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Devi SS, Saifudeen N, Kumar KS, Kumar AB. Does the microplastics ingestion patterns and polymer composition vary across the oceanic zones? A case study from the Indian coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 204:116532. [PMID: 38824708 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
This study explores microplastic (MP) presence in the gastrointestinal tracts of deep-sea fish from the Central Indian Ocean, off the Indian coast. Among the 27 species examined, 19 showed MP contamination, averaging 2.68 ± 0.30 (±SE) MPs per individual. Polymer analysis via FTIR and micro-Raman identified several types, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polypropelene (PP), polyvinyl acetate (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyaniline (PANI), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyethersulfone (PES), with PET being the most prevalent (33.33 %). MP ingestion was higher in benthopelagic fish and those at higher trophic levels, as indicated by comparisons across oceanic zones. Niche partitioning analysis suggests feeding behaviour as a primary influencer of MP ingestion in deep-sea fish rather than habitat or trophic level. The study proposes the potential use of deep-sea fish as indicators for assessing microplastic pollution across oceanic zones and deep-sea regions through bycatch monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvarna S Devi
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 69551, Kerala, India
| | - Nasila Saifudeen
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 69551, Kerala, India
| | | | - Appukuttannair Biju Kumar
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 69551, Kerala, India.
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2
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Santos VS, Vidal C, Bisinoti MC, Moreira AB, Montagner CC. Integrated occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern, including microplastics, in urban and agricultural watersheds in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:173025. [PMID: 38723955 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including microplastics, have been the focus of many studies due to their environmental impact, affecting biota and human health. The diverse land uses and occupation of watersheds are important parameters driving the occurrence of these contaminants. CECs such as pesticides, drugs, hormones, and industrial-origin substances were analyzed in urban/industrial (Atibaia) and agricultural (Preto/Turvo) watersheds located in São Paulo state, Brazil. A total of 24 CECs were investigated, and, as a result, only 5 (caffeine, carbendazim, atrazine, ametrine and 2-hydroxytrazine) were responsible for 81.73 % of the statistical difference between watersheds contamination profile. The Atibaia watershed presented considerable concentrations of caffeine (ranging from 75 to 2025 ng L-1), while carbendazim (44 to 1144 ng L-1) and atrazine (3 to 266 ng L-1) presented highest levels in Preto/Turvo watershed. In all sampling points, the cumulative potential aquatic life risk assessed by the NORMAN database indicates some level of environmental concern associated to pesticides and caffeine (risk quotient >1). Microplastics had been analyzed in both watersheds, being the white/transparent fragments in size between 100 and 250 μm the most detected in this study. The estimated abundance in the Atibaia watershed ranged from 349 to 2898 items m-3 presenting some influence of pluviosity, while in Rio Preto/Turvo ranged from 169 to 6370 items m-3, being more abundant in the dam area without a clear influence of pluviosity. In both basins, polyethylene and polypropylene were the most detected polymers, probably due to the intense use of single-use plastics in urban areas. Possibly, due to the distinct physic-chemical properties of microplastics and organic CECs, no correlations were observed between their occurrence, which makes us conclude that they have different transport mechanism, behavior, and fate in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius S Santos
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Vidal
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Marcia C Bisinoti
- São Paulo State University, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Altair B Moreira
- São Paulo State University, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Cassiana C Montagner
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil.
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3
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Ahmed Dar A, Chen Z, Sardar MF, An C. Navigating the nexus: climate dynamics and microplastics pollution in coastal ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118971. [PMID: 38642636 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118971] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is an emerging environmental health concern, impacting soil, plants, animals, and humans through their entry into the food chain via bioaccumulation. Human activities such as improper solid waste dumping are significant sources that ultimately transport MPs into the water bodies of the coastal areas. Moreover, there is a complex interplay between the coastal climate dynamics, environmental factors, the burgeoning issue of MPs pollution and the complex web of coastal pollution. We embark on a comprehensive journey, synthesizing the latest research across multiple disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of how these inter-connected factors shape and reshape the coastal ecosystems. The comprehensive review also explores the impact of the current climatic patterns on coastal regions, the intricate pathways through which MPs can infiltrate marine environments, and the cascading effects of coastal pollution on ecosystems and human societies in terms of health and socio-economic impacts in coastal regions. The novelty of this review concludes the changes in climate patterns have crucial effects on coastal regions, proceeding MPs as more prevalent, deteriorating coastal ecosystems, and hastening the transfer of MPs. The continuous rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and strong storms result in habitat loss, decline in biodiversity, and economic repercussion. Feedback mechanisms intensify pollution effects, underlying the urgent demand for environmental conservation contribution. In addition, the complex interaction between human, industry, and biodiversity demanding cutting edge strategies, innovative approaches such as remote sensing with artificial intelligence for monitoring, biobased remediation techniques, global cooperation in governance, policies to lessen the negative socioeconomic and environmental effects of coastal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Ahmed Dar
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | | | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada
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De Benedetto GE, Fraissinet S, Tardio N, Rossi S, Malitesta C. Microplastics determination and quantification in two benthic filter feeders Sabella spallanzanii, Polychaeta and Paraleucilla magna, Porifera. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31796. [PMID: 38845917 PMCID: PMC11153181 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31796] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a worldwide problem especially in the marine environment. Plastic items once fragmented into microplastics (MPs), can be captured by different marine species. Benthic filter feeders like sponges and polychaetas, due to their trophic strategy, are highly exposed to MPs pollution. Herein a simple but effective method to digest the fan worm Sabella spallanzanii and the calcareous sponge Paraleucilla magna is presented: a solution with KOH and H2O2 was able to remove quantitatively (more than 98 %) the organic matter in 3 h while an acid treatment dissolved most of spicules and chaetes in less than 30 min. MPs were easily identified both microscopically and spectroscopically on filters. Quantification in animals collected from the same environment showed that, on average, sponges accumulate fewer MPs than polychaetes (66 ± 31 and 117 ± 46 particles/g dry weight, respectively). The plastic recovery of the method was validated using three different approaches (spiking of standard PS microspheres, of common-use plastic objects, and of microplastics already weathered in marine environment). This procedure can make it easier and cost-effective to process biota in monitoring studies, providing information about bioindicator/bioremediation species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe E. De Benedetto
- Laboratorio di Spettrometria di Massa Analitica e Isotopica, Dipartimento di Beni Culturali, Universita' del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Silvia Fraissinet
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Universita' del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Tardio
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Universita' del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Sergio Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Universita' del Salento, Lecce, Italy
- CoNISMa Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Marine Sciences (LABOMAR), Federal University of Ceará, Av, Abolicao 230, Fortaleza, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Cosimino Malitesta
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Universita' del Salento, Lecce, Italy
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Keerthika K, Padmavathy P, Rani V, Jeyashakila R, Aanand S, Kutty R. Evidence of microplastics in the polychaete worm (capitellids-Capitella capitata) (Fabricicus, 1780) along Thoothukudi region. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:556. [PMID: 38760609 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12688-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Research on the occurrence of microplastics in invertebrates of the Thoothukudi region is limited. Capitellids are non-selective suspension feeders and are usually used as bioindicator of water pollution. Hence, an investigation was carried out to identify the microplastic occurrence in the capitellids (Capitella capitata) (Fabricius, 1780) collected from the Vellapatti and Spic Nagar sites of the Thoothukudi region. Result from this investigation showed the occurrence of 0.21 ± 0.17 items/indiv and a mean abundance of 13.33% in Thoothukudi coast. The mean microplastic abundance in the capitellids was significantly higher in the Spic Nagar (0.26 ± 0.19 MPs/indiv), probably due to the dumping of plastic waste, fishing and recreational activities. However, no significant difference was observed between seasons. Only fragments (Vellapatti 66.66% and Spic Nagar 33.33%) and fibre-shaped microplastics (Vellapatti 50% and Spic Nagar 50%) were identified. The size and colour of the microplastics dominant in both sites were 1-2 mm (Vellapatti 77.77% and Spic Nagar 75%) and blue (Vellapatti 88.88% and Spic Nagar 87.5%), respectively. The results of Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) polymers in the capitellids. PE polymer is one of the most common sources of microplastics contamination globally and it is also frequently found in the coastal waters of Thoothukudi. This accounted for the high occurrence of PE polymers in the capitellids with the occurrence rate of 77% in Vellapatti and 58.52% in Spic Nagar. The present study provides baseline data on the occurrence, characterization (shapes, sizes and colours) and qualitative analysis of the microplastics in the capitellids, and their presence was influenced by their non-selective feeding habits. Further, future studies have to be conducted to identify the levels of microplastics in different polychaetes and other invertebrates to better understand the effects of microplastic pollution in invertebrate communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaiselvan Keerthika
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Thalainayeru, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Pandurangan Padmavathy
- Directorate of Sustainable Aquaculture, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Velu Rani
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Robinson Jeyashakila
- Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Samraj Aanand
- Erode Bhavanisagar Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ranjeet Kutty
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, College of fisheries, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala, India
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Borges WG, Cararo ER, de Brito R, Pazini AN, Lima-Rezende CA, Rezende RDS. Microplastics alter the leaf litter breakdown rates and the decomposer community in subtropical lentic microhabitats. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123930. [PMID: 38615838 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, pervasive pollutants in aquatic environments, have been primarily studied for their impact on marine ecosystems. However, their effects on freshwater systems, particularly in forested phytotelmata habitats, remain understudied in Subtropical systems. This research examines the influence of varying microplastic concentrations (0.0, 200, 2,000, 20,000, and 200,000 ppm) on leaf litter breakdown of Inga vera (in bags of 10 and 0.05 mm mesh) and the naturally associated invertebrate community occurring in forested phytotelmata. The study employs an experimental design with microplastic concentration treatments in artificial microcosms (buckets with 800 mL of rainwater) arranged in an area of Atlantic Rain Forest native vegetation of Subtropical systems. The results indicate that elevated concentrations of microplastics may enhance leaf litter breakdown (6-8%), irrespective of the bag mesh, attributed to heightened decomposer activity and biofilm formation. Consequently, this contributes to increased invertebrate richness (33-37%) and greater shredder abundance (21-37%). Indicator analysis revealed that Culicidae, Stratiomyidae, Chironomidae, Empididae, Planorbidae, and Ceratopogonidae were indicative of some microplastic concentrations. These findings underscore the significance of accounting for microplastics when evaluating the taxonomic and trophic characteristics of invertebrate communities, as well as the leaf breakdown process in Subtropical systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Gabriel Borges
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Communitarian University of Chapecó Region - Unochapecó, CEP, 89809-000, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Emanuel Rampanelli Cararo
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Communitarian University of Chapecó Region - Unochapecó, CEP, 89809-000, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Raquel de Brito
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Communitarian University of Chapecó Region - Unochapecó, CEP, 89809-000, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Amanda Ninov Pazini
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Communitarian University of Chapecó Region - Unochapecó, CEP, 89809-000, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Cássia Alves Lima-Rezende
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Communitarian University of Chapecó Region - Unochapecó, CEP, 89809-000, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Renan de Souza Rezende
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Communitarian University of Chapecó Region - Unochapecó, CEP, 89809-000, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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7
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Sfriso AA, Juhmani AS, Tomio Y, Sfriso A, Rizzolio F, Adeel M, Wahsha M, Munari C, Mistri M. Microplastic accumulation and ecological impacts on benthic invertebrates: Insights from a microcosm experiment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116231. [PMID: 38554685 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a global concern, especially for benthic invertebrates. This one-month study investigated the accumulation of small MP polymers (polypropylene and polyester resin, 3-500 μm, 250 μg L-1) in benthic invertebrates and on one alga species. Results revealed species-specific preferences for MP size and type, driven by ingestion, adhesion, or avoidance behaviours. Polyester resin accumulated in Mytilus galloprovincialis, Chamelea gallina, Hexaplex trunculus, and Paranemonia cinerea, while polypropylene accumulated on Ulva rigida. Over time, MP accumulation decreased in count but not size, averaging 6.2 ± 5.0 particles per individual after a month. MP were mainly found inside of the organisms, especially in the gut, gills, and gonads and externally adherent MP ranged from 11 to 35 % of the total. Biochemical energy assessments after two weeks of MP exposure indicated energy gains for water column species but energy loss for sediment-associated species, highlighting the susceptibility of infaunal benthic communities to MP contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Augusto Sfriso
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Abdul-Salam Juhmani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Yari Tomio
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30170 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Adriano Sfriso
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30170 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Muhammed Adeel
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Mohammad Wahsha
- Marine Science Station, The University of Jordan, Aqaba Branch, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Cristina Munari
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Mistri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Khedre AM, Ramadan SA, Ashry A, Alaraby M. Abundance and risk assessment of microplastics in water, sediment, and aquatic insects of the Nile River. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141557. [PMID: 38417495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a serious threat in freshwater environments. The ecological risk and abundance level of MPs in abiotic and biotic compartments of the Nile River haven't been systematically reported. Thus, these issues were highlighted in the present study during different seasons of the sampling year. The results showed that MP concentrations in the river ranged from 2.24 ± 0.6 to 3.76 ± 1.1 particles/L, 298 ± 63 to 520 ± 80 particles/kg dry weight, and 0.081 ± 0.051 to 4.95 ± 2.6 particles/individual in surface water, sediment, and different species of aquatic insects, respectively. All the extracted MPs are colored blue, red, and black. Fiber-shaped polyesters (<500-1500 μm) were the most common MPs in all the river compartments. MPs' dominance was observed during the summer in comparison with that in the other seasons. Environmental risk indicators indicate the high ecological risk of MPs, which are widely distributed in the Nile River. In conclusion, MP consumption by aquatic insects may not only be related to levels of environmental contamination, since other variables, such as taxon size, weight, and particular feeding behavior, may also be significant. Additionally, the presence of MPs in insects (at lower trophic levels) creates the potential for predation-based inter-trophic level transmission. Thus, higher trophic-level investigations of various feeding groups should be carried out to identify any possible harm that MPs cause to various aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza M Khedre
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Somaia A Ramadan
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ali Ashry
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524, Sohag, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524, Sohag, Egypt
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Kaushik A, Gupta P, Kumar A, Saha M, Varghese E, Shukla G, Suresh K, Gunthe SS. Identification and physico-chemical characterization of microplastics in marine aerosols over the northeast Arabian Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168705. [PMID: 38000750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere can undergo long-range transport from emission regions to pristine terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. Due to their inherent toxic and hazardous characteristics, MPs pose serious risks to both human well-being and the equilibrium of ecosystem. The present study outlines the comprehensive characterization, spanning physical and chemical attributes of MPs associated with atmospheric aerosols. Total suspended particulates (TSPs) were collected on a quartz fibre filter by operating a high-volume sampler for 24 h during distinct years (March, 2016 and November, 2020) at a coastal location in the northeast Arabian Sea. Subsequent to the sampling, a series of techniques were applied including density separation. The assessment and scrutiny of the MPs was carried out using stereo-zoom microscopy with supplementary validation using advanced fluorescence microscopy for enhanced precision in identification. Our comparative assessment suggests peroxide treatment followed by density separation could be a robust procedure for the definitive identification and characterization of MPs in the atmosphere. Average total abundance of MPs was found to be 1.30 ± 0.14 n/m3 in 2016 and 1.46 ± 0.12 n/m3 in 2020 with fibres, fragments and films having similar relative contributions (41 %, 31 %, 28 % in 2016 and 40 %, 35 %, 25 % in 2020). Fibres were found to be dominant morphotype followed by fragments and films over the coastal region of the Arabian Sea. In order to unravel the detailed chemical nature of these MPs, spectral analysis using μ-FTIR was carried out. The outcome of the analysis showed prevailing polymers as polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate (50545 %) as dominant polymers followed by polyester (15 %), styrene butyl methacrylate (11 %), and polyacetal (9 %). MPs present in the vicinity of the Arabian Sea have potential to supply nutrients and toxicants, consequently can contribute to the modulation of the surface water biogeochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Kaushik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India
| | - Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ashwini Kumar
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Emil Varghese
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Garima Shukla
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - K Suresh
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, India
| | - Sachin S Gunthe
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
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10
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Malloggi C, Nalbone L, Bartalena S, Guidi M, Corradini C, Foti A, Gucciardi PG, Giarratana F, Susini F, Armani A. The Occurrence of Microplastics in Donax trunculus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) Collected along the Tuscany Coast (Mediterranean Sea). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:618. [PMID: 38396586 PMCID: PMC10886031 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040618] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) (0.1 µm-5 mm particles) have been documented in oceans and seas. Bivalve molluscs (BMs) can accumulate MPs and transfer to humans through the food chain. BMs (especially mussels) are used to assess MPs' contamination, but the genus Donax has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize MPs in D. trunculus specimens collected along the Tuscan coast (Italy), and to assess the potential risk for consumers. The samples (~10 g of tissue and intervalval liquid from 35 specimens) were digested using a solution of 10% KOH, subjected to NaCl density separation, and filtered through 5 μm pore-size filters. All items were morphologically classified and measured, and their mean abundance (MA) was calculated. Furthermore, 20% of them were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and, based on the obtained results, the MA was recalculated (corrected MA) and the annual human exposure was estimated. In the 39 samples analyzed, 85 items fibers (n = 45; 52.94%) and fragments (n = 40; 47.06%) were found. The MA was 0.23 ± 0.17 items/grww. Additionally, 83.33% of the items were confirmed as MPs (polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate). Based on the correct MA (0.18 MPs/grww), D. trunculus consumers could be exposed to 19.2 MPs/per capita/year. The health risk level of MPs was classified as level III (moderate).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Malloggi
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Luca Nalbone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (L.N.); (F.G.)
| | - Silvia Bartalena
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Latium and Tuscany M. Aleandri, UOT Toscana Nord, SS Dell’ Abetone e del Brennero 4, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Margherita Guidi
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Carlo Corradini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Latium and Tuscany M. Aleandri, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonino Foti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici (IPCF), Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres 27, 98158 Messina, Italy; (A.F.); (P.G.G.)
| | - Pietro G. Gucciardi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici (IPCF), Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres 27, 98158 Messina, Italy; (A.F.); (P.G.G.)
| | - Filippo Giarratana
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (L.N.); (F.G.)
| | - Francesca Susini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Latium and Tuscany M. Aleandri, UOT Toscana Nord, SS Dell’ Abetone e del Brennero 4, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Andrea Armani
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (M.G.)
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11
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Xie S, Song K, Liu S, Li Y, Wang J, Huang W, Feng Z. Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in 16 benthic organisms in Haizhou Bay, China: Influence of habitat, feeding habits and trophic level. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115962. [PMID: 38157831 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115962] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely found in the ocean and cause a serious risk to marine organisms. However, fewer studies have been conducted on benthic organisms. This study conducted a case study on the pollution characteristics of MPs on 16 marine benthic organisms in Haizhou Bay, and analyzed the effects of habitat, trophic level, and feeding mode on the MPs pollution characters. The results showed that MPs were detected in all 16 organisms with an average abundance of 8.84 ± 9.14 items/individual, which is in the middle-high level in the international scale. Among the detected MPs, the main material was cellophane. This study showed that benthic organisms can be used as indicator organisms for MPs pollution. MPs in organisms can be affected by their habitat, trophic level, and feeding mode. Comprehensive analysis of MPs in benthic organisms will contribute to fully understand the characterization and source resolution of MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, PR China
| | - Kexin Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, PR China; Analytical Instrumentation Center, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, PR China
| | - You Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, PR China
| | - Jiaxuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem and Biogeochemistry, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, PR China
| | - Zhihua Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, PR China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Salt Marsh Ecology and Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, PR China.
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12
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Li X, Feng L, Kuang Q, Wang X, Yang J, Niu X, Gao L, Huang L, Luo P, Li L. Microplastics cause hepatotoxicity in diabetic mice by disrupting glucolipid metabolism via PP2A/AMPK/HNF4A and promoting fibrosis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1018-1030. [PMID: 38064261 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24034] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) have gained significant attention as a persistent environmental pollutant resulting from the decomposition of plastics, leading to their accumulation in the human body. The liver, particularly of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is known to be more susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental pollutants. Therefore, to investigate the potential impact of MPs on the liver of diabetic mice and elucidate the underlying toxicological mechanisms, we exposed db/db mice to 0.5 μm MPs for 3 months. Our results revealed that MPs exposure resulted in several harmful effects, including decreased body weight, disruption of liver structure and function, elevated blood glucose levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and increased glycogen accumulation in the hepatic tissue of the mice. Furthermore, MPs exposure was found to promote hepatic gluconeogenesis by perturbing the PP2A/AMPK/HNF4A signaling pathway. In addition, MPs disrupt redox balance, leading to oxidative damage in the liver. This exposure also disrupted hepatic lipid metabolism, stimulating lipid synthesis while inhibiting catabolism, ultimately resulting in the development of fatty liver. Moreover, MPs were found to induce liver fibrosis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, MPs influenced adaptive thermogenesis in brown fat by modulating the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and genes associated with mitochondrial oxidative respiration thermogenesis in brown fat. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that MPs induce oxidative damage in the liver, disturb glucose and lipid metabolism, promote hepatic fibrosis, and influence adaptive thermogenesis in brown fat in diabetic mice. These findings underscore the potential adverse effects of MPs on liver health in individuals with T2DM and highlight the importance of further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Li
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixiang Feng
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qihui Kuang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Third Hospital, Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Niu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Likun Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lizhi Huang
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengcheng Luo
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lili Li
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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13
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Khedre AM, Ramadan SA, Ashry A, Alaraby M. Interactions between microplastics and Culex sp. larvae in wastewater. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11003. [PMID: 38385906 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11003] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing issue because they endanger both aquatic organisms and humans. Studies have indicated that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are one of the major contributors to MPs in the environment. However, studies on the abundance of MP contamination in WWTPs and its transmission into aquatic organisms are still scarce, especially in Egypt. The goal of this study was to examine the temporal fluctuations in the distribution of MPs in surface water and the dominant macroinvertebrate fauna (Culex sp. larvae) in a fixed wastewater basin in Sohag Governorate, Egypt. The average of MPs in the surface water was 3.01 ± 0.9 particles/L. The results indicated to seasonal variation of MP abundance in the wastewater basin that was significantly higher in winter than in the other seasons. The risk index for polymers (H), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to assess the degree of MP contamination. The basin has moderate H values (<1000) because of the presence of polymers with moderate hazard scores such as polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). According to the PLI values, surface water is extremely contaminated with MPs (PLI: 88 to 120). The RI values of surface water showed higher ecological risk (level V). MPs in Culex sp. larvae were seasonally changed with an 85% detection rate, and an abundance average of 0.24 ± 0.65 particles/ind, MP concentration in Culex sp. larvae was influenced by the MP characters (shape, color, and polymer). The larvae of Culex sp. showed a greater preference for black and red fibrous polyester (PES) with sizes (<1000 μm) of MPs. These findings suggest that Culex sp. larvae prefer ingesting MPs that resemble their food. It is possible to overestimate Culex sp.'s preference for lower sizes because of their catabolism of MPs. To better understand the preferences of Culex sp. larvae for MPs, further controlled trials should be conducted. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Wastewater is highly contaminated with microplastics (MPs) in the different seasons. First report of detection of the seasonal abundance of MP in Culex sp. larvae. Culex sp. larvae showed a stronger feeding preference for MPs with specific characteristics. Smaller size and blue polyester fibers were the dominant characteristics of MPs in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza M Khedre
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Somaia A Ramadan
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ali Ashry
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
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14
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Carrillo-Barragán P, Fitzsimmons C, Lloyd-Hartley H, Tinlin-Mackenzie A, Scott C, Sugden H. Fifty-year study of microplastics ingested by brachyuran and fish larvae in the central English North Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123060. [PMID: 38048869 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants in marine environments. Among the many detrimental consequences of microplastic pollution, its consumption by marine biota is of particular relevance for human health, due to exposure through the food web. Long-term time-series biotic samples are overlooked sources of information for microplastics research. These collections are extremely valuable for the detection and monitoring of changes in marine environments. However, there are very few long-term studies (>10 years) of the uptake of microplastics by biota. Here, we used Dove Time Series planktonic samples (from 1971 to 2020) to assess the presence and prevalence of microplastics in the English North Sea coast over time. Fish and brachyuran larvae were selected due to their commercial importance and consequent implications for human health. A custom enzymatic digestion method was used to extract microplastics for FTIR-ATR polymer identification. An increasing cumulative trend in MP ingestion was identified. Cellophane and polyethylene terephthalate were the polymer types found most frequently in both taxa. Although a total higher microplastics uptake was observed in fish, consumption was not significantly different between taxa over time. Equally, results were not clearly related to microplastics shape or polymer type. This work did not find significant long-term evidence on the increasing uptake of microplastic particles by zooplankton over time. However, the results of this report identified additives, plasticisers, and other more complex and hazardous compounds that should not be released to the environment (e.g., bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) dimerate, propylene glycol ricinoleate) inside marine biota. The study detailed herein provides a case study for the use of long-term time-series in providing accurate assessments of microplastic pollution in marine biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Carrillo-Barragán
- The Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences: Marine Sciences, Newcastle University, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PZ, UK; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Clare Fitzsimmons
- The Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences: Marine Sciences, Newcastle University, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PZ, UK
| | - Hannah Lloyd-Hartley
- The Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences: Marine Sciences, Newcastle University, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PZ, UK
| | - Ashleigh Tinlin-Mackenzie
- The Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences: Marine Sciences, Newcastle University, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PZ, UK
| | - Catherine Scott
- Natural England, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Monarch Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YH, UK
| | - Heather Sugden
- The Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences: Marine Sciences, Newcastle University, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PZ, UK
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15
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Wang T, Li B, Shi H, Ding Y, Chen H, Yuan F, Liu R, Zou X. The processes and transport fluxes of land-based macroplastics and microplastics entering the ocean via rivers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133623. [PMID: 38301445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 80% of marine plastic waste originates from land-based sources and enters oceans through rivers. Hence, to create effective regulations, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the processes by which land-based plastic waste flows into marine environments. To this end, this review covers the complete journey of macro- and microplastics from their initial input into rivers to their ultimate release into oceans. Here, we also discuss the primary influencing factors and current popular research topics. Additionally, the principles, applicability, accuracy, uncertainty, and potential improvement of the standard methods used for flux estimation at each stage are outlined. Emission estimates of land-based macro- and microplastics are typically assessed using the emission factor approach, coefficient accounting approach, or material flow analysis. Accurately estimating mismanaged plastic waste is crucial for reducing uncertainty in the macroplastic emission inventory. In our review of the processes by which land-originating plastics enter rivers, we categorized them into two major types: point-source and diffuse-source pollution. Land surface hydrological models simulate transport from diffuse sources to rivers, necessitating further research. Riverine (micro)plastic flux to the ocean is often estimated using monitoring statistics and watershed hydrological models at the watershed scale; however, standardized monitoring methods have not yet been established. At the global scale, algorithms based on river datasets are often used, which require further improvements in river data selection and microplastic number-mass conversion factors. Furthermore, the article summarizes the accuracy and sources of uncertainty of various methods. Future research efforts should focus on quantifying and mitigating uncertainties in resultant projections. Overall, this review deepens our understanding of the processes by which land-based plastic waste enters the ocean and helps scholars efficiently select or improve relevant methods when studying land-ocean transport fluxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Hazards Forecasting, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization & Nanjing Outskirts Sea-Atmosphere Interface Field Scientific Observation Research Station & College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China.
| | - Baojie Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Rongze Liu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization & Nanjing Outskirts Sea-Atmosphere Interface Field Scientific Observation Research Station & College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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16
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Athira TR, Aarif KM, Thomas JA, Alatawi AS, Muzaffar SB, Nefla A, Reshi OR, Jobiraj T, Thejass P. The threat of microplastics: Exploring pollution in coastal ecosystems and migratory shorebirds along the west coast of India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115912. [PMID: 38113815 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the exposure risk and ingestion of microplastics by migratory shorebirds, which are regarded as apex predators in the coastal ecosystem, this study investigated the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in estuarine and coastal habitats and their potential to be transferred in the food chains. We analysed the presence of microplastics in water, sediment, major macroinvertebrate prey and the guano samples of ten shorebird species from ten important wintering grounds in the west coast of India. Our results revealed that water is the primary source through which microplastics disseminate into various ecosystem components. Microplastic debris in various forms were reported in all samples analysed, with microfibres being the most abundant form. While polyethylene and polypropylene were found as the major microplastic types in water, sediment, and prey samples, polystyrene was most abundant in guano samples. Microplastic transfer and impacts in this delicate ecosystem demand further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Athira
- Department of Zoology, Government College, Madappally, Affiliated to University of Calicut, Kozhikode, 670 645, Kerala, India.
| | - K M Aarif
- Terrestrial Ecology, Centre for Environment and Marine Studies, Research & Innovation, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jeniffer Ann Thomas
- Department of Zoology, Fatima Mata National College, Kollam, University of Kerala, 691001, India
| | - Abdulaziz S Alatawi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabir Bin Muzaffar
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Department of Science, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Aymen Nefla
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar II, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Omer R Reshi
- Sustainability, Centre for Environment and Marine Studies, Research & Innovation, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - T Jobiraj
- Department of Zoology, Govt College, Kodanchery, Kozhikode, 673580, Affiliated to University of Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - P Thejass
- Department of Zoology, Government College, Madappally, Affiliated to University of Calicut, Kozhikode, 670 645, Kerala, India
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17
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Kibria G. Impacts of microplastic on fisheries and seafood security - Global analysis and synthesis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166652. [PMID: 37652377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
This review paper collected, collated, analysed, interpreted, synthesised, and documented the research investigations conducted on microplastic (MPs) pollution impacts on seafood organisms (including fish, sharks, shrimps, lobsters, crabs, oysters, mussels, and seaweeds) during the last ten years (2012-2022) covering fifty-seven locations/countries in the world. MPs contaminated 926 seafood species comprising 895 finfish, 09 crustaceans, 20 molluscs and 02 seaweeds. Seafood from Asia was found to be most contaminated with MPs. High MP contamination/ingestion was revealed in several seafood organisms. The ingestion of MPs can reduce fish growth and fish fitness, leading to reduced yield/fish production. Fish and seafood play a significant role in supporting the economy, employment, food sources, and livelihoods of people across the globe, which can be threatened due to the contamination of seafood organisms with MPs. MPs have bioaccumulated in fish skin, gills, stomachs, liver, intestine, and muscles as well as dry fish and canned fish. Hence, the consumption of MP-contaminated fresh fish, whole fish, dried fish or canned fish poses risks as it may be a pathway of MP transfer to humans. MPs can increase the health risks to seafood fish consumers since there is a probability that high risks pollutants adsorbed on MPs (heavy metals, pesticides, and oil compounds) can transfer to humans via the food chain. Several of the chemicals (heavy metals, DDT, PAHs) adsorbed onto MPs are carcinogenic. MPs have also been detected in fish meals, therefore, farmed livestock such as aquaculture fish and chicken fed to fish meals can be exposed to MPs and ultimately to humans. Preventive and safety measures are suggested to reduce the exposure of MPs to humans. In addition, several policy strategies are recommended to reduce the impacts of plastic waste and plastic pollution on the environment, aquatic biota, wildlife, seafood and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golam Kibria
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; Global Artificial Mussels Pollution Watch Program, Australia.
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18
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Porter A, Godbold JA, Lewis CN, Savage G, Solan M, Galloway TS. Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8023. [PMID: 38049431 PMCID: PMC10696022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microplastic body burden of marine animals is often assumed to reflect levels of environmental contamination, yet variations in feeding ecology and regional trait expression could also affect a species' risk of contaminant uptake. Here, we explore the global inventory of individual microplastic body burden for invertebrate species inhabiting marine sediments across 16 biogeographic provinces. We show that individual microplastic body burden in benthic invertebrates cannot be fully explained by absolute levels of microplastic contamination in the environment, because interspecific differences in behaviour and feeding ecology strongly determine microplastic uptake. Our analyses also indicate a degree of species-specific particle selectivity; likely associated with feeding biology. Highest microplastic burden occurs in the Yellow and Mediterranean Seas and, contrary to expectation, amongst omnivores, predators, and deposit feeders rather than suspension feeding species. Our findings highlight the inadequacy of microplastic uptake risk assessments based on inventories of environmental contamination alone, and the need to understand how species behaviour and trait expression covary with microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Porter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Ceri N Lewis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Georgie Savage
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
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19
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Abd-Elkader A, Hamed ESAE, Mahdy A, Shabaka S. Microplastics in marine invertebrates from the Red Sea Coast of Egypt: Abundance, composition, and risks. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115760. [PMID: 37984088 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115760] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This study marked the first exploration of microplastics in marine invertebrates in the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. 110 individuals from 11 different species, including Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Echinoidea, and Holothuroidrea, were collected near a popular tourist destination. The average concentrations of microplastics varied among species, ranging from 8.2 to 136.5 items per individual or 0.2 to 18.1 items per gram of tissue wet weight, with 100 % occurrence. Bivalves had higher concentrations per gram of tissue compared to sediment dwellers and grazers, with Brachidontes pharaonis showing the highest levels. Actinopyga crassa, a sea cucumber, displayed the highest abundance per individual due to its large size and behavior. The identified plastic polymers suggested sources associated with tourism and maritime activities. The estimated human exposure to microplastics through bivalve consumption was minimal. Further research is needed to examine microplastics contamination in the Red Sea and its potential impacts on ecosystems and human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Abd-Elkader
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | | | - Aldoushy Mahdy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt.
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20
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Bilal M, Yaqub A, Hassan HU, Akhtar S, Rafiq N, Ali Shah MI, Hussain I, Salman Khan M, Nawaz A, Manoharadas S, Rizwan Khan M, Arai T, Ríos-Escalante PDL. Microplastic Quantification in Aquatic Birds: Biomonitoring the Environmental Health of the Panjkora River Freshwater Ecosystem in Pakistan. TOXICS 2023; 11:972. [PMID: 38133373 PMCID: PMC10748139 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has become a global concern, with potential negative impacts on various ecosystems and wildlife species. Among these species, ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) are particularly vulnerable due to their feeding habits and proximity to aquatic environments contaminated with microplastics. The current study was designed to monitor microplastic (MP) pollutants in the freshwater ecosystem of the Panjkora River, Lower Dir, Pakistan. A total of twenty (20) duck samples were brought up for four months and 13 days on the banks of the river, with no food intake outside the river. When they reached an average weight of 2.41 ± 0.53 kg, all samples were sacrificed, dissected, and transported in an ice box to the laboratory for further analysis. After sample preparation, such as digestion with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH), density separation, filtration, and identification, the MP content was counted. A total of 2033 MP particles were recovered from 20 ducks with a mean value of 44.6 ± 15.8 MPs/crop and 57.05 ± 18.7 MPs/gizzard. MPs detected in surface water were 31.2 ± 15.5 MPs/L. The major shape types of MPs recovered were fragments in crop (67%) and gizzard (58%) samples and fibers in surface water (56%). Other types of particles recovered were fibers, sheets, and foams. The majority of these detected MP particles were in the size range of 300-500 µm (63%) in crops, and 50-150 µm (55%) in gizzards, while in water samples the most detected particles were in the range of 150-300 µm (61%). Chemical characterization by FTIR found six types of polymers. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) had the greatest polymer detection rate (39.2%), followed by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (28.3%), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (22.7%), polystyrene (6.6%), co-polymerized polypropylene (2.5%), and polypropylene homopolymer (0.7%). This study investigated the presence of microplastics in the crops and gizzards of ducks, as well as in river surface water. The results revealed the significant and pervasive occurrence of microplastics in both the avian digestive systems and the surrounding water environment. These findings highlight the potential threat of microplastic pollution to wildlife and ecosystems, emphasizing the need for further research and effective mitigation strategies to address this pressing environmental concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Bilal
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (M.B.); (A.Y.)
| | - Atif Yaqub
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (M.B.); (A.Y.)
| | - Habib Ul Hassan
- Department of Zoology, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
- Fisheries Development Board, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Akhtar
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Haripur, Haripur 22620, Pakistan;
| | - Naseem Rafiq
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (N.R.); (M.S.K.)
| | | | - Ibrar Hussain
- Department of Statistics, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Salman Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (N.R.); (M.S.K.)
| | - Asad Nawaz
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Salim Manoharadas
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Rizwan Khan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Takaomi Arai
- Environmental and Life Sciences Programme, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE 1410, Brunei;
| | - Patricio De Los Ríos-Escalante
- Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
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Tu C, Yang Y, Wang J, Su H, Guo J, Cao D, Lian J, Wang D. In situ effects of microplastics on the decomposition of aquatic macrophyte litter in eutrophic shallow lake sediments, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122543. [PMID: 37716693 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of microplastics (MPs) to aquatic organisms has been extensively studied recently. However, few studies have investigated the effects of MPs in sediments on aquatic ecosystem functioning. In the present study, we conducted an in situ experiment to explore the concentration-dependent effects (0.025%, 0.25%, 2.5%) and size-dependent effects (150-300 μm and 500-1000 μm) of polypropylene microplastics (PP MPs) on Vallisneria natans litter decomposition dynamics, in particular, the process associated with macroinvertebrates, microorganisms, as well as microalgae and/or cyanobacteria. The results showed that exposure to high concentrations and large sizes of PP MPs can accelerate leaf litter biomass loss and nutrition release. Moreover, microbial respiration, microalgal and/or cyanobacteria chlorophyll-a were also significantly affected by PP MPs. However, PP MPs have no effect on the abundance of associated macroinvertebrate during the experiment, despite the collection of five macroinvertebrate taxa from two functional feeding groups (i.e., collectors and scrapers). Therefore, our experiment demonstrated that PP MPs may enhance leaf litter decomposition through effected microbial metabolic activity, microalgal and/or cyanobacteria biomass in the sedimentary lake. Overall, our findings highlight that PP MPs have the potential to interfere with the basic ecological functions such as plant litter decomposition in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Tu
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yongqing Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Jinbo Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Hailong Su
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Jieying Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Jiapan Lian
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430079, China; Bio-resources Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, Shaanxi Province, PR China.
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22
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Vidal A, Métais I, Latchere O, Le Guernic A, Gasperi J, Châtel A. Toxicity assessment of microplastics within the Loire River in the clam Corbicula fluminea exposed to environmentally relevant exposure conditions. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:1125-1140. [PMID: 37740166 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02702-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The dispersed pollution caused by microplastics (MPs) represents a current and global concern. While the fragmentation of plastic debris into smaller particles occurs in rivers, little MP research is done on freshwater species and is published compared to the marine environment. The Loire River is the longest river in France and is subject to moderate to high anthropic pressure while it represents major societal and economic issues. However, there are not many studies that have been put forward with regards to the effect of environmental MPs (EMPs) on aquatic organisms and no policies have been enacted to monitor the plastic pollution. In this study, freshwater bivalves, Corbicula fluminea, were exposed for 21 days to environmentally relevant concentrations of a mixture of <200 µm MPs generated from plastic litter collected directly along the banks of the Loire River. This mixture was composed of 40% polyethylene (PE), 40% polypropylene (PP), 10% polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and 10% polyvinylchloride (PVC) (mass percentage). Ecotoxicological effects were assessed from the individual to the molecular levels on several endpoints: condition index, filtration efficiency, enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, energy reserves and gene expression. The ingestion of EMPs caused damages at the biochemical level. Indeed, we reported an increase in catalase activity in gills and digestive mass, a decrease in TBARs in gills, a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity in the digestive mass, a decrease of glycogen and lipid contents in the whole organisms and a significant induction of the expression of gst, cat, mp, acp genes. The current results suggest therefore that long-term exposure to realistic doses of EMPs causes toxicity towards freshwater benthic biota. The analysis of biomarker activities and the analysis of gene expression are complementary to prevent the effects of a plastic contamination at higher biological levels in aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Vidal
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France.
| | - Isabelle Métais
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Oihana Latchere
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Antoine Le Guernic
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Johnny Gasperi
- Laboratoire Eau et Environnement, Université Gustave Eiffel, Allée des Ponts et Chaussées, 44340, Bouguenais, France
| | - Amélie Châtel
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
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Kangas A, Setälä O, Kauppi L, Lehtiniemi M. Trophic transfer increases the exposure to microplastics in littoral predators. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115553. [PMID: 37769404 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Predators in aquatic environments can be exposed to microplastics (MPs) directly through water and indirectly through prey. Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the potential of MP trophic transfer in Baltic Sea littoral food chains of different lengths. The longest studied food chain had three trophic levels: zooplankton, chameleon shrimp (Praunus flexuosus) and rockpool prawn (Palaemon elegans). 10 μm fluorescence microspheres were used as tracer MP particles and MP ingestion was verified with epifluorescence microscopy. Transfer of MPs occurred up to both second and third trophic level. The number of ingested microspheres in both chameleon shrimp and rockpool prawn was higher when the animals were exposed through pre-exposed prey in comparison to direct exposure through the water. The results show that trophic transfer may be an important pathway of and increase the microplastic exposure for some animals at higher trophic levels in highly polluted areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kangas
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Outi Setälä
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Kauppi
- University of Helsinki, Tvärminne Zoological Station, J.A. Palménin tie 260, FI-10900, Hanko, Finland
| | - Maiju Lehtiniemi
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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Digka N, Patsiou D, Kaberi H, Krasakopoulou E, Tsangaris C. Microplastic ingestion and its effects οn sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus: A field study in a coastal East Mediterranean environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115613. [PMID: 37820450 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as an increasing threat to the marine environment, but little is known about their effects on benthic organisms, including sea urchins, when ingested. For this purpose, wild sea urchins (P. lividus) and seafloor sediment samples were investigated across three coastal areas of Zakynthos Island (Ionian Sea), each exposed to different anthropogenic pressures, revealing a consistent pattern in MP abundance, shape, and color. Biomarkers related to oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and genotoxicity showed no significant effects of MP ingestion in the sea urchins, except for a positive correlation between GST activity and ingested MPs, suggesting a possible activation of their detoxification system in response to MP ingestion. While MP concentrations in sea urchins and sediments were within the low range reported in the global literature, it remains crucial to conduct further investigations in areas with MP pollution approaching predicted levels to fully comprehend the potential effects of MP pollution on marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Digka
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece; Department of Marine Sciences, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81132 Mytilene, Greece.
| | - Danae Patsiou
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Helen Kaberi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Evangelia Krasakopoulou
- Department of Marine Sciences, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81132 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Catherine Tsangaris
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 46.7 km, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
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25
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Saeed MS, Fahd F, Khan F, Chen B, Sadiq R. Human health risk model for microplastic exposure in the Arctic region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165150. [PMID: 37385486 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics enriched with carcinogens like heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and their derivatives are ubiquitous in Arctic waters. They contaminate the local land and sea-based food sources, which is a significant health hazard. It is thus imperative to assess the risk posed by them to the nearby communities, which primarily rely on locally available food sources to meet their energy requirements. This paper proposes a novel ecotoxicity model to assess the human health risk posed by microplastics. The region's geophysical and environmental conditions affecting human microplastic intake, along with the human physiological parameters influencing biotransformation, are incorporated into the developed causation model. It investigates the carcinogenic risk associated with microplastic intake in humans via ingestion in terms of incremental excess lifetime cancer risk (IELCR). The model first evaluates microplastic intake and then uses reactive metabolites produced due to the interaction of microplastics with xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes to assess cellular mutations that result in cancer. All these conditions are mapped in an Object-Oriented Bayesian Network (OOBN) framework to evaluate IELCR. The study will provide a vital tool for formulating better risk management strategies and policies in the Arctic region, especially concerning Arctic Indigenous peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadiq Saeed
- Centre for Risk, Integrity, and Safety Engineering (C-RISE) Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, Memorial University, St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5; Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC), Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, College Station TX 77843, USA
| | - Faisal Fahd
- Centre for Risk, Integrity, and Safety Engineering (C-RISE) Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, Memorial University, St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5
| | - Faisal Khan
- Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC), Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, College Station TX 77843, USA.
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control Laboratory (NRPOP Lab), Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, Memorial University, St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5
| | - Rehan Sadiq
- School of Engineering, Okanagan Campus, Faculty of Applied Science University of British Columbia, Okanagan, BC, Canada V1V 1V7
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Vidal A, Phuong NN, Métais I, Gasperi J, Châtel A. Assessment of microplastic contamination in the Loire River (France) throughout analysis of different biotic and abiotic freshwater matrices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122167. [PMID: 37437763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of microplastics (MP) in freshwater environments represent a major way for the MP transport in the environment. The assessment of MP pollution in freshwater compartments is then important to visualize the pressure and the impacts on medium, and to set up necessary measures. In this context, this study focused on the influence of anthropogenic activities of a medium French city (Angers) on MP levels in samples collected from the Loire River, the longest river in France. Abiotic and biotic matrices were collected upstream and downstream Angers. A first analysis was performed based on microscopy to determine the size, colour and shape of suspected MP and a complementary analysis by μ-FTIR (micro-Fourier Transform InfraRed) was conducted to determine the composition of plastic particles. Three organisms belonging to different trophic levels were studied: when the MP level was expressed per individual, the lowest abundance of MP was found in Tubifex sp. Followed by Corbicula fluminea, while the highest was measured in Anguilla anguilla. To establish the relationship with their habitat, the presence of MP in sediment and water was also analysed. Therefore, this works constitutes a complete overview of the MP levels in freshwater abiotic and biotic matrices. Overall, the presence of MP in analysed samples did not follow a particular pattern, neither in the sites nor matrices: the characteristics depending on a multifactorial outcome (feeding mode, organism size …). However, correlation of MP pattern between clams and sediment was quite evident, while the one between worms and their habitat was not. This demonstrates the relevance of investigating plastic contamination both in biotic and abiotic matrices. Finally, a standardisation of sampling and analytical analysis protocols would be helpful to make comparisons between studies more robust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Vidal
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France.
| | - Ngoc-Nam Phuong
- Laboratoire Eau et Environnement, Université Gustave Eiffel, Allée des Ponts et Chaussées, 44340, Bouguenais, France
| | - Isabelle Métais
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Johnny Gasperi
- Laboratoire Eau et Environnement, Université Gustave Eiffel, Allée des Ponts et Chaussées, 44340, Bouguenais, France
| | - Amélie Châtel
- Laboratoire BIOSSE, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
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Ng MS, Todd PA. The comparative effects of chronic microplastic and sediment deposition on the scleractinian coral Merulina ampliata. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106135. [PMID: 37598615 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite increasing research into the effects of microplastics on corals, no study to date has compared this relatively novel pollutant with a well-established stressor such as downwelling sediments. Here, Merulina ampliata coral fragments were exposed to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and calcium carbonate particles (200-300 μm) at two deposition levels, high (115.20 ± 5.83 mg cm-2 d-1, mean ± SE) and low (22.87 ± 1.90 mg cm-2 d-1) in specially-designed Flow-Through Resuspension (FloTR) chambers. After 28 d, there were no significant differences between fragments exposed to sediments and microplastics for coral skeletal growth, Symbiodiniaceae density, and areal or cellular chlorophyll a concentrations. There were also no significant differences between levels of treatments, or with the control fragments. More PET microplastic particles were incorporated into the coral skeletons of fragments exposed to microplastics compared to those exposed to sediment and the control fragments, but there was no difference between fragments exposed to high and low microplastic levels. Together, the results show that M. ampliata appears to be able to cope with both microplastic and sediment stress, and suggests that microplastics do not represent a more serious threat than downwelling sediments at the levels tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Sheng Ng
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore; Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore, 138527, Singapore.
| | - Peter A Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore.
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Borriello L, Scivicco M, Cacciola NA, Esposito F, Severino L, Cirillo T. Microplastics, a Global Issue: Human Exposure through Environmental and Dietary Sources. Foods 2023; 12:3396. [PMID: 37761106 PMCID: PMC10649135 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic production has grown dramatically over the years. Microplastics (MPs) are formed from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris by combining chemical, physical, and biological processes and can degrade further to form nanoplastics (NPs). Because of their size, MPs and NPs are bioavailable to many organisms and can reach humans through transport along the food chain. In addition to the risk from ingesting MPs themselves, there are risks associated with the substances they carry, such as pesticides, pathogenic microorganisms, and heavy metals, and with the additives added to plastics to improve their characteristics. In addition, bioaccumulation and biomagnification can cause a cumulative exposure effect for organisms at the top of the food chain and humans. Despite the growing scientific interest in this emerging contaminant, the potential adverse effects remain unclear. The aim of this review is to summarize the characteristics (size, shape, color, and properties) of MPs in the environment, the primary sources, and the transport pathways in various environmental compartments, and to shed more light on the ecological impact of MPs and the potential health effects on organisms and humans by identifying human exposure pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Borriello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Marcello Scivicco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Nunzio Antonio Cacciola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lorella Severino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Teresa Cirillo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy;
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Roila R, Piersanti A, Valiani A, Ranucci D, Tavoloni T, Stramenga A, Griffoni F, Pittura L, Gorbi S, Franceschini R, Agnetti F, Palma G, Branciari R. Carassius auratus as a bioindicator of the health status of Lake Trasimeno and risk assessment for consumers. Ital J Food Saf 2023; 12:11137. [PMID: 37680319 PMCID: PMC10480937 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish are good bio-indicators of the health status of the aquatic environment and can be used as biomarkers to assess the aquatic behavior of environmental pollutants, the exposure of aquatic organisms, and the health risk for consumers. Goldfish are a significant bioindicator in the Lake Trasimeno aquatic system (Umbria, Italy). This study aimed to characterize the health status and the chemical and biotic contamination of Lake Trasimeno to define its anthropogenic and natural pressures and the risk associated with consuming its fishery products. 114 determinations were performed on Carassius auratus samples from 2018 to 2020, and the occurrence of brominated flame retardants, non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, heavy metals, and microplastics was analytically investigated. Dietary exposure assessment, risk characterization, and benefit-risk evaluation were performed for schoolchildren from 3 to 10 years old. Flame-retardants registered high levels of non-detects (99% for polybrominated diphenyl ether and 76% for hexabromocyclododecanes), while polychlorinated biphenyls were found in all samples with a maximum level of 56.3 ng/g. Traces of at least one heavy metal were found in all samples, though always below the regulatory limit. Microplastics were found with a 75% frequency of fish ingesting at least one particle. Dietary exposure and risk characterization reveal negligible contributions to the reference values of all contaminants, except for mercury, which reached up to 25% of admissible daily intake. The benefit- risk assessment highlighted that the benefits of freshwater fish intake outweigh the associated risks. The examination of goldfish as indicator fish reveals the quality of Lake Trasimeno's aquatic environment and the safety of its products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Roila
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia
| | - Arianna Piersanti
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - Andrea Valiani
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - David Ranucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia
| | - Tamara Tavoloni
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - Arianna Stramenga
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - Francesco Griffoni
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - Lucia Pittura
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona
| | - Stefania Gorbi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona
| | | | - Francesco Agnetti
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
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30
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Vidal A, Neury-Ormanni J, Latchere O, Roman C, Gillet P, Métais I, Châtel A. Aquatic worms: relevant model organisms to investigate pollution of microplastics throughout the freshwater-marine continuum. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:91534-91562. [PMID: 37495809 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28900-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global and emergency concern. Degradation processes of plastic macrowaste, either at the millimetre- and micrometre-size scales (microplastics, MP) or a nanometre one (nanoplastic, NP), is now well documented in all environmental compartments. It is hence necessary to study the environmental dynamic of MNP (micro(nano)plastic) on aquatic macrofauna considering their dispersion in different compartments. In this context, worms, having a large habitat in natural environments (soil, sediment, water) represent a relevant model organism for MNP investigations. In aquatic systems, worms could be used to compare MNP contamination between freshwater and seawater. The aim of this review was to discuss the relevance of using worms as model species for investigating MNP pollution in freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems. In this context, studies conducted in the field and in laboratory, using diverse classes of aquatic worms (polychaete and clitellate, i.e. oligochaete and hirudinea) to assess plastic contamination, were analysed. In addition, the reliability between laboratory exposure conditions and the investigation in the field was discussed. Finally, in a context of plastic use regulation, based on the literature, some recommendations about model species, environmental relevance, and experimental needs related to MNP are given for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Vidal
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France.
| | - Julie Neury-Ormanni
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Oihana Latchere
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Coraline Roman
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Patrick Gillet
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Isabelle Métais
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Amélie Châtel
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
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31
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Giani D, Andolina C, Baini M, Panti C, Sciandra M, Vizzini S, Fossi MC. Trophic niche influences ingestion of micro- and mesoplastics in pelagic and demersal fish from the Western Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 328:121632. [PMID: 37059168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has been extensively documented in the marine food web, but targeted studies focusing on the relationship between microplastic ingestion and fish trophic niches are still limited. In this study we investigated the frequency of occurrence and the abundance of micro- and mesoplastics (MMPs) in eight fish species with different feeding habits from the western Mediterranean Sea. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) was used to describe the trophic niche and its metrics for each species. A total of 139 plastic items were found in 98 out of the 396 fish analysed (25%). The bogue revealed the highest occurrence with 37% of individuals with MMPs in their gastrointestinal tract, followed by the European sardine (35%). We highlighted how some of the assessed trophic niche metrics seem to influence MMPs occurrence. Fish species with a wider isotopic niche and higher trophic diversity were more probable to ingest plastic particles in pelagic, benthopelagic and demersal habitats. Additionally, fish trophic habits, habitat and body condition influenced the abundance of ingested MMPs. A higher number of MMPs per individual was found in zooplanktivorous than in benthivore and piscivorous species. Similarly, our results show a higher plastic particles ingestion per individual in benthopelagic and pelagic species than in demersal species, which also resulted in lower body condition. Altogether, these results suggest that feeding habits and trophic niche descriptors can play a significant role in the ingestion of plastic particles in fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Giani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Andolina
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, DiSTeM, University of Palermo, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Italy
| | - Mariangela Sciandra
- Department of Economics, Business and Statistics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatrice Vizzini
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, DiSTeM, University of Palermo, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences, CoNISMa, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Italy
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32
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Zhou X, Xiao C, Li X, Chen T, Yang X. Microplastics in coastal blue carbon ecosystems: A global Meta-analysis of its distribution, driving mechanisms, and potential risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163048. [PMID: 36990230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as emerging pollutants, have become a global environmental concern. Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) are threatened by microplastics. Although substantial studies have explored the dynamics and threats of microplastics in BCEs, the fate and driving factors of microplastics in BCEs on a global scale remain largely unknown. Here, the occurrence, driving factors, and risks of microplastics in global BCEs were investigated by synthesizing a global meta-analysis. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in BCEs has notable spatial differences worldwide, with the highest microplastic concentrations in Asia, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Microplastic abundance is influenced by the vegetation habitat, climate, coastal environment, and river runoff. The interaction of geographic location, ecosystem type, coastal environment, and climate enhanced the effects of microplastic distribution. In addition, we found that microplastic accumulation in organisms varied according to feeding habits and body weight. Significant accumulation was observed in large fish; however, growth dilution effects were also observed. The effect of microplastics on the organic carbon content of sediments from BCEs varies by ecosystem; microplastic concentrations do not necessarily increase organic carbon sequestration. Global BCEs are at a high risk of microplastic pollution, with high microplastic abundance and toxicity driving the high pollution risk. Finally, this review provides scientific evidence that will form the basis for future microplastic research, focusing on the transport of microplastics in BCEs; effects on the growth, development, and primary productivity of blue carbon plants; and soil biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Cunde Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xueying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Carrillo MS, Archuby DI, Castresana G, Lunardelli M, Montalti D, Ibañez AE. Microplastic ingestion by common terns (Sterna hirundo) and their prey during the non-breeding season. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121627. [PMID: 37054871 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121627] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Current evidence demonstrates the presence and persistence of microplastics in the marine food web. Seabirds are predators in marine ecosystems and are highly exposed to marine plastic debris through the food. The aim of this work was to examine the presence of microplastics in a long-distance migratory seabird, the Common tern (Sterna hirundo) (n = 10), and in their prey (n = 53) during the non-breeding season. The study was conducted in Punta Rasa, Bahía Samborombón, province of Buenos Aires, which is an important resting and feeding location for migratory seabirds and shorebirds in South America. Microplastics were found in all the birds examined. The occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Common terns (n = 82) was higher than in regurgitated prey (RP) (n = 28), which is likely reflecting trophic transfer process. Almost all microplastics found were fibers and only 3 were fragments. Microplastics were sorted by color; transparent, black and blue-colored fibers were the most abundant plastic types. Characterization of the polymer type by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) revealed that cellulose ester plastics, polyethylene terephtalate, polyacrylonitrile and polypropylene were the most abundant types found in both the gastrointestinal tract and prey. Our results highlight the high levels of ingested microplastics in Common terns and in their prey, and reflect a concern in this important location for migratory seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Carrillo
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert., Museo de La Plata (FCNyM-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D I Archuby
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert., Museo de La Plata (FCNyM-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dirección de Biodiversidad, Ministerio de Ambiente de La Provincia de Buenos Aires (MAPBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Castresana
- Dirección de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, Ministerio de Ambiente de La Provincia de Buenos Aires (MAPBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Lunardelli
- Dirección de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, Ministerio de Ambiente de La Provincia de Buenos Aires (MAPBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D Montalti
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert., Museo de La Plata (FCNyM-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET-CCT La Plata), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Antártico Argentino (IAA), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A E Ibañez
- Sección Ornitología, Div. Zool. Vert., Museo de La Plata (FCNyM-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET-CCT La Plata), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Cai X, Chen H, Cheng J, Huang B, Jin B, Lu J. Coupling of microplastic contamination in organisms and the environment: Evidence from the tidal flat ecosystem of Hangzhou Bay, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131838. [PMID: 37320899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a new type of contaminant, widely defined as fragmented plastics with the longest dimension or diameter less than 5 mm, that are widely distributed, difficult to degrade, and easily adsorb other pollutants. Estuaries are key habitats where terrestrial microplastics flow in water runoff and import into the ocean. The ubiquitous use of plastics has resulted in a massive amount of plastic waste that is released and accumulated in bay ecosystems, posing serious ecological impacts. The study of microplastic contamination in Hangzhou Bay, the estuary of the Qiantang River, has important theoretical value in ecology and environmental science. Microplastic contamination in the tidal flats and organisms of Hangzhou Bay is serious and microplastic characteristics (type, size, and polymer type) in organisms were significantly correlated with those in the environmental media. Spatial autocorrelation was found in the abundance of microplastics in marine and tidal flat sediments of Hangzhou Bay, China, but no spatial autocorrelation was found in the sediment environment as a whole. The microplastic abundance in each organism in this study was not statistically correlated by weight or by individual count with its corresponding trophic level (P = 0.239 > 0.05; P = 0.492 > 0.05, respectively). Our study suggests a coupling relationship of microplastic contamination between organisms and the environment and can provide essential data and a scientific foundation for the study of microplastics pollution in Hangzhou Bay, as well as provide important evidence for the ecological and health risk assessment of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Cai
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Huili Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
| | - Jie Cheng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Marine Ecological Environmental Monitoring Center of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Bei Huang
- Marine Ecological Environmental Monitoring Center of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Binsong Jin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
| | - Jianbo Lu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
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35
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My TTA, Dat ND, Hung NQ. Occurrence and Characteristics of Microplastics in Wild and Farmed Shrimps Collected from Cau Hai Lagoon, Central Vietnam. Molecules 2023; 28:4634. [PMID: 37375190 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124634] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the gastrointestinal tracts (GT) and tissues of four common shrimps (including two wild-caught shrimps and two farmed shrimps) collected from a high-diversity lagoon in central Vietnam. The numbers of MP items in greasy-back shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis), green tiger shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus), white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), and giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), determined per weight and individual, were 0.7 ± 0.3, 0.6 ± 0.2, 1.1 ± 0.4, and 0.5 ± 0.3 (items/g-ww), and 2.5 ± 0.5, 2.3 ± 0.7, 8.6 ± 3.5, 7.7 ± 3.5 (items/individual), respectively. The concentration of microplastics in the GT samples was significantly higher than that in the tissue samples (p < 0.05). The number of microplastics in the farmed shrimp (white-leg shrimp and black tiger shrimp) was statistically significantly higher than the number of microplastics in the wild-caught shrimp (greasy-back and green tiger shrimps) (p <0.05). Fibers and fragments were the dominant shapes of the MPs, followed by pellets, and these accounted for 42-69%, 22-57%, and 0-27% of the total microplastics, respectively. The chemical compositions determined using FTIR confirmed six polymers, in which rayon was the most abundant polymer, accounting for 61.9% of the MPs found, followed by polyamide (10.5%), PET (6.7%), polyethylene (5.7%), polyacrylic (5.8%), and polystyrene (3.8%). As the first investigation on the MPs in shrimps from Cau Hai Lagoon, central Vietnam, this study provides useful information on the occurrences and characteristics of the microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts and tissues of four shrimp species that live in different living conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Thi Ai My
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue 53000, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Duy Dat
- Faculty of Chemical & Food Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh 70000, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Quoc Hung
- Center of Analytical Sevices and Experimentation HCMc, Ho Chi Minh 70000, Vietnam
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36
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Yedier S, Yalçınkaya SK, Bostancı D. Exposure to polypropylene microplastics via diet and water induces oxidative stress in Cyprinus carpio. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 259:106540. [PMID: 37062245 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of accumulation of microplastics in humans and wildlife has become a serious concern on a global scale, especially in the last decade. Although there are many studies on microplastics, their biological effects and toxicity on freshwater fish have not been fully revealed. In order to evaluate the potential toxic effects of PP (polypropylene) microplastics in freshwater fish, we performed 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, and 7-day microplastic exposure to different concentrations of the microplastics through water and diet on Cyprinus carpio. Fish samples were divided into 3 groups; Group-A with different PP microplastic concentrations in their water (ALow:1.0 g/L and AHigh:2.5 g/L), Group-B with different PP microplastic concentrations in their diet (BLow:100 mg/g and BHigh:250 mg/g), and Group-C (Control group) free of PP microplastics in their diet and water. The results showed that although microplastics did not cause death in C. carpio, they caused oxidative stress in comparing the MP exposed groups to the control groups. When indices of oxidative stress of fish individuals in all treatment groups were compared with the control group, it was determined that MDA (malondialdehyde) and GSH (glutathione) levels increased, while TPC (total protein content) and CAT (catalase) levels decreased depending on the concentrations and exposure times. Significant differences were observed between the control and treatment groups in the indices of oxidative stress (P<0.05). This study provided basic toxicological data to elucidate and quantify the effects of PP microplastics on freshwater fish. In addition, this study is the first study to indicate that microplastic exposure of carp via diet and water causes oxidative stress in gill tissues and causes changes in CAT, MDA, GSH, and TPC levels. The findings also provide useful reference data for improving knowledge of the effects of microplastics on organisms in freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Yedier
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ordu University, Ordu 52200 Türkiye
| | | | - Derya Bostancı
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ordu University, Ordu 52200 Türkiye
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37
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Polt L, Motyl L, Fischer EK. Abundance and Distribution of Microplastics in Invertebrate and Fish Species and Sediment Samples along the German Wadden Sea Coastline. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101698. [PMID: 37238129 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101698] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Monitoring strategies are becoming increasingly important as microplastic contamination increases. To find potentially suitable organisms and sites for biota monitoring in the German Wadden Sea, we collected invertebrates (n = 1585), fish (n = 310), and sediment cores (n = 12) at 10 sites along the coast of Lower Saxony between 2018 and 2020. For sample processing of biota, the soft tissue was digested and the sediment samples additionally underwent a subsequent density separation step. Microplastic particles were identified using Nile red and fluorescence microscopy, followed by polymer composition analysis of a subset of particles via µRaman spectroscopy. All investigated species, sediment cores, and sites contained microplastics, predominantly in the morphology class of fragments. Microplastics were found in 92% of Arenicola marina, 94% of Littorina littorea, 85% of Mytilus edulis, and 79% of Platichthys flesus, ranging from 0 to 248.1 items/g. Sediment core samples contained MPs ranging from 0 to 8128 part/kg dry weight of sediment. In total, eight polymers were identified, predominantly consisting of polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, and polyethylene terephthalate. Considering the sampling, processing, and results, the species Mytilus edulis and Platichthys flesus are suitable species for future microplastic monitoring in biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Polt
- Microplastic Research at CEN (MRC, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstrasse 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Motyl
- Microplastic Research at CEN (MRC, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstrasse 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elke Kerstin Fischer
- Microplastic Research at CEN (MRC, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstrasse 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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38
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Ribeiro VV, Nobre CR, Moreno BB, Semensatto D, Sanz-Lazaro C, Moreira LB, Castro ÍB. Oysters and mussels as equivalent sentinels of microplastics and natural particles in coastal environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162468. [PMID: 36858238 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Filter-feeder organisms such as oyster and mussels are exposed to particles like microplastics (MPs). Although widely used to monitor MPs contamination, little is known about their performance as sentinels, which are biological monitors accumulating contaminants without significant adverse effects. This study comparatively evaluated the quantitative and qualitative accumulation of MPs by oysters (Crassostrea brasiliana) and mussels (Perna perna) along a gradient of contamination in a highly urbanized estuarine system of Brazil. In the most contaminated site, both species presented the worst status of nutrition and health, and also one of the highest MPs levels reported for molluscs to date (up to 44.1 particles·g-1). Despite some inter-specific differences, oysters and mussels were suitable and showed an equivalent performance as sentinels, reflecting the gradient condition demonstrated for other contaminants in the region. The similarity in MPs accumulation was also observed for qualitative aspects (polymer composition, sizes, shapes and colors). Particles were mostly <1000 μm, fibrous, colorless and composed by cellulose and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Thus, despite small variations, the usage of C. brasiliana and P. perna is recommended and provides reliable information for environmental levels of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Décio Semensatto
- Laboratory of Integrated Sciences (LabInSciences), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), Diadema, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ítalo Braga Castro
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), Santos, Brazil.
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Aytan Ü, Başak Esensoy F, Şentürk Y, Güven O, Karaoğlu K, Erbay M. Plastic occurrence in fish caught in the highly industrialized Gulf of İzmit (Eastern Sea of Marmara, Türkiye). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 324:138317. [PMID: 36889476 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Occurrence of micro- (<5 mm) and mesoplastics (5-25 mm) in twelve fish species caught off Gulf of İzmit in the Sea of Marmara was investigated. Plastics were found in the gastrointestinal tracks of all the analysed species: Trachurus mediterraneus, Chelon auratus, Merlangius merlangus, Mullus barbatus, Symphodus cinereus, Gobius niger, Chelidonichthys lastoviza, Chelidonichthys lucerna, Trachinus draco, Scorpaena porcus, Scorpaena porcus, Pegusa lascaris, Platichthys flesus. From a total of 374 individuals examined plastics were found in 147 individuals (39%). The average plastic ingestion was 1.14 ± 1.03 MP. fish-1 (considering all the analysed fish) and 1.77 ± 0.95 MP. fish-1 (considering only the fish with plastic). Fibres were the primary plastic types found in GITs (74%), followed by films (18%) and fragments (7%), no foams and microbeads were found. A total of ten different colours of plastics were found with blue (62%) being the most common colour. Length of plastics ranged from 0.13 to 11.76 mm with an average of 1.82 ± 1.59 mm. A total of 95.5% of plastics were microplastics, and 4.5% as mesoplastics. The mean frequency of plastic occurrence was higher in pelagic fish species (42%), followed by demersal (38%) and bentho-pelagic species (10%). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that 75% of polymers were synthetic with polyethylene terephthalate being the most common polymer. Our results indicated that carnivore species with a preference for fish and decapods were the highest impacted trophic group in the area. Fish species in the Gulf of İzmit are contaminated with plastics, representing a potential risk to ecosystem and human health. Further research is needed to understand the effects of plastic ingestion on biota and possible pathways. Results of this study also provide baseline data for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive Descriptor 10 in the Sea of Marmara.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ülgen Aytan
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Marine Biology, 53100, Rize, Türkiye.
| | - F Başak Esensoy
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Marine Biology, 53100, Rize, Türkiye
| | - Yasemen Şentürk
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Marine Biology, 53100, Rize, Türkiye
| | - Olgaç Güven
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Fisheries, 07070, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Kaan Karaoğlu
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Vocational School of Technical Sciences Department of Chemical and Chemical Processing Technologies, 53100, Rize, Türkiye
| | - Murat Erbay
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Central Fisheries Research Institute, Trabzon, Türkiye
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40
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Cau A, Gorule PA, Bellodi A, Carreras-Colom E, Moccia D, Pittura L, Regoli F, Follesa MC. Comparative microplastic load in two decapod crustaceans Palinurus elephas (Fabricius, 1787) and Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, 1758). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114912. [PMID: 37080020 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The present work compares microplastics (MPs) contamination in two charismatic crustaceans: European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas and langoustine Nephrops norvegicus. Samples (P. elephas n = 14; N. norvegicus n = 15) were collected between 76 and 592 m depth, from four sites in west Sardinia, Italy. An extraction protocol was applied on stomachs and intestines, separately, and over 500 particles were further characterized through μFT-IR. We document 100 % occurrence in specimens from both species, with P. elephas being significantly more contaminated (9.1 ± 1.75 vs. 3.2 ± 0.45 MPs individual-1), ingesting larger MPs with different polymeric composition. The scavenging-based feeding strategy of both species could explain such exposure to MPs, mostly derived by single-use plastic. The overall results highlight that both species are clearly affected by plastic pollution, being valuable bioindicators and charismatic species that could thus represent excellent flagship species for raising awareness toward the global issue of plastic in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cau
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa, ULR Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Pankaj A Gorule
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Bellodi
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa, ULR Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ester Carreras-Colom
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Davide Moccia
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa, ULR Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lucia Pittura
- Università Politecnica delle Marche, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Regoli
- Università Politecnica delle Marche, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; National Future Biodiversity Center (NFBC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Follesa
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa, ULR Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Muns-Pujadas L, Dallarés S, Constenla M, Padrós F, Carreras-Colom E, Grelaud M, Carrassón M, Soler-Membrives A. Revealing the capability of the European hake to cope with micro-litter environmental exposure and its inferred potential health impact in the NW Mediterranean Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 186:105921. [PMID: 36827887 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105921] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Prevalence, abundance, concentration, size and composition of anthropogenic items (AIs) (synthetic and non-synthetic) ingested by Merluccius merluccius juvenile specimens and from near-bottom water samples from different localities off the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean), were characterized. The potential effect of AIs on fish condition was assessed through different health indicators. Virtually all AIs found in fish and near-bottom water samples were fibres. A mean of 0.85 fibres/m3 from the surrounding water was observed. Fish ingested a mean of 1.39 (SD = 1.39) items/individual. Cellulosic fibres were predominant (77.8% of samples), except for Barcelona. No differences in ingested AIs abundance and composition off Barcelona between 2007 and 2019 were found. Small AIs from the environment matched ingested AIs composition. Hakes did not ingest large fibres despite being present in the environment, probably due to their feeding behaviour. No adverse health effects or parasites aggregations were detected to be potentially related to AIs ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muns-Pujadas
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Dallarés
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Constenla
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Padrós
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Carreras-Colom
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michaël Grelaud
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maite Carrassón
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
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Boettcher H, Kukulka T, Cohen JH. Methods for controlled preparation and dosing of microplastic fragments in bioassays. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5195. [PMID: 36997607 PMCID: PMC10063547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32250-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastic fragments (microfragments) are among the most abundant microplastic shapes found in marine ecosystems throughout the world. Due to their limited commercial availability, microfragments are rarely used in laboratory experiments. Here a novel method of microfragment production has been developed and validated. Polyethylene and polypropylene plastic stock (2 and 3 mm thick respectively) was ground using a cryomill, washed, and rinsed through a stack of sieves. Microfragments were prepared at three distinct size classes (53-150, 150-300, 300-1000 μm) and were confirmed to be accurate and consistent in size. Employing a novel ice cap dosing technique, microfragments were accurately dosed into experimental vials while excluding headspace, facilitating particle suspension without the aid of chemical surfactants. A proof of principle ingestion experiment confirmed the bioavailability of 53-150 μm polyethylene microfragments to brine shrimp Artemia sp. Together, these methods provide a controlled way to produce and dose microplastic fragments for experimental and analytical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Boettcher
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, 19958, USA.
| | - Tobias Kukulka
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19971, USA
| | - Jonathan H Cohen
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, 19958, USA
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Vermeiren P, Ikejima K, Uchida Y, C Muñoz C. Microplastic distribution among estuarine sedimentary habitats utilized by intertidal crabs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161400. [PMID: 36610621 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The high accumulation potential of estuaries for plastics, particularly microplastics, poses a threat to the high societal value and biodiversity they provide. To support a spatially refined evaluation of the risk that microplastic pollution poses to fauna utilizing estuarine sedimentary habitats, we investigated the distribution of microplastics (lower limit of quantification, LOQ = 62 μm) at the sediment surface of two dominant habitats, and subsequently compared microplastic burdens between two crabs species utilizing these habitats. Microplastics were dominated by low density polyolefins (45-50 %), comparable to the polymer composition of macroplastics. The vast majority (99 %) of microplastics were ≤1 mm, and increased exponentially (with an exponent of 2.7) in abundance at smaller sizes, hinting at three-dimensional fragmentation. Our results suggest that the presence of vegetation needs to be accounted for in risk assessments with small microplastics (≥62 μm and ≤1 mm) on average 2.6 times more prevalent within reed beds compared to mudflats. Additionally, sediment properties also play a role with an exponential decrease in small microplastic abundance at coarser sediments, increased organic matter content, and decreased water content. These results suggest that at specific locations, such as the study area, local sources can provide a substantial contribution to microplastic contamination. To translate these habitat- and site-specific differences into a risk assessment relevant for macroinvertebrates, ecological traits such as differences in feeding modes should be accounted for, as we found substantial differences in both size and abundance of microplastics in gastrointestinal tracts of two crab species, Chiromantes dehaani and Chasmagnathus convexus, with different feeding modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Vermeiren
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Kou Ikejima
- Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Otsu, Monobe, Nankoku City, Kochi 783-8502, Japan
| | - Yurina Uchida
- Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Otsu, Monobe, Nankoku City, Kochi 783-8502, Japan
| | - Cynthia C Muñoz
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Zhang K, Zheng S, Liang J, Zhao Y, Li Q, Zhu M, Dai S, Sun X. Microplastic load of benthic fauna in Jiaozhou Bay, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121073. [PMID: 36641062 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastic pollution in the ocean has caused widespread concern. Many studies have focused on the occurrence of microplastics in the marine environment and organisms, but the fate of microplastics in the ocean is still unclear, and the factors affecting the distribution of microplastics have not yet been consistently concluded. The aims of this study were to estimate the load of microplastics in benthic organisms as a temporary storage and to analyze the factors affecting microplastic ingestion by benthic organisms. For the purpose of this study, the benthic organisms in Jiaozhou Bay, China, were collected quarterly and were divided into the following six groups: polychaetes, mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, fish, and others. We concluded that the microplastic abundance in the benthos in Jiaozhou Bay was 1.00 ± 0.11 items/ind. (15.5 ± 3.5 items/g). The total load of microplastics in the benthic fauna in the bay with an area of 374 km2 was estimated to be 36.4 kg. On an individual basis, the fish contained significantly more microplastics than the other taxa. Furthermore, the characteristics of the microplastics in the benthic organisms were mainly fibrous, black, polyethylene, and <500 μm in size. In addition, the microplastic ingestion by benthic organisms was regulated by multiple factors, including biological characteristics and the environment. The masses of the organisms, the ambient seawater and sediment, and the spatial variations all influenced the microplastic ingestion by the organisms. The results of this study demonstrate that benthic organisms are an important storage for microplastics as they transferred through the ocean, and they provide an unbiased comparison of microplastic pollution among multiple organisms and the relevant pollution factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangning Zhang
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Junhua Liang
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Yongfang Zhao
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Qingjie Li
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mingliang Zhu
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Sheng Dai
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxia Sun
- Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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45
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Khdre AM, Ramadan SA, Ashry A, Alaraby M. Chironomus sp. as a Bioindicator for Assessing Microplastic Contamination and the Heavy Metals Associated with It in the Sediment of Wastewater in Sohag Governorate, Egypt. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2023; 234:161. [PMID: 36855709 PMCID: PMC9951840 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-023-06179-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of plastic waste pollution have imposed wide global concerns. One of these consequences is the production of micro- and nanosized particles (MNPLs) from aged plastics. The problem of MNPLs is magnified by their potential to transport various contaminants due to their large surface area and other variable physiochemical properties. From this point on, it is important to know the real concentration of MNPLs in our environment and their potential to internalize wild organisms as well as transfer contaminants that are completely highlighted. As a result, our study is the first to detect MP pollution in the upper Egypt wastewater environment. It could be utilized as a baseline to estimate MP wastes and develop management techniques, particularly in Sohag Governorate. The concentration and characterization of MPs in sludge, water, Chironomus sp. larvae, and their tubes were studied in this work. Chironomus sp. is a reliable bioindicator prevalent in such contaminated environments, and it was used to demonstrate how MPs invade biological barriers. Our results found that red and blue polyester fibers are much more prevalent than other polymers, colors, and shapes of MPs. While each dry kilogram of wastewater sludge contains 310 ± 84 particles, this amount is reduced to 1.55 ± 0.7 per liter in the water column. Biologically, the present study succeeded in detecting the MPs inside the wild organism, with concentrations reaching 71 ± 21 and 4.41 ± 1.1 particles per gram wet weight in Chironomus sp. larvae and their tubes (chironomid tubes), respectively. The potential hazard of MPs stems from their propensity to transfer pollutants. At this point, our findings revealed a corresponding and significant concentration of various heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, and Ni) detected in MPs or Chironomus sp. versus sludge. In conclusion, our findings not only proved the presence of MPs in wastewater but also demonstrated their ability to internalize cross-wild organisms, allowing toxins to accumulate inside their bodies, raising concerns about the possible health impacts of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza M. Khdre
- Entomology and Environmental Toxicology Group, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524) Egypt
| | - Somaia A. Ramadan
- Entomology and Environmental Toxicology Group, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524) Egypt
| | - Ali Ashry
- Entomology and Environmental Toxicology Group, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524) Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alaraby
- Entomology and Environmental Toxicology Group, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524) Egypt
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Sun X, Jia Q, Ye J, Zhu Y, Song Z, Guo Y, Chen H. Real-time variabilities in microplastic abundance and characteristics of urban surface runoff and sewer overflow in wet weather as impacted by land use and storm factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160148. [PMID: 36375558 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Urban surface runoff (USR) and drainage system overflows during wet weather (WWF) play a key role in shaping water pollution. Particularly, the impact of large amounts of microplastic pollution on urban water bodies is unclear. We conducted an in-field investigation in six central urban drainage systems along Suzhou Creek in the Shanghai megacity of China and identified the impacts of storm factors and land use on the real-time dynamic changes in microplastic abundance and characteristics in USR and WWF. Microplastic abundances ranged from 228.3 ± 105.4-4969.51 ± 348.8, 309.3 ± 144.3-5195.8 ± 425.5, and 130.0 ± 30.0-8500.0 ± 1241.0 particles/L in the traffic and residential catchment USR, and the WWF, respectively. Under similar storm factor conditions, we observed correlations between environmental factors and microplastic abundance, especially the polymer type, verifying the significant role of land use. The microplastic abundance were 90.2 particles/L higher in the traffic catchment USR than in the residential catchment USR. Notably, we found unique microplastic polymers comprising ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and thermoplastic elastomers in the residential and traffic catchment USR, respectively. However, land use had a minimum impact on the size and shape of microplastics: small-sized and film microplastics dominated in both USR types. We found statistical evidence of the widespread correlations between microplastic abundance and storm factors (accumulated storm depth and WWF flow) in both USR and WWF. The first flush phenomenon of microplastic dynamics was found in both USR and WWF. Microplastic characteristics also changed dynamically with storm time. With heavy storm factors, polypropylene and small-sized (<1 mm) microplastics in USR events increased and then decreased. This was also true for WWF events in granular and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics. Our results can facilitate the targeted mitigation of emerging pollutants to enhance stormwater management strategies and prevent future contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Sun
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, 200233 Shanghai, China
| | - Qilong Jia
- School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jianfeng Ye
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, 200233 Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaofeng Song
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, 200233 Shanghai, China
| | - Yali Guo
- Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200050, China; YANGTZE Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, Three Gorges Corporation, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200050, China; YANGTZE Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, Three Gorges Corporation, Beijing 100038, China.
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Teng J, Zhao J, Sun C, Shan E, Wang M, Wang Q. First record of microplastics in the Gigantidas platifrons (Mytilidae: Bathymodiolus) and Shinkaia crosnieri (Munidopsidae: Shinkaia) from cold-seep in the South China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114523. [PMID: 36580837 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The deep sea is considered the final sink for microplastics (MPs) pollution in marine environments. Despite MPs being consumed by many organisms, their presence in cold-seep organisms remains unclear. At cold seep site F in the South China Sea, which lies 1155 m deep, MPs were investigated in Gigantidas platifrons and Shinkaia crosnieri, both ecologically important species. Microplastics ingestion rates were 80.98 % and 81.25 % in G. platifrons and S. crosnieri, respectively. The average MPs abundance for G. platifrons and S. crosnieri was 2.80 ± 0.69 MPs/ind (2.20 ± 2.75 MPs/g) and 2.30 ± 0.27 MPs/ind (4.74 ± 3.08 MPs/g), with no significant difference between species. There were predominantly fibrous MPs ingested by cold-seep organisms, sized 500-1000 μm, blue in color, and polyethylene terephthalate and cellophane in composition. The results confirm the presence of MPs in cold-seep organisms in the South China Sea, providing further evidence that MP pollution exists in the deep sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Teng
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Chaofan Sun
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Encui Shan
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Minxiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China.
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China.
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Porter A, Barber D, Hobbs C, Love J, Power AL, Bakir A, Galloway TS, Lewis C. Uptake of microplastics by marine worms depends on feeding mode and particle shape but not exposure time. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159287. [PMID: 36209888 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The uptake of microplastics into marine species has been widely documented across trophic levels. Feeding mode is suggested as playing an important role in determining different contamination loads across species, but this theory is poorly supported with empirical evidence. Here we use the two distinct feeding modes of the benthic polychaete, Hediste diversicolor (The Harbour Ragworm) (O.F. Müller, 1776), to test the hypothesis that filter feeding will lead to a greater uptake of microplastic particles than deposit feeding. Worms were exposed to both polyamide microfragments and microfibres in either water (as filter feeders) or sediment (as deposit feeders) for 1 week. No effect of exposure time was found between 1 day and 1 week (p > 0.19) but feeding mode was found to significantly affect the number of microfibres recovered from each worm (p < 0.001). When exposed to microfibers, filter feeding worms took up ≈15,000 % more fibres than deposit feeding worms (p < 0.001), whereas when feeding on microfragments there was no difference between feeding modes. Our data demonstrate that both feeding mode and particle characteristics significantly influence the uptake of microplastics by H. diversicolor. Using imaging flow cytometry, filter feeders were found to take up a broader size range of particles, with significantly more smaller and larger particles than deposit feeders (p < 0.05), commensurate with the range of plastics isolated from the guts of ragworms recovered from the environment. These results demonstrate that biological traits are useful in understanding the uptake of plastics into marine worms and warrant further exploration as a tool for understanding the bioaccessibility of plastics to marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Porter
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom.
| | - Dan Barber
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Hobbs
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - John Love
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Ann L Power
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Adil Bakir
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Ceri Lewis
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
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Yücel N. Detection of microplastic fibers tangle in deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris, Lucas, 1846) in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:10914-10924. [PMID: 36088443 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22898-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in marine environments has been a major global concern in recent years. Microplastic particles pose a threat in aquatic animals by accumulating in their digestive system, acting like a pollution vector, and they can also transfer to upper trophic levels. For that reason, commercially important deep-water rose shrimp Parapenaeus longirostris were employed in this study to examine the MP pollution status of two different regions (Samandağ and Mersin offshore waters) of the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. MPs were detected in all examined specimens (average of 18.8 MPs ind-1), and fiber tangle-shaped like balls were observed by 22% and 9% at Samandağ and Mersin, respectively. P. longirostris individuals from Samandağ showed higher occurrence (100%) and higher accumulation (29.7 ± 24.4 MPs ind-1). MP abundance extracted from the shrimp individuals from Samandağ region was higher than that of previously reported shrimp species. The majority of extracted microplastics were fiber (100%), black (46%) in color and 1-2.5 mm in size. Polyethylene was identified as the most common polymer type by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This study is the first report to evaluate microplastic occurrence and fiber tangles in P. longirostris from northeastern Mediterranean Sea. Results obtained in this study will enhance the understanding of MP pollution among different trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebil Yücel
- Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Department of Water Resources Management and Organization, Iskenderun Technical University, Hatay, Turkey.
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50
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Addo S, Boateng CM, Diyie RL, Duodu CP, Ferni AK, Williams EA, Amakye AO, Asamoah O, Danso -Abbeam H, Nyarko E. Occurrence of microplastics in wild oysters ( Crassostrea tulipa) from the Gulf of Guinea and their potential human exposure. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12255. [PMID: 36568671 PMCID: PMC9768316 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The high dependence on plastics in Ghana has resulted in the generation of large quantities of plastic waste which are poorly managed and improperly disposed into the aquatic environments. This study assessed the spatial distribution and abundance of microplastics in mangrove oysters (Crassostrea tulipa): a major fishery resource of commercial importance in Ghana. The results showed that 84.0% of all individuals examined had ingested microplastics. A total of 276 microplastic items were recovered from the 120 individual oysters. Densu (100%) and Volta (93%), two estuaries situated in urban areas, had a greater incidence of microplastics than Whin (77%) and Nakwa (66%), estuaries situated in peri-urban and rural settlements, respectively. The mean microplastic abundance ranged from 1.4 to 3.4 items/individual and 0.34 to 1.7 items/g tissue wet weight. Fiber accounted for 69% of microplastic shapes, followed by fragments (27%) and films (4%). Polymer analysis showed polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) as the most common types in oysters. The estimated microplastic intake per capita per year was one magnitude higher than the mean for other countries. This high rate of human exposure to microplastics requires an eminent policy formulation to guide the use, management and disposal of plastic waste in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Addo
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Charles Mario Boateng
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
- Corresponding author.
| | - Rhoda Lims Diyie
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI), P. O. Box AH 38, Accra, Ghana
| | - Collins Prah Duodu
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Anyan Kofi Ferni
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernestina Abbew Williams
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Akosua Ohemaa Amakye
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Obed Asamoah
- University of Development Studies, P. O. Box TL 1350, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Harriet Danso -Abbeam
- Environmental Resources Research Centre, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Post Office Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Elvis Nyarko
- Regional Maritime University, Post Office Box GP 1115, Accra, Ghana
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