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Zhong Y, Zhuo L, Lu W. Analysis of photocatalytic degradation of polyamide microplastics in metal salt solution by high resolution mass spectrometry. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 139:473-482. [PMID: 38105070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has become one of the most concerned focuses in the world. Among many treatment methods, photocatalysis is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly methods. In this work, the photodegradation behavior of polyamide microplastics is studied by using polyamide 6 PA6) as model microplastics and FeCl3 as catalyst. It is hoped that the PA6 fiber can be effectively degraded by utilizing the strong oxidizing active species that can be produced after FeCl3 is irradiated in water. The results shows that PA6 fiber can be almost completely degraded after 10 days of irradiation in FeCl3 aqueous solution, indicating that it is promising to use this new method to solve the problem of PA6 type microplastics. In addition, the chain scission mechanism and degradation process of PA6 are analyzed in detail by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), which provides a new insight for the study of polymer degradation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjin Zhong
- National Engineering Lab for Textile Fiber Materials & Processing Technology (Zhejiang), School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Lebing Zhuo
- National Engineering Lab for Textile Fiber Materials & Processing Technology (Zhejiang), School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Wangyang Lu
- National Engineering Lab for Textile Fiber Materials & Processing Technology (Zhejiang), School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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2
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Mishra M, Sudarsan D, Santos CAG, da Silva RM, Beja SK, Paul S, Bhanja P, Sethy M. Current patterns and trends of microplastic pollution in the marine environment: A bibliometric analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:22925-22944. [PMID: 38416357 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32511-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are pervasive in the natural environment and pose a growing concern for global health. Plastic waste in marine environments has emerged as a global issue, threatening not only marine biota but also human health due to its implications for the food chain. This study aims to discern the patterns and trends of research, specifically on Marine Microplastic Pollution (MMP), based on a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications from 2011 to 2022. The methodology utilized in this study comprises three stages: (a) creating a bibliographical dataset from Scopus by Elsevier and the Web of Science Core Collection by Clarivate Analytics, (b) analyzing current research (trends and patterns) using bibliometric analysis through Biblioshiny tool, and (c) examining themes and subthemes in MMP research (wastewater treatment, plastic ingestion, the Mediterranean Sea, microplastics pollution, microplastics in freshwater, microplastic ingestion, plastic pollution, and microplastic pollution in the marine environment). The findings reveal that during the studied period, the number of MMP publications amounted to 1377 articles, with an average citation per publication of 59.23 and a total citation count of 81,553. The most cited article was published in 2011, and since then, the number of publications on this topic has been increasing steadily. The author count stood at 5478, with 22 trending topics identified from the 1377 published titles. Between 2019 and 2022, the countries contributing most to the publication of MMP articles were China, the United States of America (USA), and the United Kingdom (UK). However, a noticeable shift in the origin of author countries was observed in the 2019-2022 timeframe, transitioning from a dominance by the USA and the UK to a predominance by China. In 2019, there was a substantial increase in the volume of publications addressing the topic of microplastics. The results show that the most prevalent themes and subthemes pertained to MMP in the Mediterranean Sea. The journals with the highest number of MMP articles published were the Marine Pollution Bulletin (253 articles) and Science of the Total Environment (190 articles). The analysis concludes that research on MMP remains prominent and appears to be increasing each year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoranjan Mishra
- Department of Geography, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Nuapadhi, Balasore, 756089, Odisha, India
| | - Desul Sudarsan
- Department of Library and Information Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
| | - Celso Augusto Guimarães Santos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58051-900, Paraíba, Brazil.
| | | | - Santosh Kumar Beja
- Department of Environmental Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
| | - Suman Paul
- Department of Geography, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Nuapadhi, Balasore, 756089, Odisha, India
| | - Pragati Bhanja
- Department of Library and Information Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
| | - Murtyunjya Sethy
- Department of Library and Information Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
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3
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Sharaf Din K, Khokhar MF, Butt SI, Qadir A, Younas F. Exploration of microplastic concentration in indoor and outdoor air samples: Morphological, polymeric, and elemental analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168398. [PMID: 37952657 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitously pervasive throughout the environment, but unlike aquatic and terrestrial microplastics, airborne microplastics have received less scientific attention. This study is the first of its kind to explicitly examine microplastics in the indoor and outdoor air (PM2.5) samples collected using active air samplers in Islamabad, Pakistan. The suspected synthetic particles were analyzed using ATR-FTIR, μ-Raman and SEM-EDX to categorize them based on their morphological characteristics, polymeric composition, and elemental makeup. Microplastics were found in all indoor and outdoor air samples, with indoor air samples (4.34 ± 1.93 items/m3) being significantly more contaminated than outdoor air samples (0.93 ± 0.32 items/m3) (P < 0.001). Among all the indoor air samples, samples taken from classroom (6.12 ± 0.51 items/m3) were more contaminated than samples taken from hallway (4.94 ± 0.78 items/m3) and laboratory (1.96 ± 0.44 items/m3). Fibers were found to be the prevalent shape type in indoor and outdoor airborne microplastics followed by fragments. Transparent- and black colored microplastic particles were predominant in both indoor and outdoor air samples. According to ATR-FTIR analysis, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) were the most prevalent polymer types in both indoor and outdoor environments. Results from μ-Raman analysis corroborated the presence of the polymers identified by ATR-FTIR. Morphological analysis of particles by SEM indicated signs of weathering on particles' surface i.e., grooves, breaks, shredded edges, pits etc. SEM-EDX of randomly chosen particles unraveled the presence of C and O as core elements, along with the presence of heavy metals at some spots due to foreign material adhering to their surface. Correlation analysis of environmental factors i.e., PM2.5, relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed with MPs abundance revealed non-significant relationships. The findings of this study call for further research on airborne MPs to better comprehend their dispersion, toxicity, interactions with other air pollutants, and attributable health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Sharaf Din
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), SCEE, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fahim Khokhar
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), SCEE, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Shahid Ikramullah Butt
- Department of design and manufacturing Engineering (DME), SMME, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qadir
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Farhan Younas
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Science (CIRBS), Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
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4
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Lu H, Ou Y, Zhao M, Ni Z. Microplastic enrichment capacity of Ctenochaetus striatus from the habitat environment - An example in Xisha, South China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115756. [PMID: 37976586 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a widespread concern in the global marine environment. In this study, microplastic pollution status in Xisha waters was investigated. Microplastics were found in all seawater samples, and 90.76 % of C. striatus samples were detected with microplastics. The average abundance of microplastics in seawater samples was 0.64 ± 0.39 items/L, and the abundance of microplastics in the gills and gastrointestinal tracts (GITs)of C. striatus was 1.14 ± 0.41 items/L and 1.80 ± 0.49 items/L, respectively. Shapes of microplastics in the seawater and in the gills and GITs of C. striatus were mainly fibers and films, and the majority of the particle sizes being <1 mm, and the polymers were mainly PET. In addition, the abundance of microplastics in the gills and GITs of C. striatus was positively correlated with that in the seawater, and the correlation was higher in the gills than in the GITs, which means that the accumulation of microplastics in the gills was more closely related to their habitats. The positive correlation between microplastic abundance in the gills and GITs of C. striatus and its body size may be due to the fact that larger individuals have greater energetic demands, require more energy requirements, consume more food, and thus increase the chances of ingesting microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajie Lu
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Monitoring and Restoration Technologies, MNRs, Shanghai 201306, China; National Distant-water Fisheries Engineering Research Center, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Yuzhe Ou
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Maolin Zhao
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zhenyu Ni
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
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5
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De-la-Torre GE, Dioses-Salinas DC, Pizarro-Ortega CI, Forero López AD, Fernández Severini MD, Rimondino GN, Malanca FE, Dobaradaran S, Aragaw TA, Mghili B, Ayala F. Plastic and paint debris in marine protected areas of Peru. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165788. [PMID: 37524177 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Contamination with anthropogenic debris, such as plastic and paint particles, has been widely investigated in the global marine environment. However, there is a lack of information regarding their presence in marine protected areas (MPAs). In the present study, the abundance, distribution, and chemical characteristics of microplastics (MPs; <5 mm), mesoplastics (MePs; 5-25 mm), and paint particles were investigated in multiple environmental compartments of two MPAs from Peru. The characteristics of MPs across surface water, bottom sediments, and fish guts were similar, primarily dominated by blue fibers. On the other hand, MePs and large MPs (1-5 mm) were similar across sandy beaches. Several particles were composite materials consisting of multiple layers confirmed as alkyd resins by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, which were typical indicators of marine coatings. The microstructure of paint particles showed differentiated topography across layers, as well as different elemental compositions. Some layers displayed amorphous structures with Ba-, Cr-, and Ti-based additives. However, the leaching and impact of potentially toxic additives in paint particles require further investigation. The accumulation of multiple types of plastic and paint debris in MPAs could pose a threat to conservation goals. The current study contributed to the knowledge regarding anthropogenic debris contamination in MPAs and further elucidated the physical and chemical properties of paint particles in marine environments. While paint particles may look similar to MPs and MePs, more attention should be given to these contaminants in places where intense maritime activity takes place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | | | | | - Ana D Forero López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca, B8000FWB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa D Fernández Severini
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca, B8000FWB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guido Noé Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fabio Ernesto Malanca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany
| | - Tadele Assefa Aragaw
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Félix Ayala
- Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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6
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Goli VSNS, Singh DN. Effect of ultrasonication conditions on polyethylene microplastics sourced from landfills: A precursor study to establish guidelines for their extraction from environmental matrices. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132230. [PMID: 37562353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Establishing concentration of microplastics (MPs), designated as CMP, in aqueous, semi-solid and solid samples originating from unscientifically created landfills/dumpsites (UCLDs) and engineered landfills (ELFs) is of utmost importance to assess their impact on the geoenvironment. However, the accuracy of CMP will be guided by the extraction efficiency of MPs from these samples. The extraction of MPs from semi-solid and solid samples of UCLDs/ELFs would be cumbersome, mainly due to their trapping in solid aggregates (including organic matter). Such aggregates need to be dispersed to release the MPs, which can be achieved through the assistance of ultrasonication (US) in the presence of an appropriate dispersing agent. However, mere dispersion of solid aggregates during the US might not result in the complete release of MPs adhered (AMPs) to MPs native (NMPs) to these samples. This is because MPs would adhere to the surface of the adjacent ones due to various physical-mechanical-thermal-chemical processes that prevail in landfills. Hence, guidelines for US-assisted extraction of MPs should be developed by considering an approach that would ensure (i) cleaning of NMPs' surface and (ii) release of AMPs without damaging the former. This necessitates understanding the influence of US parameters such as energy applied (Eus), time (tus) and direct/indirect exposure of NMPs from landfills that would control CMP. In this context, the influence of above mentioned US parameters on the (i) surface cleaning of polyethylene NMPs and (ii) release of AMPs and their concentrations (CAMP) was investigated. It was observed that Eus equal to 500 kJ/L during the indirect method of US would result in surface cleaning of NMPs and complete release of AMPs without damaging the farmer's structure. The present work acts as a precursor study to establish the guidelines for the US-assisted extraction of MPs in environmental samples. Also, a generalized relationship between Eus and CAMP, which can be employed to study the impact of landfill type on the release of MPs during the US was developed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devendra Narain Singh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400 076, India.
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7
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Ma YB, Xie ZY, Hamid N, Tang QP, Deng JY, Luo L, Pei DS. Recent advances in micro (nano) plastics in the environment: Distribution, health risks, challenges and future prospects. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 261:106597. [PMID: 37311378 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental micro(nano)plastics have become a significant global pollution problem due to the widespread use of plastic products. In this review, we summarized the latest research advances on micro(nano)plastics in the environment, including their distribution, health risks, challenges, and future prospect. Micro(nano)plastics have been found in a variety of environmental media, such as the atmosphere, water bodies, sediment, and especially marine systems, even in remote places like Antarctica, mountain tops, and the deep sea. The accumulation of micro(nano)plastics in organisms or humans through ingestion or other passive ways poses a series of negative impacts on metabolism, immune function, and health. Moreover, due to their large specific surface area, micro(nano)plastics can also adsorb other pollutants, causing even more serious effects on animal and human health. Despite the significant health risks posed by micro(nano)plastics, there are limitations in the methods used to measure their dispersion in the environment and their potential health risks to organisms. Therefore, further research is needed to fully understand these risks and their impacts on the environment and human health. Taken together, the challenges of micro(nano)plastics analysis in the environment and organisms must be addressed, and future research prospects need to be identified. Governments and individuals must take action to reduce plastic waste and minimize the negative impact of micro(nano)plastics on the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Bo Ma
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Zhuo-Yuan Xie
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Naima Hamid
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Qi-Ping Tang
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jiao-Yun Deng
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lin Luo
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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8
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Zheng X, Sun R, Dai Z, He L, Li C. Distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in typical ecosystems in the South China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163678. [PMID: 37100141 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in the marine environment has attracted worldwide attention. The South China Sea is considered a hotspot for microplastic pollution due to the developed industries and high population density around the South China Sea. The accumulation of microplastics in ecosystems can adversely affect the health of the environment and organisms. This paper reviews the recent microplastic studies conducted in the South China Sea, which novelty summarizes the abundance, types, and potential hazards of microplastics in coral reef ecosystems, mangrove ecosystems, seagrass bed ecosystems, and macroalgal ecosystems. A summary of the microplastic pollution status of four ecosystems and a risk assessment provides a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of microplastic pollution on marine ecosystems in the South China Sea. Microplastic abundances of up to 45,200 items/m3 were reported in coral reef surface waters, 5738.3 items/kg in mangrove sediments, and 927.3 items/kg in seagrass bed sediments. There are few studies of microplastics in the South China Sea macroalgae ecosystems. However, studies from other areas indicate that macroalgae can accumulate microplastics and are more likely to enter the food chain or be consumed by humans. Finally, this paper compared the current risk levels of microplastics in the coral reef, mangrove, and seagrass bed ecosystems based on available studies. Pollution load index (PLI) ranges from 3 to 31 in mangrove ecosystems, 5.7 to 11.9 in seagrass bed ecosystems, and 6.1 to 10.2 in coral reef ecosystems, respectively. The PLI index varies considerably between mangroves depending on the intensity of anthropogenic activity around the mangrove. Further studies on seagrass beds and macroalgal ecosystems are required to extend our understanding of microplastic pollution in marine environments. Recent microplastic detection in fish muscle tissue in mangroves requires more research to further the biological impact of microplastic ingestion and the potential food safety risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanjing Zheng
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ruikun Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhenqing Dai
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China.
| | - Lei He
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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9
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Nama S, Shanmughan A, Nayak BB, Bhushan S, Ramteke K. Impacts of marine debris on coral reef ecosystem: A review for conservation and ecological monitoring of the coral reef ecosystem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114755. [PMID: 36905864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114755] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are the most spectacular underwater creation of nature. It enhances ecosystem functioning and marine biodiversity while also ensuring the livelihood of millions of coastal communities worldwide. Unfortunately, marine debris poses a serious threat to ecologically sensitive reef habitats and their associated organisms. Over the past decade, marine debris has been regarded as a major anthropogenic threat to marine ecosystems and gained scientific attention around the globe. However, the sources, types, abundance, distribution, and potential consequences of marine debris on reef ecosystems are hardly known. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current status of marine debris in various reef ecosystems across the world, with special emphasis on its sources, abundance, distribution, species impacted, major categories, potential impacts and management strategies. Furthermore, the adhesion mechanisms of microplastics to coral polyps, diseases caused by microplastics and are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Nama
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India.
| | - Ashna Shanmughan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Binaya Bhusan Nayak
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Shashi Bhushan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Karankumar Ramteke
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
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10
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Zhang W, Sik Ok Y, Bank MS, Sonne C. Macro- and microplastics as complex threats to coral reef ecosystems. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107914. [PMID: 37028266 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of macroplastics (macro-), microplastics (MPs, <5mm), and nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) on corals and their complex reef ecosystems are receiving increased attention and visibility. MPs represent a major, contemporary, sustainability challenge with known and unknown effects on the ocean, and coral reef ecosystems worldwide. However, the fate and transport processes of macro-, MPs, and NPs and their direct and indirect impacts on coral reef ecosystems remains poorly understood. In this study, we verify and briefly summarize MPs distribution and pollution patterns in coral reefs from various geographical regions and discuss potential risks. The main interaction mechanisms show that MPs may substantially affect coral feeding performance, proper skeletal formation, and overall nutrition and, thus, there is an urgent need to address this rapidly growing environmental problem. From a management perspective, macro-, MPs, and NPs should, ideally, all be included in environmental monitoring frameworks, as possible, to aid in identifying those geographical areas that are most heavily impacted and to support future prioritization of conservation efforts. The potential solutions to the macro-, MP, and NP pollution problem include raising public awareness of plastic pollution, developing robust, environmental, conservation efforts, promoting a circular economy, and propelling industry-supported technological innovations to reduce plastic use and consumption. Global actions to curb plastic inputs, and releases of macro-, MP, and NP particles, and their associated chemicals, to the environment are desperately needed to secure the overall health of coral reef ecosystems and their inhabitants. Global scale horizon scans, gap analyses, and other future actions are necessary to gain and increase momentum to properly address this massive environmental problem and are in good accordance with several relevant UN sustainable development goals to sustain planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management & Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management & Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Michael S Bank
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway; University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
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11
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Lima CDM, Melo Júnior M, Schwamborn SHL, Kessler F, Oliveira LA, Ferreira BP, Mugrabe G, Frias J, Neumann-Leitão S. Zooplankton exposure to microplastic contamination in a estuarine plume-influenced region, in Northeast Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121072. [PMID: 36720339 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121072] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This work describes the spatio-temporal distribution of suspected plastic and microplastic (MP) particles in estuarine plumes and analyzes the microplastic/zooplankton ratio. Subsurface hauls with a conical-cylindrical net were deployed in the coastal area of Tamandare (Pernambuco, Brazil), covering the plume of two rivers and a bay adjacent to coral reefs. A total of 2079 suspected plastic particles were detected, mostly fibers and fragments (>60%). Organic matter digestion was made using a 30% hydrogen peroxide solution, of which approximately 50% of suspected particles were validated as MPs. The average MP abundance was significantly higher during the high rainfall season (53.8 ± 89.6 and 18.8 ± 32.3 particles/m³, respectively), with higher values registered in the plume area (108.9 ± 158.5 and 44.6 ± 55.5 particles/m³). Polymer identification using FT-IR confirmed that suspected particles were mainly polypropylene, polyamide, and polyurethane. These results confirm the hypothesis of a temporal transport variation of MPs from the river to the coastal environments, particularly since the plume influences debris input. Eleven animal phyla were identified, and the subclass Copepoda was predominant (90%), particularly the nauplius stage (70%). Over 70% of verified MPs range between 20 and 2000 μm, equivalent to the most common size of zooplanktonic organisms. Results support that coastal areas near estuarine plumes are exposed to microplastic contamination, affecting species dependent on zooplankton in marine coastal food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D M Lima
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - M Melo Júnior
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, R. Dom Manuel de Medeiros, 97 - Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - S H L Schwamborn
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - F Kessler
- Escola de Química e Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália, km 8, Carreiros, RS, Brazil.
| | - L A Oliveira
- Escola de Química e Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália, km 8, Carreiros, RS, Brazil.
| | - B P Ferreira
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - G Mugrabe
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - J Frias
- Marine & Freshwater Research Centre, Atlantic Technological University, Galway Campus, Dublin Road, H91 T8NW, Ireland.
| | - S Neumann-Leitão
- Museu de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Arquitetura, S/N, Cidade, Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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12
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Miller ME, Motti CA, Hamann M, Kroon FJ. Assessment of microplastic bioconcentration, bioaccumulation and biomagnification in a simple coral reef food web. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159615. [PMID: 36309288 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastics, and more specifically, microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) are considered a marine contaminant of emerging concern. To accurately assess the ecological risk of MPs, it is critical to first understand the relationship between MP contamination in organisms with that in their surrounding environment. The goal of this study was to examine the ecological risk of MPs in coral reef ecosystems by assessing the MP contamination found within a simple food web against contamination in the surrounding environment. Taxa representing three trophic levels (zooplankton, benthic crustaceans, and reef fish), as well as the distinct environmental matrices which they inhabit (i.e., mid-column water and sediment) were collected from two mid-shelf reefs in the central Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Microplastics were isolated using validated clarification techniques, visually characterised (i.e., shape, colour, size) by microscopy, chemically confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and recorded in all three trophic levels and all abiotic samples. MPs were found to bioconcentrate, with similar concentrations, polymer types, sizes, shapes, and colours at each trophic level compared to their surrounding environment. However, MP contamination varied across the three trophic levels, with no evidence of bioaccumulation. Further, MP concentrations did not increase up the food web, discounting MP biomagnification. Regardless, given the heterogeneity of MPs found in the marine environment, and the complexity of marine food webs, trophic transfer represents a prominent pathway of exposure from lower to higher trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela E Miller
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Mark Hamann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Frederieke J Kroon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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13
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Dao CD, Duong LT, Nguyen THT, Nguyen HLT, Nguyen HT, Dang QT, Dao NN, Pham CN, Nguyen CHT, Duong DC, Bui TT, Nguyen BQ. Plastic waste in sandy beaches and surface water in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam: abundance, characterization, and sources. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:255. [PMID: 36592237 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10868-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and characterization of marine debris on beaches bring opportunities to track back the anthropogenic activities around shorelines as well as aid in waste management and control. In this study, the three largest beaches in Thanh Hoa (Vietnam) were examined for plastic waste, including macroplastics (≥ 5 mm) on sandy beaches and microplastics (MPs) (< 5 mm) in surface water. Among 3803 items collected on the beaches, plastic waste accounted for more than 98%. The majority of the plastic wastes found on these beaches were derived from fishing boats and food preservation foam packaging. The FT-IR data indicated that the macroplastics comprised 77% polystyrene, 17% polypropylene, and 6% high-density polyethylene, while MPs discovered in surface water included other forms of plastics such as polyethylene- acrylate, styrene/butadiene rubber gasket, ethylene/propylene copolymer, and zein purified. FT-IR data demonstrated that MPs might also be originated from automobile tire wear, the air, and skincare products, besides being degraded from macroplastics. The highest abundance of MPs was 44.1 items/m3 at Hai Tien beach, while the lowest was 15.5 items/m3 at Sam Son beach. The results showed that fragment form was the most frequent MP shape, accounting for 61.4 ± 14.3% of total MPs. MPs with a diameter smaller than 500 μm accounted for 70.2 ± 7.6% of all MPs. According to our research, MPs were transformed, transported, and accumulated due to anthropogenic activities and environmental processes. This study provided a comprehensive knowledge of plastic waste, essential in devising long-term development strategies in these locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cham Dinh Dao
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Lim Thi Duong
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Thuy Huong Thi Nguyen
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Huong Lan Thi Nguyen
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Hue Thi Nguyen
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Quan Tran Dang
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Nhiem Ngoc Dao
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
- Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Chuc Ngoc Pham
- Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Chi Ha Thi Nguyen
- Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Dien Cong Duong
- Institute of Mechanics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Thu Thi Bui
- Faculty of Environment, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Bac Quang Nguyen
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam.
- Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam.
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14
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Mkuye R, Gong S, Zhao L, Masanja F, Ndandala C, Bubelwa E, Yang C, Deng Y. Effects of microplastics on physiological performance of marine bivalves, potential impacts, and enlightening the future based on a comparative study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155933. [PMID: 35577097 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to explore the effects of microplastics and their corresponding additives on the physiological performances of marine bivalves together with their related genes. We identified gaps based on studies that were conducted on other organisms, and we conducted a comparative study on similar and relevant aspects for exploring future potential areas of study and interest. Microplastics are widely dispersed in all forms of media (solid, liquid, and gas). Exposure to an organism (including humans) is inevitable. However, impacts depend on the concentration of exposure, location of a biomarker being observed, and treatment involved. Different shapes, colors, and polymer types are reported and the transfer of microplastics along the food chain are recorded. The impacts of microplastics intensify when coupled with other chemicals or additives (referred to as xenobiotics) in a treated group. Thus, the degree of inhibition or enhancement of a physiological response magnifies when a coexposure of microplastic and a xenobiotic occurs. Microplastics have been observed to reduce immune system functionality by reducing hemocytes count, distorting oxidative system, respiration, and increasing energy consumption in bivalves due to physiological modulations that result from ingestion of microplastics or their additives. We found knowledge gaps and suggested future research directions to fully understand the impact of microplastics and their additives on marine bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Mkuye
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Shunlian Gong
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Liqiang Zhao
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | | | - Charles Ndandala
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | | | - Chuangye Yang
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Science and Innovation Center for Pearl Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang, China; Pearl Breeding and Processing Engineering Technology Research Centre of Guangdong Province, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yuewen Deng
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Science and Innovation Center for Pearl Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang, China; Pearl Breeding and Processing Engineering Technology Research Centre of Guangdong Province, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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15
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Lim YC, Chen CW, Cheng YR, Chen CF, Dong CD. Impacts of microplastics on scleractinian corals nearshore Liuqiu Island southwestern Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119371. [PMID: 35490995 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Seawater, sediments, and three genera of wild scleractinian corals were collected from four coral reef areas nearshore Liuqiu Island, southwestern Taiwan. Abundance, characteristics (sizes, colors, shapes, and polymer types), and enrichment of microplastics (MPs) in the corals, and their impacts on coral cover were determined. The average MPs abundances were 0.95, 0.77, and 0.36 item/g for Galaxea sp, Acropora spp, and Pocillopora sp, respectively. The MPs abundance was relatively higher on the coral surfaces than inside the skeletons, dominated by blue rayon-fibers, correspondingly observed in seawater and sediments. Large-size colorless MPs tended to be mis-ingested by Galaxea sp. (71%) compared with Pocillopora sp. (43%) and Acropora spp. (31%). The low hard coral cover (12.5%) observed at Yufu (L1) on the northeastern coastal zone nearby tourism center of Liuqiu Island where correspondingly associated with high MPs abundance in seawater (10 item/L), sediments (260 item/kg), and corals (0.60 item/g). Tourism induced sewage discharges and sailing activities significantly contributed to the MPs pollution, probably contributing to the loss of coral cover. High MPs enrichment in corals (EFMP = 25-283) shows that the marine MPs pollution can critically threaten coral reef ecosystems. Fibrous MPs present inside the coral skeleton serve as potential indicator of MPs' impact on corals-with the dominance of textile-related rayon and polyester/PET microfibers in the coral reef zones. This study provided valuable information for coral conservation and coastal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Cheng Lim
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Rong Cheng
- Department of Fisheries Production and Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan.
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16
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Li W, Chen X, Cai Z, Li M, Liu Z, Gong H, Yan M. Characteristics of microplastic pollution and analysis of colonized-microbiota in a freshwater aquaculture system. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119385. [PMID: 35525520 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The microbial communities associated with microplastics (MPs) and their ambient environments have received wide attention. Although previous studies have reported the differences of microbial communities between MPs and natural environment or substrates, the effects of MPs on microbial balance and functions in ambient water remain unclear, particularly for aquaculture water. Here, we investigated the MPs pollution in farm ponds of grass carp located in the Foshan City of Guangdong Province and reported the distinction of bacterial structures, functions, and complexity between microbiota on MPs and in water. MPs with an average abundance of 288.53 ± 74.27 items/L in pond water were mostly fibers and cellulose, mainly transparent and in size of 0.5-1 mm. Structures and functions of bacterial communities on MPs significantly differed from that in pond water. A large number of enriched or depleted OTUs on MPs compared with water belong to the phylum Proteobacteria, the predominant phylum in microbial communities on MPs and in water. Some species included in the phylum Proteobacteria have been shown to be cellulose-degrading and pathogenic. Microbiota on MPs exhibited higher species richness and diversity as well as a more complex network than that in water, illustrating MPs as a distinct habitat in the aquaculture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Zeming Cai
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Minqian Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Zhihao Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Han Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Muting Yan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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17
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Tang KHD, Lock SSM, Yap PS, Cheah KW, Chan YH, Yiin CL, Ku AZE, Loy ACM, Chin BLF, Chai YH. Immobilized enzyme/microorganism complexes for degradation of microplastics: A review of recent advances, feasibility and future prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154868. [PMID: 35358520 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental prevalence of microplastics has prompted the development of novel methods for their removal, one of which involves immobilization of microplastics-degrading enzymes. Various materials including nanomaterials have been studied for this purpose but there is currently a lack of review to present these studies in an organized manner to highlight the advances and feasibility. This article reviewed more than 100 peer-reviewed scholarly papers to elucidate the latest advances in the novel application of immobilized enzyme/microorganism complexes for microplastics degradation, its feasibility and future prospects. This review shows that metal nanoparticle-enzyme complexes improve biodegradation of microplastics in most studies through creating photogenerated radicals to facilitate polymer oxidation, accelerating growth of bacterial consortia for biodegradation, anchoring enzymes and improving their stability, and absorbing water for hydrolysis. In a study, the antimicrobial property of nanoparticles retarded the growth of microorganisms, hence biodegradation. Carbon particle-enzyme complexes enable enzymes to be immobilized on carbon-based support or matrix through covalent bonding, adsorption, entrapment, encapsulation, and a combination of the mechanisms, facilitated by formation of cross-links between enzymes. These complexes were shown to improve microplastics-degrading efficiency and recyclability of enzymes. Other emerging nanoparticles and/or enzymatic technologies are fusion of enzymes with hydrophobins, polymer binding module, peptide and novel nanoparticles. Nonetheless, the enzymes in the complexes present a limiting factor due to limited understanding of the degradation mechanisms. Besides, there is a lack of studies on the degradation of polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. Genetic bioengineering and metagenomics could provide breakthrough in this area. This review highlights the optimism of using immobilized enzymes/microorganisms to increase the efficiency of microplastics degradation but optimization of enzymatic or microbial activities and synthesis of immobilized enzymes/microorganisms are crucial to overcome the barriers to their wide application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
- Environmental Science Program, Division of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China.
| | - Serene Sow Mun Lock
- CO2 Research Center (CO2RES), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Malaysia
| | - Pow-Seng Yap
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Kin Wai Cheah
- Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Herng Chan
- PETRONAS Research Sdn. Bhd. (PRSB), Lot 3288 & 3289, Off Jalan Ayer Itam, Kawasan Institusi Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chung Loong Yiin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Energy Sustainability, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan 94300, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Andrian Zi En Ku
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Energy Sustainability, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan 94300, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Adrian Chun Minh Loy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Bridgid Lai Fui Chin
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, CDT 250, 98009 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ho Chai
- HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
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18
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Béraud E, Bednarz V, Otto I, Golbuu Y, Ferrier-Pagès C. Plastics are a new threat to Palau’s coral reefs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270237. [PMID: 35793287 PMCID: PMC9258895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution of the oceans has long been an ongoing and growing problem. Single-use plastic (plastic bags and microbeads) is responsible for most of this pollution. In recent years, studies have highlighted the importance of the size of plastic particles, and the impact of this pollution source on the environment. We determined the concentration of small marine plastics in seawater, sediments and beach sand around a pristine reef area (Republic of Palau) using very simple tools (plankton net, sieves, organic matter degradation, density separation, Nile red fluorochrome). In this study, we succeeded in detecting microplastic (MPs) particles and microplastic fibers, but also nanoplastic (NPs). These three types of particles were found in all samples with a large heterogeneity, from 0.01 to 0.09 particles L-1 and 0.17 to 32.13 particles g-1 DW for MPs in seawater, sediments and sand, respectively. Even when NPs were identified, the amounts of NPs were underestimated and varied from 0.09 to 0.43 particles L-1 in seawater and from 1.08 to 71.02 particles g-1 DW in sediment and sand, respectively. These variations could be attributed to the environmental characteristics of the different sites. This study shows that plastic pollution must be considered in environmental studies even in the most pristine locations. It also shows that NPs pollution is related to the amount of MPs found at the sites. To understand the effects of this plastic pollution, it is necessary that the next toxicological studies take into account the effects of this fraction that makes up the NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Béraud
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Equipe Ecophysiologie Corallienne, Monaco, Monaco
- * E-mail:
| | - Vanessa Bednarz
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Equipe Ecophysiologie Corallienne, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Ikelau Otto
- PICRC, Palau International Coral Reef Center, Koror, Palau, Republic of Palau
| | - Yimnang Golbuu
- PICRC, Palau International Coral Reef Center, Koror, Palau, Republic of Palau
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19
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Raguso C, Saliu F, Lasagni M, Galli P, Clemenza M, Montano S. First detection of microplastics in reef-building corals from a Maldivian atoll. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113773. [PMID: 35623215 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in the world's oceans and their effects on marine habitats are highly concerning. As suspension-feeders, corals are very exposed to microplastics, compromising the health of coral reef ecosystems. In this study we surveyed for the first time the presence of microplastics in Maldivian reef-building corals. Aiming to determine the influence of exposure and depth on microplastic distribution, analyses were carried out on 38 individuals belonging to three different species. 58% of the investigated colonies resulted contaminated with particles within the 25-150 μm size range. The maximum concentration was encountered in a Pocillopora verrucosa colony sampled from a shallow inner reef (8.9 particles/g of coral). No significant differences in microplastic concentration were observed between different depths, exposures, sites and species. Overall, this study confirmed microplastic presence in coral reefs of the Maldivian archipelago including foundation species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Massimiliano Clemenza
- Dipartimento di Fisica "G. Occhialini", University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milano, Italy; INFN Sezione di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Montano
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
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20
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Xu S, Chen L, Zhang K, Cao Y, Ma Y, Chau HS, Tao D, Wu C, Li C, Lam PKS. Microplastic occurrence in the northern South China Sea, A case for Pre and Post cyclone analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 296:133980. [PMID: 35176303 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a great concern owing to their persistence and ecotoxicity in various environmental compartments. MPs can be transported from land to oceans via the aquatic system, and the oceans are believed to be the final sink for MPs. To resolve the lack of data concerning MP contamination in the northern South China Sea (NSCS), coastal seawater and sediments were investigated. The sample sites included the coastal area from Hong Kong to western Guangdong Province, which provided a representative coverage of variable distance to the shore. MP particles were observed in all samples, suggesting a widespread MP pollution in NSCS. The average MP abundance was relatively high in South China Sea, but it was lower than that in other Chinese coastal areas. In all samples, the dominant MP polymer was polyethylene terephthalate fibers. No statistically significant correlation was found between the abundances of MPs in seawater and sediment. The MP distribution in surface water affected by the monsoon exhibited high abundance in the east and low in the west, and MPs were more abundant near the shore than away from it. The tropical cyclone had no obvious effect on the overall MP abundance except in the Hong Kong west marine water (R4), which may attribute to proximity to Hong Kong and other islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Luoluo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China; National Observation and Research Station of Coastal Ecological Environments in Macao, Macao Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, the City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
| | - Yaru Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yue Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Shan Chau
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Danyang Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengtao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science &Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Paul K S Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, the City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China; Office of the President, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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21
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Liu S, Pan YF, Li HX, Lin L, Hou R, Yuan Z, Huang P, Cai MG, Xu XR. Microplastic pollution in the surface seawater in Zhongsha Atoll, South China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153604. [PMID: 35114230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastics in the marine environment has attracted extensive attention. So far, no information is known regarding the temporal and spatial variations of microplastics in Zhongsha Atoll. This study, for the first time, comprehensively investigated the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the surface seawater in Zhongsha Atoll based on two ocean cruises. The abundances of microplastics measured in the surface seawater of Zhongsha Atoll were in the ranges of not detected (ND) to 67 items/m3, and ND to 160 items/m3 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. All microplastics detected in Zhongsha Atoll were fibers, most of which were transparent and less than 2 mm. Polyethylene terephthalate was the dominating composition of microplastics. These results suggested that sewage, surface runoff, atmospheric deposition by neighboring land, and fishing activities may be the primary pollution sources. This study provides critical information on microplastic pollution in Zhongsha Atoll for the first time, calling for more research in the management of marine plastic debris in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Yun-Feng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Heng-Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Lang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Rui Hou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peng Huang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ming-Gang Cai
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China.
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22
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Yao Y, Glamoclija M, Murphy A, Gao Y. Characterization of microplastics in indoor and ambient air in northern New Jersey. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112142. [PMID: 34597660 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics (MPs) could have negative impacts on human health and pollute water, soil, and sediment. This study explored the distributions, compositions, and morphology of airborne microplastics in the indoor and ambient air in New Jersey, United States. Microplastic fibers, films, and fragments of Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethyelene (PE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polypropylene (PP) were identified in office, hallway, classroom, and single-family house in this study. The deposition rates of synthetic fibers with length from 35 μm to 1000 μm were highest in the single-family house ((1.96 ± 1.09) × 104 fibers/m2/day) and lowest in the classroom ((6.20 ± 0.57) × 103 fibers/m2/day), suggesting that residential houses are a major source of microplastic fibers. However, for film-like plastics with surface areas ranging from 200 μm2 to 5000 μm2, a high deposition rate of (8.13 ± 2.17) × 103 films/m2/day was observed in the classroom, whereas the lowest deposition rate of (4.45 ± 0.27) × 103 films/m2/day was found in the hallway, probably because plastic films such as PE are intensively used in the classroom environments. The deposition rate of microplastics in the ambient air acquired on a building roof was only about 2-8% of the indoor deposition rates. The microplastics with similar textures but different sizes were identified in both total atmospheric deposition and particulate samples (PM2.5 and PM10), suggesting degradation from microplastics to nanoplastics. The main microplastics found in indoor air samples were PE fragments or fibers, different from those in the outdoor ambient air that were dominated by PVC fragments. These results unravel the properties of airborne microplastics in urban environments that are important to understanding their fate, transport, and potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102 United States
| | - Mihaela Glamoclija
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102 United States
| | - Ashley Murphy
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102 United States
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102 United States.
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23
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Lin L, Zhong S, Chen C, Wang P, Qian W, Ceng J, Zhu X, Xu X. 近海海域养殖源微塑料的环境赋存丰度、生物积累与生态风险. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2022. [DOI: 10.1360/tb-2022-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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24
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Zhou Z, Wan L, Cai W, Tang J, Wu Z, Zhang K. Species-specific microplastic enrichment characteristics of scleractinian corals from reef environment: Insights from an in-situ study at the Xisha Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152845. [PMID: 34990693 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The microplastic pollution has become a worldwide ecological concerns and imposed negative impacts on the coral reef ecosystems. In the present study, the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in the seawater, marine sediment and three scleractinian coral species (Pocillopora damicornis, Galaxea fascicularis, and Porites lutea) at five representative atolls in the Xisha Islands were investigated. The average microplastic abundances in the seawater and marine sediment were 9.5 ± 3.7 particles L-1 and 280.9 ± 231.9 particles kg-1 (dry weight), and the average contents of microplastics in P. damicornis, G. fascicularis and P. lutea were 0.9 ± 0.5 particles cm-2, 1.2 ± 0.6 particles cm-2, and 2.5 ± 1.6 particles cm-2, respectively. There were no significant correlations for the microplastic concentration between the reef environment and the corals. These results infer that the microplastic pollution is severe in the coral reef ecosystem in the Xisha Islands, and scleractinian corals could enrich microplastics from the reef environment. In addition, more than 80% of the microplastics in the seawater, marine sediment and corals were smaller than 2 mm, and the most common types of microplastics were cellophane (61.13%) and polyethylene terephthalate (33.49%). Black and fibers were the most common color and shape of the microplastics in the seawater and marine sediment, respectively. The microplastics in transparent color, film shape and small size (<2 mm) were highly accumulated in corals. Besides, cluster analysis showed that significant difference of microplastic characteristics existed between the corals and the reef environment, and the features of enriched microplastics among three coral species were also different. Moreover, P. lutea exhibited a stronger ability in enriching microplastics than G. fascicularis and P. damicornis. These results suggest that the microplastic-enriching capacities of scleractinian corals are species-specific, and species acclimated to microplastic pollution might become predominant in future coral community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Lu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jia Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhongjie Wu
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - Kaidian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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25
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Huang S, Huang X, Bi R, Guo Q, Yu X, Zeng Q, Huang Z, Liu T, Wu H, Chen Y, Xu J, Wu Y, Guo P. Detection and Analysis of Microplastics in Human Sputum. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:2476-2486. [PMID: 35073488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is an emerging environmental problem, and little research has focused on its impact on the human body. Based on retrospective case series, the study required participants to fill out a questionnaire and provide sputum samples in order to investigate the presence of microplastics in human sputum and determine whether humans involuntarily inhale them. A total of 22 patients suffering from different respiratory diseases were recruited. We used an Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometer and Fourier-transform infrared microscope to analyze sputum samples and evaluate microplastics in the respiratory tract. Remarkably, the size range of the method for detecting microplastics in our study is 20-500 μm. The results showed that 21 types of microplastics were identified, and polyurethane was dominant, followed by polyester, chlorinated polyethylene, and alkyd varnish, accounting for 78.36% of the total microplastics. Most of the aspirated microplastics detected are smaller than 500 μm in size (median: 75.43 μm; interquartile range: 44.67-210.64 μm). Microplastics are ubiquitous in all sputum, indicating that inhalation is a potential way for plastics to enter the human body. Additionally, the quantities of microplastic types in the respiratory tract are related to smoking, invasive examination, etc. (P < 0.05). This study sheds new light on microplastic exposure, which provides basic data for the risk assessment of microplastics to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Xiaoxin Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Ran Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China
| | - Qiuxia Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Shantou City, Shantou, Guangdong 515073, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Qinghui Zeng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Ziyu Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Tianming Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Haisheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Yuliang Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Jialong Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Yinge Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Pi Guo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
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26
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Gui X, Ren Z, Xu X, Chen X, Chen M, Wei Y, Zhao L, Qiu H, Gao B, Cao X. Dispersion and transport of microplastics in three water-saturated coastal soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127614. [PMID: 34740510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The coastal area is one of the key zones for transport and fate of microplastics (MPs). This study investigated the transport behaviors of different sized MPs in three water-saturated coastal soils, with the aim to explore effects of properties of three different coastal soils on the dispersion and migration of three-sized MPs (0.3, 0.5, and 1 µm). All three-sized MPs had the strongest dispersion in Soil 3 solution, followed by that in Soil 1 solution and then that in Soil 2 solution. The strongest dispersion of MPs in Soil 3 solution was attributed to the lowest ionic strength. Such a high dispersion favored MPs movement in soil solution but readily be sorbed and fixed by rich Fe and Al oxides in Soil 3 solid through strong electrostatic attraction, leading to the lowest transport rate (20.5-41.2%). The high ionic strength in the Soil 1 solution decreased the dispersion of MPs, but the presence of high content of humic acid enhanced the electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance between MPs and soil particles, resulting in the highest transport ability of MPs in Soil 1 (39.4-72.5%). The large amount of dissolved Ca2+ and Mg2+ in Soil 2 solution favored MPs bridged with fulvic acid, resulting in the highest aggregation of MPs and relatively lower transport ability (34.1-49.6%). Large-sized MPs had higher electrostatic repulsion between the particles, thus increasing the dispersion and transport capacity of MPs in soil. Modeling showed the experiment-consistent results that Soil 3 had the lowest MPs transport after 600 mm of heavy rainfall, with the maximum migration distance of 7.50-10.5 cm, which was smaller than that in Soil 2 (8.10-12.0 cm) and that in Soil 1 (9.00-18.3 cm). These results indicated that MPs transport in coastal soil is significant and soil solution and solid composition plays an important role in the dispersion and transport of MPs, respectively. These findings afforded a great basis for the assessment of the fate and risk of MPs in coastal areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Gui
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhefan Ren
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyun Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ming Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Yaqiang Wei
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Xinde Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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27
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Microplastics: impacts on corals and other reef organisms. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:81-93. [PMID: 35137913 PMCID: PMC9023018 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in a growing problem globally. In addition to the continuous flow of plastic particles to the environment from direct sources, and through the natural wear and tear of items, the plastics that are already there have the potential to breakdown further and therefore provide an immense source of plastic particles. With the continued rise in levels of plastic production, and consequently increasing levels entering our marine environments it is imperative that we understand its impacts. There is evidence microplastic and nanoplastic (MNP) pose a serious threat to all the world's marine ecosystems and biota, across all taxa and trophic levels, having individual- to ecosystem-level impacts, although these impacts are not fully understood. Microplastics (MPs; 0.1–5 mm) have been consistently found associated with the biota, water and sediments of all coral reefs studied, but due to limitations in the current techniques, a knowledge gap exists for the level of nanoplastic (NP; <1 µm). This is of particular concern as it is this size fraction that is thought to pose the greatest risk due to their ability to translocate into different organs and across cell membranes. Furthermore, few studies have examined the interactions of MNP exposure and other anthropogenic stressors such as ocean acidification and rising temperature. To support the decision-making required to protect these ecosystems, an advancement in standardised methods for the assessment of both MP and NPs is essential. This knowledge, and that of predicted levels can then be used to determine potential impacts more accurately.
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28
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Wang X, Zhu L, Liu K, Li D. Prevalence of microplastic fibers in the marginal sea water column off southeast China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150138. [PMID: 34517308 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) fibers are present in all environmental media, yet little is known about their distribution, sources, and transport in the water column of marginal seas. In this study, we conducted an intensive sampling campaign in the marginal sea water column off southeast China, which is an area that is greatly influenced by high MP emissions. We found that hydrological effects largely regulated the spatial variations of MP fiber distribution and that MP fibers likely were not entering the South China Sea through terrestrial input from southeast China during the summer monsoon. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers were pervasive in the surface water (SW) (89.47%), subsurface chlorophyll maximum layer (SCML) (92.65%), and bottom water (BW) (94.29%) of the water column during the sampling period. Approximately 32% of MP fibers in the samples were smaller than 330 μm. The abundance of MP fibers in SW was significantly lower than that in the SCML and BW. Based on this observation, we estimated the inventory of MP fibers in the SW, SCML, and BW of the sampling area to be 1.377-1.378, 2.820-2.825, and 2.627-2.629 metric tons, respectively. These results improved our understanding of the source-to-sink process of MP fiber contamination in the water column of marginal seas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China.
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29
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Wang Q, Guan C, Han J, Chai M, Li R. Microplastics in China Sea: Analysis, status, source, and fate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 803:149887. [PMID: 34487899 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in marine environments have raised increasing concerns worldwide in recent years. China is one of the largest plastic producers in the world. In this review, available information on MPs in China Sea was reviewed, including studies on seawater, sediment, and biota. The status and limits of sampling methods of MPs were summarized, such as sampling tools, sampling volume, and depth of sampling. The analytical methods of MPs were outlined, such as sieving, density separation, purification, filtration, and visual sorting. The characteristics of MPs, such as abundances, sizes, shapes, polymer types, sources, and fates were analyzed. The abundances of MPs in China Sea varied from 0.1 to 27,840.0 items m-3 in seawater, and from 13.0 to 14,712.0 items kg-1 d.w. in sediments. Furthermore, MPs were mainly featured with sizes ranging from 0.001 to 0.5 mm, with colors of transparent and black, and polymer types of polypropylene and polyethylene. To promote research on MPs in China Sea, the sampling and analytical methods were insufficiently standardized and should be improved. As for microplastic (MP) pollution in China Sea, laws and regulations have already been established to manage and control plastic waste. Furthermore, several suggestions to control plastic pollution were as follows: (1) control marine plastic pollution at the source; (2) strengthen technological innovations; (3) urge people to minimize disposable plastic products in their daily lives; (4) strengthen international cooperation in the treatment of marine plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chunya Guan
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jie Han
- School of Science and Technology, The Open University of Hong Kong, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Minwei Chai
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ruili Li
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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30
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Terzi Y, Gedik K, Eryaşar AR, Öztürk RÇ, Şahin A, Yılmaz F. Microplastic contamination and characteristics spatially vary in the southern Black Sea beach sediment and sea surface water. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113228. [PMID: 34875479 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the abundance, and characteristics of the microplastics on the southern coast of the Black Sea were assessed. More than 70% of the detected microplastics were smaller than 2.5 mm and mostly consisted of fibers and fragments. The average microplastic abundance in the beach sediment and seawater were 64.06 ± 8.95 particles/kg and 18.68 ± 3.01 particles/m3, respectively. The western coast of the study area (Marmara region) was the most polluted area, and a spatially significant difference was determined in terms of abundance. The composition in the beach sediment (particles/kg) was dominated by styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAC) (40.53%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (38.75%), and polyethylene (PE) (6.91%), whereas the seawater (particles/m3) was dominated by PET (57.26%), PE (13.52%), and polypropylene PP (11.24%). The results of our study can be a baseline for environmental modeling studies and experimental studies on the marine organisms inhabiting the Black Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Terzi
- Department of Fisheries Technology Engineering, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Karadeniz Technical University, 61530 Trabzon, Turkey.
| | - Kenan Gedik
- Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100 Rize, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Raif Eryaşar
- Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100 Rize, Turkey
| | - Rafet Çağrı Öztürk
- Department of Fisheries Technology Engineering, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Karadeniz Technical University, 61530 Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Şahin
- Department of Fisheries Technology Engineering, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Karadeniz Technical University, 61530 Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Fatih Yılmaz
- Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100 Rize, Turkey
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Reichert J, Arnold AL, Hammer N, Miller IB, Rades M, Schubert P, Ziegler M, Wilke T. Reef-building corals act as long-term sink for microplastic. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:33-45. [PMID: 34710272 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The pollution of the marine environment with microplastics is pervasive. However, microplastic concentrations in the seawater are lower than the number of particles entering the oceans, suggesting that plastic particles accumulate in environmental sinks. Yet, the exact long-term sinks related to the "missing plastic" phenomenon are barely explored. Sediments in nearshore biogenic habitats are known to trap large amounts of microplastics, but also the three-dimensional structures of coral reefs might serve as unique, living long-term sinks. The main framework builders, reef-building corals, have been shown to ingest and overgrow microplastics, potentially leading to a deposition of particles in reef structures. However, little is known about the number of deposited particles and the underlying processes determining the permanent deposition in the coral skeletons. To test whether corals may act as living long-term sink for microplastic, we exposed four reef-building coral species to polyethylene microplastics (200 particles L-1 ) in an 18-month laboratory experiment. We found microplastics in all treatment specimens, with low numbers of particles trapped in the coral tissue (up to 2 particles per cm2 ) and much higher numbers in the skeleton (up to 84 particles per cm3 ). The numbers of particles accumulated in the coral skeletons were mainly related to coral growth (i.e., skeletal growth in volume), suggesting that deposition is a regularly occurring stochastic process. We estimate that reef-building corals may remove 0.09%-2.82% of the bioavailable microplastics from tropical shallow-reef waters per year. Our study shows for the first time that microplastic particles accumulate permanently in a biological sink, helping to explain the "missing plastic" phenomenon. This highlights the importance of coral reefs for the ecological balance of the oceans and reinforces the need to protect them, not only to mitigate the effects of climate change but also to preserve their ecosystem services as long-term sink for microplastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Reichert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Angelina L Arnold
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nils Hammer
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ingo B Miller
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marvin Rades
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patrick Schubert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wilke
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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32
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Wang W, Qing X, Wang J, He T, Fan R, Huang Y. Bioaccumulation and potential risk of organophosphate flame retardants in coral reef fish from the Nansha Islands, South China Sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132125. [PMID: 34523460 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate flame retardant (OPFR) pollution in marine environment has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Coral reefs are regarded as significant marine ecosystems, however, research on OPFR contamination in coral reefs is limited. In the present work, 9 OPFR compounds were analyzed in fish samples collected from the Zhubi Reef and Yongshu Reef of the Nansha Islands, South China Sea, to evaluate the biomagnification and potential threats of OPFRs in the coral reef ecosystems. ∑OPFR concentrations in the coral reef fish ranged from 38.7 to 2090 ng/g lipid weight (lw), with an average of 420 ± 491 ng/g lw. Alkyl OPFRs were more abundant than chlorinated OPFRs and aryl OPFRs. Individually, TBEP and TCPP were the two most abundant OPFR compounds. Biomagnification potential was indicated for TCPP, TCEP, TBP, TBEP and TEHP along the marine food web, with trophic magnification factors being greater than one. The estimated dietary intakes of OPFRs via coral fish consumption were 0-1.11 ng/kg bw/d and 0.01-2.06 ng/kg bw/d, respectively, for rural and urban residents. Additionally, the hazard quotients of OPFR compounds ranged from 2 × 10-7 to 7.41 × 10-5 for rural residents and from 4 × 10-7 to 1.37 × 10-4 for urban residents. Although the risk to human health from exposure to OPFRs via consuming coral reef fish from the South China Sea was low, further investigation of these chemicals is still recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xian Qing
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ecological Environment Simulation and Protection, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), 528478, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Biophysical and Environmental Science Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, China.
| | - Tao He
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Rui Fan
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yumei Huang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Fernández-González V, Andrade JM, Ferreiro B, López-Mahía P, Muniategui-Lorenzo S. Monitorization of polyamide microplastics weathering using attenuated total reflectance and microreflectance infrared spectrometry. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 263:120162. [PMID: 34280799 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The EU goal to reduce marine plastic litter by ca. 30% by 2020 stressed the need to deploy analytical methods to ascertain the polymeric nature of a residue. Furthermore, as plastics age under natural conditions and usual databases do not include their weathered spectra, (micro)plastics in environmental samples may be unidentified. In this paper, polyamide (nylon) microplastics weathering was monitored because of its ubiquity in household commodities, clothes, fishery items and industry, whose residues end up frequently in the environment. Infrared spectra (ATR and microreflectance) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images were collected periodically while exposing nylon to controlled weathering. It was seen that ATR was more sensitive than microreflectance to monitor the structural evolution of polyamide and that the spectra and the surface of weathered microplastics showed remarkable differences with the pristine material, which stresses the need for considering its evolution when identifying microplastics in environmental studies. The evolution of six band ratios related to the chemical evolution of this polymer are presented. SEM images revealed the formation of secondary microplastics at the most advanced weathering stages of polyamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Fernández-González
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry (QANAP) and Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), University of A Coruña, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Andrade
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry (QANAP) and Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), University of A Coruña, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Borja Ferreiro
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry (QANAP) and Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), University of A Coruña, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Purificación López-Mahía
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry (QANAP) and Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), University of A Coruña, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry (QANAP) and Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), University of A Coruña, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
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Cross-Contamination as a Problem in Collection and Analysis of Environmental Samples Containing Microplastics—A Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132112123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research conducted so far on the presence of microplastics in the environment shows that these items are ubiquitous pollutants and therefore constitute an inherent part of our lives. This constitutes a significant problem in many aspects, and one of them is the correct identification of microplastics in environmental samples. Environmental samples can be easily contaminated by plastic microparticles from other sources if proper precautions are not taken during sampling and analysis. The consequence of not taking this cross-contamination into account when analysing the results may be their significant overestimation. This review aims to draw attention to the problem of cross-contamination that accompanies the collection and analysis of samples for the presence of microplastics, and to discuss this issue in a comprehensive manner. The article indicates potential sources of cross-contamination, lists the mitigation methods, and describes the possibilities of assessing this type of contamination. Moreover, the review examines how cross-contamination control appears in practice, based on the available literature data.
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Watkins L, Sullivan PJ, Walter MT. What You Net Depends on if You Grab: A Meta-analysis of Sampling Method's Impact on Measured Aquatic Microplastic Concentration. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12930-12942. [PMID: 34550691 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is measured with a variety of sampling methods. Field experiments indicate that commonly used sampling methods, including net, pump, and grab samples, do not always result in equivalent measured concentration. We investigate the comparability of these methods through a meta-analysis of 121 surface water microplastic studies. We find systematic relationships between measured concentration and sampled volume, method of collection, mesh size used for filtration, and waterbody sampled. Most significantly, a strong log-linear relationship exists between sample volume and measured concentration, with small-volume grab samples measuring up to 104 particles/L higher concentrations than larger volume net samples, even when sampled concurrently. Potential biasing factors explored included filtration size (±102 particles/L), net volume overestimation (±101 particles/L), fiber loss through net mesh (unknown magnitude), intersample variability (±101 particles/L), and contamination, the potential factor with an effect large enough (±103 particles/L) to explain the observed differences. On the basis of these results, we caution against comparing concentrations across multiple studies or combining multiple study results to identify regional patterns. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of contamination reduction and quantification strategies, namely that blank samples from all stages of field sampling be collected and reported as a matter of course for all studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Watkins
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Patrick J Sullivan
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - M Todd Walter
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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36
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Xiao B, Li D, Liao B, Zheng H, Yang X, Xie Y, Xie Z, Li C. Effects of Microplastics Exposure on the Acropora sp. Antioxidant, Immunization and Energy Metabolism Enzyme Activities. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:666100. [PMID: 34149652 PMCID: PMC8213336 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.666100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in marine environments has increased rapidly in recent years, with negative influences on the health of marine organisms. Scleractinian coral, one of the most important species in the coral ecosystems, is highly sensitive to microplastic. However, whether microplastic causes physiological disruption of the coral, via oxidative stress, immunity, and energy metabolism, is unclear. In the present study, the physiological responses of the coral Acropora sp. were determined after exposure to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide 66 (PA66), and polyethylene (PE) microplastic for 96 h. The results showed that there were approximately 4-22 items/nubbin on the surface of the coral skeleton and 2-10 items/nubbin on the inside of the skeleton in the MPs exposure groups. The density of endosymbiont decreased (1.12 × 105-1.24 × 105 cell/cm2) in MPs exposure groups compared with the control group. Meanwhile, the chlorophyll content was reduced (0.11-0.76 μg/cm2) after MPs exposure. Further analysis revealed that the antioxidant enzymes in coral tissues were up-regulated (Total antioxidant capacity T-AOC 2.35 × 10-3-1.05 × 10-2 mmol/mg prot, Total superoxide dismutase T-SOD 3.71-28.67 U/mg prot, glutathione GSH 10.21-10.51 U/mg prot). The alkaline phosphatase (AKP) was inhibited (1.44-4.29 U/mg prot), while nitric oxide (NO) increased (0.69-2.26 μmol/g prot) for cell signal. Moreover, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was down-regulated in the whole experiment period (0.19-0.22 U/mg prot), and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) for cell the phosphate pentoses pathway was also reduced (0.01-0.04 U/mg port). Results showed that the endosymbiont was released and chlorophyll was decreased. In addition, a disruption could occur under MPs exposure, which was related to anti-oxidant, immune, and energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohua Xiao
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dongdong Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Baolin Liao
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huina Zheng
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongqi Xie
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziqiang Xie
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
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Huang W, Chen M, Song B, Deng J, Shen M, Chen Q, Zeng G, Liang J. Microplastics in the coral reefs and their potential impacts on corals: A mini-review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:143112. [PMID: 33172634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris exists worldwide and research on microplastic pollution has gradually spread from the oceans to freshwater and terrestrial systems. Coral reefs not only serve as one of the most charismatic and biodiverse ecosystems on our planet, but also maintain the human harvesting of natural resources and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. However, the abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in coral reef systems receive little scientific attention. Meanwhile, the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on coral health and its potential mechanisms remain further studied. Herein, this review first summarized the current status of microplastics pollution in global coral reefs, especially included (i) abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in different media (e.g., seawater, sediment, corals), and (ii) possible sources of microplastics in reef regions. Furthermore, the main interaction mechanisms between microplastics and corals are highlighted. Following this, the direct or indirect impacts of microplastics on coral species are discussed. With the rapid increase of plastic consumption and background of pervasive global coral bleaching, research on marine microplastics must focus on the critical coral reef regions and include a comprehensive knowledge about the distribution, fate, and potential risks from an ecosystem perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qiang Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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Yousef S, Eimontas J, Zakarauskas K, Striūgas N, Mohamed A. A new strategy for using lint-microfibers generated from clothes dryer as a sustainable source of renewable energy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:143107. [PMID: 33129549 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Lint-microfibers (LMs) generated during clothes drying are classified as primary microplastics and consist mainly of cotton, polyester and lignin. This research aims to convert LMFs into energy products using a pyrolysis treatment. The pyrolysis experiments were performed using a pilot pyrolysis plant. SEM-EDS was used to observe the morphology and elemental composition of the feedstock and the obtained biochar, while a digital unit of Instantaneous Gas analyzer and Gas chromatography (GC) were used to observe the concentration of O2, N2, CO2, CO, H2, CH4 gases during the whole conversion process. Finally, a simple mathematical model was developed to evaluate the economic and environmental performance of the suggested strategy based on the LMFs generated by one million persons. Based on the results of the developed model and yield of pyrolysis process, around 45 tons of LMFs are generated by one million persons annually and this amount is enough to produce 13.8 tons of oil (~31%), 21.5 tons of gas (47.7%), and 9.7 ton of char (21.6%) with estimated profitability of 120,400$ and reduction in carbon footprint estimated at -42,039,000kg CO2-eq/t of LMFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy Yousef
- Department of Production Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Kaunas University of Technology, LT-51424 Kaunas, Lithuania; Department of Materials Science, South Ural State University, Lenin prospect 76, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia.
| | - Justas Eimontas
- Lithuanian Energy Institute, Laboratory of Combustion Processes, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Kęstutis Zakarauskas
- Lithuanian Energy Institute, Laboratory of Combustion Processes, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nerijus Striūgas
- Lithuanian Energy Institute, Laboratory of Combustion Processes, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alaa Mohamed
- Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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Tang J, Wu Z, Wan L, Cai W, Chen S, Wang X, Luo J, Zhou Z, Zhao J, Lin S. Differential enrichment and physiological impacts of ingested microplastics in scleractinian corals in situ. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 404:124205. [PMID: 33086184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emerging contaminants and widespread in the ocean, but their impacts on coral reef ecosystems are poorly understood, and in situ study is still lacking. In the present study, the distribution patterns of microplastics in the environment and inhabiting organisms were investigated along the east coast of Hainan Island, South China Sea, and the physiological impacts of the microplastics on scleractinian corals were analyzed. We documented average microplastic concentrations of 14.90 particlesL-1 in seawater, 343.04 particleskg-1 in sediment, 4.97 particlescm-2 in corals, and 0.67-3.12 particlescm-1 in Tridacnidae, Trochidae and fish intestines. Further analysis revealed that the characteristics of microplastics in the organisms were different from those in the environment, indicating preferential enrichment in the organisms. Furthermore, there was an obvious correlation between microplastic concentration and symbiotic density in corals. Furthermore, caspase3 activity was significantly positively correlated with the microplastic content in the small-polyp coral Pocillopora damicornis, but the large-polyp coral Galaxea fascicularis showed higher tolerance to microplastics. Taken together, our results suggest that microplastics are selectively enriched in corals and other reef-dwellers, in which they exact differential stress (apoptotic) effects, with the potential to impact the coral-Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis and alter the coral community structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Tang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongjie Wu
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Lu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Shiquan Chen
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xingjuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Senjie Lin
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, United States
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40
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Mendrik FM, Henry TB, Burdett H, Hackney CR, Waller C, Parsons DR, Hennige SJ. Species-specific impact of microplastics on coral physiology. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 269:116238. [PMID: 33321308 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that microplastic (MP) pollution can negatively influence coral health; however, mechanisms are unknown and most studies have used MP exposure concentrations that are considerably higher than current environmental conditions. Furthermore, whether MP exposure influences coral susceptibility to other stressors such as ocean warming is unknown. Our objective was to determine the physiology response of corals exposed to MP concentrations that have been observed in-situ at ambient and elevated temperature that replicates ocean warming. Here, two sets of short-term experiments were conducted at ambient and elevated temperature, exposing the corals Acroporasp. and Seriatopora hystrix to microspheres and microfibres. Throughout the experiments, gross photosynthesis and net respiration was quantified using a 4-chamber coral respirometer, and photosynthetic yields of photosystem II were measured using Pulse-Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorometry. Results indicate the effect of MP exposure is dependent on MP type, coral species, and temperature. MP fibres (but not spheres) reduced photosynthetic capability of Acropora sp., with a 41% decrease in photochemical efficiency at ambient temperature over 12 days. No additional stress response was observed at elevated temperature; photosynthetic performance significantly increased in Seriatopora hystrix exposed to MP spheres. These findings show that a disruption to coral photosynthetic ability can occur at MP concentrations that have been observed in the marine environment and that MP pollution impact on corals remains an important aspect for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Mendrik
- School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH93FE, UK; Energy and Environment Institute, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, East Riding, HU6 7RX, UK.
| | - T B Henry
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - H Burdett
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK; Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Edinburgh, EH14 4BA, UK
| | - C R Hackney
- Geography, Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - C Waller
- Department of Biology and Marine Sciences, School of Science and Engineering, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, East Riding, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - D R Parsons
- Energy and Environment Institute, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, East Riding, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - S J Hennige
- School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH93FE, UK
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Soares MDO, Matos E, Lucas C, Rizzo L, Allcock L, Rossi S. Microplastics in corals: An emergent threat. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111810. [PMID: 33142139 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This article seeks to present a summary of knowledge and thus improve awareness of microplastic impacts on corals. Recent research suggests that microplastics have a variety of species-specific impacts. Among them, a reduced growth, a substantial decrease of detoxifying and immunity enzymes, an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, high production of mucus, reduction of fitness, and negative effects on coral-Symbiodiniaceae relationships have been highlighted in recent papers. In addition to this, tissue necrosis, lower fertilization success, alteration of metabolite profiles, energetic costs, decreased skeletal growth and calcification, and coral bleaching have been observed under significant concentrations of microplastics. Furthermore, impairment of feeding performance and food intake, changes in photosynthetic performance and increased exposure to contaminants, pathogens and other harmful compounds have also been found. In conclusion, microplastics may cause a plethora of impacts on corals in shallow, mesophotic, and deep-sea zones at different latitudes; underlining an emerging threat globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo de Oliveira Soares
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar-LABOMAR, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207 Fortaleza, Brazil; Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Carrer de les Columnes, Edifici Z, Barcelona, Spain; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Eliana Matos
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar-LABOMAR, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207 Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Caroline Lucas
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar-LABOMAR, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207 Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Lucia Rizzo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Louise Allcock
- Ryan Institute & School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Sergio Rossi
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar-LABOMAR, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207 Fortaleza, Brazil; Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Carrer de les Columnes, Edifici Z, Barcelona, Spain; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy
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42
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Dong M, Zhang Q, Xing X, Chen W, She Z, Luo Z. Raman spectra and surface changes of microplastics weathered under natural environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:139990. [PMID: 32535468 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy can be used to effectively analyze submicron- to microsized microplastics, but Raman spectra of weathered microplastics commonly show deviations from those of unweathered microplastics and are often affected by fluorescence. However, studies of weathering-induced surface changes in microplastics have been limited to laboratory simulations. To systematically study Raman spectra and surface changes of microplastics weathered under natural environments, we collected microplastics from sediments around waste plastics processing and recycling industries in Laizhou City, Shandong Province, East China. Raman spectra of weathered microplastics differ greatly from standard spectra of unweathered plastic material. Peaks in the Raman spectra of weathered microplastics are weakened and even invisible. A preliminary Raman database of weathered microplastics (RDWP) including 124 Raman spectra of weathered microplastics was built to accurately identify microplastics in natural environments, and it is open to all users. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups and CC bonds related to oxidation and chain scission. SEM showed that weathered microplastics had rough surfaces and that PP was more easily fractured than PE. Complementary C and O elemental maps suggested that the O/C ratio is a potential indicator of oxidation degree. EDS revealed titanium on PET and PVC surfaces, which is related to titanium dioxide typically used as a light-blocking aid. Our data document that Raman spectroscopy has great potential in the identification of naturally weathered microplastics and that combined spectral and elemental analyses can be useful in deciphering the degradation processes of microplastics under natural conditions. CAPSULE: Raman spectra of weathered microplastics differ greatly from standard spectra. A Raman database of weathered microplastics is established. Surface changes of weathered microplastics were systematically studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtan Dong
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China; School of LiSiguang, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Zhang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China; School of LiSiguang, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xinli Xing
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Zhenbing She
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China; School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Zejiao Luo
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China.
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Wang W, Wang J, Nie H, Fan R, Huang Y. Occurrence, trophic magnification and potential risk of short-chain chlorinated paraffins in coral reef fish from the Nansha Islands, South China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:140084. [PMID: 32554110 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
As emerging persistent organic pollutants in marine environment, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) have attracted increasing attentions recently. Coral reefs are important ocean ecosystems. However, data on SCCP pollution in the coral reef regions is still unavailable. In the present work, bioaccumulation of SCCPs in the coral reef ecosystems was reported for the first time. SCCP concentrations in coral reef fish from the Nansha Islands of the South China Sea were in the range of 37.9-25,400 ng/g lipid weight (lw) (average: 4400 ± 6590 ng/g lw; median: 1020 ng/g lw). C10 SCCPs were the dominating SCCP homologues, accounting for 59% to 80% of the total SCCPs (average: 70 ± 5.0%), followed by C11 SCCPs (average: 23 ± 4.5%). Regarding chlorine substitution, SCCPs were dominated by Cl7 SCCPs (average: 45 ± 2.5%) and Cl8 SCCPs (average: 30 ± 5.4%). Trophic magnification factor (TMF) of total SCCPs was 8.5, indicating trophic magnification potential of SCCPs in the coral reef ecosystems. In addition, a parabolic relationship was established between TMFs and log Kow of specific SCCP homologues. SCCP residues in the coral reef fish from the Nansha Islands of the South China Sea did not pose significant risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Huayue Nie
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Rui Fan
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yumei Huang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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44
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Tan F, Yang H, Xu X, Fang Z, Xu H, Shi Q, Zhang X, Wang G, Lin L, Zhou S, Huang L, Li H. Microplastic pollution around remote uninhabited coral reefs of Nansha Islands, South China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 725:138383. [PMID: 32283309 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing environmental problem in the global oceans. However, there is relatively little evidence of the extent of MP pollution around remote islands, such as coral reefs, in the open ocean. In this study, we conducted a large-scale investigation of MP pollution in the surface waters around the remote uninhabited coral reefs of Nansha Islands in South China Sea. Microplastics were widespread in the surface waters with an average abundance of 0.0556 ± 0.0355 items/m3, although this varied among the coral reefs. The MPs were predominantly composed of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), and > 70% of them were <3 mm in size. Fragments and fibers comprised the most common MP types. The similarity between macro plastic and MP compositions provided evidence for the tracing of MP sources in the study area. The main pollutants (transparent PP fibers and PE fibers) around these remote coral reefs may originate from fishing gear abrasions. The plastic waste released from nearby residential islands and high-intensity fishing activities around Nansha Islands likely represented important local sources. Overall, the abundance of MPs found in the surface waters surrounding these remote coral reefs in the South China Sea was relatively low; however, these levels of MP pollution should not be disregarded given the importance of coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Tan
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongqiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Nansha Marine Ecological and Environmental Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sansha 573199, China.
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Zhou Fang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huilong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Qi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Lang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shengnan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510760, China
| | - Hengxiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China.
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