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Zhang Y, Shi P, Cui L. Microplastics in riverine systems: Recommendations for standardized sampling, separation, digestion and characterization. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116950. [PMID: 39243470 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a global concern, prompting numerous studies on MP detection. Due to the remaining methodological challenges, it affects the accuracy and reliability of MP's impact assessment on river systems. To address this, the establishment of standardized operating protocols is crucial, encompassing sampling, separation, digestion, and characterization methods. This study evaluates the current tools used for identifying and quantifying MPs in riverine ecosystems, aiming to offer harmonized guidelines for future protocols. Recommendations include adopting a consistent format for reporting MP concentrations and providing improved information on sampling, separation, and digestion for enhanced cross-study comparisons. The importance of quality assurance and quality control is also discussed. Furthermore, we highlight unresolved issues, proposing avenues for further investigation. Suggestions encompass standardizing river sampling methods, optimizing technical steps and analysis processes, and enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of detection data to advance our understanding of MPs in river environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China.
| | - Lingzhou Cui
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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2
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Le Hen G, Masoni A, Manuelli M, Falsini S, Corti E, Balzani P, Renault D, Papini A, Santini G. Ants avoid food contaminated with micro- and nanoplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124625. [PMID: 39069242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) have recently received particular attention in freshwater and marine ecosystems, but less is known about their impact on terrestrial species. Ants can be used as biological indicators for many types of pollutants and are therefore a good candidate to explore the effects of MNP pollution. In the present study, we investigated the ability of workers from seven colonies of the acrobat ant Crematogaster scutellaris to detect MNP in their food. After two days of starvation, groups of ten ants were tested for their preference toward control and polyethylene-treated solutions. Every 5 min over a total 20 min period, the number of workers feeding on either solution was counted. The results showed that C. scutellaris workers could detect and avoid contaminated food, feeding more often on the uncontaminated solution in the first 10 min. However, after 10 min the food preference was no longer significant between the groups, likely owing to feeding satiation. We then assessed whether this feeding behaviour is sufficient to cause the accumulation of MNP in the ant. We thereby provided a solution containing fluorescent MNP (fMNP) at the same concentration as in the previous experiments. Observation of the ants' mouthparts using fluorescent light microscopy showed that after 10 min dense aggregations of fMNP were visible. Further investigations are needed to understand the mechanisms of detection of MNP by ants, and the accumulation dynamics in ants' bodies. Moreover, the effects of MNP on the integrity and fitness of ant colonies, as well as the potential transfer across terrestrial trophic chains should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendaline Le Hen
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, 35000 Rennes, France; Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Alberto Masoni
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marta Manuelli
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Falsini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| | - Emilio Corti
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| | - Paride Balzani
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - David Renault
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, 35000 Rennes, France; Institut Universitaire de France, 1 Rue Descartes, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Alessio Papini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Santini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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3
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Kurzweg L, Hauffe M, Schirrmeister S, Adomat Y, Socher M, Grischek T, Fery A, Harre K. Microplastic analysis in sediments of the Elbe River by electrostatic separation and differential scanning calorimetry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172514. [PMID: 38641120 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
This study presents the most extensive investigation of microplastic (MP) contents in sediment from the Elbe River. We employed electrostatic separation (ES) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to overcome limitations of sample throughput and time-consuming analysis. In total 43 sediment samples were collected using a Van-Veen grab. Subsequently, coarse materials (d10 > 100 μm) and fine materials (d10 ≤ 100 μm) were enriched using ES and density separation. DSC was utilized for MP identification and quantification, based on the phase-transition signals of eight different polymers. MP presence was detected in 25 samples, with successful quantification in 12 samples. The MP content in coarse material samples from shoreline areas ranged from 0.52 to 1.30 mg/kg, while in fine material samples from harbor basins, it ranged from 5.0 to 44.6 mg/kg. The most prevalent polymers identified were LD-PE, HD-PE, PP, and PCL. These findings confirmed the suitability of DSC for analyzing MP in complex environmental samples. MP hotspots were identified in harbor basins, where natural sedimentation processes and increased anthropogenic activities contribute to MP accumulation. Additionally, industrial sewage potentially contributed to MP content in sediment samples. The highest pollution levels were observed in the middle Elbe, between the confluences of Mulde and Havel. Lowest MP contents were found in the lower Elbe, potentially influenced by tides. Future studies should focus on holistic investigations of selected river sections, encompassing sediment, water, and biota samples, rather than the entire catchment area. This approach would facilitate the generation of spatiotemporal data on MP distribution in freshwater streams. In addition, more research is needed to explore potential interactions between different MP and sediment types during DSC measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Kurzweg
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany; Technical University Dresden, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Department for Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, Mommsenstraße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Maurice Hauffe
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sven Schirrmeister
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany; Technical University Dresden, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Department for Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, Mommsenstraße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Yasmin Adomat
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Socher
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Grischek
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Fery
- Technical University Dresden, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Department for Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, Mommsenstraße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; Leibniz Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Institute for Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Hohe Str. 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kathrin Harre
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
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Gani A, Pathak S, Hussain A, Shukla AK, Chand S. Emerging pollutant in surface water bodies: a review on monitoring, analysis, mitigation measures and removal technologies of micro-plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:214. [PMID: 38842590 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01992-7] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Water bodies play a crucial role in supporting life, maintaining the environment, and preserving the ecology for the people of India. However, in recent decades, human activities have led to various alterations in aquatic environments, resulting in environmental degradation through pollution. The safety of utilizing surface water sources for drinking and other purposes has come under intense scrutiny due to rapid population growth and industrial expansion. Surface water pollution due to micro-plastics (MPs) (plastics < 5 mm in size) is one of the emerging pollutants in metropolitan cities of developing countries because of its utmost resilience and synthetic nature. Recent studies on the surface water bodies (river, pond, Lake etc.) portrait the correlation between the MPs level with different parameters of pollution such as specific conductivity, total phosphate, and biological oxygen demand. Fibers represent the predominant form of MPs discovered in surface water bodies, exhibiting fluctuations across seasons. Consequently, present study prioritizes understanding the adaptation, prevalence, attributes, fluctuations, and spatial dispersion of MPs in both sediment and surface water environments. Furthermore, the study aims to identify existing gaps in the current understanding and underscore opportunities for future investigation. From the present study, it has been reported that, the concentration of MPs in the range of 0.2-45.2 items/L at the Xisha Islands in the south China sea, whereas in India it was found in the range of 96 items/L in water samples and 259 items/kg in sediment samples. This would certainly assist the urban planners in achieving sustainable development goals to mitigate the increasing amount of emergent pollutant load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Gani
- Civil Engineering Department, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, 110073, India
| | - Shray Pathak
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, 140001, India.
| | - Athar Hussain
- Civil Engineering Department, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, 110073, India
| | - Anoop Kumar Shukla
- Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sasmita Chand
- Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
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5
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Sharma S, Bhardwaj A, Thakur M, Saini A. Understanding microplastic pollution of marine ecosystem: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:41402-41445. [PMID: 37442935 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emerging as prominent pollutants across the globe. Oceans are becoming major sinks for these pollutants, and their presence is widespread in coastal regions, oceanic surface waters, water column, and sediments. Studies have revealed that microplastics cause serious threats to the marine ecosystem as well as human beings. In the past few years, many research efforts have focused on studying different aspects relating to microplastic pollution of the oceans. This review summarizes sources, migration routes, and ill effects of marine microplastic pollution along with various conventional as well as advanced methods for microplastics analysis and control. However, various knowledge gaps in detection and analysis require attention in order to understand the sources and transport of microplastics, which is critical to deploying mitigation strategies at appropriate locations. Advanced removal methods and an integrated approach are necessary, including government policies and stringent regulations to control the release of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Aprajita Bhardwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Monika Thakur
- Department of Microbiology, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Anita Saini
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Saha ND, Kumari P, Das B, Sahoo RN, Kumar R, Golui D, Singh B, Jain N, Bhatia A, Chaudhary A, Chakrabarti B, Bhowmik A, Saha P, Islam S. Vis-NIR spectroscopy based rapid and non-destructive method to quantitate microplastics: An emerging contaminant in farm soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172088. [PMID: 38554975 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) is the second most important environmental issue and can potentially enter into food chain through farmland contamination and other means. There are no standardized extraction methods for quantification of MPs in soil. The embedded errors and biases generated serious problems regarding the comparability of different studies and leading to erroneous estimation. To address this gap, present study was formulated to develop an efficient method for MPs analysis suitable for a wide range of soil and organic matrices. A method based on Vis-NIR (Visible-Near Infra Red) spectroscopy is developed for four different soil belonging to Alfisol, Inceptisol, Mollisol and Vertisol and two organic matter matrices (FYM and Sludge). The developed method was found as rapid, reproducible, non-destructive and accurate method for estimation of all three-density groups of MPs (Low, Medium and High) with a prediction accuracy ranging from 1.9 g MPs/kg soil (Vertisol) to 3.7 g MPs/kg soil (Alfisol). Two different regression models [Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) and Principal Component Regression (PCR)] were assessed and PLSR was found to provide better information in terms of prediction accuracy and minimum quantification limit (MQL). However, PCR performed better for organic matter matrices than PLSR. The method avoids any complicated sample preparation steps except drying and sieving thus saving time and acquisition of reflectance spectrum for single sample is possible within 18 s. Owing to have the minimum quantification limit ranging from 1.9-3.7 g/kg soil, the vis-NIR based method is perfectly suitable for estimation of MPs in soil samples collected from plastic pollution hotspots like landfill sites, regular based sludge amended farm soils. Additionally, the method can be adapted by small scale compost industries for assessing MPs load in product like city compost which are applied at agricultural fields and will be helpful in quantifying possible MPs at the sources itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Das Saha
- Division of Environment Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India; ICAR-CTRI, RS-Dinhata, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India.
| | - Priyanka Kumari
- Division of Environment Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India.
| | - Bappa Das
- ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, India
| | - R N Sahoo
- Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India.
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Division of Agricultural Chemicals, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India
| | - Debasis Golui
- Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemicals, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhupinder Singh
- Division of Environment Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India.
| | - Niveta Jain
- Division of Environment Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India
| | - Arti Bhatia
- Division of Environment Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India
| | - Anita Chaudhary
- Division of Environment Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India
| | - Bidisha Chakrabarti
- Division of Environment Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India
| | - Arpan Bhowmik
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI), Pusa, New Delhi, India
| | - Partha Saha
- Division of Vegetable Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, India; ICAR-CTRI, RS-Dinhata, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India
| | - Sadikul Islam
- ICAR-Indian Institute for Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun, India
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7
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Dai Y, Li L, Guo Z, Yang X, Dong D. Emerging isolation and degradation technology of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117864. [PMID: 38072105 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs, less than 5 mm in size) are widely distributed in surroundings in various forms and ways, and threaten ecosystems security and human health. Its environmental behavior as pollutants carrier and the after-effects exposed to MPs has been extensively exploited; whereas, current knowledge on technologies for the separation and degradation of MPs is relatively limited. It is essential to isolate MPs from surroundings and/or degrade to safe levels. This in-depth review details the origin and distribution of MPs. Provides a comprehensive summary of currently available MPs separation and degradation technologies, and discusses the mechanisms, challenges, and application prospects of these technologies. Comparison of the contribution of various separation methods to the separation of NPs and MPs. Furthermore, the latest research trends and direction in bio-degradation technology are outlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaodan Dai
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Lele Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Zhi Guo
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China.
| | - Xue Yang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Dazhuang Dong
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
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8
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Chen M, Coleman B, Gaburici L, Prezgot D, Jakubek ZJ, Sivarajah B, Vermaire JC, Lapen DR, Velicogna JR, Princz JI, Provencher JF, Zou S. Identification of microplastics extracted from field soils amended with municipal biosolids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168007. [PMID: 37871825 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic particles in arable soil are expected to impact the environment and potentially human health. The application of municipal biosolids (MBs) to agricultural land presents a further dilemma in that biosolids act as a fertilizer for crop growth, and a disposal pathway for wastewater treatment plants. They are also a direct path for emerging contaminants, such as microplastics to enter the terrestrial environment. Reliable methods are needed to identify and quantify microplastics, found in agricultural soils to determine how microplastics are being cycled in the terrestrial environment. In this study, we developed a method for extracting microplastics from soil, and characterized their composition and identity for particles sized 5 μm to 2 mm. Method development was initially completed using natural soils spiked with microplastics and MBs, followed by the analyses of soil sampled from an agricultural field where MBs were recently applied at a rate of 13 tons dw/ha. The procedures that used the spiked samples showed that microplastics can be reliably extracted from soil in a laboratory setting, and identified and semi-quantified by thermogravimetric analysis combined with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR). However, when the same methods were applied to the soil samples collected from the agricultural field, reproducibility became a challenge, as the number and type of microplastics changed even within the same soils (i.e., collected the same day from the same exact location). The variation in reproducibility observed between laboratory and field samples underscores the significant heterogeneity present in the environment. This heterogeneity, in turn, affects the identification and quantity of microplastics detected, a phenomenon observed even when comparing different fields within a single treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maohui Chen
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Coleman
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liliana Gaburici
- Security and Disruptive Technologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Prezgot
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zygmunt J Jakubek
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Branaavan Sivarajah
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jesse C Vermaire
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R Lapen
- Ottawa Research Development Centre, Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica R Velicogna
- Biological Assessment and Standardization Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juliska I Princz
- Biological Assessment and Standardization Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shan Zou
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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9
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Cao Y, Sathish CI, Guan X, Wang S, Palanisami T, Vinu A, Yi J. Advances in magnetic materials for microplastic separation and degradation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132537. [PMID: 37716264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of plastics in modern human society has led to severe environmental pollution with microplastics (MP/MPs). The rising consumption of plastics raises the omnipresence of microplastics in aquatic environments, which carry toxic organic matter, transport toxic chemicals, and spread through the food chain, seriously threatening marine life and human health. In this context, several advanced strategies for separating and degrading MPs from water have been developed recently, and magnetic materials and their nanostructures have emerged as promising materials for targeting, adsorbing, transporting, and degrading MPs. However, a comprehensive review of MP remediation using magnetic materials and their nanostructures is currently lacking. The present work provides a critical review of the recent advances in MP removal/degradation using magnetic materials. The focus is on the comparison and analysis of the MP's removal efficiencies of different magnetic materials, including iron/ferrite nanoparticles, magnetic nanocomposites, and micromotors, aiming to unravel the underlying roles of magnetic materials in different types of MP degradation and present the general strategies for designing them with optimal performance. Finally, the review outlines the forthcoming challenges and perspectives in the development of magnetic nanomaterials for MP remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Cao
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - C I Sathish
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia.
| | - Xinwei Guan
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Shaobin Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Ajayan Vinu
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Jiabao Yi
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia.
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10
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Mendes DS, Beasley CR, Silva DNN, Fernandes MEB. Microplastic in mangroves: A worldwide review of contamination in biotic and abiotic matrices. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115552. [PMID: 37738877 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115552] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
This review presents the spatial distribution (where) and the methods applied (how) in assessing Microplastics (MPs) contamination in sediments, water, and organisms in mangrove areas. We analyzed 53 articles on MPs in Asia, America, and Africa and produced by 359 authors, although very localized, lacking wide-scale coverage of mangrove coasts around the world. The results showed that most of studies provided MP's bulk characteristics (type, size, color, form), along with global gross reserves of MPs in the mangrove compartments. Investigations in mangrove areas are still relatively limited. Therefore, for future research, it is relevant to enhance spatial and temporal sampling of MP contamination and to establish standardized protocols to enable effective comparisons between mangrove areas, rivers, beaches, and coastal seas. In addition, it is crucial to investigate the role of MPs as carriers or vectors of other pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayene Santiago Mendes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Ambiental, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros (IECOS) Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Bragança, PA, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Manguezal (LAMA), Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Bragança, PA, Brazil.
| | - Colin Robert Beasley
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Ambiental, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros (IECOS) Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Bragança, PA, Brazil; Laboratório de Conservação da Biodiversidade e das Águas, Campus Bragança, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Bragança, PA, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Nobre Nunes Silva
- Laboratório de Ciência e Engenharia de Petróleo (LCPetro), Campus Salinópolis, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Salinópolis, PA, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Emanuel Barroncas Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Ambiental, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros (IECOS) Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Bragança, PA, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Manguezal (LAMA), Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Bragança, PA, Brazil.
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11
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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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12
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Rani M, Ducoli S, Depero LE, Prica M, Tubić A, Ademovic Z, Morrison L, Federici S. A Complete Guide to Extraction Methods of Microplastics from Complex Environmental Matrices. Molecules 2023; 28:5710. [PMID: 37570680 PMCID: PMC10420958 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable development is a big global challenge for the 21st century. In recent years, a class of emerging contaminants known as microplastics (MPs) has been identified as a significant pollutant with the potential to harm ecosystems. These small plastic particles have been found in every compartment of the planet, with aquatic habitats serving as the ultimate sink. The challenge to extract MPs from different environmental matrices is a tangible and imperative issue. One of the primary specialties of research in environmental chemistry is the development of simple, rapid, low-cost, sensitive, and selective analytical methods for the extraction and identification of MPs in the environment. The present review describes the developments in MP extraction methods from complex environmental matrices. All existing methodologies (new, old, and proof-of-concept) are discussed and evaluated for their potential usefulness to extract MPs from various biotic and abiotic matrices for the sake of progress and innovation. This study concludes by addressing the current challenges and outlining future research objectives aimed at combating MP pollution. Additionally, a set of recommendations is provided to assist researchers in selecting appropriate analytical techniques for obtaining accurate results. To facilitate this process, a proposed roadmap for MP extraction is presented, considering the specific environmental compartments under investigation. By following this roadmap, researchers can enhance their understanding of MP pollution and contribute to effective mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Serena Ducoli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Laura Eleonora Depero
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Miljana Prica
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandra Tubić
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Zahida Ademovic
- Faculty of Forestry, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Liam Morrison
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Stefania Federici
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
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13
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Zhang S, Li W, Bao A, Jia G, Lin X, Zhang Q. A Low-Cost Approach for Batch Separation, Identification and Quantification of Microplastics in Agriculture Soil. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050461. [PMID: 37235275 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An increasing trend of research on microplastics (MPs) pollution in soil requires plenty of accurate data on MPs occurrence in soil samples. Efficient and economical methods of obtaining MP data are in development, especially for film MPs. We focused on MPs originating from agricultural mulching films (AMF) and presented an approach that can separate MPs in batches and identify them quickly. It mainly includes separation by ultrasonic cleaning and centrifugation, digestion of organic matter, and an AMF-MPs identification model. Adding olive oil or n-hexane to saturated sodium chloride constituted the best combination of separation solutions. Controlled experiments proved that the optimized methods improved the efficiency of this approach. The AMF-MPs identification model provides specific characteristics of MPs and can identify MPs efficiently. Evaluation results showed that the mean MP recovery rate reached 95%. The practical application demonstrated that this approach could conduct MPs analysis in soil samples in batches with less time and low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Key Laboratory of GIS & RS Application Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Anming Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Key Laboratory of GIS & RS Application Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Gongxu Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Research Center for Ecology and Environment for Central Asia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Xiaoli Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Key Laboratory of GIS & RS Application Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingling Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Intelligent Microsatellite Constellation, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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14
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Tuttle E, Stubbins A. An optimized acidic digestion for the isolation of microplastics from biota-rich samples and cellulose acetate matrices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121198. [PMID: 36736813 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121198] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a growing concern. To analyze plastics in environmental samples, plastics need to be isolated. We present an acidic/oxidative method optimized to preserve plastics while digesting synthetic cellulose acetate and a range of organics encountered in environmental samples. Cellulose acetate was chosen for optimization as it can be purchased as a reference material, can co-occur with plastics in environmental samples and, if it can be completely digested, is a potential filter material for the collection of nano- and micro-plastics from natural waters. Other forms of particulate organic matter (POM) were chosen to provide a range of chemistries that might alter digestion efficiency and due to the interest in the community of isolating plastics from samples where these organics occur. For instance, microalgal POM occurs in lake and ocean waters, riverine POM in rivers, and inclusion of tuna provides a test for the suitability of the method for isolating plastics from animal tissues. The method is a one-pot overnight (16-18 h) digestion in 5 M nitric acid with 0.3 M sodium persulfate heated to 80 °C. The method provides quantitative removal of cellulose acetate (exceeding detection limits), near quantitative removal of microalgal POM and Albacore tuna tissue (>99%), but only 86% of urban river POM, all while retaining >99% by mass of C-C bonded polymers polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene and >96% by mass of polyethylene terephthalate. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and %-C content analysis confirmed plastic polymer stability during digestion. However, some additives in appear susceptible to digestion with FT-IR results indicating the loss of N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide) from polyethylene. This method provides a simpler and more effective method than many in the literature. We present recommendations for the application of this method, as well as limitations and areas for future improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Tuttle
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Aron Stubbins
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Chaudhary V, Thakur N, Chaudhary S, Bangar SP. Remediation plan of nano/microplastic toxicity in food. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2023; 103:397-442. [PMID: 36863840 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.07.004] [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: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is causing a stir globally due to its persistent and ubiquitous nature. The scientific collaboration is diligently working on improved, effective, sustainable, and cleaner measures to control the nano/microplastic load in the environment especially wrecking the aquatic habitat. This chapter discusses the challenges encountered in nano/microplastic control and improved technologies like density separation, continuous flow centrifugation, oil extraction protocol, electrostatic separation to extract and quantify the same. Although it is still in the early stages of research, biobased control measures, like meal worms and microbes to degrade microplastics in the environment have been proven effective. Besides the control measures, practical alternatives to microplastics can be developed like core-shell powder, mineral powder, and biobased food packaging systems like edible films and coatings developed using various nanotechnological tools. Lastly, the existing and ideal stage of global regulations is compared, and key research areas are pinpointed. This holistic coverage would enable manufacturers and consumers to reconsider their production and purchase decisions for sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Chaudhary
- Department of Dairy Technology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Neha Thakur
- Department of Livestock Products Technology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Suman Chaudhary
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Sneh Punia Bangar
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States.
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16
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Shi Y, Yi L, Du G, Hu X, Huang Y. Visual characterization of microplastics in corn flour by near field molecular spectral imaging and data mining. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160714. [PMID: 36496023 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160714] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As potential hazard to human health, microplastics have attracted increasing attention. Most current studies have addressed the characterization of microplastics from the environment. For microplastics in food, most detections focused on liquid systems such as alcohol, beverages, etc., while there has been quite rare research on microplastics in solid foods with complex matrices. Thus, this study attempted to use three molecular spectral imaging approaches, namely, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), optical photothermal resonance infrared (O-PTIR), and confocal Raman spectral imaging, combined with chemometrics to characterize the presence of microplastics in corn flour. The results demonstrated that O-PTIR imaging can rapidly sense the presence of microplastics, but its data integrity and visualization were limited. By decomposing the image, FTIR and Raman acquired a more integral distribution. Wherein, microplastics were well depicted by Raman imaging coupled with independent component analysis. Moreover, O-PTIR imaging can quickly detect contaminants at low concentrations but with a low detection rate. Raman imaging underperformed in low-concentration samples but provided a better visualization in mid-concentration samples. Overall, the results confirmed that the visual detection of microplastics in powdered food can be realized by molecular spectral imaging coupled with data mining, which can provide a reference for the detection of microplastics in other foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Shi
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Liang Yi
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China; Institute of Healthy Food Industry, China Agricultural University, Jiangsu 225700, PR China
| | - Guorong Du
- Beijing Tobacco Supervision Station, Beijing 101121, PR China
| | - Xi Hu
- Quantum Design Co., Ltd., Beijing 100015, PR China
| | - Yue Huang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China; Institute of Healthy Food Industry, China Agricultural University, Jiangsu 225700, PR China.
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17
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Zhou Y, Jing J, Yu R, Zhao Y, Gou Y, Zhang Z, Tang H, Zhang H, Huang Y. Microplastics in plateau agricultural areas: Spatial changes reveal their source and distribution characteristics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:121006. [PMID: 36610652 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121006] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Huangshui catchment on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) was selected as the study area to investigate the abundance, distribution characteristics, and influencing factors of microplastics (MPs) in surface agricultural soils (0-20 cm). The MP levels ranged from 6 to 444 items/kg, with an average of 86 items/kg. The relative abundance of small-sized MPs (<2 mm) was higher than that of large-sized MPs (2-5 mm). Polyethylene was the most common, and residual mulching film in farmland was the main source of MPs. The spatial distribution characteristics of MPs were analyzed through inverse distance weight interpolation, and MP abundance in agricultural soils in neighboring urban areas was significantly higher than that in other areas. Further analysis found that population density was significantly positively correlated with MP abundance (R2 = 0.9090, p < 0.01), indicating that human activities play a key role in MP pollution even in remote areas. In addition, the effects of irrigation, land use type, and soil physicochemical properties on the abundance of MPs were analyzed. Atmospheric transport and irrigation with surface water contribute to soil MP pollution. The direct effects of soil properties on MP abundance are still largely unclear, requiring further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Jing Jing
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Ruyue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Land Quality, Ministry of Natural Resources, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yunze Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Land Quality, Ministry of Natural Resources, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yuxuan Gou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Land Quality, Ministry of Natural Resources, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Zhengyu Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Huaizhi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Land Quality, Ministry of Natural Resources, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
| | - Yuanfang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Land Quality, Ministry of Natural Resources, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
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18
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Jakobs A, Gürkal E, Möller JN, Löder MGJ, Laforsch C, Lueders T. A novel approach to extract, purify, and fractionate microplastics from environmental matrices by isopycnic ultracentrifugation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159610. [PMID: 36273563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159610] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The increasing accumulation of microplastics (MP) in the environment is considered one of the most important environmental challenges of our times. Reliable extraction and detection methods for MP in environmental samples are essential for determining the extent of pollution and assessing ecological risks. However, extraction of MP from complex environmental matrices such as soil remains technically challenging. Today, density-based extractions with saturated salt solutions are widely applied. Nevertheless, current methods do not allow for the fractionation of different MP particle types according to their specific polymer densities. Here, we present a novel isopycnic ultracentrifugation approach for the simultaneous extraction and fractionation of MP mixtures based on the particle-specific buoyant densities. In this proof-of-concept study, diffusion-based density gradients were prepared using caesium chloride media, covering a density range between 1.1 and 1.5 g mL-1, sufficient to resolve many common polymer densities. We selected MP particles with a low (polyamide; PA66), medium (polybutylene adipate terephthalate; PBAT), and high (polyethylene terephthalate; PET) density to validate separation performance. Both pristine and soil-incubated MP mixtures showed clear banding patterns at expected buoyant densities after isopycnic separation. μFTIR imaging of subsamples collected from resolved MP fractions showed a polymer-specific separation of ≥87.6 %. In addition, the quantitative recovery of MP particles from soil was between 86 and 99 %. The potential of isopycnic ultracentrifugation to preserve MP-associated biofilms was also assessed. Soil-incubated MP particles were inspected by confocal laser scanning microscopy before and after isopycnic separation, indicating a preservation of bioorganic structures. Hence, isopycnic ultracentrifugation offers a powerful novel approach for a polymer-specific extraction and resolution of MP particles with a wide potential for applications in MP research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Jakobs
- Chair of Ecological Microbiology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Elif Gürkal
- Chair of Ecological Microbiology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Julia N Möller
- Chair of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Chair of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Christian Laforsch
- Chair of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Tillmann Lueders
- Chair of Ecological Microbiology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Germany.
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19
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Katsumi N, Nagao S, Okochi H. Addition of polyvinyl pyrrolidone during density separation with sodium iodide solution improves recovery rate of small microplastics (20-150 μm) from soils and sediments. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135730. [PMID: 35863422 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify a method to accurately separate small microplastics (<100 μm) from soil and sediment. We initially conducted spike-and-recovery tests using polyethylene microbeads and density separation and found that the recovery rate of microplastic particles smaller than 100 μm was less than 60%. This result suggested that previous reports have underestimated the concentrations of microplastics smaller than 100 μm in soil. When polyvinyl pyrrolidone was added and dispersed in a heavy liquid, the recovery rate exceeded 90%, regardless of the microplastic particle size. This improved recovery rate was independent of the type of polymer (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, or nylon 6) and the physicochemical properties of the soil (Andisols, Entisols, or Ultisols), and the method was also effective for marine and lake sediments. Using this method, we measured microplastic concentrations in paddy soil. The results showed that the most common particle size, 20-100 μm, accounted for 64% of all microplastics. Accurate separation from the soil of fractions smaller than 100 μm, which account for the majority of microplastics in soil, will enable an accurate assessment of the impact of microplastics on the soil ecosystem. The method identified in this study can serve as the basic technique for achieving that goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Katsumi
- Faculty of Bioresources and Environmental Sciences, Ishikawa Prefectural University, 1-308 Suematsu, Nonoichi, Ishikawa, 921-8836, Japan.
| | - Seiya Nagao
- Low Level Radioactivity Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, 24, O, Wake, Nomi, Ishikawa, 923-1224, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okochi
- School of Creative Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
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20
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Liu Y, Jiang WY, Liao Y, Sun R, Hu J, Lu Z, Chang M, Yang J, Dai Z, Zhou C, Hong P, Qian ZJ, Sun S, Ren L, Liang YQ, Zhang Y, Li C. Separation of false-positive microplastics and analysis of microplastics via a two-phase system combined with confocal Raman spectroscopy. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 440:129803. [PMID: 36027743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129803] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the field of microplastics research, more accurate standardised methods and analytical techniques still need to be explored. In this study, a new method for the microplastics quantitatively and qualitatively analysis by two-phase (ethyl acetate-water) system combined with confocal Raman spectroscopy was developed. Microplastics can be separated from false-positive microplastics in beach sand and marine sediment, attributing to the hydrophobic-lipophilic interaction (HLI) of the two-phase system. Results show that the recovery rates of complex environment microplastics (polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide 66 (PA 66), polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene (PE)) are higher than 92.98%. Moreover, the new technique can also be used to detect hydrophobic and lipophilic antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole (SMX), erythromycin (EM), madimycin (MD), and josamycin (JOS), which adsorbed on microplastics and are extracted based on the dissolving-precipitating mechanism. This innovative research strategy provides a new scope for further detection of marine environment microplastics and toxic compounds adsorbed on its surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Wen-Yan Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yuying Liao
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ruikun Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jiale Hu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zifan Lu
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Min Chang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhenqing Dai
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China.
| | - Chunxia Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Pengzhi Hong
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhong-Ji Qian
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Shengli Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Liang
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yueqin Zhang
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China.
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21
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Yang H, Yumeng Y, Yu Y, Yinglin H, Fu B, Wang J. Distribution, sources, migration, influence and analytical methods of microplastics in soil ecosystems. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 243:114009. [PMID: 36030682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in soil ecosystems all over the world through source and migration. It is even estimated that the content of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems exceeds the number of microplastics entering sea ecosystems. However, compared with the research on microplastics in marine ecosystems, the research and discussion on microplastics in soil ecosystems are still less. Transportation, film mulching and sewage sludge are three main sources of soil microplastics. The abundance, polymer type, size and shape of the microplastics are related to the source and they help to clarify the source. The characteristics of microplastics, farming measures, soil animal activities and other factors promote the migration of microplastics, which bring new challenges to the soil ecosystems and humans. This article summarizes the latest research findings on the effects of soil microplasticity on soil properties, plants, animals and microorganisms. The analysis methods of microplastics in soil can refer to the analysis methods of microplastics of aquatic sediments, because soil and aquatic sediments are similar, both of which are complex solid substrates. At present, the development of analytical methods is limited due to the complex matrix of soil and the small volume of microplastics, which requires continuous development and innovation. Through the summary and analysis of related articles, this article reviews the distribution, sources, migration, influence and analysis methods of soil microplastics. This article also critically analyzes the deficiencies in the studies of microplastics in the soil ecosystems, and made some suggestions for future work. The microplastics in soil ecosystems need further research and summary, which will help people further understand the potential hazards of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Yang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Zhongshan Innovation Center of South China Agricultural University, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Yan Yumeng
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Youkai Yu
- Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Loughborough University, London E20 3BS, UK
| | - He Yinglin
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Bing Fu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 528478, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China.
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22
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Maisto M, Ranauda MA, Zuzolo D, Tartaglia M, Postiglione A, Prigioniero A, Falzarano A, Scarano P, Sciarrillo R, Guarino C. Influence of sediment texture on HDPE microplastics recovery by density separation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 317:115363. [PMID: 35642821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental pollutant, threatening marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Because of their properties and their widely varying size (5mm-0.1 μm), it is still difficult to define a valid and efficient method for extracting MPs from solid matrices. Among the several methods proposed, density separation is the most practical and cost-effective one. Progress is still ongoing towards a deeper understanding of the advantages and limitations related to the application of density separation for MPs extraction, the recovery yields and the factors that may influence it. In this context, we introduce the following work, which provides an early-stage insight into how the sediment texture may influence the efficiency of this extraction method, and how parameters, such as sedimentation time and extraction cycles, can be modified to always achieve the best recovery. Our focus has been directed on evaluating the extraction efficiency of HDPE MPs by density separation using NaCl, from three types of sediment: sandy (SS), sandy loam (SLS) and sandy-clay loam (SCLS). We investigated the impact of sedimentation time (1, 6, 12, 24 h) and extraction cycles (3 cycles for each sedimentation time) on MPs recovery. Finally, we determined the minimum amount of MPs (MPs g/g sediment) below which it is not possible to quantify MPs with the method used. The results have shown that the recovery efficiency of MPs from sediment is structure dependent. The highest recoveries are reached after a settling time of 1 and 6 h. Furthermore, for samples with minimum clay content (SS), only one extraction cycle is needed, whereas two extraction cycles are required for SLS and SCLS. The outcomes about the detection limit (LOD) of the method, showed the existence of an interaction MPs-clay/sediment, which allowed us to understand how far this extraction method is suitable in field, thus defining the minimum grade of MPs pollution (MPs g/g sediment) below which this method is no longer capable to extract MPs from contaminated samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maisto
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Ranauda
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Daniela Zuzolo
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy.
| | - Maria Tartaglia
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessia Postiglione
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Antonello Prigioniero
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessandra Falzarano
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Scarano
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Rosaria Sciarrillo
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Carmine Guarino
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
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23
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Yuan M, Zhang Y, Guo W, Chen S, Qiu Y, Zhang P. A rapid staged protocol for efficient recovery of microplastics from soil and sediment matrices based on hydrophobic separation. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113978. [PMID: 35914434 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in soil and sediment (SS) matrices are emerging pollution hazards to ecosystems and humans. To mitigate MP pollution, suitable extractors and associated extracting solutions are required to efficiently separate MPs from SS matrices. In this study, we introduced a four-stage microplastic extractor (ME) device and investigated the fractional separation efficiencies of three extracting solutions (ultrapure water, saturated NaCl, and corn oil-in-NaCl) plus aeration, magnetic stirring, and electric stirring for three kinds of SS matrices (loam soil, sandy sediment, and muddy sediment) with four types of virgin MP pellets (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene, and polystyrene). In addition, fragments of these four types of post-consumer MPs were also tested by the ME device. The mean recovery efficiencies of these MPs in the three SS matrices were 88.3 %-100 %. Oil-in-NaCl further improved the recovery efficiencies for the denser ABS and PC up to 40 % based on NaCl extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhe Yuan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China; Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Weihao Guo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Shan Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China.
| | - Ye Qiu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China.
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24
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Chen Y, Ouyang L, Liu N, Li F, Li P, Sun M, Qin H, Li Y, Xiang X, Wu L. pH-responsive magnetic artificial melanin with tunable aggregation-induced stronger magnetism for rapid remediation of plastic fragments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 435:128962. [PMID: 35472546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The global occurrence of plastic fragment pollutants in water resources has raised concerns about food safety, drinking water security, and long-term ecological impacts worldwide. The different chemical nature, the persistence, and the smaller size make micro-plastics accumulators for toxins that pose a potential threat to human health. Generally, the smaller the size of the plastic fragments is, the more difficult it is to remove them from the aquatic environment. Methods to remove plastics from water or other media are highly needed. Here, we develop core-shell superparamagnetic melanin nanoparticles, which can put magnetism on nano-/micro-plastics within 30 s and then rapidly remove them from water by applying an external magnetic field. The shell material (artificial nano-melanin) provides simultaneously attractive electrostatic, hydrophobic interaction, and van der Waals' forces to attract nano-/micro-plastics, which plays a key role in the rapid remediation of the plastic fragments. With this principle applied to a simple method, the average removal efficiency achieves 89.3%. We show a method for high-throughput remediation of various micro-plastics with simple materials and processes, which have the potential for rapid, green, and large-scale remediation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuange Chen
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Longling Ouyang
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Na Liu
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China
| | - Fang Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Peiyi Li
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China
| | - Mengmeng Sun
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China
| | - Haiyang Qin
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China
| | - Yang Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Xueping Xiang
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Lidong Wu
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China.
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25
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Zhang Z, Zhao S, Chen L, Duan C, Zhang X, Fang L. A review of microplastics in soil: Occurrence, analytical methods, combined contamination and risks. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119374. [PMID: 35490998 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is becoming a serious environmental issue of global concern. Currently, the effects of MPs on aquatic ecosystems have been studied in detail and in depth from species to communities. However, soils, the largest reservoir of MPs, have been less studied, and little is known about the occurrence, environmental fate and ecological impacts of MPs. Therefore, based on the existing knowledge, this paper firstly focused specifically on the main sources of soil MPs pollution and explored the main reasons for their strong heterogeneity in spatial distribution. Secondly, as a primary prerequisite for evaluating MPs contamination, we systematically summarized the analytical methods for soil MPs and critically compared the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods in the various operational steps. Furthermore, this review highlighted the combined contamination of MPs with complex chemical contaminants, the sorption mechanisms and the associated factors in the soil. Finally, the risks posed by MPs to soil, plants, the food chain and even humans were outlined, and future directions for soil MPs research were proposed, while the urgent need for a unified approach to MPs extraction and identification was emphasized. This study provides a theoretical reference for a comprehensive understanding of the separation of soil MPs and their ecological risk as carriers of pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqin Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shuling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Chengjiao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xingchang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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26
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Ramage SJFF, Pagaling E, Haghi RK, Dawson LA, Yates K, Prabhu R, Hillier S, Devalla S. Rapid extraction of high- and low-density microplastics from soil using high-gradient magnetic separation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154912. [PMID: 35364148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are present in all environments, and concerns over their possible detrimental effects on flora and fauna have arisen. Density separation (DS) is commonly used to separate MPs from soils to allow MP quantification; however, it frequently fails to extract high-density MPs sufficiently, resulting in under-estimation of MP abundances. In this proof-of-concept study, a novel three-stage extraction method was developed, involving high-gradient magnetic separation and removal of magnetic soil (Stage 1), magnetic tagging of MPs using surface modified iron nanoparticles (Stage 2), and high-gradient magnetic recovery of surface-modified MPs (Stage 3). The method was optimised for four different soil types (loam, high‑carbon loamy sand, sandy loam and high-clay sandy loam) spiked with different MP types (polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polytetrafluoroethylene) of different particle sizes (63 μm to 2 mm) as well as polyethylene fibres (2-4 mm). The optimised method achieved average recoveries of 96% for fibres and 92% for particles in loam, 91% for fibres and 87% for particles in high‑carbon loamy sand, 96% for fibres and 89% for particles in sandy loam, and 97% for fibres and 94% for particles in high-clay sandy loam. These were significantly higher than recoveries achieved by DS, particularly for fibres and high-density MPs (p < 0.05). To demonstrate the practical application of the HGMS method, it was applied to a farm soil sample, and high-density MP particles were only recovered by HGMS. Furthermore, this study showed that HGMS can recover fibre-aggregate complexes. This improved extraction method will provide better estimates of MP quantities in future studies focused on monitoring the prevalence of MPs in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J F F Ramage
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH, United Kingdom; Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Eulyn Pagaling
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH, United Kingdom.
| | - Reza K Haghi
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH, United Kingdom.
| | - Lorna A Dawson
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH, United Kingdom; Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Kyari Yates
- Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Stephen Hillier
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH, United Kingdom; Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Sandhya Devalla
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH, United Kingdom.
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27
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Prepilková V, Poništ J, Schwarz M, Bednárová D. Selection of Suitable Methods for the Detection of Microplastics in the Environment. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1061934822070127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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28
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Microplastic Extraction from Agricultural Soils Using Canola Oil and Unsaturated Sodium Chloride Solution and Evaluation by Incineration Method. SOIL SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/soilsystems6020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs) has become a global problem, but little is known about MPs in soils. This is because MP extraction methods from soils have not yet been standardized. In this study, we tried to establish a simple and economical method to extract soil MPs using the buoyancy of canola oil and the density separation process using sodium chloride (NaCl). In addition, the incineration method was adapted to evaluate the effectiveness of extraction methods precisely. First, the ability and suitability of seven different oils to extract MP from soil were investigated and canola oil was selected. Then, the spiking and recovery test was performed with canola oil and NaCl solution for low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylchloride (PVC) as follows: (1) soil and MP mixtures were prepared, (2) 5 g L−1 NaCl and canola oil were added and shaken thoroughly, (3) the oil phase containing MPs were separated after sedimentation, (4) the extracted MPs were rinsed with 99.5% ethanol, and (5) the organic adherents to the extracted MPs were digested with hydrogen peroxide. After drying and incineration, the substantial recovery rates were calculated. In the spiking and recovery test for MP particles (<1 mm) from five typical Japanese agricultural soils, the recoveries of LDPE, PP, and PVC were 95.2–98.3%, 95.2–98.7%, and 76.0–80.5%, respectively, higher than those obtained by the density separation using saturated NaCl solution. In conclusion, the method is effective for extracting MPs, especially LDPE and PP, from soils and is less sensitive to soil type, texture, and physicochemical properties.
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29
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Shanmugam SD, Praveena SM, Sarkar B. Quality assessment of research studies on microplastics in soils: A methodological perspective. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 296:134026. [PMID: 35189192 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become a global concern, and soil acts as a major sink for plastic pollution. Due to rapid development of soil microplastics research, various analysis methods have been developed, but require proper consistency and standard procedures. The objective of this study was to appraise a quality assessment concerning soil microplastics from a methodological perspective. Nine studies were selected for the quality assessment exercise based on methodological investigations on soil microplastics and were evaluated based on the adapted Criteria for Reporting and Evaluating Ecotoxicity Data (CRED) method. The highest score obtained by an individual study was 21 while the lowest was 14, leaving a wide score gap which indicated inconsistency amongst the studies. Criterion with the highest average score of 2.0 was obtained for sample size and data reporting. The lowest average score of 0.89 was for the negative control. In conclusion, the total average scores for all eleven criteria were 1.56. Current quality assessment perceived that there was room for improvement and betterment of quality assurance for studies on microplastics and a form of guideline on methodological aspects of soil microplastics studies. It was suggested that future microplastics studies should methodically include quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols in every process to ensure that good quality data is produced and applied in the risk assessment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyamala Devi Shanmugam
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sarva Mangala Praveena
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Jawa Timur, Indonesia.
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
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30
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Caldwell J, Taladriz-Blanco P, Lehner R, Lubskyy A, Ortuso RD, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Petri-Fink A. The micro-, submicron-, and nanoplastic hunt: A review of detection methods for plastic particles. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 293:133514. [PMID: 35016963 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic particle pollution has been shown to be almost completely ubiquitous within our surrounding environment. This ubiquity in combination with a variety of unique properties (e.g. density, hydrophobicity, surface functionalization, particle shape and size, transition temperatures, and mechanical properties) and the ever-increasing levels of plastic production and use has begun to garner heightened levels of interest within the scientific community. However, as a result of these properties, plastic particles are often reported to be challenging to study in complex (i.e. real) environments. Therefore, this review aims to summarize research generated on multiple facets of the micro- and nanoplastics field; ranging from size and shape definitions to detection and characterization techniques to generating reference particles; in order to provide a more complete understanding of the current strategies for the analysis of plastic particles. This information is then used to provide generalized recommendations for researchers to consider as they attempt to study plastics in analytically complex environments; including method validation using reference particles obtained via the presented creation methods, encouraging efforts towards method standardization through the reporting of all technical details utilized in a study, and providing analytical pathway recommendations depending upon the exact knowledge desired and samples being studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Caldwell
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Taladriz-Blanco
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland; Water Quality Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), A v. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Roman Lehner
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland; Sail & Explore Association, Kramgasse 18, 3011, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andriy Lubskyy
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Diego Ortuso
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Alke Petri-Fink
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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31
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Romero-Sarmiento MF, Ravelojaona H, Pillot D, Rohais S. Polymer quantification using the Rock-Eval® device for identification of plastics in sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:151068. [PMID: 34673077 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151068] [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: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this work, artificial thermal degradation experiments using the Rock-Eval® device were performed on selected polymer microsphere samples (PE, PP, PE100, PA6, PA11, PFA and PET). The main idea of this work is first to create a database of different polymer standard responses using the specific Rock-Eval® FID/IR peak signals. Several specific Rock-Eval® parameters are now defined to characterize each polymer family. For instance, each polymer is characterized by specific quantified parameters like Total HCpolymer, Total COpolymer, TotalCO2polymer, Tpeakpolymer, among others. This study attempts to demonstrate if this quick thermal degradation method can be also used to characterize the plastic contents (detection, type, and quantity) in sedimentary samples. Results indicate that each investigated polymer shows specific Rock-Eval® parameters that can be considered as useful characteristics of polymer families (mainly Tpeakpolymer, TOCpolymer, PCpolymer, RCpolymer, total HCpolymer, total COpolymer and total CO2polymer parameters). Samples containing different mineral matrices (e.g. sand, shale, marl and carbonate) were also mixed with polymers at different concentrations varying between 0.2 and 4.2 wt%. These composite samples were also analyzed in order to evaluate their thermal degradation comparing their specific Rock-Eval® FID/IR signatures. For example, most composite samples show an excellent linear correlation between TOC, PC, RC, total HC, CO and CO2 parameters versus the amount polymer at different concentrations. Although more work is still needed, a methodology is here proposed to distinguish and quantify the presence of plastics in the environment applying the proposed polymer Rock-Eval® database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Fernanda Romero-Sarmiento
- IFP Énergies nouvelles (IFPEN), Direction Sciences de la Terre et Technologies de l'Environnement, 1 et 4 avenue de Bois-Préau, 92852 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex, France.
| | - Herman Ravelojaona
- IFP Énergies nouvelles (IFPEN), Direction Sciences de la Terre et Technologies de l'Environnement, 1 et 4 avenue de Bois-Préau, 92852 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex, France
| | - Daniel Pillot
- IFP Énergies nouvelles (IFPEN), Direction Sciences de la Terre et Technologies de l'Environnement, 1 et 4 avenue de Bois-Préau, 92852 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex, France
| | - Sébastien Rohais
- IFP Énergies nouvelles (IFPEN), Direction Sciences de la Terre et Technologies de l'Environnement, 1 et 4 avenue de Bois-Préau, 92852 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex, France
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Nabi I, Bacha AUR, Zhang L. A review on microplastics separation techniques from environmental media. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2022; 337:130458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
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Bejarano S, Diemel V, Feuring A, Ghilardi M, Harder T. No short-term effect of sinking microplastics on heterotrophy or sediment clearing in the tropical coral Stylophora pistillata. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1468. [PMID: 35087129 PMCID: PMC8795188 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations of encounters between corals and microplastics have, to date, used particle concentrations that are several orders of magnitude above environmentally relevant levels. Here we investigate whether concentrations closer to values reported in tropical coral reefs affect sediment shedding and heterotrophy in reef-building corals. We show that single-pulse microplastic deposition elicits significantly more coral polyp retraction than comparable amounts of calcareous sediments. When deposited separately from sediments, microplastics remain longer on corals than sediments, through stronger adhesion and longer periods of examination by the coral polyps. Contamination of sediments with microplastics does not retard corals' sediment clearing rates. Rather, sediments speed-up microplastic shedding, possibly affecting its electrostatic behaviour. Heterotrophy rates are three times higher than microplastic ingestion rates when corals encounter microzooplankton (Artemia salina cysts) and microplastics separately. Exposed to cysts-microplastic combinations, corals feed preferentially on cysts regardless of microplastic concentration. Chronic-exposure experiments should test whether our conclusions hold true under environmental conditions typical of inshore marginal coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Bejarano
- Reef Systems Research Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Valeska Diemel
- Reef Systems Research Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Bund Für Umwelt Und Naturschutz (BUND) E.V., Am Dobben 44, 28203, Bremen, Germany
| | - Anna Feuring
- Reef Systems Research Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Biological Oceanography Department, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, D-18119, Rostock, Germany
| | - Mattia Ghilardi
- Reef Systems Research Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Tilmann Harder
- Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany
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Kiran BR, Kopperi H, Venkata Mohan S. Micro/nano-plastics occurrence, identification, risk analysis and mitigation: challenges and perspectives. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2022; 21:169-203. [PMID: 35103051 PMCID: PMC8792138 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-021-09609-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MP/NPs) are emerging global pollutants that garnered enormous attention due to their potential threat to the ecosystem in virtue of their persistence and accumulation. Notably, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) yearbook in 2014 proposed MPs as one among ten emergent issues that the Earth is facing today. MP/NPs can be found in most regularly used products (primary microplastics) or formed by the fragmentation of bigger plastics (secondary microplastics) and are inextricably discharged into the environment by terrestrial and land-based sources, particularly runoff. They are non-degradable, biologically incompatible, and their presence in the air, soil, water, and food can induce ecotoxicological issues and also a menace to the environment. Due to micro size and diverse chemical nature, MP/NPs easily infiltrate wastewater treatment processes. This communication reviews the current understanding of MP/NPs occurrence, mobility, aggregation behavior, and degradation/assimilation in terrestrial, aquatic (fresh & marine), atmospheric depositions, wetlands and trophic food chain. This communication provide current perspectives and understanding on MP/NPs concerning (1) Source, occurrence, distribution, and properties (2) Impact on the ecosystem and its services, (3) Techniques in detection and identification and (4) Strategies to manage and mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boda Ravi Kiran
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, 500007 India
| | - Harishankar Kopperi
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, 500007 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
| | - S. Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, 500007 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
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Adhikari S, Kelkar V, Kumar R, Halden RU. Methods and challenges in the detection of microplastics and nanoplastics: a mini‐review. POLYM INT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.6348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sangeet Adhikari
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
- School of Sustainable Engineering and Built Environment Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
| | - Varun Kelkar
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
- School of Sustainable Engineering and Built Environment Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- School of Sustainable Engineering and Built Environment Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
| | - Rolf U Halden
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
- School of Sustainable Engineering and Built Environment Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
- OneWaterOneHealth Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
- Global Futures Laboratory Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
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Duong TT, Le PT, Nguyen TNH, Hoang TQ, Ngo HM, Doan TO, Le TPQ, Bui HT, Bui MH, Trinh VT, Nguyen TL, Da Le N, Vu TM, Tran TKC, Ho TC, Phuong NN, Strady E. Selection of a density separation solution to study microplastics in tropical riverine sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:65. [PMID: 34993616 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09664-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small (< 5 mm) plastic particles that are widely found in marine, freshwater, terrestrial and atmospheric environments. Due to their prevalence and persistence, MPs are considered an emerging contaminant of environmental concern. The separation and quantitation of MPs from freshwater sediments is a challenging and critical issue. It is necessary to identify the fate and sources of MPs in the environment, minimise their release and adverse effects. Compared to marine sediments, standardised methods for extracting and estimating the amount of MPs in freshwater sediments are relatively limited. The present study focuses on MP recovery efficiency of four commonly used salt solutions (NaCl, NaI, CaCl2 and ZnCl2) for isolating MPs during the density separation step from freshwater sediment. Known combinations of artificial MP particles (PS, PE, PVC, PET, PP and HDPE) were spiked into standard river sediment. Extraction using NaI, ZnCl2 and NaCl solutions resulted in higher recovery rates from 37 to 97% compared to the CaCl2 solution (28-83%) and varied between polymer types. Low-density MPs (PE, HDPE, PP and PS) were more effectively recovered (> 87%) than the denser polymers (PET and PVC: 37 to 88.8%) using NaCl, NaI and ZnCl2 solutions. However, the effective flotation of ZnCl2 and NaI solutions is relatively expensive and unsafe to the environment, especially in the context of developing countries. Therefore, considering the efficiency, cost and environmental criteria, NaCl solution was selected. The protocol was then tested by extracting MPs from nine riverine sediment samples from the Red River Delta. Sediments collected from urban rivers were highly polluted by MPs (26,000 MPs items·kg-1 DW) compared to sediments located downstream. Using a NaCl solution was found to be effective in this case study and might also be used in long-term and large-scale MP monitoring programmes in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Thuy Duong
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Phuong Thu Le
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Nhu Huong Nguyen
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Quynh Hoang
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ha My Ngo
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Oanh Doan
- Faculty of Environment, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, No 41A, Phu Dien Street, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Phuong Quynh Le
- Institute of Natural Product Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huyen Thuong Bui
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Manh Ha Bui
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Saigon University, 273 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Van Tuyen Trinh
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thuy Lien Nguyen
- VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Thanh Xuan, 334 Nguyen Trai street, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nhu Da Le
- Institute of Natural Product Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Mai Vu
- Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Kim Chi Tran
- Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tu Cuong Ho
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Nam Phuong
- PhuTho College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hung Vuong Boulevard, 2201, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province, Vietnam
| | - Emilie Strady
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
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Bottone A, Boily JF, Shchukarev A, Andersson P, Klaminder J. Sodium hypochlorite as an oxidizing agent for removal of soil organic matter before microplastics analyses. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2022; 51:112-122. [PMID: 34936093 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The omnipresence of microplastics (MPs) across Earth's surface has raised concerns about their environmental impact and created an urgent need for methods to identify them in complex soil and sedimentary matrices. However, detecting MPs in the O horizons of soils is difficult because plastic polymers share many physical and chemical properties with natural soil organic matter (SOM). In this study, we assessed whether sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), a reagent that can oxidize SOM and simultaneously preserve mineral constituents, can be used for MP analysis and characterization in soil environments. In addition, we scrutinized how factors such as MP size, polymer type, extraction methods, and soil matrix affect the recovery of microplastic particles. We used both hydrophobic and density-dependent separation methods to assess the effects of our oxidation treatment on the recovery of MP. We observed that NaOCl effectively removed SOM without greatly altering the surface properties of resistant MP polymers (polypropylene, polylactic acid, low-density polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate), which were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy after SOM removal. The NaOCl treatment caused some chlorination and formation of additional C-OH bonds on polymer surfaces, which likely contributed to the reduced efficiency of the hydrophobic-based (oil) extraction. We conclude that NaOCl treatment can improve detection of MPs in SOM-rich soil and that recovery of MPs from soils is influenced by MP size, polymer type, extraction method, and soil type, which makes it challenging to develop a universal analytical method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bottone
- Dep. of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå Univ., Umeå, Sweden
- Dep. of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala Univ., Uppsala, Sweden
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Rist S, Hartmann NB, Welden NAC. How fast, how far: Diversification and adoption of novel methods in aquatic microplastic monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118174. [PMID: 34583265 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Since 2004, there has been a marked diversification in the methods used to determine aquatic microplastic (MP) concentrations. Despite calls for a unified approach to MP sampling, the proliferation of new methods has accelerated in recent years. Both minor method adaptations and entirely novel approaches have been introduced to overcome barriers to reliable MP sampling, extraction and quantification, resulting in a variety of complimentary but also competing approaches. However, there is little clarity regarding the extent to which new methods are acknowledged and adopted, or of the apparent drivers of, as well as barriers to, said adoption. To explore these issues, the rate of method diversification was examined in a systematic review. The rate and degree of diversification were determined by scoring each method by its "degree of novelty": highly novel methods, secondary adaptations of existing methods and smaller, tertiary adaptations of existing methods. This analysis revealed that the rate of method diversification has been greatest since 2011. Our results indicate limited use of these novel methods and adaptations in the subsequent literature, with many researchers falling back on methods that are well established in the existing literature. Importantly, there is little consistency in the units used when reporting MP concentrations. However, these differences are seldom driven by method selection and are rather the result of discrepancies between researchers. Thus, in understanding the requirements of comparability and consistent reporting for monitoring purposes, we can apply a diverse approach to sampling whilst maintaining the applicability and usefulness of the resulting data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinja Rist
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nanna B Hartmann
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Natalie A C Welden
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, Great Britain, United Kingdom.
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Bonfanti P, Colombo A, Saibene M, Motta G, Saliu F, Catelani T, Mehn D, La Spina R, Ponti J, Cella C, Floris P, Mantecca P. Microplastics from miscellaneous plastic wastes: Physico-chemical characterization and impact on fish and amphibian development. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 225:112775. [PMID: 34536794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution represents a global problem with negative impacts on aquatic environment and organisms' health. To date, most of the laboratory toxicological studies on microplastics (MPs) have made use of single commercial micro and nano-polymers, which do not reflect the heterogeneity of environmental MPs. To improve the relevance of the hazard assessment, micrometer-sized plastic particles of miscellaneous non-reusable waste plastics, with size <100 µm and <50 µm (waste microplastics, wMPs), were characterized by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and tested on developing zebrafish and Xenopus laevis by FET and FETAX assays respectively. Moreover, the modalities of wMP interaction with the embryonic structures, as well as the histological lesions, were explored by light and electron microscopy. We have shown that wMPs had very heterogeneous shapes and sizes, were mainly composed of polyethylene and polypropylene and contained metal and organic impurities, as well as submicrometric particle fractions, features that resemble those of environmental occurring MPs. wMPs (0.1-100 mg/L) caused low rate of mortality and altered phenotypes in embryos, but established species-specific biointeractions. In zebrafish, wMPs by adhering to chorion were able to delay hatching in a size and concentration dependent manner. In Xenopus embryos, which open stomodeum earlier than zebrafish, wMPs were accumulated in intestinal tract, where produced mechanical stress and stimulated mucus overproduction, attesting an irritation response. Although wMP biointeractions did not interfere with morphogenesis processes, further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and long-term impact of these, or even smaller, wMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Bonfanti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Anita Colombo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Melissa Saibene
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Motta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Tiziano Catelani
- Interdepartmental Microscopy Platform, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Dora Mehn
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Rita La Spina
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Jessica Ponti
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Claudia Cella
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Pamela Floris
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Paride Mantecca
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
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Prosenc F, Leban P, Šunta U, Bavcon Kralj M. Extraction and Identification of a Wide Range of Microplastic Polymers in Soil and Compost. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13234069. [PMID: 34883573 PMCID: PMC8658807 DOI: 10.3390/polym13234069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is globally widespread; however, the presence of microplastics in soil systems is poorly understood, due to the complexity of soils and a lack of standardised extraction methods. Two commonly used extraction methods were optimised and compared for the extraction of low-density (polyethylene (PE)) and high-density microplastics (polyethylene (PET)), olive-oil-based extraction, and density separation with zinc chloride (ZnCl2). Comparable recoveries in a low-organic-matter matrix (soil; most >98%) were observed, but in a high-organic-matter matrix (compost), density separation yielded higher recoveries (98 ± 4% vs. 80 ± 11%). Density separation was further tested for the extraction of five microplastic polymers spiked at different concentrations. Recoveries were >93% for both soil and compost, with no differences between matrices and individual polymers. Reduction in levels of organic matter in compost was tested before and after extraction, as well as combined. Double oxidation (Fenton’s reagent and 1 M NaOH) exhibited the highest reduction in organic matter. Extracted microplastic polymers were further identified via headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS). This method has shown the potential for descriptive quantification of microplastic polymers. A linear relationship between the number of particles and the signal response was demonstrated for PET, polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PE (R2 > 0.98 in alluvial soil, and R2 > 0.80 in compost). The extraction and identification methods were demonstrated on an environmental sample of municipal biowaste compost, with the recovery of 36 ± 9 microplastic particles per 10 g of compost, and the detection of PS and PP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franja Prosenc
- Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Pia Leban
- Department for Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.L.); (M.B.K.)
| | - Urška Šunta
- Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Mojca Bavcon Kralj
- Department for Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.L.); (M.B.K.)
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Meixuan S, Zhiqiang W, Jinjun W, Guofeng L. Study on tribocharging of CaCO3 particles based on CFD-DEM gas-solid two-phase flow coupling. POWDER TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Searching Nanoplastics: From Sampling to Sample Processing. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13213658. [PMID: 34771215 PMCID: PMC8588424 DOI: 10.3390/polym13213658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are considered emerging pollutants, namely unregulated contaminants whose toxic effect on humans and the environment has been demonstrated or suspected. They are the result of the physical fragmentation of the plastics that over time reach smaller dimensions (<100 nm). The issues related to the characterization and quantification of NPs in the environmental matrices are mainly related to the infinitepsimal size, to the fact that they are found in bulk, and to the different physico-chemical forms in which the same polymer can evolve over time by degradation. To deal with the study of a new class of pollutants it is necessary to assess the entire analytical method, carefully considering every single step (sampling, cleanup, qualitative, and quantitative analysis) starting from the validation method in the laboratory. This paper reviews the analytical method steps, focusing on the first ones, which the current literature often underestimates: laboratory tests, sampling, and sample processing; in fact, most errors and the quality of the analyses often depend on them. In addition, all newly introduced sample processing methods were examined.
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Constant M, Billon G, Breton N, Alary C. Extraction of microplastics from sediment matrices: Experimental comparative analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 420:126571. [PMID: 34265648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are small (<5 mm) fragments of plastic debris that are ubiquitous in oceans and terrestrial ecosystems. Studies on microplastics in sediment and soil matrices are particularly challenging because of the need to separate the plastics from the sediments. We investigated the efficiencies of 18 combinations of six extracting solutions (ESs) (oil, water, oil-in-water, NaCl, oil-in-NaCl, and NaI) and three isolation methods (IMs) (hand stirring, centrifugation, and aeration) for fine and coarse sediments, with low and high density polymers. IMs did not affect the extraction efficiency. Except in case of oil, all ESs enabled good extraction (84 ± 17%) of light polymers (PE and PE-ABS). NaI presented the best extraction efficiency (71 ± 17%) for the densest polymers (PET, PES, and PA). For these ESs, fibers were extracted at a lower efficiency than pellets and fragments, and sediment gran size did not affect the extraction. For other ESs, mean extraction rates ranged from 5% to 48%. Overall, the extraction efficiencies were lower than those found in the literature, despite repeating the separation process three times. The collection of floating materials remained a problem, as plastics tended to adhere to the glass wall. Our work will help the comparability between previous and future monitoring results and the selection of the most suitable protocols for future studies. This work clearly demonstrates also that there is no robust protocol for extracting all types and forms of microplastics from fine sediments and that research efforts to arrive at a reliable method remain by taking account the interaction of MPs with other particles as well as the electrostatic properties of MP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mel Constant
- Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, ULR 4515 - LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Gabriel Billon
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE, Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Noémie Breton
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE, Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Claire Alary
- Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, ULR 4515 - LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France
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Junhao C, Xining Z, Xiaodong G, Li Z, Qi H, Siddique KHM. Extraction and identification methods of microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soil: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 294:112997. [PMID: 34111599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As the abundance of microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) increases in the environment, their presence in agricultural soil has become of interest. MPs/NPs can affect soil physical and chemical properties and be absorbed by plants and soil animals, causing physical and chemical damage. Soil MPs exceeding a certain concentration cause significant harm. Therefore, the extraction and identification of MPs in soil are vital for determining soil pollution. However, soils contain many other particles of similar size to MPs/NPs, making it more difficult to distinguish them than in water bodies. No standardized extraction and identification method is available to quantify MPs/NPs in soil. Various methods have been described in the literature, but they involve many different procedures for sampling, purification, digestion, and identification. This paper reviews extraction and identification methods for MPs/NPs in soil, sediment, and water and summarizes agricultural soil sampling and preservation, MPs/NPs separation, organic matter removal, and MPs/NPs identification. We also compare the advantages and disadvantages of existing methods and propose future research topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Junhao
- College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering in Arid and Semiarid Areas, Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China
| | - Zhao Xining
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering in Arid and Semiarid Areas, Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, 712100 Yangling, China.
| | - Gao Xiaodong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering in Arid and Semiarid Areas, Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, 712100 Yangling, China.
| | - Zhang Li
- College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering in Arid and Semiarid Areas, Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China
| | - Hu Qi
- College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering in Arid and Semiarid Areas, Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China
| | - Kadambot H M Siddique
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture and School of Agriculture & Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia
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Tirkey A, Upadhyay LSB. Microplastics: An overview on separation, identification and characterization of microplastics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112604. [PMID: 34146857 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
At present plastic residues has become grave threat to the environment. Microplastics are plastic residues with a size <5 mm, due to their small size it is very difficult to remove them from water bodies, sediments and air with available techniques. Nanoplastics are different in size range as nanoplastics are smaller than 1 μm in size. This review is an attempt to gather an insight towards microplastic and its associated point of concerns. The review will highlight some of the methods appropriate for microplastics sampling and techniques for its identification in environmental samples. Some of the sampling methods include sieving, filtration, visual sorting, digestion, density separation. While, identification techniques in practice are SEM-EDS, FTIR, NIR, Raman, NMR spectroscopy, etc. Still there is a need and scope for development of more economical and portable techniques in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Tirkey
- National Institute of Technology Raipur, Department of Biotechnology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010, India
| | - Lata Sheo Bachan Upadhyay
- National Institute of Technology Raipur, Department of Biotechnology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010, India.
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46
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Bellasi A, Binda G, Pozzi A, Boldrocchi G, Bettinetti R. The extraction of microplastics from sediments: An overview of existing methods and the proposal of a new and green alternative. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 278:130357. [PMID: 33823347 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is an existing and concerning environmental issue. Plastic particles have been observed worldwide in every natural matrix, with water environments being the final sink of dispersed MPs. Microplastic distribution in water ecosystems varies as a function of multiple factors, including polymer properties (e.g., density and wettability) and environmental conditions (e.g., water currents and temperature). Because of the tendency of MPs to settle, sediment is known to be one of the most impacted environmental matrices. Despite the increasing awareness of their diffusion in sediments, a proper quantification of dispersed particles is still difficult, due to the lack of standard protocols, which avoid a proper comparison of different sites. This hampers the current knowledge on environmental implications and toxicological effects of MPs in sediments. In this work, we examined 49 studies carried out from 2004 to 2020 to describe the different extraction methods applied, and to highlight pros and cons, with the aim of evaluating the more promising protocols. Therefore, we evaluated each proposed method by considering precision, reproducibility, economic viability and greenness (in term of used reagents). Finally, we proposed a valid alternative procedure in term of reliability and costs, which can attract increasing interest for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bellasi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy.
| | - G Binda
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy.
| | - A Pozzi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy.
| | - G Boldrocchi
- Department of Human and Innovation for the Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy.
| | - R Bettinetti
- Department of Human and Innovation for the Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy.
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Yang L, Zhang Y, Kang S, Wang Z, Wu C. Microplastics in soil: A review on methods, occurrence, sources, and potential risk. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146546. [PMID: 33770602 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic is an emerging contaminant of concern in soil globally due to its widespread and potential risks on the ecological system. Some basic issues such as the occurrence, source, and potential risks of microplastics in the soil are still open questions. These problems arise due to the lack of systematic and comprehensive analysis of microplastic in soils. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed the current status of knowledge on microplastics in soil on detection, occurrence, characterization, source, and potential risk. Our review suggests that microplastics are ubiquitous in soil matrices globally. However, the research progress of microplastics in the soil is restricted by inherent technological inconsistencies and difficulties in analyzing particles in complex matrices, and studies on the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in soil environments remain very scarce, especially in Africa, South America, and Oceania. The consistency of the characteristics and composition of the microplastics in the aquatic environment and soil demonstrate they may share sources and exchange microplastics. Wide and varied sources of microplastic are constantly filling the soil, which causes the accumulation of microplastics in the soil. Studies on the effects and potential risks of microplastics in soil ecosystems are also reviewed. Limited research has shown that the combination and interaction of microplastics with contaminants they absorbed may affect soil health and function, and even migration along the food chain. The occurrence and impact of microplastic on the soil depend on the morphology, chemical components, and natural factors. We conclude that large research gaps exist in the quantification and estimation of regional emissions of microplastics in soil, factors affecting the concentration of microplastics, and microplastic disguising as soil carbon storage, which need more effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaoqing Wang
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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48
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Ahmed MB, Rahman MS, Alom J, Hasan MS, Johir MAH, Mondal MIH, Lee DY, Park J, Zhou JL, Yoon MH. Microplastic particles in the aquatic environment: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 775:145793. [PMID: 33631597 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become one of the most severe environmental concerns today. MPs persist in the environment and cause adverse effects in organisms. This review aims to present a state-of-the-art overview of MPs in the aquatic environment. Personal care products, synthetic clothing, air-blasting facilities and drilling fluids from gas-oil industries, raw plastic powders from plastic manufacturing industries, waste plastic products and wastewater treatment plants act as the major sources of MPs. For MPs analysis, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), Py-MS methods, Raman spectroscopy, and FT-IR spectroscopy are regarded as the most promising methods for MPs identification and quantification. Due to the large surface area to volume ratio, crystallinity, hydrophobicity and functional groups, MPs can interact with various contaminants such as heavy metals, antibiotics and persistent organic contaminants. Among different physical and biological treatment technologies, the MPs removal performance decreases as membrane bioreactor (> 99%) > activated sludge process (~98%) > rapid sand filtration (~97.1%) > dissolved air floatation (~95%) > electrocoagulation (> 90%) > constructed wetlands (88%). Chemical treatment methods such as coagulation, magnetic separations, Fenton, photo-Fenton and photocatalytic degradation also show moderate to high efficiency of MP removal. Hybrid treatment technologies show the highest removal efficacies of MPs. Finally, future research directions for MPs are elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Boshir Ahmed
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea; Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Md Saifur Rahman
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea; Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Jahangir Alom
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saif Hasan
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - M A H Johir
- Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - M Ibrahim H Mondal
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Da-Young Lee
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeil Park
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - John L Zhou
- Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Myung-Han Yoon
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
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49
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He D, Zhang X, Hu J. Methods for separating microplastics from complex solid matrices: Comparative analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 409:124640. [PMID: 33246814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely found in complex solid matrices such as soil, sediments and sludge. The separation procedure is crucial for effective analysis of MPs, but existing methods varied among studies. Here, we systematically summarize and compare separation methods including density, oil, electrostatic, magnetic, and solvent extraction separation. Density separation is the most commonly used approach, but time-consuming and discharging hazardous materials dependent on extraction solutions. In contrast, oil, electrostatic, magnetic separation and solvent extraction separation are emerging approaches with advantages of low-cost, quick, or environmentally-friendly, but with high request of instruments. Despite variation among these approaches, the separation efficiency is closely related to characteristics of MPs including polymer types, sizes and shapes. The treatment of digestion and fluorescence staining can facilitate the detection of MPs. This analysis suggests that further optimization and improvement of existing approaches can facilitate the development of new separation technology for assaying MPs in complex environmental matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defu He
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jiani Hu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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50
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Cutroneo L, Reboa A, Geneselli I, Capello M. Considerations on salts used for density separation in the extraction of microplastics from sediments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112216. [PMID: 33684703 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination by plastics and microplastics is a recognised problem worldwide, and it is the focus of many research teams. In the quantification of microplastics in the environment (plastic items with dimensions between 1 μm and 5 mm), the search for shared and universally recognised protocols and methodologies is still ongoing. In this study, the use of a method for extracting microplastics from marine sediments based on density separation has been considered. Fifty studies were analysed to investigate the scenario of salts exploited during microplastic extraction. The most commonly used salts are NaCl (45.6%), ZnCl2 (19.3%) and NaI (17.5%). Considerations related to cost, availability, hazards of the salts and thus the repeatability of the related extraction method are reported. In light of the findings, NaCl remains the most readily usable, economical and effective salt for the extraction of microplastics from marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cutroneo
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16032 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Anna Reboa
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16032 Genoa, Italy
| | - Irene Geneselli
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16032 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Capello
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16032 Genoa, Italy
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