114941. [PMID: 37087970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have recently emerged in the context of global plastic pollution. They may be more toxic than macroplastics litter and microplastic fragments due to its abundances, tiny sizes, and cellular accessibility. The female reproductive toxicity of NPs has been widely documented for aquatic animals, but their effects and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood in mammals. This study aimed to explore the effects of NPs on female reproduction using human ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and female mice. The accumulation of polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) in human granulosa-like tumor cells (KGN cells) and the ovaries of female Balb/c mice were evaluated by exposure to fluorescent PS-NPs. Proliferation and apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Hippo signaling pathway-related factors were analyzed in KGN cells. In addition, fertility rate, litter size, ovarian weight and microstructure, follicle development, serum level of anti-Mullerian hormone, and apoptosis in ovaries were examined in female mice. Here, the PS-NPs can penetrate the KGN cells and accumulate in the ovaries. In vitro, 100 μg/ml PS-NPs inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, accumulated ROS, activated three key regulators of the Hippo signaling pathway (MST1, LATS1, and YAP1), and downregulated the mRNA levels of CTGF and Cyr61 in KGN cells. Furthermore, salidroside, an antioxidative compound extracted from Rhodiola rosea, alleviated the damage of PS-NPs to KGN and inhibited the activation of the Hippo signal pathway. In vivo, exposure to 1 mg/day PS-NPs resulted in decreased fertility, abnormal ovarian function, and increased ovarian apoptosis in female mice. Overall, our data suggest that PS-NPs cause granulosa cell apoptosis and affect ovarian functions, leading to reduced fertility in female mice, by inducing oxidative stress and dysregulating the Hippo pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianjie Zeng
- School of Public Health and Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Chong Zhou
- School of Public Health and Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Basic Medical College and Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Yupei Huang
- School of Public Health and Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Wencan Wang
- School of Public Health and Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Zhangqiang Ma
- School of Public Health and Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of Public Health and Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Liaoliao Hu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Yue Xue
- School of Public Health and Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Basic Medical College and Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China.
| | - Liping Zheng
- School of Public Health and Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China.
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19
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Liu Y, Liu Y, Li Y, Bian P, Hu Y, Zhang J, Shen W. Effects of irrigation on the fate of microplastics in typical agricultural soil and freshwater environments in the upper irrigation area of the Yellow River. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130766. [PMID: 36669409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural activities are among the most significant sources of microplastics (MPs) in water. However, few studies have explored the effect of irrigation on the fate of MPs in agricultural systems. This study investigated the distribution of MPs in agricultural soil, surface water, and sediment of adjacent rivers, as well as the "MP communities" in various environments before and after irrigation in a typical agricultural irrigation area of the Yellow River. MPs were detected in all of the examined sites. The number of MPs in surface water and sediment increased after irrigation, whereas those in the surface soil of croplands decreased. In the vertical direction, irrigation accelerated the migration of MPs (< 100 µm) deep into the soil. The vertical mobility of fibers in soil was faster than that of other types of MPs. Moreover, irrigation decreased the correlation between soil properties and MPs in soils. MP community analysis indicated that irrigation enhanced the differences between MP communities among adjacent environments. Collectively, our findings confirmed that river water irrigation caused secondary MP pollution in the soil environment and accelerated MP pollution in deep soil. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the development of strategies for MP pollution control in agricultural soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Yaxing Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Art and Design, Rural Vitalization Research Center in the Wuling Mountain Area, Huaihua University, Huaihua 418000, PR China
| | - Pengyang Bian
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Yue Hu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Weibo Shen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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20
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Zhao T, Shen L, Ye X, Bai G, Liao C, Chen Z, Peng T, Li X, Kang X, An G. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to polystyrene microplastics induces testis developmental disorder and affects male fertility in mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130544. [PMID: 36493639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) can threaten human health, especially male fertility. However, most existing studies have focused on the adulthood stage of male reproduction toxicity caused by relatively short-term PS-MP exposure. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effect of PS-MPs on testicular development and reproductive function upon prenatal and postnatal exposure. Pregnant mice and their offspring were exposed to 0, 0.5 mg/L, 5 mg/L, and 50 mg/L PS-MPs through their daily drinking water from gestational day 1 to postnatal day (PND) 35 or PND70. We found that PS-MP exposure induced testis development disorder by PND35 and spermatogenesis dysfunction by PND70. By combining RNA sequencing results and bioinformatics analysis, the hormone-mediated signaling pathway, G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle, coregulation of androgen receptor activity, and Hippo signaling pathway were shown to be involved in testis development on PND35. The meiotic cell cycle, regulation of the immune effector process, neutrophil degranulation, and inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling pathways were associated with disturbed spermatogenesis on PND70. These findings show that prenatal and postnatal exposure to PS-MPs resulted in testis development disorder and male subfertility, which may be regulated by the Hippo signaling pathway and involve an immune reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaochen Bai
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianwen Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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