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Guan X, Jia D, Liu X, Ding C, Guo J, Yao M, Zhang Z, Zhou M, Sun J. Combined influence of the nanoplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure on microbial community in seawater environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173772. [PMID: 38871313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173772] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are recognized as persistent organic pollutant (POPs) with demonstrated physiological toxicity. When present in aquatic environments, the two pollutants could combine with each other, resulting in cumulative toxicity to organisms. However, the combined impact of NPs and PAHs on microorganisms in seawater is not well understood. In this study, we conducted an exposure experiment to investigate the individual and synergistic effects of NPs and PAHs on the composition, biodiversity, co-occurrence networks of microbial communities in seawater. Exposure of individuals to PAHs led to a reduction in microbial community richness, but an increase in the relative abundance of species linked to PAHs degradation. These PAHs-degradation bacteria acting as keystone species, maintained a microbial network complexity similar to that of the control treatment. Exposure to individual NPs resulted in a reduction in the complexity of microbial networks. Furthermore, when PAHs and NPs were simultaneously present, the toxic effect of NPs hindered the presence of keystone species involved in PAHs degradation, subsequently limiting the degradation of PAHs by marine microorganisms, resulting in a decrease in community diversity and symbiotic network complexity. This situation potentially poses a heightened threat to the ecological stability of marine ecosystems. Our work strengthened the understanding of the combined impact of NPs and PAHs on microorganisms in seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Guan
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Dai Jia
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xinyu Liu
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Changling Ding
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, China
| | - Jinfei Guo
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Yao
- Jiangsu Hydrology and Water Resources Survey Bureau, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengxi Zhou
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Sun
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, China.
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2
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Wang H, Gao Z, Zhu Q, Wang C, Cao Y, Chen L, Liu J, Zhu J. Overview of the environmental risks of microplastics and their controlled degradation from the perspective of free radicals. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124227. [PMID: 38797348 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124227] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Owing to the significant environmental threat posed by microplastics (MPs) of varying properties, MPs research has garnered considerable attention in current academic discourse. Addressing MPs in river-lake water systems, existing studies have seldom systematically revealed the role of free radicals in the aging/degradation process of MPs. Hence, this review aims to first analyze the pollution distribution and environmental risks of MPs in river-lake water systems and to elaborate the crucial role of free radicals in them. After that, the study delves into the advancements in free radical-mediated degradation techniques for MPs, emphasizing the significance of both the generation and elimination of free radicals. Furthermore, a novel approach is proposed to precisely govern the controlled generation of free radicals for MPs' degradation by interfacial modification of the material structure. Hopefully, it will shed valuable insights for the effective control and reduction of MPs in river-lake water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Treatment and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Zhimin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Treatment and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Qiuzi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Treatment and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Cunshi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Treatment and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Yanyan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Treatment and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Jiangsu Qinhuai River Water Conservancy Project Management Office, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jianlong Liu
- Jiangsu Qinhuai River Water Conservancy Project Management Office, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jianzhong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Treatment and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
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Kumar D, Biswas JK, Mulla SI, Singh R, Shukla R, Ahanger MA, Shekhawat GS, Verma KK, Siddiqui MW, Seth CS. Micro and nanoplastics pollution: Sources, distribution, uptake in plants, toxicological effects, and innovative remediation strategies for environmental sustainability. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 213:108795. [PMID: 38878390 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108795] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), are minute particles resulting from plastic fragmentation, have raised concerns due to their widespread presence in the environment. This study investigates sources and distribution of MNPs and their impact on plants, elucidating the intricate mechanisms of toxicity. Through a comprehensive analysis, it reveals that these tiny plastic particles infiltrate plant tissues, disrupting vital physiological processes. Micro and nanoplastics impair root development, hinder water and nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and induce oxidative stress and cyto-genotoxicity leading to stunted growth and diminished crop yields. Moreover, they interfere with plant-microbe interactions essential for nutrient cycling and soil health. The research also explores the translocation of these particles within plants, raising concerns about their potential entry into the food chain and subsequent human health risks. The study underscores the urgency of understanding MNPs toxicity on plants, emphasizing the need for innovative remediation strategies such as bioremediation by algae, fungi, bacteria, and plants and eco-friendly plastic alternatives. Addressing this issue is pivotal not only for environmental conservation but also for ensuring sustainable agriculture and global food security in the face of escalating plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Kumar
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, New Delhi-110007, Delhi, India
| | - Jayanta Kumar Biswas
- International Centre for Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecological Studies, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia- 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Sikandar I Mulla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, REVA University, Bangalore- 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Rachana Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida- 201308, India
| | - Ravindra Shukla
- Department of Botany, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak- 484887, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammad Abass Ahanger
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Gyan Singh Shekhawat
- Department of Botany, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 342005, Rajasthan, India
| | - Krishan K Verma
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning-530007, China
| | - Mohammed Wasim Siddiqui
- Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813210, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
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4
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Sun Z, Peng X, Zhao L, Yang Y, Zhu Y, Wang L, Kang B. From tissue lesions to neurotoxicity: The devastating effects of small-sized nanoplastics on red drum Sciaenops ocellatus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173238. [PMID: 38750760 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173238] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastic pollution typically exhibits more biotoxicity to marine organisms than microplastic pollution. Limited research exists on the toxic effects of small-sized nanoplastics on marine fish, especially regarding their post-exposure resilience. In this study, red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) were exposed to small-sized polystyrene nanoplastics (30 nm, PS-NPs) for 7 days for the exposure experiments, followed by 14 days of recovery experiments. Histologically, hepatic lipid droplets and branchial epithelial liftings were the primary lesions induced by PS-NPs during both exposure and recovery periods. The inhibition of total superoxide dismutase activity and the accumulation of malondialdehyde content throughout the exposure and recovery periods. Transcriptional and metabolic regulation revealed that PS-NPs induced lipid metabolism disorders and DNA damage during the initial 1-2 days of exposure periods, followed by immune responses and neurotoxicity in the later stages (4-7 days). During the early recovery stages (2-7 days), lipid metabolism and cell cycle were activated, while in the later recovery stage (14 days), the emphasis shifted to lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. Persistent histological lesions, changes in antioxidant capacity, and fluctuations in gene and metabolite expression were observed even after 14 days of recovery periods, highlighting the severe biotoxicity of small-sized PS-NPs to marine fish. In summary, small-sized PS-NPs have severe biotoxicity, causing tissue lesions, oxidative damage, lipid metabolism disorders, DNA damage, immune responses, and neurotoxicity in red drum. This study offers valuable insights into the toxic effects and resilience of small-sized nanoplastics on marine fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China; Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Marine Academy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 315613, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linlin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, Shandong, China
| | - Yi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yugui Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China; Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Linlong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China; Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Kang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China; Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China
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5
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Xue H, Wang J, Chen R, Wu W, Dong Y, Yuan X, Li Z, Gao X, Liu J. Physiological and transcriptomic analysis reveals the toxicological mechanisms of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174660. [PMID: 38986693 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
With the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, the toxicity of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) to microalgae has attracted increasing attention. However, the underlying toxic mechanisms of MNPs remain to be elucidated. In this study, we synthesized micro- and nano-scale of polystyrene MNPs (PS MNPs) to investigate their toxicity and toxic mechanisms in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We found that PS MNPs significantly inhibit the production of photosynthetic pigments and increase soluble protein content. The detailed analysis of results shows that both materials affect photosynthetic efficiency by damaging the donor side, reaction center, and electron transfer of photosystem II. Moreover, compared to PS MPs, PS NPs have a greater negative impact on algal cells. Analyzing the transcriptome of cells suggests that the most sensitive metabolic pathways in response to PS MNPs involve oxidative phosphorylation, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and photosynthesis. Especially, genes related to photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation showed significant changes in expression after exposure to PS MNPs. This study provided molecular-level insights into the toxic mechanisms of PS MNPs on microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidan Xue
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710012, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Ruifei Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Center of Advanced Lubrication and Seal Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Yibei Dong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Xiaolong Yuan
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Zhengke Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Jianxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Center of Advanced Lubrication and Seal Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China.
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6
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De Felice B, Gazzotti S, Ortenzi MA, Parolini M. Multi-level toxicity assessment of polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on the cladoceran Daphnia magna. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106966. [PMID: 38815345 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106966] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of plastics waste in the environment has raised a worrisome concern, moving the society to seek out for sustainable solutions, such as the transition from the use of fossil-based, conventional plastics to bioplastics (BPs). However, once in the environment bioplastics have the same probability to accumulate and experience weathering processes than conventional plastics, leading to the formation of microplastics (MPs). However, to date the information on the potential toxicity of MPs originated from the weathering of bioplastics is limited. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the adverse effects induced by the exposure to MPs made of a bioplastic polymer, the polylactic acid (PLA), towards the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna. Organisms were exposed for 21 days to three concentrations (0.125 µg/mL, 1.25 µg/mL and 12.5 µg/mL) of PLA microplastics (hereafter PLA-MPs). A multi-level approach was performed to investigate the potential effects through the biological hierarchy, starting from the sub-individual up to the individual level. At the sub-individual level, changes in the oxidative status (i.e., the amount of reactive oxygen species and the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes) and oxidative damage (i.e., lipid peroxidation) were explored. Moreover, the total caloric content as well as the content of protein, carbohydrate and lipid content assess were used to investigate the effects on energy reserves. At individual level the changes in swimming activity (i.e., distance moved and swimming speed) were assessed. Our results showed that the exposure to PLA-MPs induced a slight modulation in the oxidative status and energy reserves, leading to an increase in swimming behavior of treated individuals compared to control conspecifics. These results suggest that the exposure to MPs made of a bioplastic polymer can induce adverse effects similar to those caused by conventional polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- University of Milan, Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- University of Milan, Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
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7
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Lu G, Wei S. Nanoplastics trigger the aging and inflammation of porcine kidney cells. Toxicology 2024; 506:153870. [PMID: 38925360 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153870] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics have now become a pervasive contaminant, being detected in various environmental media. However, our understanding of the specific toxicological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on the kidneys remains unclear, which is a scientific problem that needs to be solved. To address this question, we employed two kidney cell lines as in vitro models to study the toxicological effects of NPs on porcine kidney cells. Firstly, we observed that NPs can be internalized into the cytoplasm in a time- and dose-dependent manner by using a laser confocal microscope. We further discovered that NPs can trigger inflammatory responses and lead to porcine kidney cell senescence by detection of senescence marker molecules. Furthermore, the potential molecular mechanism(s) by which NPs induce porcine kidney cell senescence were explored, we found that NPs induce oxidative stress in the porcine kidney cells, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within mitochondria, ultimately triggering inflammatory responses and senescence in the kidney cells. In summary, our experimental results not only provide new evidence for the toxicity of NPs but also offer new ideas and directions for future research. This discovery will aid in our deeper understanding of the potential health impacts of NPs on domestic pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Lu
- JiLin Agricultural Science And Technology University, China
| | - Shuqin Wei
- JiLin Agricultural Science And Technology University, China.
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8
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Pan I, Umapathy S. Probiotics an emerging therapeutic approach towards gut-brain-axis oriented chronic health issues induced by microplastics: A comprehensive review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32004. [PMID: 38882279 PMCID: PMC11176854 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32004] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Applications for plastic polymers can be found all around the world, often discarded without any prior care, exacerbating the environmental issue. When large waste materials are released into the environment, they undergo physical, biological, and photo-degradation processes that break them down into smaller polymer fragments known as microplastics (MPs). The time it takes for residual plastic to degrade depends on the type of polymer and environmental factors, with some taking as long as 600 years or more. Due to their small size, microplastics can contaminate food and enter the human body through food chains and webs, causing gastrointestinal (GI) tract pain that can range from local to systemic. Microplastics can also acquire hydrophobic organic pollutants and heavy metals on their surface, due to their large surface area and surface hydrophobicity. The levels of contamination on the microplastic surface are significantly higher than in the natural environment. The gut-brain axis (GB axis), through which organisms interact with their environment, regulate nutritional digestion and absorption, intestinal motility and secretion, complex polysaccharide breakdown, and maintain intestinal integrity, can be altered by microplastics acting alone or in combination with pollutants. Probiotics have shown significant therapeutic potential in managing various illnesses mediated by the gut-brain axis. They connect hormonal and biochemical pathways to promote gut and brain health, making them a promising therapy option for a variety of GB axis-mediated illnesses. Additionally, taking probiotics with or without food can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), neuro-inflammation, neurodegeneration, protein folding, and both motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease. This study provides new insight into microplastic-induced gut dysbiosis, its associated health risks, and the benefits of using both traditional and next-generation probiotics to maintain gut homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieshita Pan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Suganiya Umapathy
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
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Gani A, Pathak S, Hussain A, Shukla AK, Chand S. Emerging pollutant in surface water bodies: a review on monitoring, analysis, mitigation measures and removal technologies of micro-plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:214. [PMID: 38842590 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01992-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Water bodies play a crucial role in supporting life, maintaining the environment, and preserving the ecology for the people of India. However, in recent decades, human activities have led to various alterations in aquatic environments, resulting in environmental degradation through pollution. The safety of utilizing surface water sources for drinking and other purposes has come under intense scrutiny due to rapid population growth and industrial expansion. Surface water pollution due to micro-plastics (MPs) (plastics < 5 mm in size) is one of the emerging pollutants in metropolitan cities of developing countries because of its utmost resilience and synthetic nature. Recent studies on the surface water bodies (river, pond, Lake etc.) portrait the correlation between the MPs level with different parameters of pollution such as specific conductivity, total phosphate, and biological oxygen demand. Fibers represent the predominant form of MPs discovered in surface water bodies, exhibiting fluctuations across seasons. Consequently, present study prioritizes understanding the adaptation, prevalence, attributes, fluctuations, and spatial dispersion of MPs in both sediment and surface water environments. Furthermore, the study aims to identify existing gaps in the current understanding and underscore opportunities for future investigation. From the present study, it has been reported that, the concentration of MPs in the range of 0.2-45.2 items/L at the Xisha Islands in the south China sea, whereas in India it was found in the range of 96 items/L in water samples and 259 items/kg in sediment samples. This would certainly assist the urban planners in achieving sustainable development goals to mitigate the increasing amount of emergent pollutant load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Gani
- Civil Engineering Department, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, 110073, India
| | - Shray Pathak
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, 140001, India.
| | - Athar Hussain
- Civil Engineering Department, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, 110073, India
| | - Anoop Kumar Shukla
- Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sasmita Chand
- Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
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10
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Chang X, Wang WX. Differential cellular uptake and trafficking of nanoplastics in two hemocyte subpopulations of mussels Perna viridis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134388. [PMID: 38669925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Chang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China.
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11
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Liu S, Chen Q, Ding H, Song Y, Pan Q, Deng H, Zeng EY. Differences of microplastics and nanoplastics in urban waters: Environmental behaviors, hazards, and removal. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 260:121895. [PMID: 38875856 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and have caused widespread concerns globally due to their potential hazards to humans. Especially, NPs have smaller sizes and higher penetrability, and therefore can penetrate the human barrier more easily and may pose potentially higher risks than MPs. Currently, most reviews have overlooked the differences between MPs and NPs and conflated them in the discussions. This review compared the differences in physicochemical properties and environmental behaviors of MPs and NPs. Commonly used techniques for removing MPs and NPs currently employed by wastewater treatment plants and drinking water treatment plants were summarized, and their weaknesses were analyzed. We further comprehensively reviewed the latest technological advances (e.g., emerging coagulants, new filters, novel membrane materials, photocatalysis, Fenton, ozone, and persulfate oxidation) for the separation and degradation of MPs and NPs. Microplastics are more easily removed than NPs through separation processes, while NPs are more easily degraded than MPs through advanced oxidation processes. The operational parameters, efficiency, and potential governing mechanisms of various technologies as well as their advantages and disadvantages were also analyzed in detail. Appropriate technology should be selected based on environmental conditions and plastic size and type. Finally, current challenges and prospects in the detection, toxicity assessment, and removal of MPs and NPs were proposed. This review intends to clarify the differences between MPs and NPs and provide guidance for removing MPs and NPs from urban water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 123456, China
| | - Yunqian Song
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Qixin Pan
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Huiping Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters (Ministry of Education), School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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12
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Deng L, Cheung S, Liu J, Chen J, Chen F, Zhang X, Liu H. Nanoplastics impair growth and nitrogen fixation of marine nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:123960. [PMID: 38608853 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123960] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics pollution is a growing environmental problem worldwide. Recent research has demonstrated the toxic effects of nanoplastics on various marine organisms. However, the influences of nanoplastics on marine nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, a critical nitrogen source in the ocean, remained unknown. Here, we report that nanoplastics exposure significantly reduced growth, photosynthetic, and nitrogen fixation rates of Crocosphaera watsonii (a major marine nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that nanoplastics might harm C. watsonii via downregulation of photosynthetic pathways and DNA damage repair genes, while genes for respiration, cell damage, nitrogen limitation, and iron (and phosphorus) scavenging were upregulated. The number and size of starch grains and electron-dense vacuoles increased significantly after nanoplastics exposure, suggesting that C. watsonii allocated more resources to storage instead of growth under stress. We propose that nanoplastics can damage the cell (e.g., DNA, cell membrane, and membrane-bound transporters), inhibit nitrogen and carbon fixation, and hence lead to nutrient limitation and impaired growth. Our findings suggest the possibility that nanoplastics pollution could reduce the new nitrogen input and hence affect the productivity in the ocean. The impact of nanoplastics on marine nitrogen fixation and productivity should be considered when predicting the ecosystem response and biogeochemical cycling in the changing ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Deng
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Shunyan Cheung
- Institute of Marine Biology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Fengyuan Chen
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China; SZU-HKUST Joint PhD Program in Marine Environmental Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China; Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China.
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13
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Xu K, Zhao L, Juneau P, Chen Z, Zheng X, Lian Y, Li W, Huang P, Yan Q, Chen X, He Z. The photosynthetic toxicity of nano-polystyrene to Microcystis aeruginosa is influenced by surface modification and light intensity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124206. [PMID: 38795819 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
It is known that nanoplastics can cause membrane damage and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cyanobacteria, negatively impacting their photosynthetic reactions and growth. However, the synergistic effect of light intensity on nanoplastics' toxicity to cyanobacteria is rarely investigated. Here, we investigated the impact of nano-polystyrene particles (PS) and amino-modified nano-polystyrene particles (PS-NH2) on cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa cultivated under two light intensities. We discovered that PS-NH2 was more toxic to M. aeruginosa compared to PS with more damage of cell membranes by PS-NH2. The membrane damage was found by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. Under low light, PS-NH2 inhibited the photosynthesis of M. aeruginosa by decreasing the PSII quantum yield, photosynthetic electron transport rate and pigment content, but increasing non-photochemical quenching and Car/chl a ratio to cope with this stress condition. Moreover, high light appeared to increase the toxicity of PS-NH2 to M. aeruginosa by increasing its in vitro and intracellular ROS content. Specifically, on the one hand, high visible light (without UV) and PS-NH2 induced more in vitro singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion measured by electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer in vitro, which could be another new toxic mechanism of PS-NH2 to M. aeruginosa. On the other hand, high light and PS-NH2 might increase intracellular ROS by inhibiting more photosynthetic electron transfer and accumulating more excess energy and electrons in M. aeruginosa. This research broadens our comprehension of the toxicity mechanisms of nanoplastics to cyanobacteria under varied light conditions and suggests a new toxic mechanism of nanoplastics involving in vitro ROS under visible light, providing vital information for assessing ecotoxicological effects of nanoplastics in the freshwater ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Xu
- Marine Synthetic Ecology Research Center, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, 435002, China
| | - Libin Zhao
- Marine Synthetic Ecology Research Center, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Jiangsu Huanghai Ecological Environment Detection Co., Ltd., Yancheng, 224008, China
| | - Philippe Juneau
- Department of Biological Sciences, GRIL-EcotoQ-TOXEN, Ecotoxicology of Aquatic Microorganisms Laboratory, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Zhen Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, 435002, China
| | - Xiafei Zheng
- Marine Synthetic Ecology Research Center, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yingli Lian
- Marine Synthetic Ecology Research Center, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Weizhi Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, 435002, China
| | - Peihuan Huang
- Marine Synthetic Ecology Research Center, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qingyun Yan
- Marine Synthetic Ecology Research Center, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiongwen Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, 435002, China
| | - Zhili He
- Marine Synthetic Ecology Research Center, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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14
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Weng Y, Yan H, Nan X, Sun H, Shi Y, Zhang Y, Zhang N, Zhao X, Liu B. Potential health risks of microplastic fibres release from disposable surgical masks: Impact of repeated wearing and handling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134219. [PMID: 38615647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134219] [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] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Disposable surgical masks undeniably provide important personal protection in daily life, but the potential health risks by the release of microplastic fibres from masks should command greater attention. In this study, we conducted a microplastic fibre release simulation experiment by carrying masks in a pocket and reusing them, to reveal the number and morphological changes of microfibres released. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy were employed to analyse the physical and chemical characteristics of the mask fibres. The results indicated that the reuse of disposable masks led to a significant release of microplastic fibres, potentially leading to their migration into the respiratory system. Furthermore, the release of microplastic fibres increased with prolonged external friction, particularly when masks were stored in pockets. The large-scale release of microplastic fibres due to mask reuse raises concerns about potential health risks to the human respiratory system. The reuse of disposable masks should be also strictly avoided in daily life in the future. Furthermore, the current study also established a robust foundation for future research endeavours on health risks associated with microplastic fibres entering the respiratory system through improper mask usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Weng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Xinrui Nan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Huayang Sun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Yutian Shi
- 108K of Clinical Medicine, Innovation School, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yueao Zhang
- 106K of Clinical Medicine (5+3 integration), the First Clinical Medical School, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
| | - Baoqin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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15
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Liu S, He Y, Yin J, Zhu Q, Liao C, Jiang G. Neurotoxicities induced by micro/nanoplastics: A review focusing on the risks of neurological diseases. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134054. [PMID: 38503214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134054] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Pollution of micro/nano-plastics (MPs/NPs) is ubiquitously prevalent in the environment, leading to an unavoidable exposure of the human body. Despite the protection of the blood-brain barrier, MPs/NPs can be transferred and accumulated in the brain, which subsequently exert negative effects on the brain. Nevertheless, the potential neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerative risks of MPs/NPs remain largely unexplored. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of recent studies related to the neurotoxicity of MPs/NPs. It covers the environmental hazards and human exposure pathways, translocation and distribution into the brain, the neurotoxic effects, and the possible mechanisms of environmental MPs/NPs. MPs/NPs are widely found in different environment matrices, including air, water, soil, and human food. Ambient MPs/NPs can enter the human body by ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact, then be transferred into the brain via the blood circulation and nerve pathways. When MPs/NPs are present in the brain, they can initiate a series of molecular or cellular reactions that may harm the blood-brain barrier, cause oxidative stress, trigger inflammatory responses, affect acetylcholinesterase activity, lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, and impair autophagy. This can result in abnormal protein folding, loss of neurons, disruptions in neurotransmitters, and unusual behaviours, ultimately contributing to the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative changes and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Key challenges and further research directions are also proposed in this review as more studies are needed to focus on the potential neurotoxicity of MPs/NPs under realistic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yinling He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jia Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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16
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Shahriar SIM, Islam N, Emon FJ, Ashaf-Ud-Doulah M, Khan S, Shahjahan M. Size dependent ingestion and effects of microplastics on survivability, hematology and intestinal histopathology of juvenile striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 356:141827. [PMID: 38583529 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141827] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is drastically increasing in aquatic ecosystems and it is assumed that different sizes of microplastics have diverse impacts on the physiology of aquatic organisms. Therefore, this study was intended to examine the ingestion and size specific effects of polyamide microplastic (PA-MP) on different physiological aspects such as growth, feed utilization, survivability, blood parameters and intestinal histopathology of juvenile striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). In a 28-day exposure, the fish were fed with different sized PA-MP with a concentration of 500 mg per kg of feed in order to simulate highly microplastic contaminated environment. Three different treatments were set for this experiment i.e. T1, 25-50 μm (smaller microplastic); T2, 300 μm-2 mm (larger microplastic); T3, (mixed) including a control (C); each had three replicates. The highest ingestion was recorded in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish exposed to smaller PA-MP treatments (T1 followed by T3). The results also showed compromised weight gain (WG; g), specific growth rate (SGR; %/day) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) with the exposure of PA-MP. Besides, survivability significantly reduced among treatments with the ingestion of smaller sized microplastic and found lowest in T1 (65.0 ± 5.0). In addition, the presence of PA-MP in feed negatively affected the concentration of hemoglobin and blood glucose. Similarly, smaller PA-MP caused most erythrocytic cellular and nuclear abnormalities; found highest in T1 that significantly different from other treatments (p < 0.05). Various histopathological deformities were observed in fish fed with PA-MP incorporated feed. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the toxicity and stress imparted by smaller PA-MP affected the survivability and blood parameters where larger PA-MP caused mild to severe abnormalities. Based on eigenvector values, the major abnormalities in intestine included occurrence of epithelium columnar degeneration (ECD: 0.402; PC1), hyperplasia of internal mucosa (HISM: 0.411; PC1), beheading of villi (BV: 0.323; PC1), atrophy of mucosa (AM: 0.322; PC1), tiny vacuoles in apical villi (TV: 0.438. PC2), crypt degeneration (CD: 0.375: PC2) and atrophy of goblet cell (AGC: 0.375; PC2). Therefore, it has been speculated that the size based PA-MP ingestion in the GIT interfered with the digestion and absorption as well as caused deformities that reflected negatively in survivability and hemato-biochemical parameters of juvenile striped catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheik Istiak Md Shahriar
- Laboratory of Fish Ecophysiology, Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Naimul Islam
- Laboratory of Fish Ecophysiology, Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Farhan Jamil Emon
- Laboratory of Fish Ecophysiology, Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | | | - Saleha Khan
- Laboratory of Fish Ecophysiology, Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shahjahan
- Laboratory of Fish Ecophysiology, Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh.
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17
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Ye J, Ren Y, Dong Y, Fan D. Understanding the impact of nanoplastics on reproductive health: Exposure pathways, mechanisms, and implications. Toxicology 2024; 504:153792. [PMID: 38554767 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a pressing global environmental concern with particular urgency surrounding the issue of nanoplastic particles. Plastic products exhibit a remarkable persistence in natural ecosystems, resisting easy degradation. Nanoplastics, characterized by their diminutive size, possess distinct properties when compared to their larger counterparts, which could potentially render them more ecologically detrimental. Microplastics themselves serve as carriers for toxic and hazardous substances, such as plastic additives, that enter and persist in the environmental cycle. Importantly, nanoplastics exhibit enhanced bioavailability upon entering the food chain. Notably, studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of nanoplastics on the reproductive function of aquatic organisms, and evidence of micro- and nanoplastics have emerged within human reproductive organs, including the placenta. However, a knowledge gap persists regarding the impacts of nanoplastics on the reproductive systems of mammals and, indeed, humans. This paper aims to elucidate the less frequently discussed sources and distribution of nanoplastics in the environment, along with the pathways of human exposure. We also emphasize the extent to which nanoplastics accumulate within the reproductive systems of organisms. Subsequently, we present an in-depth analysis of the effects of nanoplastics and their associated contaminants on mammalian and human reproductive health. The mechanisms through which nanoplastics contribute to reproductive disorders are comprehensively explored, highlighting their potential to disrupt endocrine levels in mammals and humans. Additionally, we scrutinize and discuss studies on biotoxicity of nanoplastics, offering insights into potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geological Engineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geological Engineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Dongwei Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China; Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
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18
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Boccia P, Mondellini S, Mauro S, Zanellato M, Parolini M, Sturchio E. Potential Effects of Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Microplastics: An Overview of Air Contamination. TOXICS 2024; 12:320. [PMID: 38787098 PMCID: PMC11125735 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are now ubiquitous environmental contaminants that lead to unavoidable human exposure; they have received increasing attention in recent years and have become an emerging area of research. The greatest concern is the negative impacts of MPs on marine, fresh-water, and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as human health, to the extent that the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for increased research and standardized methods to assess exposure to MPs. Many countries and international organizations are implementing or proposing legislation in this regard. This review aims to summarize the current state of legislation, indoor and outdoor contamination, and potential human health risk due to exposure to airborne MPs, considering that occupational exposure to MPs is also becoming a growing area of concern. Even though research regarding MPs has continuously increased in the last twenty years, the effects of MPs on human health have been scarcely investigated, and toxicity studies are still limited and not directly comparable, due to the lack of standardized studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Boccia
- INAIL—Istituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Dit, 38/40 Via Roberto Ferruzzi, 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.S.)
| | - Simona Mondellini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Simona Mauro
- Chemistry Department, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Miriam Zanellato
- INAIL—Istituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Dit, 38/40 Via Roberto Ferruzzi, 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.S.)
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Elena Sturchio
- INAIL—Istituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Dit, 38/40 Via Roberto Ferruzzi, 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.S.)
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19
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Salam LB. Metagenomic investigations into the microbial consortia, degradation pathways, and enzyme systems involved in the biodegradation of plastics in a tropical lentic pond sediment. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:172. [PMID: 38630153 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03972-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The exploitation of exciting features of plastics for diverse applications has resulted in significant plastic waste generation, which negatively impacts environmental compartments, metabolic processes, and the well-being of aquatic ecosystems biota. A shotgun metagenomic approach was deployed to investigate the microbial consortia, degradation pathways, and enzyme systems involved in the degradation of plastics in a tropical lentic pond sediment (APS). Functional annotation of the APS proteome (ORFs) using the PlasticDB database revealed annotation of 1015 proteins of enzymes such as depolymerase, esterase, lipase, hydrolase, nitrobenzylesterase, chitinase, carboxylesterase, polyesterase, oxidoreductase, polyamidase, PETase, MHETase, laccase, alkane monooxygenase, among others involved in the depolymerization of the plastic polymers. It also revealed that polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon have the highest number of annotated enzymes. Further annotation using the KEGG GhostKOALA revealed that except for terephthalate, all the other degradation products of the plastic polymers depolymerization such as glyoxylate, adipate, succinate, 1,4-butanediol, ethylene glycol, lactate, and acetaldehyde were further metabolized to intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Taxonomic characterization of the annotated proteins using the AAI Profiler and BLASTP revealed that Pseudomonadota members dominate most plastic types, followed by Actinomycetota and Acidobacteriota. The study reveals novel plastic degraders from diverse phyla hitherto not reported to be involved in plastic degradation. This suggests that plastic pollution in aquatic environments is prevalent with well-adapted degrading communities and could be the silver lining in mitigating the impacts of plastic pollution in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lateef B Salam
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria.
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20
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Wu Q, Cao J, Liu X, Zhu X, Huang C, Wang X, Song Y. Micro(nano)-plastics exposure induced programmed cell death and corresponding influence factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171230. [PMID: 38402958 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171230] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Plastic products have played an indispensable role in our daily lives for several decades, primarily due to their cost-effectiveness and unmatched convenience. Nevertheless, recent developments in nanotechnology have propelled our attention toward a distinct category of plastic fine particulates known as micro(nano)-plastics (MPs/NPs). The investigation of the cytotoxic effects of MPs/NPs has emerged as a central and burgeoning area of research in environmental toxicology and cell biology. In the scope of this comprehensive review, we have meticulously synthesized recent scientific inquiries to delve into the intricate interplay between MPs/NPs and programmed cell death mechanisms, which encompass a range of highly regulated processes. First, the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of different programmed death modalities induced by MPs/NPs were elaborated, including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. The causes of different programmed deaths induced by MPs/NPs, such as size, surface potential, functional group modification, aging, biological crown, and co-exposure of MPs/NPs are further analyzed. In contrast, the various cellular programmed death modes induced by MPs/NPs are not alone most of the time, and lastly, the connections between different cellular programmed death modes induced by MPs/NPs, such as interconversion, mutual promotion, and mutual inhibition, are explained. Our primary objective is to unveil the multifaceted toxicological implications of MPs/NPs on the intricate web of cellular fate and biological homeostasis. This endeavor not only broadens our understanding of the potential risks associated with MPs/NPs exposure but also underscores the urgent need for comprehensive risk assessments and regulatory measures in the context of environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingchun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianzhong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunfeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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21
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Huang M, Ma Y, Qian J, Sokolova IM, Zhang C, Waiho K, Fang JKH, Ma X, Wang Y, Hu M. Combined effects of norfloxacin and polystyrene nanoparticles on the oxidative stress and gut health of the juvenile horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133801. [PMID: 38377908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133801] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Pollution with anthropogenic contaminants including antibiotics and nanoplastics leads to gradual deterioration of the marine environment, which threatens endangered species such as the horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus. We assessed the potential toxic mechanisms of an antibiotic (norfloxacin, 0, 0.5, 5 μg/L) and polystyrene nanoparticles (104 particles/L) in T. tridentatus using biomarkers of tissue redox status, molting, and gut microbiota. Exposure to single and combined pollutants led to disturbance of redox balance during short-term (7 days) exposure indicated by elevated level of a lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA). After prolonged (14-21 days) exposure, compensatory upregulation of antioxidants (catalase and glutathione but not superoxide dismutase) was observed, and MDA levels returned to the baseline in most experimental exposures. Transcript levels of molting-related genes (ecdysone receptor, retinoic acid X alpha receptor and calmodulin A) and a molecular chaperone (cognate heat shock protein 70) showed weak evidence of response to polystyrene nanoparticles and norfloxacin. The gut microbiota T. tridentatus was altered by exposures to norfloxacin and polystyrene nanoparticles shown by elevated relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. At the functional level, evidence of suppression by norfloxacin and polystyrene nanoparticles was found in multiple intestinal microbiome pathways related to the genetic information processing, metabolism, organismal systems, and environmental information processing. Future studies are needed to assess the physiological and health consequences of microbiome dysbiosis caused by norfloxacin and polystyrene nanoparticles and assist the environmental risk assessment of these pollutants in the wild populations of the horseshoe crabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilian Huang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanxiong Ma
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Qian
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Inna M Sokolova
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany; Department of Maritime Systems, Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Caoqi Zhang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Khor Waiho
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - James Kar Hei Fang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong Administrative Region of China
| | - Xiaowan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Ecosystem and Bioresourse, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536000, China
| | - Youji Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, China.
| | - Menghong Hu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, China.
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Zhang Y, Hunter JR, Ullah A, Shao Q, Shi J. Lignin derived hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of nanoplastics from water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133695. [PMID: 38341895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
As a growing concern in aqueous systems, micro- and nano-plastics, especially nanoplastics (NPs), have been widely detected in the environment and organisms, posing a potential threat to ecosystems and human health. Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) have emerged as environmentally friendly solvents that have shown promise for extracting pollutants from water, either for detection or removal purposes. Herein, we investigated the extraction of polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) NPs from aqueous solution using lignin based HDESs as sustainable solvents. Rapid extraction of both PET and PS NPs was observed with the high extraction efficiency achieved (> 95%). The extraction capacities for PET and PS could reach up to 525.877 mg/mL and 183.520 mg/mL, respectively, by the Thymol-2,6-dimethoxyphenol 1:2 HDES. Moreover, the extraction mechanism was studied using various techniques including Fourier-transform infrared analysis, contact angle measurements, molecular dynamics simulation, kinetics, and isotherm studies. This work lays a foundational basis for the future development of innovative HDES-based technologies in the detection and remediation of NPs as part of the grand challenge of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhang
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA.
| | - Jameson R Hunter
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Ahamed Ullah
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Qing Shao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Jian Shi
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
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23
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Khoshnamvand M, Hamidian AH, Ashtiani S, Ali J, Pei DS. Combined toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and lead on Chlorella vulgaris growth, membrane lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity, and morphological alterations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:28620-28631. [PMID: 38561535 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33084-5] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the utilization of amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NH2). This surge in usage can be attributed to their exceptional characteristics, including a substantial specific surface area, high energy, and strong reactivity. These properties make them highly suitable for a wide range of industrial and medical applications. Nevertheless, there is a growing apprehension regarding their potential toxicity to aquatic organisms, particularly when considering the potential impact of heavy metals like lead (Pb) on the toxicity of PS-NH2. Herein, we examined the toxic effects of sole PS-NH2 (90 nm) at five concentrations (e.g., 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/L), as well as the simultaneous exposure of PS-NH2 and Pb2+ (using two environmental concentrations, e.g., 20 μg/L for Pb low (PbL) and 80 μg/L for Pb higher (PbH)) to the microalga Chlorella vulgaris. After a 96-h exposure, significant differences in chlorophyll a content and algal growth (biomass) were observed between the control group and other treatments (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The algae exposed to PS-NH2, PS-NH2 + PbL, and PS-NH2 + PbH treatment groups exhibited dose-dependent toxicity responses to chlorophyll a content and biomass. According to the Abbott toxicity model, the combined toxicity of treatment groups of PS-NH2 and PbL,H showed synergistic effects. The largest morphological changes such as C. vulgaris' size reduction and cellular aggregation were evident in the medium treated with elevated concentrations of both PS-NH2 and Pb2+. The toxicity of the treatment groups followed the sequence PS-NH2 < PS-NH2 + PbL < PS-NH2 + PbH. These results contribute novel insights into co-exposure toxicity to PS-NH2 and Pb2+ in algae communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Khoshnamvand
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Hamidian
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Saeed Ashtiani
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 5, Prague 6, Prague, 16628, Czech Republic
| | - Jafar Ali
- Key Lab of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130021, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
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24
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Sharma K, Sharma A, Bhatnagar P. Combined effect of polystyrene nanoplastic and di-n-butyl phthalate on testicular health of male Swiss albino mice: analysis of sperm-related parameters and potential toxic effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:23680-23696. [PMID: 38427170 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32697-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Plastics, especially polystyrene nanoplastic particles (PSNPs), are known for their durability and absorption properties, allowing them to interact with environmental pollutants such as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). Previous research has highlighted the potential of these particles as carriers for various pollutants, emphasizing the need to understand their environmental impact comprehensively. This study focuses on the subchronic exposure of male Swiss albino mice to PSNP and DBP, aiming to investigate their reproductive toxicity between these pollutants in mammalian models. The primary objective of this study is to examine the reproductive toxicity resulting from simultaneous exposure to PSNP and DBP in male Swiss albino mice. The study aims to analyze sperm parameters, measure antioxidant enzyme activity, and conduct histopathological and morphometric examinations of the testis. By investigating the individual and combined effects of PSNP and DBP, the study seeks to gain insights into their impact on the reproductive profile of male mice, emphasizing potential synergistic interactions between these environmental pollutants. Male Swiss albino mice were subjected to subchronic exposure (60 days) of PSNP (0.2 mg/m, 50 nm size) and DBP (900 mg/kg bw), both individually and in combination. Various parameters, including sperm parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, histopathological changes, and morphometric characteristics of the testis, were evaluated. The Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters were employed for a comprehensive assessment of spermatogenesis and testicular structure. The study revealed non-lethal effects within the tested doses of PSNP and DBP alone and in combination, showing reductions in body weight gain and testis weight compared to the control. Individual exposures and the combination group exhibited adverse effects on sperm parameters, with the combination exposure demonstrating more severe outcomes. Structural abnormalities, including vascular congestion, Leydig cell hyperplasia, and the extensive congestion in tunica albuginea along with both ST and Leydig cell damage, were observed in the testis, underscoring the reproductive toxicity potential of PSNP and DBP. The Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters confirmed these findings, providing interconnected results aligning with observed structural abnormalities. The study concludes that simultaneous exposure to PSNP and DBP induces reproductive toxicity in male Swiss albino mice. The combination of these environmental pollutants leads to more severe disruptions in sperm parameters, testicular structure, and antioxidant defense mechanisms compared to individual exposures. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the interactive mechanisms between different environmental pollutants and their collective impact on male reproductive health. The use of the Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters provides a comprehensive evaluation of spermatogenesis and testicular structure, contributing valuable insights to the field of environmental toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Sharma
- Department of Zoology, IIS (Deemed to Be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anju Sharma
- Department of Zoology, IIS (Deemed to Be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Pradeep Bhatnagar
- Department of Zoology, IIS (Deemed to Be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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25
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Yang L, Liang H, Wu Q, Shen P. Biochar alleviated the toxic effects of microplastics-contaminated geocarposphere soil on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) pod development: roles of pod nutrient metabolism and geocarposphere microbial modulation. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:2990-3001. [PMID: 38050830 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13191] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soil poses a threat to the sustainability of agriculture, impacting crop growth and soil health. Due to the geocarpy feature of peanut, geocarposphere soil environment is critical to pod development and its nutritional quality. While the effects of microplastics in the rhizosphere have been studied, their impact on peanut pod in the geocarposphere remains unknown. Biochar has emerged as a potential soil agent with the ability to remediate soil contamination. However, the mechanisms of biochar in mitigating the toxic effects of microplastics-contaminated geocarposphere soil on peanut pod development remain largely unexplored. RESULTS We evaluated the peanut pod performance and microbiome when facing microplastics contamination and biochar amendment in geocarposphere soil. The results showed that microplastics present in geocarposphere soil could directly enter the peanut pod, cause pod developmental disorder and exert adverse effects on nutritional quality. Aberrant expression of key genes associated with amino acid metabolism, lipid synthesis, and auxin and ethylene signaling pathways were the underlying molecular mechanisms of microplastics-induced peanut pod developmental inhibition. However, these expression abnormalities could be reversed by biochar application. In addition, peanut geocarposphere microbiome results showed that biochar application could restore the diversity of microbial communities inhibited by microplastics contamination and promote the relative abundance of bacteria correlated with pathogen resistance and nitrogen cycle of geocarposphere soil, further promoting peanut pod development. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that biochar application is an effective strategy to mitigate the toxic effects of microplastics-contaminated geocarposphere soil on pod development and nutritional quality. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyu Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Peanut, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Haiyan Liang
- National Engineering Research Center for Peanut, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Peanut, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Pu Shen
- National Engineering Research Center for Peanut, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
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26
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Xu L, Li Z, Wang L, Xu Z, Zhang S, Zhang Q. Progress in polystyrene biodegradation by insect gut microbiota. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:143. [PMID: 38530548 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03932-0] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) is frequently used in the plastics industry. However, its structural stability and difficulty to break down lead to an abundance of plastic waste in the environment, resulting in micro-nano plastics (MNPs). As MNPs are severe hazards to both human and environmental health, it is crucial to develop innovative treatment technologies to degrade plastic waste. The biodegradation of plastics by insect gut microorganisms has gained attention as it is environmentally friendly, efficient, and safe. However, our knowledge of the biodegradation of PS is still limited. This review summarizes recent research advances on PS biodegradation by gut microorganisms/enzymes from insect larvae of different species, and schematic pathways of the degradation process are discussed in depth. Additionally, the prospect of using modern biotechnology, such as genetic engineering and systems biology, to identify novel PS-degrading microbes/functional genes/enzymes and to realize new strategies for PS biodegradation is highlighted. Challenges and limitations faced by the application of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) and multiomics technologies in the field of plastic pollution bioremediation are also discussed. This review encourages the further exploration of the biodegradation of PS by insect gut microbes/enzymes, offering a cutting-edge perspective to identify PS biodegradation pathways and create effective biodegradation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luhui Xu
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Zelin Li
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Zihang Xu
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Shulin Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
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27
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Zheng Q, Wu H, Yan L, Zhang Y, Wang J. Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and PCB-44 exposure on growth and physiological biochemistry of Chlorella vulgaris. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170366. [PMID: 38280605 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170366] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Both NPs and PCBs are emerging contaminants widely distributed in the environment, and it is worth exploring whether the combination of the two contaminants causes serious pollution and harm. Therefore, we studied the effects of PS-NPs and PCB-44 alone and together after 96 h and 21 d of exposure to C. pyrenoidosa. The results showed that PS-NPs and PCB-44 affected the cell cycle of C. pyrenoidosa and inhibited its normal growth. Under PS-NPs and PCB-44 stress, the relative conductivity of the algal solution increased, the hydrophobicity of the algal cell surface decreased, and the synthesis of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b was reduced. In addition to physiological, there are biochemical effects on C. pyrenoidosa. PS-NPs and PCB-44 exposure induced oxidative stress with significant changes in the enzymatic activities of SOD and CAT together with MDA content. Moreover, the relative expression of photosynthesis-related genes (psbA, rbcL, rbcS) all responded, negatively affecting photosynthesis. In particular, significant toxic effects were observed with single exposure to PCB-44 and co-exposure to PS-NPs and PCB-44, with similar trends of effects in acute and chronic experiments. Taken together, exposure to PS-NPs and PCB-44 caused negative effects on the growth and physiological biochemistry of C. pyrenoidosa. These results provide scientific information to further explore the effects of NPs and PCBs on aquatic organisms and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhi Zheng
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hanru Wu
- GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Lei Yan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Nansha-South China Agricultural University Fishery Research Institute, Guangzhou 511457, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China.
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28
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Che S, Huang M, Zhu L, Shen L, Ma Y, Wan Z, Li X, Zhou J, Ding S, Li X. Exposure to nanopolystyrene and phoxim at ambient concentrations causes oxidative stress and inflammation in the intestines of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116126. [PMID: 38387141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116126] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Nanopolystyrene (NP) and phoxim (PHO) are common environmental pollutants in aquatic systems. We evaluated the toxic effects of exposure to ambient concentrations of NP and/or PHO in the intestines of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Our study showed that histopathological changes were observed in the intestines. Specifically, NP and/or PHO exposure increased intraepithelial lymphocytes. Furthermore, NP and/or PHO exposure induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), peroxidase activity (POD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Pro-inflammatory gene expression and transcriptome analysis demonstrated that NP and/or PHO exposure induced the intestinal inflammatory response. Transcriptome results showed that NP and/or PHO exposure upregulated the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is considered a key pathway in the inflammatory response. Additionally, the expression of pro-inflammatory genes significantly increased after a single exposure to NP or PHO, but it exhibited a significant decrease after the co-exposure. The downregulation of these genes in the co-exposure group likely suggested that the co-exposure mitigated intestinal inflammation response in E. sinensis. Collectively, our findings mainly showed that NP and/or PHO exposure at ambient concentrations induces oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the intestines of E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunli Che
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Mengting Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Lemei Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Longteng Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zhicheng Wan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xuguang Li
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China
| | - Shuquan Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Xilei Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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Martínez A, Barbosa A. Chemical reactivity theory to analyze possible toxicity of microplastics: Polyethylene and polyester as examples. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0285515. [PMID: 38446761 PMCID: PMC10917325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics are widespread throughout the world. In particular, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate or polyester (PET) are two of the most common polymers, used as plastic bags and textiles. To analyze the toxicity of these two polymers, oligomers with different numbers of units were used as models. The use of oligomers as polymeric templates has been used previously with success. We started with the monomer and continued with different oligomers until the chain length was greater than two nm. According to the results of quantum chemistry, PET is a better oxidant than PE, since it is a better electron acceptor. Additionally, PET has negatively charged oxygen atoms and can promote stronger interactions than PE with other molecules. We found that PET forms stable complexes and can dissociate the guanine-cytosine nucleobase pair. This could affect DNA replication. These preliminary theoretical results may help elucidate the potential harm of micro- and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez
- Departamento de Materiales de Baja Dimensionalidad, Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
| | - Andrés Barbosa
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, España
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30
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Lv S, Cui K, Zhao S, Li Y, Liu R, Hu R, Zhi B, Gu L, Wang L, Wang Q, Shao Z. Continuous generation and release of microplastics and nanoplastics from polystyrene by plastic-degrading marine bacteria. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133339. [PMID: 38150757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133339] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste released into the environments breaks down into microplastics due to weathering, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mechanical abrasion, and animal grazing. However, little is known about the plastic fragmentation mediated by microbial degradation. Marine plastic-degrading bacteria may have a double-edged effect in removing plastics. In this study, two ubiquitous marine bacteria, Alcanivorax xenomutans and Halomonas titanicae, were confirmed to degrade polystyrene (PS) and lead to microplastic and nanoplastic generation. Biodegradation occurred during bacterial growth with PS as the sole energy source, and the formation of carboxyl and carboxylic acid groups, decreased heat resistance, generation of PS metabolic intermediates in cultures, and plastic weight loss were observed. The generation of microplastics was dynamic alongside PS biodegradation. The size of the released microplastics gradually changed from microsized plastics on the first day (1344 nm and 1480 nm, respectively) to nanoplastics on the 30th day (614 nm and 496 nm, respectively) by the two tested strains. The peak release from PS films reached 6.29 × 106 particles/L and 7.64 × 106 particles/L from degradation by A. xenomutans (Day 10) and H. titanicae (Day 5), respectively. Quantification revealed that 1.3% and 1.9% of PS was retained in the form of micro- and nanoplastics, while 4.5% and 1.9% were mineralized by A. xenomutans and H. titanicae at the end of incubation, respectively. This highlights the negative effects of microbial degradation, which results in the continuous release of numerous microplastics, especially nanoplastics, as a notable secondary pollution into marine ecosystems. Their fates in the vast aquatic system and their impact on marine lives are noted for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Lv
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Kexin Cui
- The Laboratory of Food Engineering and Nutrition, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Qingdao 266072, China
| | - Sufang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yufei Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Renju Liu
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Rongxiang Hu
- Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 15080, China
| | - Bin Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Li Gu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Quanfu Wang
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
| | - Zongze Shao
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China.
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Luo D, Chu X, Wu Y, Wang Z, Liao Z, Ji X, Ju J, Yang B, Chen Z, Dahlgren R, Zhang M, Shang X. Micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: A review of occurrence, properties and human health risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133412. [PMID: 38218034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133412] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of micro/nano plastics (MNPs) poses potential threats to ecosystem and human health that have attracted broad concerns in recent decades. Detection of MNPs in several remote regions has implicated atmospheric transport as an important pathway for global dissemination of MNPs and hence as a global health risk. In this review, the latest research progress on (1) sampling and detection; (2) origin and characteristics; and (3) transport and fate of atmospheric MNPs was summarized. Further, the current status of exposure risks and toxicological effects from inhaled atmospheric MNPs on human health is examined. Due to limitations in sampling and identification methodologies, the study of atmospheric nanoplastics is very limited today. The large spatial variation of atmospheric MNP concentrations reported worldwide makes it difficult to compare the overall indoor and outdoor exposure risks. Several in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies demonstrate adverse effects of immune response, apoptosis and oxidative stress caused by MNP inhalation that may induce cardiovascular diseases and reproductive and developmental abnormalities. Given the emerging importance of atmospheric MNPs, the establishment of standardized sampling-pretreatment-detection protocols and comprehensive toxicological studies are critical to advance environmental and health risk assessments of atmospheric MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xinyun Chu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhenfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhonglu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jingjuan Ju
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Pingyang County Health Inspection Center, Wenzhou 325405, China.
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Randy Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Minghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xu Shang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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Summers S, Bin-Hudari MS, Magill C, Henry T, Gutierrez T. Identification of the bacterial community that degrades phenanthrene sorbed to polystyrene nanoplastics using DNA-based stable isotope probing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5229. [PMID: 38433255 PMCID: PMC10909871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55825-9] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In the Anthropocene, plastic pollution has become a new environmental biotope, the so-called plastisphere. In the oceans, nano- and micro-sized plastics are omnipresent and found in huge quantities throughout the water column and sediment, and their large surface area-to-volume ratio offers an excellent surface to which hydrophobic chemical pollutants (e.g. petrochemicals and POPs) can readily sorb to. Our understanding of the microbial communities that breakdown plastic-sorbed chemical pollutants, however, remains poor. Here, we investigated the formation of 500 nm and 1000 nm polystyrene (PS) agglomerations in natural seawater from a coastal environment, and we applied DNA-based stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) with the 500 nm PS sorbed with isotopically-labelled phenanthrene to identify the bacterial members in the seawater community capable of degrading the hydrocarbon. Whilst we observed no significant impact of nanoplastic size on the microbial communities associated with agglomerates that formed in these experiments, these communities were, however, significantly different to those in the surrounding seawater. By DNA-SIP, we identified Arcobacteraceae, Brevundimonas, Comamonas, uncultured Comamonadaceae, Delftia, Sphingomonas and Staphylococcus, as well as the first member of the genera Acidiphilum and Pelomonas to degrade phenanthrene, and of the genera Aquabacterium, Paracoccus and Polymorphobacter to degrade a hydrocarbon. This work provides new information that feeds into our growing understanding on the fate of co-pollutants associated with nano- and microplastics in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Summers
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
- St John's Island National Marine Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 098634, Singapore
| | - Mohammad Sufian Bin-Hudari
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Clayton Magill
- Institute for GeoEnergy Engineering, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Theodore Henry
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
- Department of Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries, Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 36849, USA
| | - Tony Gutierrez
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
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Shah MZ, Quraishi M, Sreejith A, Pandit S, Roy A, Khandaker MU. Sustainable degradation of synthetic plastics: A solution to rising environmental concerns. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141451. [PMID: 38368957 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have a significant role in various sectors of the global economy since they are widely utilized in agriculture, architecture, and construction, as well as health and consumer goods. They play a crucial role in several industries as they are utilized in the production of diverse things such as defense materials, sanitary wares, tiles, plastic bottles, artificial leather, and various other household goods. Plastics are utilized in the packaging of food items, medications, detergents, and cosmetics. The overconsumption of plastics presents a significant peril to both the ecosystem and human existence on Earth. The accumulation of plastics on land and in the sea has sparked interest in finding ways to breakdown these polymers. It is necessary to employ suitable biodegradable techniques to decrease the accumulation of plastics in the environment. To address the environmental issues related to plastics, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between microorganisms and polymers. A wide range of creatures, particularly microbes, have developed techniques to survive and break down plastics. This review specifically examines the categorization of plastics based on their thermal and biodegradable properties, as well as the many types of degradation and biodegradation. It also discusses the various types of degradable plastics, the characterization of biodegradation, and the factors that influence the process of biodegradation. The plastic breakdown and bioremediation capabilities of these microbes make them ideal for green chemistry applications aimed at removing hazardous polymers from the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masirah Zahid Shah
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410206, India
| | - Marzuqa Quraishi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410206, India
| | - Anushree Sreejith
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410206, India
| | - Soumya Pandit
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201306, India.
| | - Arpita Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.
| | - Mayeen Uddin Khandaker
- Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies Group, CCDCU, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Graduate Studies, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
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Gaß H, Kloos TM, Höfling A, Müller L, Rockmann L, Schubert DW, Halik M. Magnetic Removal of Micro- and Nanoplastics from Water-from 100 nm to 100 µm Debris Size. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305467. [PMID: 37875633 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Clean water is one of the most important resources of the planet but human-made contamination with diverse pollutants increases continuously. Microplastics (<5 mm diameter) which can have severe impacts on the environment, are present worldwide. Degradation processes lead to nanoplastics (<1 µm), which are potentially even more dangerous due to their increased bioavailability. State-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants show a deficit in effectively eliminating micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) from water, particularly in the case of nanoplastics. In this work, the magnetic removal of three different MNP types across three orders of magnitude in size (100 nm-100 µm) is investigated systematically. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) tend to attract oppositely charged MNPs and form aggregates that can be easily collected by a magnet. It shows that especially the smallest fractions (100-300 nm) can be separated in ordinary high numbers (1013 mg-1 SPION) while the highest mass is removed for MNP between 2.5 and 5 µm. The universal trend for all three types of MNP can be fitted with a derived model, which can make predictions for optimizing SPIONs for specific size ranges in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Gaß
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tonya M Kloos
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Höfling
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lukas Müller
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Linda Rockmann
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dirk W Schubert
- Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marcus Halik
- Organic Materials & Devices, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
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Zhang J, Li T, Tao S, Shen M. Microplastic pollution interaction with disinfectant resistance genes: research progress, environmental impacts, and potential threats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:16241-16255. [PMID: 38340302 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32225-0] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The consumption of disposable plastic products and disinfectants has surged during the global COVID-19 pandemic, as they play a vital role in effectively preventing and controlling the spread of the virus. However, microplastic pollution and the excessive or improper use of disinfectants contribute to the increased environmental tolerance of microorganisms. Microplastics play a crucial role as vectors for microorganisms and plankton, facilitating energy transfer and horizontal gene exchange. The increase in the use of disinfectants has become a driving force for the growth of disinfectant resistant bacteria (DRB). A large number of microorganisms can have intense gene exchange, such as plasmid loss and capture, phage transduction, and cell fusion. The reproduction and diffusion rate of DRB in the environment is significantly higher than that of ordinary microorganisms, which will greatly increase the environmental tolerance of DRB. Unfortunately, there is still a huge knowledge gap in the interaction between microplastics and disinfectant resistance genes (DRGs). Accordingly, it is critical to comprehensively summarize the formation and transmission routes of DRGs on microplastics to address the problem. This paper systematically analyzed the process and mechanisms of DRGs formed by microbes. The interaction between microplastics and DRGs and the contribution of microplastic on the diffusion and spread of DRGs were expounded. The potential threats to the ecological environment and human health were also discussed. Additionally, some challenges and future priorities were also proposed with a view to providing useful basis for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Zhang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianhao Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, People's Republic of China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, People's Republic of China.
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36
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Aristizabal M, Jiménez-Orrego KV, Caicedo-León MD, Páez-Cárdenas LS, Castellanos-García I, Villalba-Moreno DL, Ramírez-Zuluaga LV, Hsu JTS, Jaller J, Gold M. Microplastics in dermatology: Potential effects on skin homeostasis. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024; 23:766-772. [PMID: 38226412 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become a growing concern in dermatology due to their widespread presence in cosmetic formulations and the environment. These minuscule synthetic polymer particles prompt an essential exploration of their potential impact on dermatological homeostasis. AIMS This study aims to investigate the effects of MPs and NPs on the integumentary system. Specifically, it seeks to understand the potential cutaneous alterations, inflammatory responses, and disruptions to the skin's physiological functions caused by these synthetic particles. PATIENTS/METHODS The investigation involves a comprehensive analysis of emerging research on MPs and NPs. This includes their presence in cosmetic formulations and environmental pervasiveness. The study delves into their capacity to breach the cutaneous barrier, raising concerns about the implications of prolonged exposure. RESULTS Evidence suggests that MPs and NPs may indeed incite cutaneous alterations, provoke inflammatory responses, and disturb the homeostasis of the skin's physiological functions. Their small dimensions enhance their capability to breach the cutaneous barrier, further emphasizing the apprehensions associated with prolonged exposure. CONCLUSIONS While a precise understanding of the implications of MPs and NPs on dermatological health remains an ongoing scientific endeavor, this study underscores the growing significance of these synthetic particles. The findings emphasize the need for proactive measures to safeguard both individual well-being and environmental preservation in the context of dermatological health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey T S Hsu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jose Jaller
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Michael Gold
- Gold Skin Care Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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37
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Božičević L, Vrček V, Peranić N, Kalčec N, Vrček IV. Nanoplastics increase in vitro oestrogenic activity of neurotherapeutic drugs. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2024; 75:68-75. [PMID: 38548383 PMCID: PMC10978159 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2024-75-3818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution with plastic nanoparticles (PNPs) has rendered hazard assessment of unintentional human exposure to neurotherapeutic drugs through contaminated water and food ever more complicated. Due to their small size, PNPs can easily enter different cell types and cross different biological barriers, while their high surface-to-volume ratio enables higher adsorption of chemicals. This is how PNPs take the role of a Trojan horse as they enhance bioaccumulation of many different pollutants. One of the health concerns related to water pollution with neurotherapeutic drugs is endocrine disruption, already evidenced for the anticonvulsant drug carbamazepine (Cbz) and antidepressant fluoxetine (Flx). Our study aimed to evaluate endocrine disrupting effects of Cbz and Flx in mixtures with polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) using the in vitro luciferase assay to measure oestrogen receptor activity in T47D-KBluc cells treated with Cbz-PSNPs or Flx-PSNPs mixtures and compare it with the activities observed in cells treated with individual mixture components (Cbz, Flx, or PSNPs). Dose ranges used in the study were 0.1-10 mg/L, 1-100 µmol/L, and 0.1-10 µmol/L for PSNPs, Cbz, and Flx, respectively. Our findings show that none of the individual components activate oestrogen receptors, while the mixtures induce oestrogen receptor activity starting with 0.1 mg/L for PSNPs, 10 µmol/L for Cbz, and 0.5 µmol/L for Flx. This is the first study to evidence that PSNPs increase oestrogen receptor activity induced by neurotherapeutic drugs at their environmentally relevant concentrations and calls for urgent inclusion of complex mixtures in health hazard assessments to inform regulatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Božičević
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valerije Vrček
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Peranić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Kalčec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Vinković Vrček
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Rijeka Faculty of Medicine, Rijeka, Croatia
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38
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Zhang C, Li Y, Yu H, Li T, Ye L, Zhang X, Wang C, Li P, Ji H, Gao Q, Dong S. Co-exposure of nanoplastics and arsenic causes neurotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through disrupting homeostasis of microbiota-intestine-brain axis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169430. [PMID: 38135083 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169430] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) and arsenic (As) are toxic pollutants prevalent on the earth and have gained considerable attention in recent decades. Although numerous studies reported NPs and As can cause neurotoxicity there are still significant knowledge gaps in illustrating their combined toxicity and its mechanism. In this study, the co-exposure of environmentally relevant concentrations of NPs and As caused neurobehavioral toxicity in zebrafish, as evidenced by reduced swimming ability, anxiety and impaired short-term learning memory. Potentially, its toxicity mechanism is through disrupting the homeostasis of microbiota-intestine-brain axis in zebrafish. Specifically, the co-exposure reduced the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) production in intestine, which led to lower levels of 5-HT transported by the blood circulation to the brain. Ultimately, neurobehavior was adversely affected by the reduced binding of 5-HT to its receptors. Intestine, the primary source of 5-HT, its impaired health (aggravation in oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and histopathological alterations) induced the dysregulation in the 5-HT system, which may be induced by the increased accumulation of As in the intestine by the co-exposure. Besides, the reduced 5-HT levels were correlated with decreased Firmicutes and Protecbacteria and increased Actinobacteriota and Chloroflexi in intestines. Potentially, intestinal microbiota adversely regulates the intestine-brain axis by reducing SCFAs levels. Thus, the alteration of intestinal microbiota structure may be the other reason for the dysregulation of intestine-brain axis. In summary, co-exposure of NPs and As induced neurobehavior toxicity probably through disrupting the homeostasis of microbiota-intestine-brain axis. This study provides insights into assessing the environmental health risks of the pollution of NPs and As to aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yanyao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Tian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Limin Ye
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Chi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Pengju Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hong Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Qinfeng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Shuanglin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
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Li T, Tao S, Ma M, Liu S, Shen M, Zhang H. Is the application of organic fertilizers becoming an undeniable source of microplastics and resistance genes in agricultural systems? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169571. [PMID: 38142997 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The application of organic fertilizers is becoming an undeniable source of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in agricultural soils. The complex microbial activity further transfers resistance genes and their host bacteria to agricultural products and throughout the entire food chain. Therefore, the current main focus is on reducing the abundance of microplastics and ARGs in organic fertilizers at the source, as well as managing microplastics and ARGs in soil. The control of microplastic abundance in organic fertilizers is currently only achieved through pre-composting selection and other methods. However, there are still many shortcomings in the research on the distribution characteristics, propagation and diffusion mechanisms, and control technologies of ARGs, and some key scientific issues still need to be urgently addressed. The high-temperature composting of organic waste can effectively reduce the abundance of ARGs in organic fertilizers to a certain extent. However, it is also important to consider the spread of ARGs in residual antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). This article systematically explores the pathways and interactions of microplastics and resistance genes entering agricultural soils through the application of organic fertilizers. The removal of microplastics and ARGs from organic fertilizers was discussed in detail. Based on the limitations of existing research, further investigation in this area is expected to provide valuable insights for the development and practical implementation of technologies aimed at reducing soil microplastics and resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Mengjie Ma
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
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40
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Masseroni A, Fossati M, Ponti J, Schirinzi G, Becchi A, Saliu F, Soler V, Collini M, Della Torre C, Villa S. Sublethal effects induced by different plastic nano-sized particles in Daphnia magna at environmentally relevant concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123107. [PMID: 38070641 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of studies have reported the toxic effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on organisms. However, the focus of these studies has almost exclusively been on the use of polystyrene (PS) nanospheres. Herein, we aim to evaluate the sublethal effects on Daphnia magna juveniles of three different NP polymers: PS-NPs with an average size of 200 nm, polyethylene [PE] NPs and polyvinyl chloride [PVC] NPs with a size distribution between 50 and 350 nm and a comparable mean size. For each polymer, five environmentally relevant concentrations were tested (from 2.5 to 250 μg/L) for an exposure time of 48 h. NP effects were assessed at the biochemical level by investigating the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) and at the behavioral level by evaluating the swimming behavior (distance moved). Our results highlight that exposure to PVC-NPs can have sublethal effects on Daphnia magna at the biochemical and behavioral levels. The potential role of particle size on the measured effects cannot be excluded as PVC and PE showed a wider size range distribution than PS, with particles displaying sizes from 50 to 350 nm. However, we infer that the chemical structure of PVC, which differs from that of PE of the same range size, concurs to explain the observed effects. Consequently, as PS seems not to be the most hazardous polymer, we suggest that the use of data on PS toxicity alone can lead to an underestimation of NP hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Masseroni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, DISAT, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Fossati
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Ponti
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Becchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, DISAT, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, DISAT, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Soler
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, DISAT, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Collini
- Department of Physics "Giuseppe Occhialini, " University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 3, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Della Torre
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Villa
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, DISAT, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy.
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Fang C, Luo Y, Naidu R. Advancements in Raman imaging for nanoplastic analysis: Challenges, algorithms and future Perspectives. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1290:342069. [PMID: 38246736 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.342069] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the concept of microplastic (<5 mm) is well-established, emergence of nanoplastics (<1000 nm) as a new contaminant presents a recent and evolving challenge. The field of nanoplastic research remains in its early stages, and its progress is contingent upon the development of reliable and practical analytical methods, which are currently lacking. This review aims to address the intricacies of nanoplastic analysis by providing a comprehensive overview on the application of advanced imaging techniques, with a particular focus on Raman imaging, for nanoplastic identification and simultaneous visualisation towards quantification. RESULTS Although Raman imaging via hyper spectrum is a potentially powerful tool to analyse nanoplastics, several challenges should be overcome. The first challenge lies in the weak Raman signal of nanoplastics. To address this, effective sample preparation and signal enhancement techniques can be implemented, such as by analysing the hyper spectrum that contains hundred-to-thousand spectra, rather than a single spectrum. Second challenge is the complexity of Raman hyperspectral matrix with dataset size at megabyte (MB) or even bigger, which can be adopted using different algorithms ranging from image merging to multivariate analysis of chemometrics. Third challenge is the laser size that hinders the visualisation of small nanoplastics due to the laser diffraction (λ/2NA, ∼300 nm), which can be solved with involving the use of super-resolution. Signal processing, such as colour off-setting, Gaussian fitting (via deconvolution), and re-focus or image re-construction, are reviewed herein, which show a great promise for breaking through the diffraction limit. SIGNIFICANCE Overall, current studies along with further validation are imperative to refine these approaches and enhance the reliability, not only for nanoplastics research but also for broader investigations in the realm of nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| | - Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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Wang T, Liu W. Metabolic equilibrium and reproductive resilience: Freshwater gastropods under nanoplastics exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141017. [PMID: 38159739 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have gained increasing attention due to their widespread presence in aquatic environments and potential adverse effects on organisms. The interaction between NPs and freshwater gastropods can lead to a range of physiological and reproductive disturbances. In this study, we investigated the adverse effects of NPs (two size: 20 nm and 100 nm; three concentrations: 0.5, 50 and 100 ppm) on energy metabolism and reproductive fitness in freshwater gastropods Lymnean stagnalis after 21 days exposure. Briefly, the condition index negatively correlated with increasing NPs concentrations for both sizes. Bioaccumulation revealed a concentration-dependent trend in the 100 nm group, and the highest accumulation appeared in the 100 ppm group, compared to all the rest groups. This phenomenon could be attributed to the larger surface area which facilitates stronger attachment to tissues, while smaller particles could be cleared more readily from body. Carbohydrate and protein reserves remained largely unaffected at all concentrations. However, 100 nm NPs triggered stress responses, increasing lipid production, and 20 nm NPs potentially interfered with mitochondrial function, affecting electron transport system activity. Despite the variations observed in lipid levels and energy cost, the ratio of available energy to energy cost remained stable across for both NPs sizes, and this resilience suggests that cellular energy allocation endured undisturbed, hinting at mechanisms that enable gastropods to maintain their metabolic equilibrium. Reproductively, NPL-exposed groups had fewer clutches, with clutches per collection time decreasing over time for both sizes. In terms of egg development, shell growth and hatching rates remained unaffected, suggesting resilience in aquatic ecosystems.In conclusion, this study underscores the substantial impact of NPs on freshwater gastropods, raising ecological and reproductive concerns. The intricate interplay between nanoparticle size, concentration, and physiological responses highlights the complexity of NPs interactions in aquatic ecosystems, necessitating further research and regulatory measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- University of Geneva, Faculty of Sciences, Earth and Environment Sciences, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wei Liu
- University of Geneva, Faculty of Sciences, Earth and Environment Sciences, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Mikac L, Csáki A, Zentai B, Rigó I, Veres M, Tolić A, Gotić M, Ivanda M. UV Irradiation of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polypropylene and Detection of Formed Microplastic Particles Down to 1 μm. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202300497. [PMID: 37882964 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300497] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The degradation of plastics upon UVC irradiation in aqueous solution and the formation of microplastic (MP) particles were investigated. Polypropylene (PP) and recycled and virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were irradiated with a UV lamp emitting light at 254 nm. Irradiation was performed for 15 and 30 min, respectively, at an intensity of about 0.3 W cm-2 . The formation of MP was studied by Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that MP particles were formed after irradiation and that their number was significantly higher in the recycled PET than in the virgin material. The number of PP MP formed was lower compared to PET and was not significantly different after 15 and 30 min. In addition, ethanol was used as an alternative solvent to investigate how its chemical properties and interactions with UVC irradiation affect the degradation of PET and PP plastics. The use of ethanol and recycled PET resulted in a lower number of MP particles at both irradiation times. When ethanol was used after 30 min of irradiation, significantly more PP MP formed. The different chemical structures of PET and PP combined with the different solvent properties of water and ethanol contribute to the differences in their susceptibility to UVC degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Mikac
- Molecular Physics and New Materials Synthesis Laboratory, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Applied and Nonlinear Optics, Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Csáki
- Department of Applied and Nonlinear Optics, Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Benedek Zentai
- Department of Applied and Nonlinear Optics, Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Rigó
- Department of Applied and Nonlinear Optics, Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Veres
- Department of Applied and Nonlinear Optics, Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ana Tolić
- Molecular Physics and New Materials Synthesis Laboratory, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marijan Gotić
- Molecular Physics and New Materials Synthesis Laboratory, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mile Ivanda
- Molecular Physics and New Materials Synthesis Laboratory, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, Zagreb, Croatia
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Qian N, Gao X, Lang X, Deng H, Bratu TM, Chen Q, Stapleton P, Yan B, Min W. Rapid single-particle chemical imaging of nanoplastics by SRS microscopy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2300582121. [PMID: 38190543 PMCID: PMC10801917 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300582121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics are now omnipresent in our daily lives. The existence of microplastics (1 µm to 5 mm in length) and possibly even nanoplastics (<1 μm) has recently raised health concerns. In particular, nanoplastics are believed to be more toxic since their smaller size renders them much more amenable, compared to microplastics, to enter the human body. However, detecting nanoplastics imposes tremendous analytical challenges on both the nano-level sensitivity and the plastic-identifying specificity, leading to a knowledge gap in this mysterious nanoworld surrounding us. To address these challenges, we developed a hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging platform with an automated plastic identification algorithm that allows micro-nano plastic analysis at the single-particle level with high chemical specificity and throughput. We first validated the sensitivity enhancement of the narrow band of SRS to enable high-speed single nanoplastic detection below 100 nm. We then devised a data-driven spectral matching algorithm to address spectral identification challenges imposed by sensitive narrow-band hyperspectral imaging and achieve robust determination of common plastic polymers. With the established technique, we studied the micro-nano plastics from bottled water as a model system. We successfully detected and identified nanoplastics from major plastic types. Micro-nano plastics concentrations were estimated to be about 2.4 ± 1.3 × 105 particles per liter of bottled water, about 90% of which are nanoplastics. This is orders of magnitude more than the microplastic abundance reported previously in bottled water. High-throughput single-particle counting revealed extraordinary particle heterogeneity and nonorthogonality between plastic composition and morphologies; the resulting multidimensional profiling sheds light on the science of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naixin Qian
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Xiaoqi Lang
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Huiping Deng
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY10964
| | | | - Qixuan Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY10032
| | - Phoebe Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08854
| | - Beizhan Yan
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY10964
| | - Wei Min
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
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45
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Chen T, Jiang H, He Y, Shen Y, Fang J, Huang Z, Shen Y, Chen X. Histopathological, physiological, and multi-omics insights into the hepatotoxicity mechanism of nanopolystyrene and/or diclofenac in Mylopharyngodon piceus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122894. [PMID: 37944890 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122894] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Nanopolystyrene (NP) and diclofenac (DCF) are common environmental contaminants in the aquatic ecosystem; therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the hepatotoxicity of NP and/or DCF exposure on aquatic organisms and the underlying mechanisms. Juvenile Mylopharyngodon piceus were used as a model organism to study the effects of NP and/or DCF exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations for 21 days. Subchronic exposure to NP and/or DCF resulted in liver histological damage. In the NP group, the presence of large lipid droplets was observed, whereas the DCF group exhibited marked hepatic sinusoidal dilatation accompanied by inflammation. Additionally, this exposure induced liver oxidative stress, as evidenced by the changes in several physiological parameters, including catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis was performed to further investigate the molecular mechanism underlying hepatotoxicity. Multi-omics analysis demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, that NP induced hepatic steatosis mainly through activating the glycerol-3-phosphate pathway and inhibiting VLDL assembly by targeting several key enzyme genes including GPAT, DGAT, ACSL, APOB, and MTTP. Furthermore, NP exposure disrupted arachidonic acid metabolism, which induced the release of inflammatory factors and inhibited the release of anti-inflammatory factors, ultimately causing liver inflammation in M. piceus. In contrast, DCF induced interleukin production and downregulated KLF2, causing hepatic sinusoidal dilatation with inflammation in juvenile M. piceus, which is consistent with the finding of JAK-STAT signaling pathway activation. In addition, the upregulated AMPK signaling pathway in the DCF group suggested perturbation of energy metabolism. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of the multiple hepatotoxicity endpoints of NP and/or DCF exposure in aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Hewei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yaoji He
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yawei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jiajie Fang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Zequn Huang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yubang Shen
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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Xu M, Zhu F, Yang Y, Liu M, Li X, Jiang Y, Feng L, Duan J, Wang W, Yuan X, Zhang X. Mechanism of transport and toxicity response of Chlorella sorokiniana to polystyrene nanoplastics. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115901. [PMID: 38157799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115901] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The toxicity of nanoparticles to freshwater microalgae is of significant importance in maintaining the overall stability of aquatic ecosystems. However, the transport mechanism and toxicity response of microalgae towards nanoplastics (NPs) remain to be further investigated. In this study, we examined the toxicity and internalization mechanisms of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in the microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. The results revealed that the PS-NPs inhibited algal cells' growth and disrupted cell integrity upon contact, leading to cell shrinkage or rupture. Moreover, amino-modified PS-NPs (Nano-PS-NH2) exhibited greater toxicity to C. sorokiniana than carboxyl-modified PS-NPs (Nano-PS-COOH). Furthermore, significant inhibition of PS-NPs internalization was observed when four different endocytosis-related inhibitors were used, indicating that internalized PS-NPs can enter algal cells through endocytic pathways. More importantly, C. sorokiniana exposed to Nano-PS-NH2 responded to the reduction in carbon sources and energy resulting from the suppression of photosynthesis by regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates. These findings elucidate the effects of PS-NPs on C. sorokiniana, including their impact on cell morphology and metabolism, while shedding light on the internalization mechanisms of NPs by C. sorokiniana which deepen our understanding of the toxicity of nanoplastics on algae and provide important theoretical support for solving such aquatic ecological environment problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Xu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Fanping Zhu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Yueyao Yang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, PR China
| | - Meiyan Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Yuqian Jiang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Lijuan Feng
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, PR China
| | - Jianlu Duan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Weijia Wang
- School of Cyber Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xianzheng Yuan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment (ISFREE), Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
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Zhang Y, Jia Z, Gao X, Zhao J, Zhang H. Polystyrene nanoparticles induced mammalian intestine damage caused by blockage of BNIP3/NIX-mediated mitophagy and gut microbiota alteration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168064. [PMID: 37884137 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168064] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics possess the capacity for cellular internalization, and consequentially disrupt mitochondrial functionality, precipitating aberrations in energy metabolism. Given this, the potential accumulation of nanoplastics in alimentary sources presents a considerable hazard to the mammalian gastrointestinal system. While mitophagy serves as a cytoprotective mechanism that sustains redox homeostasis through the targeted removal of compromised mitochondria, the regulatory implications of mitophagy in nanoplastic-induced toxicity remain an underexplored domain. In the present investigation, polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles, with a diameter of 80 nm employed as a representative model to assess their toxicological impact and propensity to instigate mitophagy in intestinal cells both in vitro and in vivo. Data indicated that PS nanoparticles elicited BNIP3/NIX-mediated mitophagy within the intestinal milieu. Strikingly, the impediment of this degradation process at elevated concentrations was correlated with exacerbated pathological ramifications. In vitro assays corroborated that high-dosage cellular uptake of PS nanoparticles obstructed the mitophagy pathway. Furthermore, treatment with PS nanoparticles engendered alterations in gut microbiota composition and manifested a proclivity to modulate nutritional metabolism. Collectively, these findings elucidate that oral exposure to PS nanoparticles culminates in the inhibition of mitophagy and induces perturbations in the intestinal microbiota. This contributes valuable insights into the toxicological repercussions of nanoplastics on mammalian gastrointestinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilun Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety of Shandong Normal University, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Zhenzhen Jia
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety of Shandong Normal University, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Xianlei Gao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety of Shandong Normal University, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety of Shandong Normal University, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
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Wu T, Hu G, Ning J, Yang J, Zhou Y. A photoluminescence strategy for detection nanoplastics in water and biological imaging in cells and plants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132695. [PMID: 37804760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132695] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics exposure poses a significant threat to the environment and human health, and accurate measurement of nanoparticles in aqueous solutions remains challenging. In this work, we synthesized the cationic fluorescent probe 4-[1-Cyano- 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-hydroxyphenyl]ethenyl]-1-ethylpyridinium (PCP) through a straightforward procedure for the rapid and accurate detection and labeling of nanoplastics in aqueous solutions. PCP binds to nanoplastics through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with restricted intramolecular rotation and exhibits enhanced fluorescence emission. Using carboxylation-modified polystyrene nanoplastics as a model, PCP could accurately detect concentrations as low as 0.525 mg∙L-1 in aqueous solution and perform wash-free semi-quantitative direct observation. The method demonstrated good reproducibility and recovery in actual sample spiking experiments. In addition, PCP-labeled nanoplastics were successfully used to visualize the uptake and distribution of cells and Arabidopsis thaliana when exposed to different concentrations of nanoplastics. This work provides a simple and sensitive method for efficiently identify, track, and quantify nanoplastics without requiring additional pretreatment and complex instrumentation, making it an ideal tool for accurately quantifying nanoplastics in aqueous solutions and studying the biological interactions of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wu
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Materials, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Guizhen Hu
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Materials, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Juan Ning
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Materials, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jialu Yang
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Materials, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yanmei Zhou
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Materials, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
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49
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Tanaka K, Takahashi Y, Kuramochi H, Osako M, Suzuki G. [Preparation of Nanoplastic Particles as Potential Standards for the Study of Nanoplastics]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2024; 144:165-170. [PMID: 38296493 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.23-00152-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are plastic fragments that are small enough to be absorbed by organisms through ingestion or inhalation. Recent studies indicate that nanoplastics can be ubiquitous in the environment, and there are growing concerns regarding the impacts of nanoplastics on the health of humans and other organisms. However, quantitative information on nanoplastics in the environment is still very limited, and most previous toxicity studies have used only polystyrene (PS) particles because of a lack of appropriate model particles of other plastics. We developed a nanoprecipitation-based method for the preparation of nanoplastic particles of five major polymers: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene. A major advantage of our method is that the nanoplastic particles are prepared without using reagents that can remain in the particles as impurities. Analysis of the prepared particles' molecular weight (Mw) distributions, crystallinities, and thermal properties revealed that their compositions and constitutions were within the general ranges for commercial products. The mechanisms underlying the formation of low-density polyethylene particles via our method were investigated by means of a simple population balance model, and particle diameter was found to be linearly correlated with the suspension density of the nanoplastic dispersion up to 0.4 mg·mL-1. Future studies should focus on improving our method to allow for precise, scale-independent production of nanoplastic particles. Methods for the preparation of labeled particles are also needed so that such particles can be used in nanoplastic risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Tanaka
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | | | - Masahiro Osako
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Go Suzuki
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
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50
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Liu Z, Chen L, Qu L, Zhang R, Qin Z, Zhang H, Wei J, Xu J, Hou Z. Cross-linked poly(ester urethane)/starch composite films with high starch content as sustainable food-packaging materials: Influence of cross-link density. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128441. [PMID: 38013081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on the development of cross-linked poly(ester urethane)/starch (PEUST) composites containing 50 wt% starch content for food-packaging materials. The NCO-terminated poly(caprolactone-urethane) prepolymer (PCUP) was first synthesized through bulk condensation. Then, low-moisture starch (0.21 wt%) and PCUP-based PEUST films were fabricated through an intensive extrusion process, followed by thermo-compression molding. The chemical structure of PCUP and PEUST was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the influence of cross-link density on the physicochemical properties of the composite films. The results showed that an increase in the cross-link density within the composites improved component compatibility and tensile strength but reduced crystallinity, water sensitivity, hydrolytic degradability, and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films. In addition, the cytotoxicity tests were conducted to evaluate the safety of the composite films, and the high cell viability demonstrated non-toxicity for food application. The PEUST-II films with moderate cross-link density exhibited a suitable degradation rate (27.7 % weight loss at degradation for 140 d), optimal tensile properties (tensile strength at break: 12.4 MPa; elongation at break: 352 %), and low WVP (68.4 g/(m2⋅24h) at 30 % relative humidity). These characteristics make them highly promising as fresh-keeping food packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqi Liu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Lengbing Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Lei Qu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Zihao Qin
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Shandong Tianming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Jinan 250104, China
| | - Jinjian Wei
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jing Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China.
| | - Zhaosheng Hou
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
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