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Ali SS, Elsamahy T, Al-Tohamy R, Sun J. A critical review of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: Degradation mechanisms and removing strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 21:100427. [PMID: 38765892 PMCID: PMC11099331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2024.100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste discarded into aquatic environments gradually degrades into smaller fragments, known as microplastics (MPs), which range in size from 0.05 to 5 mm. The ubiquity of MPs poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and, by extension, human health, as these particles are ingested by various marine organisms including zooplankton, crustaceans, and fish, eventually entering the human food chain. This contamination threatens the entire ecological balance, encompassing food safety and the health of aquatic systems. Consequently, developing effective MP removal technologies has emerged as a critical area of research. Here, we summarize the mechanisms and recently reported strategies for removing MPs from aquatic ecosystems. Strategies combining physical and chemical pretreatments with microbial degradation have shown promise in decomposing MPs. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and specific enzymes are being leveraged in MP remediation efforts. Recent advancements have focused on innovative methods such as membrane bioreactors, synthetic biology, organosilane-based techniques, biofilm-mediated remediation, and nanomaterial-enabled strategies, with nano-enabled technologies demonstrating substantial potential to enhance MP removal efficiency. This review aims to stimulate further innovation in effective MP removal methods, promoting environmental and social well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S. Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
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2
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Chaisrikhwun B, Balani MJD, Ekgasit S, Xie Y, Ozaki Y, Pienpinijtham P. A green approach to nanoplastic detection: SERS with untreated filter paper for polystyrene nanoplastics. Analyst 2024; 149:4158-4167. [PMID: 39010793 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00702f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution at the nanoscale continues to pose adverse effects on environmental sustainability and human health. However, the detection of nanoplastics (NPLs) remains challenging due to limitations in methodology and instrumentation. Herein, a "green approach" for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was exploited to detect polystyrene nanospheres (PSNSs) in water, employing untreated filter paper and a simple syringe-filtration set-up. This SERS protocol not only enabled the filtration of nano-sized PSNSs, which are smaller than the pore size of the ordinary filter paper, but also offered SERS enhancement by utilizing quasi-spherical-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as the SERS-active substrate. The filtering of NPLs was accomplished by adding an aggregating agent to the nanoparticle mixture, which caused the aggregation of NPLs and AgNPs, resulting in a larger cluster and more hot spots for SERS detection. The optimal aggregating agent and its concentration, as well as the volume ratio between the AgNPs and NPLs, were also optimized. This SERS method successfully detected and quantified PSNSs of various sizes (i.e., 100, 300, 460, 600, and 800 nm) down to a limit of detection (LOD) of about 0.31 μg mL-1. The method was also validated against the presence of several interferents (i.e., salts, sugars, amino acids, and surfactants) and was proven practical, as evidenced by the detection of 800nm PSNSs in drinking and tap water (LODs of 1.47 and 1.55 μg mL-1, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Boonphop Chaisrikhwun
- Sensor Research Unit (SRU), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- National Nanotechnology Center of Advanced Structural and Functional Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Mary Jane Dacillo Balani
- Sensor Research Unit (SRU), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- National Nanotechnology Center of Advanced Structural and Functional Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Green Chemistry and Sustainability Program, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sanong Ekgasit
- Sensor Research Unit (SRU), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- National Nanotechnology Center of Advanced Structural and Functional Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yunfei Xie
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yukihiro Ozaki
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1330, Japan.
| | - Prompong Pienpinijtham
- Sensor Research Unit (SRU), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- National Nanotechnology Center of Advanced Structural and Functional Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Green Chemistry and Sustainability Program, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Bioactive Resources for Innovative Clinical Applications, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Zhao B, Richardson RE, You F. Microplastics monitoring in freshwater systems: A review of global efforts, knowledge gaps, and research priorities. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135329. [PMID: 39088945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
The escalating production of synthetic plastics and inadequate waste management have led to pervasive microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic ecosystems. MPs, typically defined as particles smaller than 5 mm, have become an emerging pollutant in freshwater environments. While significant concern about MPs has risen since 2014, research has predominantly concentrated on marine settings, there is an urgent need for a more in-depth critical review to systematically summarize the current global efforts, knowledge gaps, and research priorities for MP monitoring in freshwater systems. This review evaluates the current understanding of MP monitoring in freshwater environments by examining the distribution, characteristics, and sources of MPs, alongside the progression of analytical methods with quantitative evidence. Our findings suggest that MPs are widely distributed in global freshwater systems, with higher abundances found in areas with intense human economic activities, such as the United States, Europe, and China. MP abundance distributions vary across different water bodies (e.g., rivers, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands), with sampling methods and size range selections significantly influencing reported MP abundances. Despite great global efforts, there is still a lack of harmonized analyzing framework and understanding of MP pollution in specific regions and facilities. Future research should prioritize the development of standardized analysis protocols and open-source MP datasets to facilitate data comparison. Additionally, exploring the potential of state-of-the-art artificial intelligence for rapid, accurate, and large-scale modeling and characterization of MPs is crucial to inform effective strategies for managing MP pollution in freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu Zhao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ruth E Richardson
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Fengqi You
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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4
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Siwach S, Bharti M, Yadav S, Dolkar P, Modeel S, Yadav P, Negi T, Negi RK. Unveiling the ecotoxicological impact of microplastics on organisms - the persistent organic pollutant (POP): A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 266:104397. [PMID: 39059355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have been ubiquitous in our environment for decades, and numerous studies have revealed their extensive dispersion, reaching far beyond the surface of the land, soil, aquatic ecosystems. They have infiltrated the food-chain, the food web, even the air we breathe, as well as the water we drink. Microplastics have been detected in the food we consume, acting as vectors for hazardous chemicals that adhere to their hydrophobic surfaces. This can result in the transfer of these chemicals to the aquatic life, posing a threat to their well-being. The release of microplastics into different environmental settings can give rise to various eco-toxicological implications. The substantial body of literature has led scientists to the consensus that microplastic pollution is a global problem with the potential to impact virtually any type of ecosystem. This paper aims to discuss crucial information regarding the occurrence, accumulation, and ecological effects of microplastics on organisms. It also highlights the new and emerging disease named "Plasticosis" that is directly linked to microplastics and its toxicological effects like permanent scarring and long-term inflammation in the digestive system of the seabirds. By comprehending the behaviour of these microplastic pollutants in diverse habitats and evaluating their ecological consequences, it becomes possible to facilitate a better understanding of this toxicological issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Siwach
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Meghali Bharti
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Sheetal Yadav
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Padma Dolkar
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Sonakshi Modeel
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Tarana Negi
- Government College, Dujana, Jhajjar, Haryana 124102, India
| | - Ram Krishan Negi
- Fish Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North campus, Delhi 110007, India.
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5
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Yu F, Wu J, Wang H, Bao Y, Xing H, Ye W, Li X, Huang M. Interaction of microplastics with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water: A review of the fate, mechanisms and toxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:175000. [PMID: 39053539 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
It is well known that microplastics can act as vectors of pollutants in the environment and are widely spread in freshwater and marine environments. PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can remain in the aqueous environment for long periods due to their wide application and good stability. The coexistence of microplastics and PFAS in the aqueous environment creates conditions for their interaction and combined toxicity. Studies on adsorption experiments between them and combined toxicity have been documented in the literature but have not been critically summarized and reviewed. Therefore, in this review, we focused on the interaction mechanisms, influencing factors, and combined toxicity between microplastics and PFAS. It was found that surface complexation may be a new interaction mechanism between microplastics and PFAS. In addition, aged microplastics reduce the adsorption of PFAS due to the presence of oxygenated groups on the surface compared to virgin microplastics. Attached biofilms can increase the adsorption capacity and create conditions for biodegradation. And, the interaction of microplastics and PFAS affects their spatial and temporal distribution in the environment. This review can provide insights into the fate of microplastics and PFAS in the global aquatic environment, fill knowledge gaps on the interactions between microplastics and PFAS, and provide a basic reference for assessing their combined toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Jiaping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Huangyingzi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yinzhou Bao
- Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Haoyu Xing
- Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Wenpei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Xuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Manhong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
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6
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Gonzalez-Saldias F, Sabater F, Gomà J. Microplastic distribution and their abundance along rivers are determined by land uses and sediment granulometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173165. [PMID: 38740195 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems have gained attention for their potential impact on biodiversity. Rivers are complex and dynamic ecosystems that transport particles and organic matter from the headwaters through watersheds to the ocean. Changes in land use and the presence of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) increase the risk of plastic contamination. Simultaneously, hydromorphological features of the watershed can influence the dispersion and retention of microplastics. This study assesses the impact of urban land uses and river hydromorphology on microplastic abundance and spatial distribution in two watersheds with contrasting land uses. Unexpectedly, our findings show that microplastics were widespread throughout watersheds both in water (3.5 ± 3.3 particles/L) and sediments (56.9 ± 39.9 particles/g). The concentration of microplastics in sediments significantly increased in granulometry ranging from 0.5 to 1 mm. Microplastics in running waters are significantly correlated with increasing urban land use coverage. However, the presence and distance of WWTPs did not affect microplastic distribution. In conclusion, contrasting patterns were observed for suspended and sedimented microplastic particles: suspended microplastics were associated with an anthropogenic effect, whereas the concentration of microplastics in sediments was determined by riverbed granulometry. Our results suggest that the interaction of anthropogenic and environmental factors shapes microplastic distribution along the rivers and their subsequent transport toward the coastal ocean. Finally, a review of the current literature reveals the absence of standardization in field and laboratory assessment techniques and measurement units, representing a challenge for intercomparisons of river microplastic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gonzalez-Saldias
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental, Biology Faculty, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Freshwater Ecology, Hydrology, and Management Laboratory (FEHM-lab), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Francesc Sabater
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental, Biology Faculty, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan Gomà
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental, Biology Faculty, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Freshwater Ecology, Hydrology, and Management Laboratory (FEHM-lab), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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7
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Zhu L, Wu Z, Dong J, Zhao S, Zhu J, Wang W, Ma F, An L. Unveiling Small-Sized Plastic Particles Hidden behind Large-Sized Ones in Human Excretion and Their Potential Sources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:11901-11911. [PMID: 38920334 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c11054] [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: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Health risks of microplastic exposure have drawn growing global concerns due to the widespread distribution of microplastics in the environment. However, more evidence is needed to understand the exposure characteristics of microplastics owing to the limitation of current spectrum technologies, especially the missing information on small-sized particles. In the present study, laser direct infrared spectroscopy and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined pyrolysis using a tubular furnace (TD-GC/MS) were employed to comprehensively detect the presence of plastic particles down to 0.22 μm in human excreted samples. The results showed that polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride, PE terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene dominated large-sized (>20 μm) and small-sized plastic plastics (0.22-20 μm) in feces and urine. Moreover, fragments accounted for 60.71 and 60.37% in feces and urine, respectively, representing the most pervasive shape in excretion. Surprisingly, the concentration of small-sized particles was significantly higher than that of large-sized microplastics, accounting for 56.54 and 50.07% in feces (345.58 μg/g) and urine (6.49 μg/mL). Significant positive correlations were observed between the level of plastic particles in feces and the use of plastic containers and the consumption of aquatic products (Spearman correlation analysis, p < 0.01), suggesting the potential sources for plastic particles in humans. Furthermore, it is estimated that feces was the primary excretory pathway, consisting of 94.0% of total excreted microplastics daily. This study provides novel evidence regarding small-sized plastic particles, which are predominant fractions in human excretion, increasing the knowledge of the potential hazards of omnipresent microplastics to human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhixin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jiao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shaoyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jingying Zhu
- Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Weiping Wang
- Weifang Eco-environmental Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Fujun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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Zhuang L, Zhang Y, Xue Y, Ren Y, He J, Sun H. Influence of ongoing discharge from multiple wastewater treatment plants on microplastic patterns in small-scale receiving rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172880. [PMID: 38692310 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
As widely acknowledged, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) stand as significant contributors to the presence of microplastics in surface water. Nonetheless, there exists a notable research gap regarding the extent of potential pollution resulting from the concurrent and uninterrupted discharges originating from multiple WWTPs into small-scale receiving water bodies. This study endeavors to address this knowledge deficit by conducting a thorough investigation into the prevalence of microplastics in surface water. The research encompasses seven distinct locations within the Changzhou section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the effluent of three WWTPs situated along the tributary. The results indicate differences in the distribution of microplastics in surface waters of mainstream and tributaries. While the microplastic abundance and composition showed little variation along the main stream, the tributaries displayed an overall increasing trend in microplastic abundance from upstream to downstream. Notably, the major contributors to this increase were fragments, fiber particles, and microplastics with particle sizes ranging from 100 to 300 μm. Considering that the primary distinction between the tributaries and the mainstream is the presence of the three WWTPs along the tributaries, the study conducted a correlation analysis between river surface water and effluents from these plants. The results indicated a stronger correlation between the tributaries and the effluents, suggesting that WWTPs are one of the primary factors contributing to the elevated levels of microplastics in the tributaries. Finally, a comparative analysis of microplastic abundance in the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal's Changzhou section and other regions was conducted. The findings revealed that the microplastic pollution level in the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal's Changzhou section is higher than that in most other rivers. Therefore, the issue of microplastic pollution in the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal's Changzhou section warrants our attention, particularly with regard to the effectiveness of microplastic removal by the WWTPs along its course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhuang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Yunian Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Yingang Xue
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China.
| | - Yanfang Ren
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Junyu He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Haohao Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China.
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9
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Mukhopadhyay P, Valsalan SA. Seasonal variation, spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in surface waters of Periyar River, Kerala, India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:679. [PMID: 38951273 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12820-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, an emerging contaminant, are widespread in oceans around the world, and rivers are the key conveyors of these pollutants into the oceans. There exists a dearth of available data pertaining to seasonal fluctuation, spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in rivers extending from upper reaches to the lower reaches. The collection of such data is of utmost importance for the purpose of formulating beneficial management strategies for riverine microplastics. In order to bridge this research gap, an investigation was made in the Periyar River in Kerala, India, which is exposed to anthropogenic stress and is at risk of microplastic pollution. A total of eighteen sites (six sites each from downstream, midstream and upstream) along the 244 km of the river were investigated across three seasons in a year. The study revealed a discernible pattern in the spatial distribution of microplastic concentrations, wherein there was a rise in abundance from the upstream to midstream and then a sudden increase of abundance along the downstream regions towards the lower reaches. The highest mean microplastic abundance of 124.95 items/L was obtained during the monsoon season followed by post-monsoon season i.e. 123.21 items/L and pre-monsoon i.e. 120.50 items/L. The predominant forms of microplastics were found to be fibres, fragments and filaments. Most prevalent polymer types acquired were polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Pollution hazard index (PHI) and pollution load index (PLI) were also evaluated to assess the water quality of this river. The findings of this study conclude that the Periyar River is polluted with microplastics throughout its course and offer significant insights into the detection of microplastic origins in river systems and lend support to the implementation of potential measures aimed at mitigating their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patralika Mukhopadhyay
- School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Lakeside Campus, Kochi, Kerala, India.
| | - Shibu Arkkakadavil Valsalan
- School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Lakeside Campus, Kochi, Kerala, India
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10
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Li Y, Neema P, Andrews S. Adsorption Behavior and Mechanisms of Trihalomethanes onto Virgin and Weathered Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics. TOXICS 2024; 12:450. [PMID: 39058102 PMCID: PMC11281136 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12070450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics that adsorb various toxic contaminants in water may be transported into cells and organs, possibly posing toxicological risks in the aquatic environment. Disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which are ubiquitous in chlorinated drinking water and wastewater, may have some potential to sorb onto microplastics (MPs) through hydrophobic or electrostatic interactions. However, DBP adsorption on microplastics has not yet been closely examined. This work investigated the adsorption behavior of trihalomethanes (THMs)-a regulated and ubiquitous DBP class in chlorinated water-onto virgin and weathered polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics, the most widely used plastic material in drinking water distribution and sewer systems. A comparative analysis of kinetic and isotherm test results indicated that the adsorption mechanisms mainly involved hydrophobic interactions from a combination of weak and strong physisorption behavior and possibly chemisorption. The adsorption coefficients from all the models examined suggested that the adsorption of THMs, and perhaps chemically similar DBPs, onto virgin PVC microplastics can be 10-20 µg g-1. However, the weathered PVC microplastics contained more polar functional groups, which led to a decreased hydrophobicity and reduced THM adsorption capacity by approximately 10%. These findings offer novel insights into the possible adsorption characteristics of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) onto microplastics and will assist in targeting more toxic DBPs for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada; (P.N.); (S.A.)
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11
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Xue Y, Lu H, Feng S, Kang J, Guan Y, Li H, Zhang K, Weiss L. Standardization of monitoring data reassesses spatial distribution of aquatic microplastics concentrations worldwide. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121356. [PMID: 38430756 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121356] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are found in continental and oceanic waters worldwide, but their spatial distribution shows an intricate pattern. Their driving factors remain difficult to identify and widely discussed due to insufficient and unstandardized monitoring data. Here, based on in situ experiments and hundreds of river samples from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, we formulate a model to standardize aquatic microplastic measurements. The model was applied to existing data on a global scale. These data are standardized to a 20 µm mesh size, resulting in a new spatial distribution of aquatic microplastic densities, with average concentrations of 554.93 ± 1352.42 items/m3 in Europe, 2558.90 ± 4799.62 in North America and 1741.94 ± 3225.09 in Asia. Excessive contaminations (microplastic concentration > 10⁴ items/m3) are in the Yangtze River, the Charleston Harbor Estuary, the Bodega Bay and the Winyah Bay. We show that, based on these standardized concentrations, new driving factors could be used to predict the global or regional microplastic distribution in continental waters, such as the Human Development Index with a correlation of 75.86% on a global scale, the nighttime lights with a correlation of 37.26 ± 0.30% in Europe and 39.02 ± 0.54% in Asia, and the Mismanagement Plastic Waste with a correlation of 61.21 ± 19.86% in North America. Mapping standardized concentrations of aquatic microplastics enables a better comparison of contamination levels between regions and reveals more accurate hotspots to better adapt remediation efforts and future plastic pollution scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Sansan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiajie Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Yanlong Guan
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Hengchen Li
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Keli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lisa Weiss
- University of Toulouse, IRD, CNRS, CNES, UPS, Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Toulouse F31400, France; University of Brest, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Physique et Spatiale (LOPS), IUEM, Plouzané F29280, France
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12
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Garcia MM, Romero AS, Merkley SD, Meyer-Hagen JL, Forbes C, Hayek EE, Sciezka DP, Templeton R, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Jin Y, Gu H, Benavidez A, Hunter RP, Lucas S, Herbert G, Kim KJ, Cui JY, Gullapalli RR, In JG, Campen MJ, Castillo EF. In Vivo Tissue Distribution of Polystyrene or Mixed Polymer Microspheres and Metabolomic Analysis after Oral Exposure in Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:47005. [PMID: 38598326 PMCID: PMC11005960 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global plastic use has consistently increased over the past century with several different types of plastics now being produced. Much of these plastics end up in oceans or landfills leading to a substantial accumulation of plastics in the environment. Plastic debris slowly degrades into microplastics (MPs) that can ultimately be inhaled or ingested by both animals and humans. A growing body of evidence indicates that MPs can cross the gut barrier and enter into the lymphatic and systemic circulation leading to accumulation in tissues such as the lungs, liver, kidney, and brain. The impacts of mixed MPs exposure on tissue function through metabolism remains largely unexplored. OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the impacts of polymer microspheres on tissue metabolism in mice by assessing the microspheres ability to translocate across the gut barrier and enter into systemic circulation. Specifically, we wanted to examine microsphere accumulation in different organ systems, identify concentration-dependent metabolic changes, and evaluate the effects of mixed microsphere exposures on health outcomes. METHODS To investigate the impact of ingested microspheres on target metabolic pathways, mice were exposed to either polystyrene (5 μ m ) microspheres or a mixture of polymer microspheres consisting of polystyrene (5 μ m ), polyethylene (1 - 4 μ m ), and the biodegradability and biocompatible plastic, poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (5 μ m ). Exposures were performed twice a week for 4 weeks at a concentration of either 0, 2, or 4 mg / week via oral gastric gavage. Tissues were collected to examine microsphere ingress and changes in metabolites. RESULTS In mice that ingested microspheres, we detected polystyrene microspheres in distant tissues including the brain, liver, and kidney. Additionally, we report on the metabolic differences that occurred in the colon, liver, and brain, which showed differential responses that were dependent on concentration and type of microsphere exposure. DISCUSSION This study uses a mouse model to provide critical insight into the potential health implications of the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. These findings demonstrate that orally consumed polystyrene or mixed polymer microspheres can accumulate in tissues such as the brain, liver, and kidney. Furthermore, this study highlights concentration-dependent and polymer type-specific metabolic changes in the colon, liver, and brain after plastic microsphere exposure. These results underline the mobility within and between biological tissues of MPs after exposure and emphasize the importance of understanding their metabolic impact. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13435.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M. Garcia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Aaron S. Romero
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Seth D. Merkley
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jewel L. Meyer-Hagen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Charles Forbes
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David P. Sciezka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Rachel Templeton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yan Jin
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Angelica Benavidez
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Russell P. Hunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Selita Lucas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Guy Herbert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kyle Joohyung Kim
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Julia Yue Cui
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rama R. Gullapalli
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Julie G. In
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Matthew J. Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Eliseo F. Castillo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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13
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Mercy FT, Alam AKMR. Assessment of microplastic contamination in shrimps from the Bay of Bengal and associated human health risk. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116185. [PMID: 38412798 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) were analyzed in seven shrimp species Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), Red tiger shrimp (Caridina cantonensis), Indian shrimp (Penaeus indicus), Red shrimp (Metapenaeus dobsoni), White shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis), Brown shrimp (Metapenaeus monoceros), and Roshna shrimp (Palaemon styliferus) collected from the Bay of Bengal. The abundance and characteristics of MPs were assessed in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which certainly translocated to the muscle of shrimp species. The highest MP abundance was found in C. cantonensis with 7.2 items/individual (25.3 items/g in the GIT and 6.3 items/g in muscle). The prominent types of MPs in shrimp samples were fibers (30 %) and fragments (29 %). The ingestion rate of MPs of black and transparent color was comparatively higher, with 64 % of the ingested MPs were < 100 μm. The primary polymer types detected based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis were Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). Results from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed rough surface textures and adhered particles on the MPs isolated from shrimps. The margin of exposure for females was 71.42, and for males, it was 80.64, indicating that women in Bangladesh are more likely to be exposed to MPs and face a higher risk than men. Sensitivity analysis revealed that MPs particle size was the most sensitive parameter. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of MP ingestion, human exposure, and contamination in shrimps of Bangladesh, which can help future monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariha Tahsin Mercy
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Mirpur, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - A K M Rashidul Alam
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh.
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14
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Liza AA, Ashrafy A, Islam MN, Billah MM, Arafat ST, Rahman MM, Karim MR, Hasan MM, Promie AR, Rahman SM. Microplastic pollution: a review of techniques to identify microplastics and their threats to the aquatic ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:285. [PMID: 38374279 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12441-4] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), small synthetic particles, have emerged as perilous chemical pollutants in aquatic habitats, causing grave concerns about their disruptive effects on ecosystems. The fauna and flora inhabiting these specific environments consume these MPs, unwittingly introducing them into the intricate web of the food chain. In this comprehensive evaluation, the current methods of identifying MPs are amalgamated and their profound impacts on marine and freshwater ecosystems are discussed. There are many potential risks associated with MPs, including the dangers of ingestion and entanglement, as well as internal injuries and digestive obstructions, both marine and freshwater organisms. In this review, the merits and limitations of diverse identification techniques are discussed, including spanning chemical analysis, thermal identification, and spectroscopic imaging such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescent microscopy. Additionally, it discusses the prevalence of MPs, the factors that affect their release into aquatic ecosystems, as well as their plausible impact on various aquatic ecosystems. Considering these disconcerting findings, it is imperative that appropriate measures should be taken to assess the potential risks of MP pollution, protect aquatic life and human health, and foster sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroza Akter Liza
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources and International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Asifa Ashrafy
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nazrul Islam
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Morsaline Billah
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Shaikh Tareq Arafat
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-847, Japan
| | - Md Moshiur Rahman
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
- Fish Conservation and Culture Lab, Biological & Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mehedi Hasan
- Global Sanitation Graduate School, Institute of Disaster Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sheikh Mustafizur Rahman
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
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15
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An G, Na J, Song J, Jung J. Chronic toxicity of biodegradable microplastic (Polylactic acid) to Daphnia magna: A comparison with polyethylene terephthalate. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 266:106790. [PMID: 38070395 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106790] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
The increase in the usage of biodegradable microplastics (MPs) as an alternative to conventional plastics has necessitated comprehensive ecotoxicity assessments of biodegradable MPs alongside conventional MPs. This study aimed to assess ecotoxicity of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MPs at concentration of 1 and 5 mgL-1 including a genetic analysis of Daphnia magna, and compared to effects of conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs. The survival rate for D. magna exposed to 5 mg L-1 of PLA-MPs declined to 52.4 %, signifying a higher rate of mortality when contrasted with PET-MPs, which exhibited 85.7 % survival rate. Chronic exposure to 1 and 5 mgL-1 PLA-MPs resulted in a decrease of offspring, while increasing the sex ratio and deformed embryo. Interestingly, down-regulation of the SOD and AK genes was observed in D. magna after exposure to 5 mgL-1 of PLA-MPs, while 1 mgL-1 of PLA-MPs up-regulated. These results means that 5 mgL-1 PLA-MP could not produce energy and cope with oxidative stress, resulting in high mortality, and 1 mgL-1 of MP was maintained survival due to energy production and antioxidant action. This study contributes to our understanding of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) toxic effects on D. magna which could be similar to conventional MPs and provide the importance of ecotoxicological data for risk assessment of BMPs in aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gersan An
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joorim Na
- OJeong Resilience Institute (OJERI), Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jinyoung Song
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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16
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Egea-Corbacho A, Martín-García AP, Franco AA, Albendín G, Arellano JM, Rodríguez-Barroso R, Coello MD, Quiroga JM, Cabello JF, Iglesias Prado I, Malta EJ. Microplastic in industrial aquaculture: Occurrence in the aquatic environment, feed and organisms (Dicentrarchus labrax). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166774. [PMID: 37660804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166774] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of plastics and the growing concern about their impact on the environment and living beings makes it necessary to study how microplastics (MP) affect aquaculture systems. In order to gain an in-depth understanding of these systems, this study covers the water intake, the purification treatment at the inlet, the water in the culture tanks, as well as the feed used in the feeding and the organism itself. For this purpose, five samples were taken, both in the water line, feed and sea bass during the weeks of the experiment. It is shown that the available purification systems reduce the amount of MP entering from the receiving environment. However, new MP are observed in the sea bass tank, which may be due mainly to those added through the feed and found in the feed, as well as in the piping and other materials used in current aquaculture systems (PTFE, PA, among others). If focusing on the feed that can reach the consumer, in the case of this study, carried out with sea bass, some types of MP (PE, PTFE, PS and PA) were found in 4 head samples and 4 skin/muscle samples. Although inlet water purification systems manage to reduce a high percentage of MPs in the system, it is observed that there are other access routes that should be considered and reduced in aquaculture facilities to prevent them from reaching the human consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Egea-Corbacho
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Ana Pilar Martín-García
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Ana A Franco
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Gemma Albendín
- Toxicology Department, University Institute of Marine Research (INMAR), International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEI MAR), Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Juana Mª Arellano
- Toxicology Department, University Institute of Marine Research (INMAR), International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEI MAR), Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain.
| | - Rocío Rodríguez-Barroso
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Mª Dolores Coello
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - José Mª Quiroga
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Jose F Cabello
- Aquaculture Technology Centre of Andalusia (CTAQUA), 11500 El Puerto de santa María, Spain
| | - Iria Iglesias Prado
- Aquaculture Technology Centre of Andalusia (CTAQUA), 11500 El Puerto de santa María, Spain
| | - Erik-Jan Malta
- Aquaculture Technology Centre of Andalusia (CTAQUA), 11500 El Puerto de santa María, Spain
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17
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Bertoldi C, Lara LZ, Fernandes AN. Revealing microplastic dynamics: the impact of precipitation and depth in urban river ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:111231-111243. [PMID: 37807031 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on microplastics in Latin America is limited compared to a global perspective. Brazil plays a significant role in this context, as it possesses 12% of the world's freshwater reserves, constituting 53% of South America's water resources. There has been growing concern regarding the plastic pollution of the country's freshwater systems in recent years. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of plastic pollution on the Guaíba River, a significant watercourse in the southern region of Brazil that is subjected to high anthropogenic pressure. Additionally, we examined correlations between the presence of microplastics and key factors influencing their distribution in the river. Thus, freshwater was collected in seven sampling campaigns from 2019 to 2020, totaling 66 samples. The microplastics were quantified and characterized according to their color, shape, and polymeric composition. The concentration of microplastics varied between 2.9 and 53.8 items m-3, and the distribution and transport were positively influenced by the population density, precipitations, and depth of each sampling point. White-transparent color category (51%) and fragment shape (89%) were predominant among the found particles. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) represented 37% and 57% of the analyzed particles. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis indicated that similar contamination sources, such as domestic sewage, could influence three out of ten sampled points. Several microplastics presented the formation of cracks, with sizes smaller than 10 μm on their surface, which might indicate an erosion process, resulting in the formation of nanoplastics. The color fading observed in microplastics suggests that the particles were subjected to environmental stressors, leading to the leaching or degradation of the dye on the plastic. The results confirmed the ubiquity of microplastics in Guaíba River, highlighting the importance of improving the regulations on plastic waste disposal in the country to prevent the contamination of freshwater bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crislaine Bertoldi
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS, 950091501-970, Brazil.
| | - Larissa Z Lara
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS, 950091501-970, Brazil
| | - Andreia N Fernandes
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS, 950091501-970, Brazil
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18
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Firth DC, Auerswald L, Strydom PE, Hoffman LC. The Status of Marine Mussel Pollution Research in South Africa (2012-2022). Foods 2023; 12:3983. [PMID: 37959102 PMCID: PMC10648133 DOI: 10.3390/foods12213983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing human population requires more food each year, and seafood products can help meet this demand if clean water resources are available for their growth. Farmed and wild mussels are environmentally friendly seafood with many health benefits to human consumers, but they can also pose a health risk if they are harvested from areas where marine anthropogenic pollution is uncontrolled or unmonitored. While the coastline in South Africa has long been assumed to be pristine, a growing number of recent studies are raising contamination concerns. Baseline studies establish a wide range of anthropogenic pollutants to be present in the marine environment, specifically in urbanised or industrialised areas like major cities or harbours. This review summarises how mussels could pose health risks to human consumers and the current research that is being conducted by private researchers and institutions in South Africa. The review emphasises the need for more research in the field and for governmental pollution monitoring data to be released to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Caitlin Firth
- Department of Animal Science, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7600, South Africa; (D.C.F.); (L.A.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Lutz Auerswald
- Department of Animal Science, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7600, South Africa; (D.C.F.); (L.A.); (P.E.S.)
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Cape Town 8012, South Africa
| | - Philip E. Strydom
- Department of Animal Science, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7600, South Africa; (D.C.F.); (L.A.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Louwrens Christiaan Hoffman
- Department of Animal Science, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7600, South Africa; (D.C.F.); (L.A.); (P.E.S.)
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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19
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Rajendran D, Chandrasekaran N. Journey of micronanoplastics with blood components. RSC Adv 2023; 13:31435-31459. [PMID: 37901269 PMCID: PMC10603568 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05620a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The entry of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) into the human body is inevitable. They enter blood circulation through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact by crossing the gut-lung-skin barrier (the epithelium of the digestive tract, the respiratory tract, and the cutaneous layer). There are many reports on their toxicities to organs and tissues. This paper presents the first thorough assessment of MNP-driven bloodstream toxicity and the mechanism of toxicity from the viewpoint of both MNP and environmental co-pollutant complexes. Toxic impacts include plasma protein denaturation, hemolysis, reduced immunity, thrombosis, blood coagulation, and vascular endothelial damage, among others, which can lead to life-threatening diseases. Protein corona formation, oxidative stress, cytokine alterations, inflammation, and cyto- and genotoxicity are the key mechanisms involved in toxicity. MNPs change the secondary structure of plasma proteins, thereby preventing their transport functions (for nutrients, drugs, oxygen, etc.). MNPs inhibit erythropoiesis by influencing hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and differentiation. They cause red blood cell and platelet aggregation, as well as increased adherence to endothelial cells, which can lead to thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. White blood cells and immune cells phagocytose MNPs, provoking inflammation. However, research gaps still exist, including gaps regarding the combined toxicity of MNPs and co-pollutants, toxicological studies in human models, advanced methodologies for toxicity analysis, bioaccumulation studies, inflammation and immunological responses, dose-response relationships of MNPs, and the effect of different physiochemical characteristics of MNPs. Furthermore, most studies have analyzed toxicity using prepared MNPs; hence, studies must be undertaken using true-to-life MNPs to determine the real-world scenario. Additionally, nanoplastics may further degrade into monomers, whose toxic effects have not yet been explored. The research gaps highlighted in this review will inspire future studies on the toxicity of MNPs in the vascular/circulatory systems utilizing in vivo models to enable more reliable health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durgalakshmi Rajendran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore 632014 Tamil Nadu India +91 416 2243092 +91 416 2202624
| | - Natarajan Chandrasekaran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore 632014 Tamil Nadu India +91 416 2243092 +91 416 2202624
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Amesho KTT, Chinglenthoiba C, Samsudin MSAB, Lani MN, Pandey A, Desa MNM, Suresh V. Microplastics in the environment: An urgent need for coordinated waste management policies and strategies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118713. [PMID: 37567004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118713] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a prevalent environmental concern, exerting detrimental effects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as human health. Addressing this urgent issue necessitates the implementation of coordinated waste management policies and strategies. In this study, we present a comprehensive review focusing on key results and the underlying mechanisms associated with microplastics. We examine their sources and pathways, elucidate their ecological and human health impacts, and evaluate the current state of waste management policies. By drawing upon recent research and pertinent case studies, we propose a range of practical solutions, encompassing enhanced recycling and waste reduction measures, product redesign, and innovative technological interventions. Moreover, we emphasize the imperative for collaboration and cooperation across sectors and jurisdictions to effectively tackle this pressing environmental challenge. The findings of this study contribute to the broader understanding of microplastics and provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassian T T Amesho
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan; Center for Emerging Contaminants Research, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan; The International University of Management, Centre for Environmental Studies, Main Campus, Dorado Park Ext 1, Windhoek, Namibia; Destinies Biomass Energy and Farming Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 7387, Swakopmund, Namibia.
| | - Chingakham Chinglenthoiba
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India; Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore
| | - Mohd S A B Samsudin
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nizam Lani
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Ashutosh Pandey
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, 19 Steve Biko Road, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, 485001, India.
| | - Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa
- Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Valiyaveettil Suresh
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore.
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21
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Lee YH, Kim MS, Lee Y, Wang C, Yun SC, Lee JS. Synergistic adverse effects of microfibers and freshwater acidification on host-microbiota interactions in the water flea Daphnia magna. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132026. [PMID: 37473567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Microfibers are the most common type of microplastics in freshwater environments. Anthropogenic climate stressors, such as freshwater acidification (FA), can interact with plastic pollution to disrupt freshwater ecosystems. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the interactive effects of microfibers and FA on aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated individual Daphnia magna-microbiota interactions affected by interactions between microfibers and FA (MFA). We found that the accumulated amount of microfibers in pH-treatment groups was significantly higher than in the control groups, resulting in negative consequences on reproduction, growth, and sex ratio. We also observed that MFA interactions induced immunity- and reproduction-related biological processes. In particular, the abundance of pathogenic bacteria increased only in MFA groups, indicating that MFA interactions can cause intestinal damage. Our integrated analysis of microbiomes and host transcriptomes revealed that synergistic adverse effects of MFAs are closely related to changes in microbial communities, suggesting that D. magna fitness and the microbial community are causally linked. These finding may help elucidate the toxicity mechanisms governing the responses of D. magna to microfibers and acidification interactions, and to host-microbiome-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hwan Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Min-Sub Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Yoseop Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Chuxin Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Seong Chan Yun
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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22
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Pan I, Umapathy S, Issac PK, Rahman MM, Guru A, Arockiaraj J. The bioaccessibility of adsorped heavy metals on biofilm-coated microplastics and their implication for the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1264. [PMID: 37782357 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11890-7] [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: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) tiny fragments (< 5 mm) of conventional and specialized industrial polymers are persistent and ubiquitous in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. Breathing, ingestion, consumption of food stuffs, potable water, and skin are possible routes of MP exposure that pose potential human health risk. Various microorganisms including bacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae rapidly colonized on MP surfaces which initiate biofilm formation. It gradually changed the MP surface chemistry and polymer properties that attract environmental metals. Physicochemical and environmental parameters like polymer type, dissolved organic matter (DOM), pH, salinity, ion concentrations, and microbial community compositions regulate metal adsorption on MP biofilm surface. A set of highly conserved proteins tightly regulates metal uptake, subcellular distribution, storage, and transport to maintain cellular homeostasis. Exposure of metal-MP biofilm can disrupt that cellular homeostasis to induce toxicities. Imbalances in metal concentrations therefore led to neuronal network dysfunction, ROS, mitochondrial damage in diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Prion disorder. This review focuses on the biofilm development on MP surfaces, factors controlling the growth of MP biofilm which triggered metal accumulation to induce neurotoxicological consequences in human body and stategies to reestablish the homeostasis. Thus, the present study gives a new approach on the health risks of heavy metals associated with MP biofilm in which biofilms trigger metal accumulation and MPs serve as a vector for those accumulated metals causing metal dysbiosis in human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieshita Pan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Suganiya Umapathy
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Issac
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
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23
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Mısırlı NS, Pimtong W, Sillapaprayoon S, Chantho V, Saenmuangchin R, Aueviriyavit S, Dudak FC. Impact of a real food matrix and in vitro digestion on properties and acute toxicity of polystyrene microparticles. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100482. [PMID: 37717635 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Although it is proved that humans ingest microplastics via food, and microplastics were found in human tissues, blood and feces, there needs to be more data on the properties and health-related effects of plastic particles that interact with food and undergo digestion. This study aimed to examine the impact of a real food matrix, milk, on the behavior and gastrointestinal fate of polystyrene microparticles (PSMP). In the presence of the food matrix, the net negative ζ-potential values of PSMP (diameter size of 1.823 μm) decreased significantly due to the formation of the corona, mostly consisting of α and β-casein fragments. Protein corona profiles and morphologies of particles incubated with whole and skim milk were found to be similar, and the protein profiles were completely altered after in vitro digestion simulation. In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies showed that neither bare PSMP nor food-interacted PSMP pose acute toxicity on the Caco-2 cell line and zebrafish embryos under the chosen experimental conditions. In summary, these results may contribute to a better understanding of changes that microplastics undergo in foods. Further studies on repeated exposure or chronic toxicity are needed to fully reveal the effect of food matrix on microplastic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazım Sergen Mısırlı
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Wittaya Pimtong
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Siwapech Sillapaprayoon
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Varissara Chantho
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Rattaporn Saenmuangchin
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sasitorn Aueviriyavit
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Fahriye Ceyda Dudak
- Department of Food Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, Turkey.
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24
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Genchi L, Martin C, Laptenok SP, Baalkhuyur F, Duarte CM, Liberale C. When microplastics are not plastic: Chemical characterization of environmental microfibers using stimulated Raman microspectroscopy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 892:164671. [PMID: 37290646 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The abundance of anthropogenic debris dispersed in the environment is exponentially growing, raising concerns about marine life and human exposure to microplastics. Microfibers are the most abundant microplastic type in the environment. However, recent research suggests that most microfibers dispersed in the environment are not made of synthetic polymers. In this work, we systematically tested this assumption by determining the man-made or natural origin of microfibers found in different environments, including surface waters, sediments at depths >5000 m and highly sensitive habitats like mangroves and seagrass, and treated water using stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy. Our findings show that ¾th of analyzed microfibers are of natural origin. One plastic fiber is estimated per every 50 L in surface seawater, every 5 L in desalinated drinking water, every 3 g in deep sea sediments and every 27 g in coastal sediments. Synthetic fibers were significantly larger in surface seawaters compared to organic fibers due to higher resistance to solar radiation. These results emphasize the necessity of using spectroscopical methods to assess the origin of environmental microfibers to accurately estimate the abundance of synthetic materials in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Genchi
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Cecilia Martin
- Red Sea Research Center and Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; Red Sea Global, SEZ Department of Environmental Sustainability, AlRaidah Digital City, Riyadh 12382 - 6726, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sergey P Laptenok
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadiyah Baalkhuyur
- Red Sea Research Center and Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos M Duarte
- Red Sea Research Center and Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Carlo Liberale
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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25
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Anagha PL, Viji NV, Devika D, Ramasamy EV. Distribution and abundance of microplastics in the water column of Vembanad Lake-A Ramsar site in Kerala, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115433. [PMID: 37643529 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115433] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The study focuses on the occurrence, abundance and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in the subsurface and bottom waters of Vembanad Lake, a Ramsar site in the state of Kerala. Even though several studies elucidate the prevalence of microplastic pollution in the surface waters of aquatic ecosystems, a little is known about the vertical distribution of MPs in the water column. Vembanad Lake water is greatly affected by microplastic pollution compared to other Indian lakes as it receive discharges from six rivers; a number of sewage canals and run-off. Ubiquitous distribution of MPs was found in the lake with a mean abundance of 26.79 ± 3.74 items L-1 and 52.70 ± 5.43 items L-1 in subsurface and bottom waters respectively. Fibers, constitute more than half of the total MPs in both subsurface and bottom waters. The dominance of polyamide and polypropylene with most of the MPs being fibers indicate that they originate probably from fishing activities and laundry wastewater. The particles with in the size range 100-500 μm were in excess in the water samples. Further fragmentation, increasing the number of MPs in the lake water was envisaged from the SEM images of MPs showing cracks and crevices. These MPs along with adsorbed contaminants upon ingestion by the aquatic organisms become a threat to the food web of the lake. The local population which depends mainly on the fishes and mussels of the lake for their dietary needs would be greatly affected by the contamination of the lake with MPs. Further research on MPs contamination in edible biota would give more insights on the extent and risks of MPs pollution in the lake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Das Devika
- School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala 686560, India
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26
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Rede D, Delerue-Matos C, Fernandes VC. The Microplastics Iceberg: Filling Gaps in Our Understanding. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3356. [PMID: 37631413 PMCID: PMC10459591 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic is an indispensable material in modern society; however, high production rates combined with inadequate waste management and disposal have resulted in enormous stress on ecosystems. In addition, plastics can become smaller particles known as microplastics (MPs) due to physical, chemical, and biological drivers. MP pollution has become a significant environmental problem affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Although the topic is not entirely new, it is of great importance to the field of polymers, drawing attention to specific gaps in the existing literature, identifying future areas of research, and improving the understanding of MP pollution and its environmental impacts. Despite progress in this field, problems remain. The lack of standardized methods for MP sampling, separation, extraction, and detection makes it difficult to collect information and establish links between studies. In addition, the distribution and pathways of MPs in ecosystems remain unknown because of their heterogeneous nature and the complex matrices in which they occur. Second, toxicological tests showed that MPs can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, such as Danio rerio and Eisenia fetida, resulting in gut obstruction, physical damage, histological changes, and oxidative stress. The uptake of MP and their toxicological effects depend on their shape, size, concentration, and polymer composition. Furthermore, MPs can enter the food chain, raising concerns regarding potential contaminations for human and environmental health. This review paper sheds light on the pressing issue of MP pollution and highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rede
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (D.R.); (C.D.-M.)
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (D.R.); (C.D.-M.)
| | - Virgínia Cruz Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (D.R.); (C.D.-M.)
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27
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Pol W, Stasińska E, Żmijewska A, Więcko A, Zieliński P. Litter per liter - Lakes' morphology and shoreline urbanization index as factors of microplastic pollution: Study of 30 lakes in NE Poland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163426. [PMID: 37059153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Human activity and anthropopression play key roles in contaminating aquatic environments with microplastics (MPs). The lakes of northeastern Poland provide a wide range of freshwater ecosystems differing in morphology, hydrology and ecology. In this study, we investigate 30 lakes during summer stagnation, considering their varying levels of anthropogenization of the catchment area and taking into account increased tourist activity. MPs were found in each of the studied lakes in the range from 0.27 MPs/L to 1.57 MPs/L, and the average value was 0.78 ± 0.42 MPs/L. The features of the MPs were evaluated, including size, form and color (most frequent: 4-5 mm (35.0 %); fragments (36.7 %); blue (30.6 %), respectively). Gradual accumulation of MPs has been observed in the lakes that comprise the hydrological sequence. The amount of sewage produced by wastewater treatment plants was considered in the study area. Statistically significant differences were found between lakes with different surface areas and shoreline lengths, where lakes with the highest and smallest values were notably more polluted with MPs than lakes in the medium range (F = 34.64, p < .0001 and F = 5.96, p < .01, respectively). The study presents an easy-to-obtain shoreline urbanization index (SUI) that is particularly useful for lakes with heavily transformed catchments in terms of hydrology. A significant correlation between the MP concentration and SUI, reflecting the degree of direct catchment anthropopression (r = +0.4282; p < .05), was observed. The analysis of the human impact on shoreline conversions and development should also pique the interest of other researchers as a potential indicator of MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Pol
- Department of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Emilia Stasińska
- Department of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Angelika Żmijewska
- Department of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Adam Więcko
- Department of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Zieliński
- Department of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
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28
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Ephsy D, Raja S. Characterization of microplastics and its Pollution load index in freshwater Kumaraswamy Lake of Coimbatore, India. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023:104207. [PMID: 37385395 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are less than 5mm in diameter that enters the ecosystem through the breakdown of large plastic particles or climate and human activity. This study examined the geographical and seasonal distribution of microplastics in the surface water of Kumaraswamy Lake, Coimbatore. During seasons, including summer, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon, samples were collected from the lake's inlet, centre, and outlet. All sampling points contained linear low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene microplastics. Water samples contained fibre, thin, fragment, and film microplastics in black, pink, blue, white, transparent, and yellow colours. Lake's microplastic pollution load index was under 10, indicating risk I. Over four seasons, microplastic content was 8.77±0.27 particles per litre. The monsoon season had the highest microplastic concentration, followed by pre-monsoon, post-monsoon, and summer. These findings imply that the spatial and seasonal distribution of microplastics may be harmful to the fauna and flora of the lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis Ephsy
- Department of Zoology, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, Pin-641029, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Selvaraju Raja
- Department of Zoology, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, Pin-641029, Tamil Nadu, India.
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29
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Nithin A, Sundaramanickam A, Saha M, Hassanshahian M, Thangaraj M, Rathore C. Risk assessments of microplastics accumulated in estuarine sediments at Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, southeast coast of India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:890. [PMID: 37365443 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11434-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the Uppanar and Gadilam estuaries in Cuddalore, on the southeast coast of India, is reported. In the estuarine sediments, MP abundance ranged from 36.3 ± 3.39 to 51.6 ± 2.05 particles/Kg dw. Different types of MP shapes, such as fibers (41.7-47.9%), films (21.2-27.2%), and fragments (18.3-25.5%) were observed in the size range of 100-1000 µm. Diverse colours of MPs were observed, among which red (30.1-34.5%) was predominantly noticed in the estuarine sediments. Six polymers were identified by µ-FTIR, among which LDPE (39%) and PP (35%) were dominant. MPs pollution in these estuaries is composed of domestic, industrial, and fishing wastes. Risk assessments show that the area falls under hazard categories I to III, indicating low to high risk. This study improves knowledge on MPs contamination in Uppanar and Gadilam estuaries and provides impetus for further research to identify the actual sources and impacts of MPs on aquatic systems along the east coast of India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajith Nithin
- Centre of Advance Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, 608 502, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arumugam Sundaramanickam
- Centre of Advance Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, 608 502, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, 403004, India
| | - Mehdi Hassanshahian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Muthusamy Thangaraj
- Centre of Advance Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, 608 502, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chayanika Rathore
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, 403004, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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30
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Khan ML, Hassan HU, Khan FU, Ghaffar RA, Rafiq N, Bilal M, Khooharo AR, Ullah S, Jafari H, Nadeem K, Siddique MAM, Arai T. Effects of microplastics in freshwater fishes health and the implications for human health. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 84:e272524. [PMID: 37283392 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.272524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in aquatic environments has raised concerns about their abundance and potential hazards to aquatic organisms. This review provides insight into the problem that may be of alarm for freshwater fish. Plastic pollution is not confined to marine ecosystems; freshwater also comprises plastic bits, as the most of plastic fragments enter oceans via rivers. Microplastics (MPs) can be consumed by fish and accumulated due to their size and poor biodegradability. Furthermore, it has the potential to enter the food chain and cause health problems. Evidence of MPs s ingestion has been reported in >150 fish species from both freshwater and marine systems. However, microplastic quantification and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems have been underestimated, ignored, and not reported as much as compared to the marine ecosystem. However, their abundance, influence, and toxicity in freshwater biota are not less than in marine ecosystems. The interaction of MPs with freshwater fish, as well as the risk of human consumption, remains a mystery. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the impacts of MPs on freshwater fish is still very limited. This study detailed the status of the toxicity of MPs in freshwater fish. This review will add to our understanding of the ecotoxicology of microplastics on freshwater fish and give subsequent research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Khan
- Kohat University of Science and Technology, Department of Zoology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - H U Hassan
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Karachi, Pakistan
- Government of Pakistan, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Fisheries Development Board, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - F U Khan
- Quaid-i-Azam University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Zoology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - R A Ghaffar
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - N Rafiq
- Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Department of Zoology, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - M Bilal
- Government College University Lahore, Department of Zoology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - A R Khooharo
- University of Karachi, Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S Ullah
- University of Swabi, Department of Zoology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - H Jafari
- University of Karachi, Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - K Nadeem
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - M A M Siddique
- Noakhali Science and Technology University, Department of Oceanography, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - T Arai
- Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Faculty of Science, Environmental and Life Sciences Programme, Gadong, Brunei
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31
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Garcia MM, Romero AS, Merkley SD, Meyer-Hagen JL, Forbes C, Hayek EE, Sciezka DP, Templeton R, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Jin Y, Gu H, Benavidez A, Hunter RP, Lucas S, Herbert G, Kim KJ, Cui JY, Gullapalli R, In JG, Campen MJ, Castillo EF. In Vivo Tissue Distribution of Microplastics and Systemic Metabolomic Alterations After Gastrointestinal Exposure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.02.542598. [PMID: 37398080 PMCID: PMC10312509 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.542598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Global plastic use has consistently increased over the past century with several different types of plastics now being produced. Much of these plastics end up in oceans or landfills leading to a substantial accumulation of plastics in the environment. Plastic debris slowly degrades into microplastics (MPs) that can ultimately be inhaled or ingested by both animals and humans. A growing body of evidence indicates that MPs can cross the gut barrier and enter into the lymphatic and systemic circulation leading to accumulation in tissues such as the lungs, liver, kidney, and brain. The impacts of mixed MPs exposure on tissue function through metabolism remains largely unexplored. To investigate the impact of ingested MPs on target metabolomic pathways, mice were subjected to either polystyrene microspheres or a mixed plastics (5 µm) exposure consisting of polystyrene, polyethylene and the biodegradability and biocompatible plastic, poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid). Exposures were performed twice a week for four weeks at a dose of either 0, 2, or 4 mg/week via oral gastric gavage. Our findings demonstrate that, in mice, ingested MPs can pass through the gut barrier, be translocated through the systemic circulation, and accumulate in distant tissues including the brain, liver, and kidney. Additionally, we report on the metabolomic changes that occur in the colon, liver and brain which show differential responses that are dependent on dose and type of MPs exposure. Lastly, our study provides proof of concept for identifying metabolomic alterations associated with MPs exposure and adds insight into the potential health risks that mixed MPs contamination may pose to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M. Garcia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Aaron S. Romero
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Seth D. Merkley
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jewel L. Meyer-Hagen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Charles Forbes
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - David P. Sciezka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Rachel Templeton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Yan Jin
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
| | - Angelica Benavidez
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Russell P. Hunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Selita Lucas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Guy Herbert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kyle Joohyung Kim
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Julia Yue Cui
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Rama Gullapalli
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Julie G. In
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Matthew J. Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Eliseo F. Castillo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Buyukunal SK, Koluman A, Muratoglu K. Microplastic pollution of drinking water in a metropolis. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:687-701. [PMID: 37387336 PMCID: wh_2023_265 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify microplastics (MPs) in drinking water from various sources in İstanbul that are known to pose potential health risks. One hundred drinking water samples were analysed. Samples were filtered with a glass filter (Ø: 1.0 μm). After filtration, microscopy was used, followed by SEM-EDS and ATR-FTIR identification to characterise MPs. Two shapes (fibers and fragments) and eight polymer types of MPs (ethylene propylene, neoprene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer) with sizes of 12-4892 µm (548 ± 777 µm) were detected. These MPs abundances ranged from 10 to 390 MP L-1 (134 ± 93 MP L-1). In the identification of MPs detected in filters by FTIR spectroscopy, bisphenol A, which is used in the production of various plastics and described as an important public health problem, was detected in 9.74% of MPs. Within the scope of the Sustainable Development Goals, UNEP has a specific objective of ensuring access to safe, affordable drinking water (SDG 6). With a clear statement, it should be emphasised that MPs are a significant barrier to the provision of safe drinking water, and a comprehensive plan for overcoming this barrier should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Kemal Buyukunal
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Türkiye E-mail:
| | - Ahmet Koluman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Karlo Muratoglu
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Türkiye
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Kurniawan TA, Haider A, Ahmad HM, Mohyuddin A, Umer Aslam HM, Nadeem S, Javed M, Othman MHD, Goh HH, Chew KW. Source, occurrence, distribution, fate, and implications of microplastic pollutants in freshwater on environment: A critical review and way forward. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 325:138367. [PMID: 36907482 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The generation of microplastics (MPs) has increased recently and become an emerging issue globally. Due to their long-term durability and capability of traveling between different habitats in air, water, and soil, MPs presence in freshwater ecosystem threatens the environment with respect to its quality, biotic life, and sustainability. Although many previous works have been undertaken on the MPs pollution in the marine system recently, none of the study has covered the scope of MPs pollution in the freshwater. To consolidate scattered knowledge in the literature body into one place, this work identifies the sources, fate, occurrence, transport pathways, and distribution of MPs pollution in the aquatic system with respect to their impacts on biotic life, degradation, and detection techniques. This article also discusses the environmental implications of MPs pollution in the freshwater ecosystems. Certain techniques for identifying MPs and their limitations in applications are presented. Through a literature survey of over 276 published articles (2000-2023), this study presents an overview of solutions to the MP pollution, while identifying research gaps in the body of knowledge for further work. It is conclusive from this review that the MPs exist in the freshwater due to an improper littering of plastic waste and its degradation into smaller particles. Approximately 15-51 trillion MP particles have accumulated in the oceans with their weight ranging between 93,000 and 236,000 metric ton (Mt), while about 19-23 Mt of plastic waste was released into rivers in 2016, which was projected to increase up to 53 Mt by 2030. A subsequent degradation of MPs in the aquatic environment results in the generation of NPs with size ranging from 1 to 1000 nm. It is expected that this work facilitates stakeholders to understand the multi-aspects of MPs pollution in the freshwater and recommends policy actions to implement sustainable solutions to this environmental problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahtisham Haider
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Mohyuddin
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan.
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Umer Aslam
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Nadeem
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Javed
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Hui Hwang Goh
- School of Electrical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Kit Wayne Chew
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 637459, Singapore
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Chen B, Wang Z, Chen Z, Zhuang M, Zhu K, Shi X, Shi Y, Qin Y, Zhu S, Yu T, Liu Y. Investigation of interfacial adsorption between microplastics and methylparaben in aqueous solution. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:1695-1709. [PMID: 35614297 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01284-y] [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: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and parabens are considered to be a global contaminants, especially in the aquatic ecosystem. The interfacial interaction between four types of microplastics including polystyrene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride, and methylparaben were investigated in this study. The results showed that molecular layer dominates the adsorption, with the rate significantly affected by both internal diffusion and external diffusion. Among the four types, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride showed the smallest and biggest adsorption capability, with the values were 0.656 and 1.269 mg g-1, respectively. For the adsorption capability, smaller particle size and higher pH value possessed positive effects. However, the existence of metal ions could inhibit the adsorption process, except for a weak promotion at low salinity. Physical adsorption effects, such as electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bond formation, and covalent bond formation, had been identified that dominated the adsorption. This finding could be served as a speculative foundation for the further study of the toxicity, migration, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in aquatic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Chen
- Anhui Advanced Technology Research Institute of Green Building, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Wastewater Resource, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China.
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China.
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Anhui Advanced Technology Research Institute of Green Building, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Wastewater Resource, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Ziwei Chen
- Anhui Advanced Technology Research Institute of Green Building, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Wastewater Resource, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Meiyu Zhuang
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Kaifa Zhu
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Xinrui Shi
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Yingnan Shi
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Qin
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuguang Zhu
- Anhui Advanced Technology Research Institute of Green Building, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Wastewater Resource, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
- Energy Saving Research Institute, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
- Engineering Research Center of Building Energy Efficiency Control and Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Tao Yu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Osman AI, Hosny M, Eltaweil AS, Omar S, Elgarahy AM, Farghali M, Yap PS, Wu YS, Nagandran S, Batumalaie K, Gopinath SCB, John OD, Sekar M, Saikia T, Karunanithi P, Hatta MHM, Akinyede KA. Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:1-41. [PMID: 37362012 PMCID: PMC10072287 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-023-01593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed I. Osman
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, David Keir Building, Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mohamed Hosny
- Green Technology Group, Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511 Egypt
| | | | - Sara Omar
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Elgarahy
- Environmental Science Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
- Egyptian Propylene and Polypropylene Company (EPPC), Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farghali
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Socio-Economics, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Hygiene & Environmental Sanitation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Pow-Seng Yap
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Yuan-Seng Wu
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Saraswathi Nagandran
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Kalaivani Batumalaie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Subash C. B. Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
| | - Oliver Dean John
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia
| | - Mahendran Sekar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, 30450 Ipoh, Perak Malaysia
| | - Trideep Saikia
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati Assam, India
| | - Puvanan Karunanithi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hayrie Mohd Hatta
- Centre for Research and Development, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia
| | - Kolajo Adedamola Akinyede
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530 South Africa
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B.5351, Ado Ekiti, 360231 Ekiti State Nigeria
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Liu R, Chen Y, Wu X, Fu J, Ou H. Modifications to microplastics by potassium ferrate(VI): impacts on sorption and sinking capability in water treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:53807-53816. [PMID: 36867338 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26222-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Pre-treatment (oxidation) may induce potential modifications to microplastics (MPs), further affecting their behaviors and removal efficiency in drinking water treatment plants. Herein, potassium ferrate(VI) oxidation was tested as a pre-treatment for MPs with four polymer types and three sizes each. Surface oxidation occurred with morphology destruction and oxidized bond generation, which were prosperous under low acid conditions (pH 3). As pH increased, the generation and attachment of nascent state ferric oxides (FexOx) gradually became dominant, making MP-FexOx complexes. These FexOx were identified as Fe(III) compounds, including Fe2O3 and FeOOH, firmly attaching to the MP surface. Using ciprofloxacin as the targeted organic contaminant, the presence of FexOx enhanced MP sorption dramatically, e.g., the kinetic constant Kf of ciprofloxacin raised from 0.206 (6.5 μm polystyrene) to 1.062 L g-1 (polystyrene-FexOx) after oxidation at pH 6. The sinking performance of MPs was enhanced, especially for small MPs (< 10 μm), which could be attributed to the increasing density and hydrophilicity. For instance, the sinking ratio of 6.5 μm polystyrene increased by 70% after pH 6 oxidation. In general, ferrate pre-oxidation possesses multiple enhanced removals of MPs and organic contaminants through adsorption and sinking, reducing the potential risk of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Yuheng Chen
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Xinni Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Jianwei Fu
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Huase Ou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China.
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China.
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Mercy FT, Alam AR, Akbor MA. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in major urban lakes of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14587. [PMID: 37035360 PMCID: PMC10073641 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in nature due to the proliferation of plastic in the environment. However, the presence of microplastics in lakes is largely unknown in comparison to other aquatic bodies. This study was performed to evaluate the abundance and characteristics of MPs in water, sediment, and fish from three major urban lakes in Dhaka, Bangladesh, namely Dhanmondi, Gulshan, and Hatir Jheel lake. The highest concentrations of microplastics in surface water (36 items/L), sediment (67 items/kg), fish (17 items/individual), and the gastrointestinal tract (4.88 items/gm) were observed. Highest abundance of microplastic in an individual fish was observed in Oreochromis mossambicus from Dhanmondi Lake. The samples were visually examined using stereomicroscope and SEM, which revealed that films were the most prevalent kind of microplastics in both the water and the sediment samples, whereas pellets and foams predominated in the fish samples. Visual observation also revealed MPs dominated by <100 μm in size and transparent in color. According to the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, the dominant polymers in the analyzed samples were high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, and polypropylene. MPs were relatively higher in the water and sediment samples of Gulshan Lake, and fish samples of Dhanmondi Lake. The results of this study indicate that microplastic contamination has occurred not only in the water and sediment but also in the inhabitant fishes of the lakes. However, it is discovered that the microplastic intake of fish was significantly related to body weight and length. The implication of the finding suggests that the presence of MPs in urban lakes has raised concerns about the potential human health impact.
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Nirmala K, Rangasamy G, Ramya M, Shankar VU, Rajesh G. A critical review on recent research progress on microplastic pollutants in drinking water. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 222:115312. [PMID: 36709031 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an emerging issue in recent days. Persistent plastic particles reach the atmosphere, land and water by multiple pathways. Research has confirmed that the existence of plastic particles is found surprisingly everywhere, from the Artic to the Antarctic region. The probability of ingestion of plastic by all living forms is quite natural, as the whole planet's environment is polluted with microplastic particles. The bioaccumulation of microplastics is a threat and the consequences for living beings are yet to be explored. Microplastics present in different drinking water sources like rivers, lakes, treatment units etc. are studied by several researchers, covering various aspects. Research carried out by various scientists on the microplastics in different drinking water sources is highlighted in this review. In view of the previous research carried out on various aspects of microplastic particles, the necessity of a uniform protocol for qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastic is ascertained. Microplastic pollution is an ongoing environmental concern, it must be addressed and research should be expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nirmala
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India
| | - Gayathri Rangasamy
- School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon; Department of Sustainable Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, 602105, India.
| | - M Ramya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India
| | - V Uma Shankar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India
| | - G Rajesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603 110, India
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Deng Y, Wu J, Chen J, Kang K. Overview of microplastic pollution and its influence on the health of organisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2023; 58:412-422. [PMID: 36942439 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2023.2190715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has gradually become a major global concern, due to the widespread use of plastics. Microplastics enter the environment and are degradated, while also being ingested by organisms, affecting various physiological functions and adversely affecting the health of organisms. Microplastic pollution is currently a wide concern, but data on the impact on organisms is still not sufficient. Therefore, this review summarizes the research on microplastic pollution in marine, soil and fresh water, and its impact on organisms, focusing on the effects of microplastics on organisms' feeding behavior and oxidative stress responses, intestinal microbes and reproductive function, and the combined effects of microplastic pollutants on organisms. We also summarized the various possible ways of microplastics entering into the human body, and posing a potential threat to human health, which still needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingling Deng
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjun Chen
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Kang
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
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Othman A, Elsayed AA, Sabry YM, Khalil D, Bourouina T. Detection of Sub-20 μm Microplastic Particles by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Comparison with Raman Spectroscopy. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:10335-10341. [PMID: 36969444 PMCID: PMC10035019 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are particulate water contaminants that are raising concerns regarding their environmental and health impacts. Optical spectroscopy is the gold standard for their detection; however, it has severe limitations such as tens of hours of analysis time and spatial resolution of more than 10 μm, when targeting the production of a 2D map of the microparticle population. In this work, through a single spectrum acquisition, we aim at quickly getting information about the whole population of identical particles, their chemical nature, and their size in a range below 20 μm. To this end, we built a compact setup enabling both attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy measurement on the same sample for comparison purposes. We used monodisperse polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) microplastic spheres of sizes ranging between 6 and 20 μm, also measured collectively using a bench-top FTIR spectrometer in ATR mode. The ATR-FTIR technique appears to be more sensitive for the smallest particles of 6 μm, while the opposite trend is observed using Raman spectroscopy. We use theoretical modeling to simulate and explain the ripples observed in the measured spectra at the shortest wavelength (higher wavenumber) region, which appears as an indicator of the microparticle dimension. The latter finding opens new perspectives for ATR-FTIR for the identification and classification of populations of nearly identical micro-scale bodies, such as bacteria and other micro-organisms, where the same measured spectrum embeds dual information about the chemical nature and the size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed
M. Othman
- Université
Gustave Eiffel, CNRS ESYCOM UMR 9007, Noisy-le-Grand, ESIEE, Paris 93162, France
- Si-Ware
Systems, 3 Khalid Ibn
Al-Waleed St., Heliopolis, Cairo 11361, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Elsayed
- Université
Gustave Eiffel, CNRS ESYCOM UMR 9007, Noisy-le-Grand, ESIEE, Paris 93162, France
| | - Yasser M. Sabry
- Si-Ware
Systems, 3 Khalid Ibn
Al-Waleed St., Heliopolis, Cairo 11361, Egypt
- Faculty
of Engineering, Ain-Shams University, 1 Elsarayat St. Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Diaa Khalil
- Si-Ware
Systems, 3 Khalid Ibn
Al-Waleed St., Heliopolis, Cairo 11361, Egypt
- Faculty
of Engineering, Ain-Shams University, 1 Elsarayat St. Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Tarik Bourouina
- Université
Gustave Eiffel, CNRS ESYCOM UMR 9007, Noisy-le-Grand, ESIEE, Paris 93162, France
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41
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Li T, Zhang W, Yu H, Hai C, Wang Y, Yu S, Tsedevdorj SO. Research status and prospects of microplastic pollution in lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:485. [PMID: 36933078 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11043-w] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As an emerging pollutant, microplastics have attracted widespread concern around the world. Research on microplastics was first conducted in oceans, and in recent years, inland water, especially lakes, has gradually become a hot spot. This paper systematically reviews the sampling, separation, purification, and identification technologies used to assess microplastics in lakes and summarizes the occurrence of lake microplastics worldwide. The results show that microplastics are widespread in lake water and sediment. There are obvious geographical differences in the occurrence of microplastics. The abundance of microplastics in different lakes varies greatly. The forms are mostly fibrous and fragments, and the main polymers are polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Previous papers have failed to comment in as much detail on the microplastic sampling techniques employed within lake systems. The sampling and analysis methods are critical to accurately evaluating contamination results. Due to the widespread presence of microplastics and the lack of uniform standards, there are various sampling methods. Trawls and grabs are most widely used in the sampling of lake water bodies and sediment, and sodium chloride and hydrogen peroxide are the most widely used media for flotation and digestion, respectively. In the future, it will be critical to establish unified standards for lake microplastic sampling and analysis technology, further explore the migration mechanism of microplastics in lake systems, and pay attention to the impact of microplastics on lake ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Weiqing Zhang
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China.
| | - Hui Yu
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Chunxing Hai
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Shan Yu
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Ser-Od Tsedevdorj
- Department of Geography, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mongolian National University of Education, Ulaanbaatar, 14191, Mongolia
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42
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Khanashyam AC, Anjaly Shanker M, Nirmal NP. Nano/micro-plastics: Sources, trophic transfer, toxicity to the animals and humans, regulation, and assessment. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2023; 103:141-174. [PMID: 36863834 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Being in an era of revolutionized production, consumption, and poor management of plastic waste, the existence of these polymers has resulted in an accumulation of plastic litter in nature. With macro plastics themselves being a major issue, the presence of their derivatives like microplastics which are confined to the size limitations of less than 5mm has ascended as a recent type of emergent contaminant. Even though there is size confinement, their occurrence is not narrowed and is extensively seen in both aquatic and terrestrial extents. The vast incidence of these polymers causing harmful effects on various living organisms through diverse mechanisms such as entanglement and ingestion have been reported. The risk of entanglement is mainly limited to smaller animals, whereas the risk associated with ingestion concerns even humans. Laboratory findings indicate the alignment of these polymers toward detrimental physical and toxicological effects on all creatures including humans. Supplementary to the risk involved with their presence, plastics also proceed as carters of certain toxic contaminants complemented during their industrial production process, which is injurious. Nevertheless, the assessment regarding the severity of these components to all creatures is comparatively restricted. This chapter focuses on the sources, complications, and toxicity associated with the presence of micro and nano plastics in the environment along with evidence of trophic transfer, and quantification methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandu Chandra Khanashyam
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Kasetsart University, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - M Anjaly Shanker
- Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Sonepat, Haryana, India
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43
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Yang T, Gao M, Nowack B. Formation of microplastic fibers and fibrils during abrasion of a representative set of 12 polyester textiles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160758. [PMID: 36509270 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic fibers (MPFs) released from synthetic textiles have been found to be a major source of microplastic in the environment. There is increasing evidence available that MPFs released during washing were likely formed during the manufacturing stage. However, real-life use of textiles is often associated with textile-on-textile abrasion, and the first evidence is available that MPFs and finer microplastic fiber fragments (fibrils) are formed during abrasion. In this study, we characterized the formation of MPFs and fibrils from a representative set of 12 polyester textiles after abrasion tests conducted with a Martindale tester. We also investigated the influence of rub intensity and the extractability of MPFs and fibrils from the abraded fabrics. For all textiles, the MPFs extracted after abrasion showed the same diameter as the fibers in non-abraded textiles (10-20 μm), while the extracted fibrils were much thinner (3-5 μm). The variability in the structure of the different polyester textiles led to a broad range of MPF and fibrils extracted during the first wash after 5000 rubs. One gram of textile released between 4900 and 640,000 MPFs and between 0 and 350,000 fibrils with an average fibril/MPF ratio of 0.8. The total number of MPFs and fibrils formed during abrasion was positively correlated with the increase in the number of rubs up to 10,000 times. Visible pilling on the textile surface was an important indicator for the formation of MPFs and fibrils. Our study revealed that textile abrasion is a critical, realistic, and overlooked mechanism for the formation of MPFs and fibrils, as abraded textiles (after 5000 times rubs) can release more than ten times the number of MPFs and fibrils compared to washing only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Manqi Gao
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Dalvand M, Hamidian AH. Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in wetlands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160740. [PMID: 36496018 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Presence of microplastic particles has been reported in all over the world, even in remote areas with no human activities. Wetlands are important transitional areas between terrestrial and aquatic systems. However, microplastic pollution in wetlands is less studied than other aquatic ecosystems. In this review, documented researches about microplastic occurrence and distribution in different components of wetland systems (except constructed wetlands) were investigated. In this regard, all available articles from different science databases with the keywords microplastic, wetland and lagoon in title were examined and results were proposed by text, table and diagram, after standardization of data express units. Based on results, wetland ecosystems are prone to microplastic pollution. Based on particle properties, PE/PP and fiber/fragment were the most dominant reported chemical composition and particle shapes, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Dalvand
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj 31587-77878, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Hamidian
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj 31587-77878, Iran.
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45
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Yu JT, Diamond ML, Helm PA. A fit-for-purpose categorization scheme for microplastic morphologies. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 19:422-435. [PMID: 35686603 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic categorization schemes are diverse, thereby posing challenges for cross-study comparisons. Further, categorization schemes are not necessarily aligned with and, thus, useful for applications such as source reduction initiatives. To address these challenges, we propose a hierarchical categorization approach that is "fit for purpose" to enable the use of a scheme that is tailored to the study's purpose and contains categories, which, if adopted, would facilitate interstudy comparison. The hierarchical categorization scheme is flexible to support various study purposes (e.g., to support regulation and toxicity assessment) and it aims to improve the consistency and comparability of microplastics categorization. Categorization is primarily based on morphology, supplemented by other identification methods as needed (e.g., spectroscopy). The use of the scheme was illustrated through a literature review aimed at critically evaluating the categories used for reporting microplastic morphologies in North American freshwater environments. Categorization and grouping schemes for microplastic particles were highly variable, with up to 19 different categories used across 68 studies, and nomenclature was inconsistent across particle morphologies. Our review demonstrates the necessity for a "fit for purpose" categorization scheme to guide the information needs of scientists and decision-makers for various research and regulatory objectives across global, regional, and local scales. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:422-435. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine T Yu
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A Helm
- School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Mehmood T, Mustafa B, Mackenzie K, Ali W, Sabir RI, Anum W, Gaurav GK, Riaz U, Liu X, Peng L. Recent developments in microplastic contaminated water treatment: Progress and prospects of carbon-based two-dimensional materials for membranes separation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 316:137704. [PMID: 36592840 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro (nano)plastics pollution is a noxious menace not only for mankind but also for marine life, as removing microplastics (MPs) is challenging due to their physiochemical properties, composition, and response toward salinity and pH. This review provides a detailed assessment of the MPs pollution in different water types, environmental implications, and corresponding treatment strategies. With the advancement in nanotechnology, mitigation strategies for aqueous pollution are seen, especially due to the fabrication of nanosheets/membranes mostly utilized as a filtration process. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are increasingly used for membranes due to their diverse structure, affinity, cost-effectiveness, and, most importantly, removal efficiency. The popular 2D materials used for membrane-based organic and inorganic pollutants from water mainly include graphene and MXenes however their effectiveness for MPs removal is still in its infancy. Albeit, the available literature asserts a 70- 99% success rate in micro/nano plastics removal achieved through membranes fabricated via graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and MXene membranes. This review examined existing membrane separation strategies for MPs removal, focusing on the structural properties of 2D materials, composite, and how they adsorb pollutants and underlying physicochemical mechanisms. Since MPs and other contaminants commonly coexist in the natural environment, a brief examination of the response of 2D membranes to MPs removal was also conducted. In addition, the influencing factors regulate MPs removal performance of membranes by impacting their two main operating routes (filtration and adsorption). Finally, significant limitations, research gaps, and future prospects of 2D material-based membranes for effectively removing MPs are also proposed. The conclusion is that the success of 2D material is strongly linked to the types, size of MPs, and characteristics of aqueous media. Future perspectives talk about the problems that need to be solved to get 2D material-based membranes out of the lab and onto the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Mehmood
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, China; Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Engineering, Permoserstr. 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Beenish Mustafa
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Katrin Mackenzie
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Engineering, Permoserstr. 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wahid Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, College of Applied Industrial Technology (CAIT), Jazan University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raja Irfan Sabir
- Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore; Pakistan
| | - Wajiha Anum
- Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Gajendra Kumar Gaurav
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory, SPIL, NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic; School of Physics and Electronic Information, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Umair Riaz
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, 60000, Pakistan
| | - Xinghui Liu
- School of Physics and Electronic Information, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077 China
| | - Licheng Peng
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, China.
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47
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Günther M, Imhof W. Simultaneous quantification of microplastic particles by non-deuterated (NoD) 1H-qNMR from samples comprising different polymer types. Analyst 2023; 148:1151-1161. [PMID: 36752546 DOI: 10.1039/d2an01751b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Facing microplastic contamination and thereby its impacts on the environment and health will probably be one of the most concerning challenges in our immediate future. Yet, data on these emerging pollutants are still scarce in many aspects leading to the ongoing development and expansion of analytical procedures and approaches. In recent years, despite being used formerly only for qualitative aspects, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) was introduced for the quantification of microplastic particles. By the combination of linear regression procedures, internal standards and the integration of proton NMR, the so-called qNMR method allows mass-based quantification of microplastics in a limited amount of time and independent of particle size. Based on this approach, further optimization through the simultaneous dissolution and quantification of multiple polymers is investigated. Individual requirements, known issues and considerations will be demonstrated along with additional possibilities for five polymers: polystyrene (PS), butadiene rubber (BR), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA). The applicability of homopolymer-based calibrations is demonstrated for both the quantification of multiple homopolymers dissolved in a shared solvent system and the quantification of copolymers; for example, a styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBR). Linearities and limits of detection and quantification as well as precision and accuracy comparable to those of solely measured microplastic particles are achieved. The improvement significantly reduces the preparation and measurement time in combination with lowered costs. In addition, enhanced reliability was achieved by implementing hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) as an internal standard in NoD measurements, replacing dichloromethane (DCM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Günther
- Institute of Integrated Natural Sciences, University Koblenz, Universitätsstr.1, D-56070 Koblenz, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Imhof
- Institute of Integrated Natural Sciences, University Koblenz, Universitätsstr.1, D-56070 Koblenz, Germany.
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48
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Liu Z, Wang W, Liu X. Automated characterization and identification of microplastics through spectroscopy and chemical imaging in combination with chemometric: Latest developments and future prospects. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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49
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Ashrafy A, Liza AA, Islam MN, Billah MM, Arafat ST, Rahman MM, Rahman SM. Microplastics Pollution: A Brief Review of Its Source and Abundance in Different Aquatic Ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 9:100215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
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50
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Iheanacho S, Ogbu M, Bhuyan MS, Ogunji J. Microplastic pollution: An emerging contaminant in aquaculture. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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