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Debnath R, Prasad GS, Amin A, Malik MM, Ahmad I, Abubakr A, Borah S, Rather MA, Impellitteri F, Tabassum I, Piccione G, Faggio C. Understanding and addressing microplastic pollution: Impacts, mitigation, and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 266:104399. [PMID: 39033703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Improper disposal of household and industrial waste into water bodies has transformed them into de facto dumping grounds. Plastic debris, weathered on beaches degrades into micro-particles and releases chemical additives that enter the water. Microplastic contamination is documented globally in both marine and freshwater environments, posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. The small size of these particles makes them susceptible to ingestion by low trophic fauna, a trend expected to escalate. Ingestion leads to adverse effects like intestinal blockages, alterations in lipid metabolism, histopathological changes in the intestine, contributing to the extinction of vulnerable species and disrupting ecosystem balance. Notably, microplastics (MPs) can act as carriers for pathogens, potentially causing impaired reproductive activity, decreased immunity, and cancer in various organisms. Studies have identified seven principal sources of MPs, including synthetic textiles (35%) and tire abrasion (28%), highlighting the significant human contribution to this pollution. This review covers various aspects of microplastic pollution, including sources, extraction methods, and its profound impact on ecosystems. Additionally, it explores preventive measures, aiming to guide researchers in selecting techniques and inspiring further investigation into the far-reaching impacts of microplastic pollution, fostering effective solutions for this environmental challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gora Shiva Prasad
- Faculty of Fishery Science, WBUAFS, Kolkata -700094, West Bengal, India
| | - Adnan Amin
- Division of Aquatic Environmental Management, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India
| | - Monisa M Malik
- Division of Aquatic Environmental Management, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India
| | - Ishtiyaq Ahmad
- Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India.
| | - Adnan Abubakr
- Division of Aquatic Environmental Management, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India
| | - Simanku Borah
- Agricultural Research Service, ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, Assam, 781006, India
| | - Mohd Ashraf Rather
- Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India.
| | | | - Ifra Tabassum
- Division of Aquatic Environmental Management, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India.
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.
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Aghadadashi V, Mehdinia A, Rezaei M, Molaei S, Seyed Hashtroudi M, Ahmadian F, Hamzehpour A, Rahnama R. Basin scale monitoring of microplastics and phthalates in sediments from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Makran using GIS-based algorithms: Insights towards spatial variation and potential risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171950. [PMID: 38537822 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Information on sedimentary microplastics and phthalates has been restricted to the coastal regions of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Makran. Our basin-wide study monitored their levels, spatial behaviors, and potential risks using GIS-based techniques. Microplastics and phthalates ranged from 5 to 75 particles/kg d.w and 0.004-1.219 μg g-1 d.w, respectively. Microplastics were in the size category of 100 μm to 3 mm, and black microfibers (< 1 mm) and high-density polymers were dominant. The total number of microplastics was between 356.333 × 1012 and 469.075 × 1012 particles in the surface sediments of the studied regions (confidence interval = 99 %). Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and Di-isobutyl phthalate contributed 88 % of detected phthalates. Significant correlations among microplastic abundance, total phthalates, and DEHP were distinguished (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings reiterated the widespread presence of microplastics and a potential link between phthalates and microplastics. Semi-variogram, cluster Voronoi polygons, and Trend analysis identified spatial outliers and major deposition sites of microplastics and phthalates and consequently outlined the localities where upcoming studies should be concentrated. A hotspot of potential risks was marked using Fuzzy logic and GIS-based algorithms in the Sea of Makran, covering an area equal to 342. 99 km2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Aghadadashi
- Department of Marine Living Science, Ocean Science Research Center, Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences, INIOA, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Mehdinia
- Department of Marine Living Science, Ocean Science Research Center, Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences, INIOA, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdie Rezaei
- School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Molaei
- Department of Chemistry, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehri Seyed Hashtroudi
- Department of Marine Living Science, Ocean Science Research Center, Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences, INIOA, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahmadian
- Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hamzehpour
- Department of Marine Living Science, Ocean Science Research Center, Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences, INIOA, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Rahnama
- Department of Marine Living Science, Ocean Science Research Center, Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences, INIOA, Tehran, Iran
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Jokar Z, Banavi N, Taghizadehfard S, Hassani F, Solimani R, Azarpira N, Dehghani H, Dezhgahi A, Sanati AM, Farjadfard S, Ramavandi B. Marine litter along the shores of the Persian Gulf, Iran. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30853. [PMID: 38765091 PMCID: PMC11101852 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic wastes -including cigarette butts (CBs)- are dangerous for marine ecosystems not only because they contain hazardous chemicals but also because they can finally turn into micro- or even nano-particles that may be ingested by micro- and macro-fauna. Even large pieces of plastics can trap animals. In this research, the pollution status of macroplastics (abundance, size, type, and colour) and cigarette butts (CBs, number/m2) on the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf has been investigated. A total of 19 stations were explored in Bushehr province (Iran), which covers a length equivalent to 160 km of the Persian Gulf coastline. Among the collected plastic waste (2992 items), disposable mugs were the most frequent (18 %). Plastics with sizes 5-15 cm were the most abundant, and the most common type of plastic was PET (P-value <0.05). The origin of most macroplastics was domestic (2269 items). According to the Index of Clean Coasts (ICC), most surveyed beaches were extremely dirty. The average number and density of CBs in this study were 220 and 2.45 items/m2, respectively. Household litter was the most abundant type of waste in the studied beaches, and this problem can be better managed by training and improving the waste disposal culture. In general, it is suggested that an integrated and enhanced management for fishing, sewage and surface water disposal, and sandy recreational beaches be implemented in Bushehr to control plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Jokar
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Banavi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Sara Taghizadehfard
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hassani
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Rezvan Solimani
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Nahid Azarpira
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Hanieh Dehghani
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Atefeh Dezhgahi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Sanati
- Department of Environmental Science, Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sima Farjadfard
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
| | - Bahman Ramavandi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, 7518759577, Iran
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Lin J, Zhao YM, Zhan ZG, Zheng JY, Zhou QZ, Peng J, Li Y, Xiao X, Wang JH. Microplastics in remote coral reef environments of the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea: Source, accumulation and potential risk. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133872. [PMID: 38447364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are of great concern to coral health, particularly enhanced biotoxicity of small microplastics (< 100 µm) (SMPs). However, their fate and harm to remote coral reef ecosystems remain poorly elucidated. This work systematically investigated the distributions and features of MPs and SMPs in sediments from 13 islands/reefs of the Xisha Islands, the South China Sea for comprehensively deciphering their accumulation, sources and risk to coral reef ecosystems. The results show that both MPs (average, 682 items/kg) and SMPs (average, 375 items/kg) exhibit heterogeneous distributions, with accumulation within atolls and dispersion across fringing islands, which controlled by human activities and hydrodynamic conditions. Cluster analysis for the first time reveals a pronounced difference in their compositions between the southern and northern Xisha Islands and resultant distinct sources, i.e., MPs in the north part were leaked mainly from local domestic sewage and fishing waste, while in the south part were probably derived from industrial effluents from adjacent countries. Our ecological risk assessment suggests that the ecosystem within the Yongle Atoll is exposed to a high-risk of MPs pollution. The novel results and proposed framework facilitate to effectively manage and control MPs and accordingly preserve a fragile biosphere in remote coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yuan-Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Zhi-Geng Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Jia-Yuan Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Qian-Zhi Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Juan Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xi Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China.
| | - Jiang-Hai Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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Gholizadeh M, Bagheri T, Harsij M, Danabas D, Zakeri M, Siddique MAM. Assessment of microplastic contamination in some commercial fishes of the southern Caspian Sea and its potential risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:26006-26018. [PMID: 38492137 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32901-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of 384 fishes classified into four species from 11 sites in 2022 from the southern part of the Caspian Sea. GITs of fishes were collected and digested in H2O2 and KOH at 45 °C for 72 h. After filtration, extracted MPs were observed under a stereomicroscope, and selected MP particles were identified using FTIR. Presence of MPs was 68.98% in the GIT of the investigated fish. The mean abundance of MPs was 5.9 ± 0.9 MPs/GIT in Rutilus kutum, 9.2 ± 1.2 MPs/GIT in Chelon auratus, 3.6 ± 0.7 MPs/GIT in Alosa braschnikowi, and 2.7 ± 0.5 MPs/GIT in Vimba vimba. The predominant form of MPs was fiber (58.21%), followed by fragment (34.77%). Black (34.4%), white (19.07%), and blue (14.58%) were the most frequently detected colors of MPs. Overall, 6 MP polymers were identified, dominantly polypropylene (42.86%), polystyrene (17.86%), and cellophane (14.28%). The western part of the Caspian Sea (mostly tourist spots and urban areas) showed more MP pollution in fish compared to the eastern part. Polymer hazard index (PHI) revealed alarming microplastic contamination in the southern Caspian Sea. The PHI value of the present study showed that PES (PHI = 8403.78) and PS (PHI = 535.80) were "Extreme danger" and "Danger" risk categories, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Gholizadeh
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, P.O. box: 163, Gonbad Kavous, Iran.
| | - Tahereh Bagheri
- Offshore Water Research Center, Education and Extension Organization, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Chabahar, Iran
| | - Mohammad Harsij
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, P.O. box: 163, Gonbad Kavous, Iran
| | - Durali Danabas
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Munzur University, TR62000, Tunceli, Turkey
| | - Mohammad Zakeri
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdul Momin Siddique
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrogenases, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zatisi 728/II, 389 25, Vodnany, Czech Republic
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Krishna ABS, Madhu M, Jayadev A. Investigation of microplastics and microplastic communities in selected river and lake basin soils of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:66. [PMID: 38117399 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12219-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Riparian areas are highly dynamic bio-geophysical settings with a surge of waste deposition predominantly including land-based plastic discards. These polymer discards are destined to be the prime constitution of marine "plastisphere." The polymer fate is determined by waterbodies, where the chances of plastic retention are higher, eventually mediating the formation of microplastics (MPs) in years or decades. Such formed MPs are a potential threat to the aqua bio-regime. A systematic investigation of three waterbody basin soils (Karamana River, Killiyar, and Akkulam-Veli Lake) showed the presence of MPs in all the samples analyzed with varying sizes, shapes, colors, and compositions. MPs of the shapes flakes, fragments, filaments, sheets, foams, and fibers were observed with dimensions 0.3-4.7 mm. Most of the particles were white in hue (WT), followed by colorless (CL), light yellow (L.Y), light brown (L.B), orange (OR), red (RD), and blue (BL), respectively. The polymer communities were identified as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and nylon. The highest average MP density was identified in the basin of Killiyar (799 ± 0.09 pieces/kg) followed by Karamana River (671 ± 3.45 pieces/kg), indicating the closeness of the sampling station to the city center compared to Akkulam-Veli Lake (486 ± 58.55 pieces/kg). The majority of the sampling sites belonged to the slopy areas and came under the highly urbanized land category. A close association was observed between particle abundance and urban activity. The study foresees possible threats inflicted by MP abundance upon the area-wide hydro-biological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana B S Krishna
- Research Center and Post Graduate Department of Environmental Sciences, All Saints' College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Maha Madhu
- Research Center and Post Graduate Department of Environmental Sciences, All Saints' College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Ayona Jayadev
- Research Center and Post Graduate Department of Environmental Sciences, All Saints' College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
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Rasta M, Khodadoust A, Rahimibashar MR, Taleshi MS, Sattari M. Microplastic Pollution in the Gastrointestinal Tract and Gills of Some Teleost and Sturgeon Fish from the Caspian Sea, Northern Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2453-2465. [PMID: 37530412 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The increasing microplastic pollution in the marine environment has raised global concern. The main risk of microplastics in aquatic ecosystem is their bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. A few studies have reported microplastic pollution in the digestive system of Caspian Sea fish species, but there is no research on sturgeon species, nor on fish gills. We investigated the occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and gills of 62 specimens belonging to four species including three teleosts (Cyprinus carpio, Rutilus kutum, and Chelon aurata) and one sturgeon (Acipenser persicus, a valuable endangered species) from the Caspian Sea between January and March 2022. Fish tissues were removed, exposed for 24 h to 10% KOH, and then dried on filter paper. Particles were observed under a stereomicroscope and analyzed by Raman microspectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. A total of 91 microplastics were detected in the GIT (average of 1.46 ± 1.17 items/individual) and 63 microplastics in the gills (average of 1.01 ± 0.62 items/individual). A significant correlation was not found between the number of microplastics found in both tissues and fish body length, body weight, GIT weight, and gill weight (p > 0.05), except between microplastics isolated from gills and gill weight in C. carpio (rs = 0.707, p = 0.022). The abundance of microplastics in fish followed the order of A. persicus > C. aurata > R. kutum > C. carpio. The microplastics were in the size range of 45 to 5000 µm, with particles of 300 to 1000 µm being the most prevalent; 74.68% of the particles were shaped like fibers, 30.53% were red, and 70.6% were composed of nylon polymer. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2453-2465. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Rasta
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran
| | - Ali Khodadoust
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran
| | | | - Mojtaba S Taleshi
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Oceanic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Masoud Sattari
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran
- Department of Marine Biology, The Caspian Sea Research Center, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
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Galindo Montero AA, Costa-Redondo LC, Vasco-Echeverri O, Arana VA. Microplastic pollution in coastal areas of Colombia: Review. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 190:106027. [PMID: 37422996 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are distributed in the environment and are considered emerging pollutants because they are not regulated by legislation. This article aims to know the current state of knowledge regarding microplastic pollution in coastal areas of Colombia. Therefore, a detailed search was carried out in databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and university repositories collecting scientific and academic information published between 2000 and March 2022. As a result of the review, the presence of microplastics in coastal areas of Colombia was identified, particularly in the water, sediments, and fish, thus evidencing the contamination in coastal ecosystems, where the Caribbean coast is the area with the highest amount of microplastics in sediments, especially Cartagena (249-1387 particles/m2) and Santa Marta (144-791 particles/m2). It was also found that of 302 species of fish, 7% contained microplastics in the Ciénaga Grande of Santa Marta. In the studies, on the other hand, it was observed that there is no standardized methodology; each researcher chooses a different approach according to the scientific literature. The studies showed that the most abundant microplastics were secondary microplastics, of which polypropylene and polyethylene are predominant due to their different applications in society. This review will serve as a baseline for future research on microplastics in coastal areas of Colombia and will identify the challenges and realities of the country in the face of these emerging pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés A Galindo Montero
- GISA Research Group, Universidad de La Guajira, Faculty of Engineering, Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia.
| | - Liceth Carolina Costa-Redondo
- GISA Research Group, Universidad de La Guajira, Faculty of Engineering, Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia; Electric Energy Transmission and Distribution Research Group, T&D. Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Faculty of Engineering, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Oscar Vasco-Echeverri
- Electric Energy Transmission and Distribution Research Group, T&D. Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Faculty of Engineering, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Victoria A Arana
- Science, Education, and Technology Research Group - CETIC, Universidad del Atlántico, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
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Sheikhi H, Mirzaei R. Occurrence and abundance of macro, meso and microplastics along the coasts of the Persian Gulf (case study: Bushehr Province coast). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115261. [PMID: 37437519 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
One of the most critical emerging pollutants in aquatic environments is plastic waste. During this study, the presence and abundance of macro, meso, and microplastics at 17 stations on the coast of Bushehr province were investigated. The average abundances of macro-plastics and meso-plastics in coastal sediment were 41.0 and 121.8 items/m2, respectively. The mean abundance of microplastics at depths of 0-5 cm, 5-15 cm, 0-15 cm and the mean of two depth abundance were 226.2 ± 76.7 and 47.1 ± 16.1, 273.4 ± 78.8, and 136.7 ± 39.4 particles/kgd.w., respectively. Fibers with 55 %, black microplastics with 40 %, and microplastic size of <500 μm with 48 % had the highest abundance, respectively. According to the FTIR spectra, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon were the most common types of polymers in plastics. Although plastics were observed at all stations, a comparison of our results, with other studies around the world shows that the region is moderately contaminated with plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Sheikhi
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, University of Kashan, Kashan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rouhollah Mirzaei
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, University of Kashan, Kashan, Isfahan, Iran.
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Manbohi A, Mehdinia A, Rahnama R, Hamzehpour A, Dehbandi R. Distribution of microplastics in upstream and downstream surface waters of the Iranian rivers discharging to the southern Caspian Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:92359-92370. [PMID: 37486467 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28898-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in the riverine ecosystems has caught many attentions in the scientific literatures. However, little information is available about the abundance and distribution of microplastics of the rivers discharging to the Caspian Sea. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial and seasonal distribution of microplastics in the surface waters of thirteen rivers discharging to the southern Caspian Sea. Microplastics were found in all stations with uneven distributions. The average concentrations of microplastics in the stations during snowmelt and dry seasons were 1.406 ± 0.1380 microplastics/m3 and 0.4070 ± 0.01500 microplastics/m3, respectively. Positive gradients of the rivers microplastics concentration from upstream to downstream were found. White/transparent polyethylene (PE) particles with the shape of fragment/film and the length (L) of ≤ 1 mm were the most common microplastics in the surface waters of the rivers discharging to the southern Caspian Sea. Also, the mean concentration of microplastics in spring snowmelt and runoff period was 3.45 times higher than in dry period. Factors such as sewage and household wastes; landfills; and recreational-tourism, fishing and agricultural activities along the rivers may contribute to microplastic contamination in downstream stations. Our data provide baseline information of microplastics in surface waters of rivers discharging to the southern Caspian Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Manbohi
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran, 1411813389, Iran.
| | - Ali Mehdinia
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran, 1411813389, Iran
| | - Reza Rahnama
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran, 1411813389, Iran
| | - Ali Hamzehpour
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran, 1411813389, Iran
| | - Reza Dehbandi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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11
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Taghipour H, Ghayebzadeh M, Ganji F, Mousavi S, Azizi N. Tracking microplastics contamination in drinking water in Zahedan, Iran: From source to consumption taps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162121. [PMID: 36773917 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) that pollute drinking water are inherently toxic, act as an adsorbent of hazardous pollutants, and threaten human health. So, the fate of microplastics in drinking water from the source to consumption taps (CTs) was assessed in spring and winter in Zahedan city in Iran. Sampling was performed from 4 reservoirs (raw water), before and after two water treatment plants (WTPs), and 10 CTs. The reservoirs were sampled using a plankton net (pore size = 100 μm), and the remaining samples were taken using a sampling device (containing a stainless steel membrane as a filter with pore size = 5 μm). The combination of density separation techniques, digestion, observation, Micro-Raman and FTIR, and SEM analysis was performed to recognize MPs. The average number of MPs in raw water varied between 15.4 and 44.7 MP/m3 (winter) and 22-51.8 MP/m3 (spring). The results before and after the treatment plant showed that about 64 % and 75 % of particles were eliminated in WTP1 and WTP2, respectively. The average number of MPs in CTs was more than treatment water (CTa = 85-390 MP/m3 and CTb = 75-400 MP/m3), which is a probable confirmation of secondary contamination (abrasion from pipes, installations, and sealing materials). The dominant type of polymer detected in raw water, treated water, and consumption taps were PS. The estimated daily intake for children and adults was about 0.16-15 MP/kg/bw/year and 0.07-5.7 MP/kg/bw/year, respectively. The surface morphology of MPs showed that the particles were affected by continuous weathering, mechanical breakage, and oxidation. MPs threaten the environment and human health due to the adsorption and transport of hazardous pollution and their intrinsic toxicity, so a solution must be thought of to prevent the pollution of drinking water by MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Taghipour
- Health and Environment Research Center, School of Public Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ghayebzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Ganji
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Saeid Mousavi
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nahid Azizi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Malli A, Shehayeb A, Yehya A. Occurrence and risks of microplastics in the ecosystems of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:64800-64826. [PMID: 37086319 PMCID: PMC10122206 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27029-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous nature of microplastics (MPs) in nature and the risks they pose on the environment and human health have led to an increased research interest in the topic. Despite being an area of high plastic production and consumption, studies on MPs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have been limited. However, the region witnessed a research surge in 2021 attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, a total of 97 studies were analyzed based on their environmental compartments (marine, freshwater, air, and terrestrial) and matrices (sediments, water columns, biota, soil, etc.). Then, the MP concentrations and polymer types were utilized to conduct a risk assessment to provide a critical analysis of the data. The highest MP concentrations recorded in the marine water column and sediments were in the Mediterranean Sea in Tunisia with 400 items/m3 and 7960 items/kg of sediments, respectively. The number of MPs in biota ranged between 0 and 7525 per individual across all the aquatic compartments. For the air compartment, a school classroom had 56,000 items/g of dust in Iran due to the confined space. Very high risks in the sediment samples (Eri > 1500) were recorded in the Caspian Sea and Arab/Persian Gulf due to their closed or semi-closed nature that promotes sedimentation. The risk factors obtained are sensitive to the reference concentration which calls for the development of more reliable risk assessment approaches. Finally, more studies are needed in understudied MENA environmental compartments such as groundwater, deserts, and estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Malli
- Baha and Walid Bassatne Department of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Energy, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
| | - Ameed Shehayeb
- Baha and Walid Bassatne Department of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Energy, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- CIRAIG, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Alissar Yehya
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, MA, Cambridge, USA
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13
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Manbohi A, Mehdinia A, Rahnama R, Hamzehpour A, Dehbandi R. Sources and hotspots of microplastics of the rivers ending to the southern Caspian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114562. [PMID: 36680952 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in beach sediments of the southern Caspian Sea was well documented, however, there are still many unknowns about the abundances and distributions of MPs in the rivers ending to the Caspian Sea. Here, bank sediments of 26 sites in the thirteen rivers were surveyed in two seasons. However, there was not any significant difference (p > 0.05) between the concentrations of MPs during the two seasons. MPs were detected in all samples with mean concentrations of 214.08 ± 14.35 MPs/kg. The most common size, shape, color, and polymer types of MPs were L < 300 μm, fragment/film, white/transparent, and polystyrene (PS), respectively. In all rivers, positive MP gradients from upstream to downstream were observed. Maximum concentrations of MPs were found in the downstream parts of Chalus, Haraz, and Safarud rivers. Recreational-tourism and fishing activities had significant positive relationships (p < 0.05) with concentration of MPs in the rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Manbohi
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran 1411813389, Iran.
| | - Ali Mehdinia
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran 1411813389, Iran
| | - Reza Rahnama
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran 1411813389, Iran
| | - Ali Hamzehpour
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran 1411813389, Iran
| | - Reza Dehbandi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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14
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Bahrehmand MR, Tabatabaie T, Hashemi SE, Amiri F, Pazira AR. Occurrence and spatial distribution of microplastics in sediment and fish along the Persian Gulf-a case study: Bushehr Province, Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023:10.1007/s10653-022-01427-1. [PMID: 36811701 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01427-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination in the marine environment is a global threat. The present study is the first to comprehensively investigate the MPs contamination in the marine environment in Bushehr province along the Persian Gulf. For this purpose, 16 stations were selected along the coast and 10 fish samples were collected. The results obtained from MPs in sediment samples indicate the mean abundance of MPs in different sediment samples was 57.19 Particles/Kg. The dominant MPs color in sediment samples was black, accounting for 47.54%, followed by white (36.07%). As for MPs in fish, the highest MPs digested in different fish samples were 9. In addition, over 83.3% of MPs observed in fishes were black followed by red and blue (6.67%). Overall, the presence of MPs in fish and sediment can be attributed to improper disposal of industrial effluents; an efficient measurement is required in order to improve the quality of the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tayebeh Tabatabaie
- Department of Environment, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran.
| | - Seyed Enayat Hashemi
- Department of Environment, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fazel Amiri
- Department of Environment, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Abdul Rahim Pazira
- Department of Environment, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran
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15
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Panacea for the nanoplastic surge in Africa: A state-of-the-art review. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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16
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Gholizadeh M, Cera A. Microplastic contamination in the sediments of Qarasu estuary in Gorgan Bay, south-east of Caspian Sea, Iran. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155913. [PMID: 35569662 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Given the important ecological role of estuaries and implications of microplastics (MPs) in ecosystems, we assessed the occurrence, abundance, size, and polymer types of MPs present in the sediments of the Qarasu estuary in 2019. MPs were extracted from sediments by density separation, after which they were detected under a stereomicroscope and considered according to shape, size and color. Identification was implemented using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The abundance and size of MPs in the samples ranged between 40 and 460 particles/kg and 200-5000 μm, respectively. The dominant shape of MPs was fiber (72%), followed by fragment (26%) and film (2%). Black and white were the most abundant colors with 48% and 29%, respectively. In total, 4 MPs polymers including polypropylene (33%), polyethylene (24%), polyamide (21%), and polystyrene (14%) were identified. Results from PCA showed that stations with a high abundance of microplastics had a significant correlation with the amount of clay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Gholizadeh
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran.
| | - Alessandra Cera
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, v.le G. Marconi 446, 00146 Roma, Italy
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17
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Hu B, Guo P, Han S, Jin Y, Nan Y, Deng J, He J, Wu Y, Chen S. Distribution characteristics of microplastics in the soil of mangrove restoration wetland and the effects of microplastics on soil characteristics. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:1120-1136. [PMID: 35864407 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02561-3] [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] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The dense vegetation in the wetland could effectively retain microplastic particles, and the distribution of microplastics varied significantly under different planting densities. In addition, microplastics in the soil environment can affect soil properties to a certain extent, which in turn can affect soil functions and biodiversity. In this study, we investigated the distribution of soil microplastics in a mangrove restoration wetland under different planting densities and their effects on wetland soil properties. The results indicated that the average abundance of soil microplastics was 2177.5 n/500 g, of which 70.9% exhibited a diameter ranging from 0.038-0.05 mm, while the remaining soil microplastics accounted for less than 20% of all microplastics, indicating that smaller-diameter microplastics were more likely to accumulate in wetland soil. The microplastic abundance could be ranked based on the planting density as follows: 0.5 × 0.5 m > 1.0 × 0.5 m > 1.0 × 1.0 m > control area. Raman spectroscopy revealed that the predominant microplastic categories in this region included polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 52%), polyethylene (PE, 24%) and polypropylene (PP, 15%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed fractures and tears on the surface of microplastics. EDS energy spectra indicated a large amount of metal elements on the surface of microplastics. Due to the adsorptive features of PET, this substance could influence the soil particle size distribution and thus the soil structure. All physicochemical factors, except for the soil pH, were significantly affected by PET. In addition, the CV analysis results indicated that soils in vegetated areas are more susceptible to PET than are soils in bare ground areas, leading to greater variation in their properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
| | - Peiyong Guo
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China.
| | - Siyu Han
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
| | - Yifan Jin
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
| | - Yiting Nan
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
| | - Jun Deng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
| | - Junming He
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
| | - Yaqing Wu
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
| | - Sijia Chen
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
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18
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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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19
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Spatial distribution and risk assessments due to the microplastics pollution in sediments of Karnaphuli River Estuary, Bangladesh. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8581. [PMID: 35595854 PMCID: PMC9123007 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12296-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become an emerging global pollutant due to their widespread dispersion and potential threats to marine ecosystems. However, studies on MPs in estuarine and coastal ecosystems of Bangladesh are very limited. Here, we conducted the first study on abundance, distribution, characteristics, and risk assessment of microplastics in the sediment of Karnaphuli River estuary, Bangladesh. Microplastic particles were extracted from sediments of 30 stations along the estuary by density separation and then enumerated and characterized using a stereomicroscope and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. In the collected sediment of the Karnaphuli River estuary, the number of MPs varied from 22.29 to 59.5 items kg-1 of dry weight. The mean abundance was higher in the downstream and left banks of the estuary, whereas the predominant shape, colour, and size of MPs were films (35%), and white (19%), and 1-5 mm (30.38%), respectively. Major polymer types were polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, cellulose, and nylon. MPs were found to pose risks (low to high) in the sediment of the estuary, with the highest risk occurring at one station near a sewage outlet, according to the results of risk analyses using the pollution risk index, polymer risk index (H), contamination factors, and pollution load index (PLI). The single value index, PLI, clearly demonstrated that all sampling sites were considerably polluted with microplastics (PLI > 1). H values showed toxic polymers, even in lower proportions, possess higher polymeric hazard scores and vice versa. This investigation uncovered new insights on the status of MPs in the sediments of the Karnaphuli River estuary, laying the groundwork for future research and control of microplastic pollution and management.
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20
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Ye Y, Yu K, Zhao Y. The development and application of advanced analytical methods in microplastics contamination detection: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 818:151851. [PMID: 34822881 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have gradually become emerging environmental contaminants for their extensive distribution, small particle size, and harmful effects on organisms. Therefore, finding accurate, efficient, and rapid analytical methods for detecting microplastics pollution has become an urgent problem. We reviewed the derivation, transport, and classification of microplastics and then highlighted the harmfulness of microplastics which would bring microplastics pollution to the environment and potential damage to organisms. Further, various analytical methods were classified into the thermal analytical method, spectral analytical approach, and other analytical methods based on detection principles. In addition, the application of each analytical method in sea and soil was concluded in detail, and the promising development prospect of each analytical method was discussed. In the end, the chemical analytical method was proposed to explore further in the direction of no sample preparation, nondestructive analysis, low detection limit and it is crucial to establish a unified detection and identification method for microplastics in different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkai Ye
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Keqiang Yu
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Internet of Things, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Perception and Intelligent Service, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Yanru Zhao
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Internet of Things, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Perception and Intelligent Service, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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21
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Agharokh A, S Taleshi M, Bibak M, Rasta M, Torabi Jafroudi H, Rubio Armesto B. Assessing the relationship between the abundance of microplastics in sediments, surface waters, and fish in the Iran southern shores. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:18546-18558. [PMID: 34689299 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17128-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the microplastic (MP) pollution in sediments, surface waters, and four fish species in the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. Sampling was conducted in seven important regions during December 2019. The abundance of MPs was respectively 190 ± 35.5 items/kg dry weight for sediments, 9.28 ± 2.1 items/km2 for surface waters, and 0.33 ± 0.05 items/individual for fish. There was no correlation between MP abundance in surface water, sediment, and fish samples. Except for Cynoglossus arel, abundance of isolated MPs did not show significant relationships with body weight, body length, and gastrointestinal tract weight (P > 0.05). MPs were ranged from 0.3 to 5 mm in size and were prevailed by fiber in shape; black, red, and blue in color; and polypropylene and polyethylene in polymer. This study may help in increasing our knowledge regarding MP pollution in marine water systems and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Agharokh
- Research Center for Persian Gulf, University of Persian Gulf, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mojtaba S Taleshi
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Oceanic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bibak
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmeh Sara, Iran.
| | - Majid Rasta
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmeh Sara, Iran
| | - Hor Torabi Jafroudi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Belén Rubio Armesto
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas (CIM-UVIGO), Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
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22
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Liang T, Lei Z, Fuad MTI, Wang Q, Sun S, Fang JKH, Liu X. Distribution and potential sources of microplastics in sediments in remote lakes of Tibet, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150526. [PMID: 34597964 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastics in water bodies such as oceans and rivers has received considerable attention in recent years. The present study contributes to this research effort by assessing microplastics in 12 remote lakes on the Tibetan Plateau, China. Despite the limited extent of human activities, at least 17 items and up to 2644 items of microplastics were found per kg of dried sediments collected from the lakes in Tibet. These values were considered high compared to the levels of microplastics reported in other lake areas worldwide. Our results showed that the most prevailing types of microplastics in the sediments were black or transparent fibers in the size range of 0.05-0.5 mm, which were mainly identified to be polyamide and polyethylene terephthalate using Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy. The number of microplastics found appeared to be higher in sediments with a higher silt and clay content. Atmospheric long-range transport, glacial meltwater and surface runoff represent potential pathways to carry microplastics from elsewhere to the remote lakes in Tibet. This study shall be of great significance in understanding the transport and distribution of microplastics in the environment at regional or global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- College of Marine Life Sciences and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhiyuan Lei
- College of Marine Life Sciences and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Md Tariful Islam Fuad
- College of Marine Life Sciences and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shichun Sun
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - James Kar-Hei Fang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Research Institute for Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Xiaoshou Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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23
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Kundu MN, Komakech HC, Lugomela G. Analysis of Macro- and Microplastics in Riverine, Riverbanks, and Irrigated Farms in Arusha, Tanzania. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 82:142-157. [PMID: 34741639 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00897-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and macroplastics have been reported in different urban rivers and agricultural soil across the globe. However, the interlink between them has not been previously assessed. The present study evaluated the relationship between macro- and microplastics in the surface water and sediments in riverine, riverbanks, and soils from irrigated farms in Arusha, Tanzania. Detached pieces from macroplastics and suspected particles of microplastics from the samples were analyzed using the total attenuated reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Statistical analysis showed that the number of microplastics in the sediments was higher than those in the surface water and that in irrigated farms was of four times higher than those found in riverine. Besides, the numbers of microplastics and macroplastics in the irrigation farms were exponentially related, while the macroplastics from the riverbanks had an inverse relationship with the rivers' profile elevation. Macroplastics of polyethylene type dominated in the riverbanks and irrigated farms with an occurrence frequency of 100%, while polystyrene was abundant in all analyzed microplastics samples. In addition, those irrigation farms adjacent to canals had a significant number of microplastics and macroplastics than the distant farms. This study provides new information for the region and others that divert water from an urban river for irrigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy N Kundu
- School of Materials, Energy, Water and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (MEWES), The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), P.O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania.
| | - Hans C Komakech
- School of Materials, Energy, Water and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (MEWES), The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), P.O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
- Water Infrastructures Sustainable and Energy-Futures (WISE-Futures) Center, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), P.O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - George Lugomela
- Ministry of Water in Tanzania, P.O Box 456, Dodoma, Tanzania
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D'Hont A, Gittenberger A, Leuven RSEW, Hendriks AJ. Dropping the microbead: Source and sink related microplastic distribution in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea basins. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112982. [PMID: 34627035 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a growing, yet poorly understood problem. Here, we assessed the relationship between microplastic concentration and distance to rivers, shorelines, cities, sediment grain size or water depth in sediments of the world's largest (semi-)enclosed aquatic basins. Microplastic was extracted from sediment using density separation, elutriation and hydrophobic adhesion. Fibers and transparent or white microplastic particles were the most abundant shape and color. The microplastic concentration in sediments of the Black Sea was about twice as high compared to that in the Caspian Sea. Fragment concentrations decreased with depth, while fiber concentrations were independent of depth. Overall, no relationship with distance to shores, rivers and cities or with grain size was observed. However, within some depth classes concentrations were related to the distance from rivers, shores and cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk D'Hont
- GiMaRIS, Marine Research Inventory & Strategy Solutions, Rijksstraatweg 75, 2171 AK Sassenheim, the Netherlands; Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Adriaan Gittenberger
- GiMaRIS, Marine Research Inventory & Strategy Solutions, Rijksstraatweg 75, 2171 AK Sassenheim, the Netherlands; Department of Marine Zoology, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Pesthuislaan 7, 2333 BA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Rob S E W Leuven
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Netherlands Centre of Expertise on Exotic Species (NECE), Nature Plaza, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - A Jan Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Heijendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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25
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Hanachi P, Karbalaei S, Yu S. Combined polystyrene microplastics and chlorpyrifos decrease levels of nutritional parameters in muscle of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:64908-64920. [PMID: 34319527 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) is a major contaminant in the aquatic environment. In addition to the physical threats posed by microplastic ingestion, their potential as a vector for the transport of hydrophobic pollutants is required to be adequately addressed. This study examined the effects of polystyrene microplastics individually or combined with chlorpyrifos insecticide on nutritional parameters in muscle of rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss). Fish were exposed to individual polystyrene microplastic concentrations (30 or 300 μg/L), or individual chlorpyrifos concentrations (2 or 6 μg/L), and their combination at similar concentrations of chlorpyrifos and microplastics. Results showed individual polystyrene microplastics had minimal effects on amino acid and fatty acid composition and no effect on protein contents of fish muscle. However, significant alterations in amino acid and fatty acid composition, and protein contents, were observed in combined polystyrene microplastics and chlorpyrifos groups. These findings suggested that polystyrene microplastics cause toxicity and increase the adverse effects of chlorpyrifos on the muscle of fish. This investigation provided evidence toward low nutritional value of farmed or wild fish muscle that grows in areas with high concentrations of microplastics and pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parichehr Hanachi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Karbalaei
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sujuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China
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26
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Tsukada E, Fernandes E, Vidal C, Salla RF. Beach morphodynamics and its relationship with the deposition of plastic particles: A preliminary study in southeastern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112809. [PMID: 34365157 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the beach profile, characterizes microplastics and correlates their abundance with morphodynamics characteristics on three beaches from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. 745 particles were found in 4 m2 of sediment, mostly styrofoam. Nearly 90% of the fragments were found in Boracéia, the most dissipative beach, while less than 1% were found in Juréia beach, the most reflective one. The chemical composition of microplastics was identified by near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (HSI-NIR). The correlation between the abundance of particles and the slope plus the extension of the sand strip was high, as well as that found with the waves' height. These preliminary results indicate that there might be an intrinsic relation among the morphodynamical forces, the movement and destination of microplastics in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete Tsukada
- Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Sorocaba Campus, Biology Department, Brazil; Post-graduation Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring - PPGBMA, Brazil.
| | - Ermínio Fernandes
- Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Sorocaba Campus, Geography Department, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Vidal
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Institute of Chemistry, Brazil
| | - Raquel Fernanda Salla
- Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Sorocaba Campus, Biology Department, Brazil; Post-graduation Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring - PPGBMA, Brazil
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27
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Marques Mendes A, Golden N, Bermejo R, Morrison L. Distribution and abundance of microplastics in coastal sediments depends on grain size and distance from sources. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112802. [PMID: 34371343 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic deposition in marine sediments is a geographically widespread problem. This study examines microplastics in intertidal and subtidal sediments at 87 locations in habitats designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) on the coastline of Ireland. Established methodological approaches including, organic matter digestion, density separation, particle extraction and polymer identification were applied. Microplastic abundance was closely related with distance from known sources and concentrations were greater in intertidal as opposed to subtidal sediments. Colourless, polyethylene fibres and polypropylene fragments were the most abundant MP recorded and finer grained sediments were shown to entrap more MPs than coarser sediments. The results demonstrate that an understanding of potential sources of pollution, sediment type and hydrodynamic conditions are very important in terms of MP abundance and distribution in marine sediments and also in terms of effective waste management strategies and policy aimed at reducing the global plastics problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Marques Mendes
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - N Golden
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - R Bermejo
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Departamento de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Spain
| | - L Morrison
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
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28
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Rasta M, Rahimibashar MR, Ershad A, Jafroudi HT, Kouhbane ST. Characteristics and Seasonal Distribution of Microplastics in the Surface Waters of Southwest Coast of the Caspian Sea (Guilan Province, Iran). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:671-676. [PMID: 34036436 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03268-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence, abundance and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the southwest coast of the Caspian Sea in four seasons. Three stations were chosen and their surface waters were sampled between April 2019 and February 2020. The average number of MPs was 1.37 ± 0.47 items/m3 and the predominant frequency in different seasons were as follows: summer > autumn > spring > winter. MPs were dominated by fiber in shape. Black and blue were the most common colors respectively. The size was in the range of 0.3-5 mm with a mean of 1.44 ± 1.08 mm. Due to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy equipped with attenuated total reflection (ATR-FTIR), four different polymers were identified dominating by polypropylene. The low MP concentrations detected in the present study can be related to lower sewage inlet and more MPs sedimentation in the investigated stations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Rasta
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rahimibashar
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan branch, Lahijan, Iran.
| | - Arash Ershad
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan branch, Lahijan, Iran
| | - Hor Torabi Jafroudi
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
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Manbohi A, Mehdinia A, Rahnama R, Dehbandi R. Microplastic pollution in inshore and offshore surface waters of the southern Caspian Sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 281:130896. [PMID: 34029960 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, as the first comprehensive monitoring, the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in inshore and offshore surface waters of the southern Caspian Sea was investigated. Our data indicated that MPs, which were detected in all the samples, were widely distributed in the thirteen studied stations. Non-normally distribution of the MPs was observed among the studied stations (p<0.05). The average concentration of microplastics in the selected stations was 0.246 ± 0.020 MP/m3. In most of the transects, negative gradients of MPs from coastal waters to deeper waters were observed. The dominant size and color of MPs in the inshore and offshore water samples was 1000-5000 μm and white-transparent, respectively. Films and fibers constituted about 50% and 40% of the total number of MPs of the water samples, respectively. Also, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the three main polymer types of microplastics in the inshore and offshore surface waters. Our data provide valuable evidence for the comparative assessing of future data regarding decreases or increases of MPs in the southern Caspian Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Manbohi
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran, 1411813389, Iran.
| | - Ali Mehdinia
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran, 1411813389, Iran
| | - Reza Rahnama
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran, 1411813389, Iran
| | - Reza Dehbandi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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30
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Environmental Microplastic Particles vs. Engineered Plastic Microparticles-A Comparative Review. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13172881. [PMID: 34502921 PMCID: PMC8434362 DOI: 10.3390/polym13172881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic particles (MPs) pose a novel threat to nature. Despite being first noticed in the 1970s, research on this topic has only surged in recent years. Researchers have mainly focused on environmental plastic particles; however, studies with defined microplastic particles as the sample input are scarce. Furthermore, comparison of those studies indicates a discrepancy between the particles found (e.g., in the environment) and those used for further research (e.g., exposure studies). Obviously, it is important to use particles that resemble those found in the environment to conduct appropriate research. In this review, different categories of microplastic particles are addressed, before covering an overview of the most common separation and analysis methods for environmental MPs is covered. After showing that the particles found in the environment are mostly irregular and polydisperse, while those used in studies with plastic microparticles as samples are often not, different particle production techniques are investigated and suggestions for preparing realistic plastic particles are given.
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31
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Manbohi A, Mehdinia A, Rahnama R, Dehbandi R, Hamzehpour A. Spatial distribution of microplastics in sandy beach and inshore-offshore sediments of the southern Caspian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112578. [PMID: 34102414 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in nearshore zones of the southern Caspian coasts is well documented; however, no data are available on MP occurrence in offshore sediments. In this study, six sandy beach stations and 18 inshore-offshore stations (six transects) were surveyed. MPs were detected in all sediment samples. The mean abundances of MPs in the beach and inshore-offshore stations were 196.67 ± 11.58 and 103.15 ± 7.21 MPs/kg, respectively. Fibers constituted the most common shape of MPs. Polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the major polymer types found in the beach and inshore-offshore sediments, respectively. In most transects, negative MP gradients were observed from nearshore to offshore, which showed that coastal fishing, tourism, and rivers were the main sources of MPs in this area. These results will improve our understanding on MPs pollution in the marine ecosystem. We recommend further MP studies in different parts of the Caspian Sea to develop appropriate management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Manbohi
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran 1411813389, Iran.
| | - Ali Mehdinia
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran 1411813389, Iran
| | - Reza Rahnama
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran 1411813389, Iran
| | - Reza Dehbandi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Hamzehpour
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Tehran 1411813389, Iran
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32
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Rasta M, Sattari M, Taleshi MS, Namin JI. Microplastics in different tissues of some commercially important fish species from Anzali Wetland in the Southwest Caspian Sea, Northern Iran. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112479. [PMID: 34022555 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, muscle and gonads of 193 individuals of nine commercially-important fish species from Anzali Wetland between May and July 2018. Tissues were removed, digested by 10% KOH for 24 h at 60 °C, filtered on cellulose nitrate filter and then dried. MPs were found in all tissues. There were significant differences between the numbers of isolated particles from GI tract and control groups (procedural blank containing Milli Q water without tissue), while their abundance in the muscle and gonads did not display significant differences with control groups. Higher abundances of MPs were recorded in omnivorous fish (2.26 ± 2.93 items/individual) than carnivorous species (1.10 ± 1.10 items/individual) (P < 0.05). MPs were ranged from 20 to 4800 μm in size and were dominated by fiber-like in shape, polyethylene in polymer and black in color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Rasta
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran
| | - Masoud Sattari
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran; Department of Marine Biology, The Caspian Sea Research Center, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba S Taleshi
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Oceanic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Javid Imanpour Namin
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmehsara, Iran
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33
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Nematollahi MJ, Keshavarzi B, Moore F, Esmaeili HR, Nasrollahzadeh Saravi H, Sorooshian A. Microplastic fibers in the gut of highly consumed fish species from the southern Caspian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112461. [PMID: 33991984 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the frequency, distribution, characteristics, and chemical composition of microplastics (MPs) in the gut of highly consumed fish species, namely leaping mullet (Chelon saliens), common carp (Cyprinus carpioi), and Caspian kutum (Rutilus caspicus), in the southern Caspian Sea biome. Fibers are found to be the only shape of MPs. Black MPs and polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate polymers are dominant. MP frequency is highest in leaping mullet's gut, while kutum specimens exhibited the lowest MP frequency, reflecting that leaping mullet is a neritic species and thus highly exposed to MP influx in shallow coastal water, while the other species are benthopelagic. The estimated condition index reflected a significant difference between the species, implying that MPs may pose adverse health impacts on leaping mullet and common carp, with no undesirable effect on Caspian kutum. No significant relationship exists between biological parameters and the MP frequency in the fish gut.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hamid Reza Esmaeili
- Ichthyology and Molecular Systematics Research Lab, Zoology Section, Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hassan Nasrollahzadeh Saravi
- Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center (CSERC), Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran.
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Zhou Y, He G, Jiang X, Yao L, Ouyang L, Liu X, Liu W, Liu Y. Microplastic contamination is ubiquitous in riparian soils and strongly related to elevation, precipitation and population density. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 411:125178. [PMID: 33858113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although environmental research has recently begun to focus on the ubiquity of microplastics in terrestrial systems, there is still lack of comprehensive data which describe microplastics levels in soils and the factors influencing the distribution of this contaminant. Here, we show that microplastics contamination (3877 ± 2356 p kg1) is omnipresent in numerous soil samples collected along the Yangtze River. Subsoils (4005 ± 2472 p kg1) showed higher levels of microplastics than topsoils (3748 ± 2301 p kg1), while polyamide (32%) was the most commonly found polymer in the samples. Small microplastics particles (< 200 µm) accounted for approximately 70% of the microplastics detected in subsoils. In terms of shape, microfragments were the most common type of microplastic particle, accounting for 34% of total microplastics, followed by microfibers (30%). Furthermore, microplastics contamination was found to be positively correlated with both the population of the study area and precipitation, yet negatively correlated with the elevation of the sampling site. Our study represents the first large-scale study of microplastic contamination in riparian soils along the Yangtze River, and provides important data regarding the ecotoxicology and ecosystem effects of microplastics in terrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Gang He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoliang Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lunguang Yao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Lu Ouyang
- Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China; College of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenzhi Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Security for Water Source Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution and Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution and Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
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35
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Cutroneo L, Reboa A, Geneselli I, Capello M. Considerations on salts used for density separation in the extraction of microplastics from sediments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112216. [PMID: 33684703 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination by plastics and microplastics is a recognised problem worldwide, and it is the focus of many research teams. In the quantification of microplastics in the environment (plastic items with dimensions between 1 μm and 5 mm), the search for shared and universally recognised protocols and methodologies is still ongoing. In this study, the use of a method for extracting microplastics from marine sediments based on density separation has been considered. Fifty studies were analysed to investigate the scenario of salts exploited during microplastic extraction. The most commonly used salts are NaCl (45.6%), ZnCl2 (19.3%) and NaI (17.5%). Considerations related to cost, availability, hazards of the salts and thus the repeatability of the related extraction method are reported. In light of the findings, NaCl remains the most readily usable, economical and effective salt for the extraction of microplastics from marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cutroneo
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16032 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Anna Reboa
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16032 Genoa, Italy
| | - Irene Geneselli
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16032 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Capello
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, 26 Corso Europa, I-16032 Genoa, Italy
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Ghayebzadeh M, Taghipour H, Aslani H. Abundance and distribution of microplastics in the sediments of the estuary of seventeen rivers: Caspian southern coasts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:112044. [PMID: 33524830 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Given the increase in plastic production, persistence, and toxicity in the environment, understanding the probability of microplastics (MPs) accumulation in the sediments of the rivers' estuary is urgently needed. In this study, sediments of the estuary of 17 rivers, ending to the Caspian Sea, were evaluated at two depths (0-5 cm and 5-15 cm). Plastic particles were categorized into two groups in terms of size: small MPs and large MPs. The combination of observational techniques, FTIR, and SEM analysis was applied to identify MPs. The mean of MPs in 17 rivers was obtained at a depth of 0 to 15 cm of sediments 350.6 ± 232.6 MP/kg. The fiber was identified as the predominant particles in sediments, and foam-shaped particles were the least amount in the sediment. In terms of polymer structure, polyethylene (PE) (20%) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (2%) showed the highest and lowest prevalence, respectively. In the current study, the number of MPs was higher than the average of MPs in sediments of recreational-tourist areas and non-tourist areas of the southern Caspian coast. Results from this study indicate that sediments of the rivers' estuary are a hotspot of plastic particle pollution. Therefore, plastic management in the path of the Caspian catchment area of Iran, and cleaning rivers coast and rivers mouth from plastic is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghayebzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Hassan Taghipour
- Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Hassan Aslani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Mariano S, Tacconi S, Fidaleo M, Rossi M, Dini L. Micro and Nanoplastics Identification: Classic Methods and Innovative Detection Techniques. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:636640. [PMID: 35295124 PMCID: PMC8915801 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.636640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro and nanoplastics are fragments with dimensions less than a millimeter invading all terrestrial and marine environments. They have become a major global environmental issue in recent decades and, indeed, recent scientific studies have highlighted the presence of these fragments all over the world even in environments that were thought to be unspoiled. Analysis of micro/nanoplastics in isolated samples from abiotic and biotic environmental matrices has become increasingly common. Hence, the need to find valid techniques to identify these micro and nano-sized particles. In this review, we discuss the current and potential identification methods used in microplastic analyses along with their advantages and limitations. We discuss the most suitable techniques currently available, from physical to chemical ones, as well as the challenges to enhance the existing methods and develop new ones. Microscopical techniques (i.e., dissect, polarized, fluorescence, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopy) are one of the most used identification methods for micro/nanoplastics, but they have the limitation to produce incomplete results in analyses of small particles. At present, the combination with chemical analysis (i.e., spectroscopy) overcome this limit together with recently introduced alternative approaches. For example, holographic imaging in microscope configuration images microplastics directly in unfiltered water, thus discriminating microplastics from diatoms and differentiates different sizes, shapes, and plastic types. The development of new analytical instruments coupled with each other or with conventional and innovative microscopy could solve the current problems in the identification of micro/nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mariano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefano Tacconi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Marco Fidaleo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Nanotechnologies Applied to Engineering, CNIS Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- National Research Council Nanotec, Lecce, Italy
| | - Luciana Dini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Nanotechnologies Applied to Engineering, CNIS Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- National Research Council Nanotec, Lecce, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luciana Dini
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38
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Yang H, Chen G, Wang J. Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Sources, Fates, Impacts and Microbial Degradation. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9020041. [PMID: 33671786 PMCID: PMC7927104 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The serious global microplastic pollution has attracted public concern in recent years. Microplastics are widely distributed in various environments and their pollution is already ubiquitous in the ocean system, which contributes to exponential concern in the past decade and different research areas. Due to their tiny size coupled with the various microbial communities in aquatic habitats capable of accumulating organic pollutants, abundant literature is available for assessing the negative impact of MPs on the physiology of marine organisms and eventually on the human health. This study summarizes the current literature on MPs in the marine environment to obtain a better knowledge about MP contamination. This review contains three sections: (1) sources and fates of MPs in the marine environment, (2) impacts of MPs on marine organisms, and (3) bacteria for the degradation of marine MPs. Some measures and efforts must be taken to solve the environmental problems caused by microplastics. The knowledge in this review will provide background information for marine microplastics studies and management strategies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Yang
- 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; (H.Y.); (G.C.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Guanglong Chen
- 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; (H.Y.); (G.C.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, 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; (H.Y.); (G.C.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-20-8757-1321
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39
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Karbalaei S, Hanachi P, Rafiee G, Seifori P, Walker TR. Toxicity of polystyrene microplastics on juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) after individual and combined exposure with chlorpyrifos. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123980. [PMID: 33265019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) sorption and transfer of chemical contaminants has been widely reported, yet few studies have investigated combined effects of contaminant-loaded MPs on organisms. This study examined effects of pristine or chlorpyrifos (CPF)-loaded polystyrene (PS) fragments on histopathological and histomorphometrical biomarkers in rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss). In laboratory, O. mykiss were exposed for 96 h to pristine PS-MPs concentrations (30 or 300 µg/L), concentrations of CPF alone (2 or 6 µg/L), and the same concentrations of CPF in the presence of PS-MPs in aquaria. Results showed the highest histopathological alterations in both CPF concentrations and when combined with PS-MPs in fish gills. Alternatively, high histopathological lesions including massive necrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and shed of villi tips were observed in fish gut in high CPF concentrations combined with high PS-MP concentrations of (6 μg/L CPF+300 μg/L PS-MPs). Individual CPF and PS-MP concentrations or combined together showed significant changes in histomorphometrical biomarkers in fish gills, gut and skin. Findings highlight that pristine PS-MPs cause toxicity and increase adverse effects of CPF in O. mykiss, especially in gill tissue. We present evidence that pristine short-term exposure to even low concentrations of PS-MPs has a significant impact on biomarker responses in O. mykiss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Karbalaei
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parichehr Hanachi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Rafiee
- Department of Fisheries Sciences, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Seifori
- National Reference Laboratory, Veterinary Organization Tehran, Iran
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
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40
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Costantini ML, Agah H, Fiorentino F, Irandoost F, Trujillo FJL, Careddu G, Calizza E, Rossi L. Nitrogen and metal pollution in the southern Caspian Sea: a multiple approach to bioassessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:9898-9912. [PMID: 33156502 PMCID: PMC7884576 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The Caspian Sea hosts areas of high ecological value as well as industrial, leisure, and agricultural activities that dump into the water body different kinds of pollutants. In this complex context, a proper description of the origin and potential sources of pollution is necessary to address management and mitigation actions aimed at preserving the quality of the water resource and the integrity of the ecosystems. Here, we aimed at detecting sources of both nitrogen inputs, by N stable isotope analysis of macroalgae, and metals in macroalgae and sediments in two highly anthropized coastal stretches at the Iranian side of the Caspian Sea. Sampling was done near the mouth of rivers and canals draining agricultural and urbanized areas. In the westernmost waters, facing a port city, low macroalgal δ15N signatures indicated industrial fertilizers as the principal source of pollution. By contrast, in the central coastal waters, facing touristic areas, the high macroalgal δ15N indicated N inputs from wastewaters. Here the lowest dissolved oxygen concentrations in waters were associated with excess dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Metal concentrations varied largely in the study areas and were lower in macroalgae than in sediments. Localized peaks of Pb and Zn in sediments were observed in the central coastal sites as probable byproducts of mining activity transported downstream. By contrast, Cr and Ni concentrations were high in all sampling sites, thus potentially representing hazardous elements for marine biota. Overall, macroalgal δ15N coupled with metal analysis in macroalgae and sediments was useful for identifying the main sources of pollution in these highly anthropized coastal areas. This double approach in comprehensive monitoring programs could thus effectively inform stakeholders on major environmental threats, allowing targeted management measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Letizia Costantini
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy
- National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Homira Agah
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences (INIOAS), No. 3, Etemadzadeh St., Fatemi Ave, Tehran, 1411813389, Iran
| | - Federico Fiorentino
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Farnaz Irandoost
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Careddu
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Calizza
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy.
| | - Loreto Rossi
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy
- National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
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41
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Ouda M, Kadadou D, Swaidan B, Al-Othman A, Al-Asheh S, Banat F, Hasan SW. Emerging contaminants in the water bodies of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142177. [PMID: 33254914 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Many emerging contaminants (ECs) are not currently removed by conventional water treatment methods and consequently, often reach the aquatic environment. In the absence of proper management strategies, ECs can accumulate in water bodies, which poses potential environmental and health risks. This paper critically reviews, for the first time, the reported occurrence and treatment of ECs in the Middle Eastern and North Africa (MENA) region. The paper also provides recommendations to properly manage EC risks. In the MENA region, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been detected in surface water, seawater, groundwater, and wastewater treatment plants. A focus on surface water in the published literature suggests that studies are skewed towards worldwide trends, whereas studies on ECs in seawater are of great importance in the study region. The types of PPCPs detected in the MENA region vary, but anti-inflammatories and antibiotics dominate. In comparison, microplastics have mainly been studied in surface waters and seawater with much less focus on drinking water. The majority of microplastics in the region are secondary types resulting from the degradation of larger plastic debris; polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) fibers are the most frequently detected polymers, which are indicative of local anthropogenic sources. Research progress on ECs varies between countries, having received more attention in Iran and Tunisia. Most MENA countries have now begun monitoring water bodies for ECs; however, studies are still lacking in some countries including Sudan, Djibouti, Syria, Ethiopia, and Bahrain. Based on this review, critical knowledge gaps and research needs are identified. Countries in the MENA region require further research on a broader range of EC types. Overall, water pollution due to the use and release of ECs can be tackled by improving public awareness, public campaigns, government intervention, and advanced monitoring and treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ouda
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dana Kadadou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Balsam Swaidan
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amani Al-Othman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer Al-Asheh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fawzi Banat
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shadi W Hasan
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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42
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Li H, Wang F, Li J, Deng S, Zhang S. Adsorption of three pesticides on polyethylene microplastics in aqueous solutions: Kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics, and molecular dynamics simulation. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 264:128556. [PMID: 33049512 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics could act as a carrier for pesticides in the water environment and pose a potential risk. This study mainly investigated the effects of reaction time, microplastics dosages, pH, and NaCl salinity on the adsorption characteristics of three pesticides (Imidacloprid, Buprofezin, Difenoconazole) on polyethylene (PE) microplastics in aqueous solution. The results showed that high pH and low NaCl salinity were conducive to the adsorption. The adsorption data were well fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model and the pseudo-first-order kinetics, indicating that it was mainly controlled by physical function. The adsorption capacity of three pesticides on PE microplastics followed the order of Difenoconazole > Buprofezin > Imidacloprid. The thermodynamic study indicated the adsorption of all pesticides as spontaneous and exothermic processes, and the elevated temperature was favorable to the adsorption. SEM-EDS and FTIR results verified that pesticides were adsorbed on the microplastics but the adsorption process was mainly controlled by intermolecular Van Der Waals Force and the microporous filling mechanism. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results indicated that surface adsorption was the exclusive mechanism for the adsorption of pesticides on microplastics, and the final adsorption configurations revealed that there were complex interactions between the pesticide molecules and the C, H atoms in PE molecules. The results of this study illustrated that PE microplastics are potential carriers for pesticides in the water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Cycling and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fenghe Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Cycling and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jining Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Cycling and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shaopo Deng
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecological Environmental (MEE), Nanjing, China.
| | - Shengtian Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecological Environmental (MEE), Nanjing, China
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43
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Taghizadeh Rahmat Abadi Z, Abtahi B, Grossart HP, Khodabandeh S. Microplastic content of Kutum fish, Rutilus frisii kutum in the southern Caspian Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 752:141542. [PMID: 32889256 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the digestive tract of commercial Kutum fish, Rutilus frisii kutum was investigated. Fish samples, ranging from 33 to 48.5 cm fork length which sold for human consumption, were collected from local fish markets in Bandar-e Torkaman (the south-eastern of Caspian Sea) on November 2017, and March 2018. The MPs were characterized using optical microscopy, NR staining, and SEM-EDS for number, shape, color, surface morphology, and elemental composition. On average, 11.4 MP items per fish (0.015 items per 1 g fish wet weight) were found in Kutum's stomach at an individual detection rate of 80%. Around 66% of all identified MP items were < 500 μm, and 53% possessed light colors. Morphological researches indicated that fish ingested the degradation fragments from larger plastic pieces, fibers, and manufactured microbeads. Microfibers are the most dominant items accounting for over 75% of all MPs. The SEM images indicated the various degrees of erosions upon environmental exposure. Some MPs had surface cracks, broken margins, scaly appearances, and obvious pores. Considering the commercial importance which the Kutum plays for Iran's fishery, the potential effect of MPs on the trophic food web, particularly for human consumption and health, should be urgently investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Abtahi
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Tehran, Iran.
| | - H-P Grossart
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Department of Experimental Limnology, Alte Fischerhuette 2, 16775 Stechlin, Germany; Postdam University, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - S Khodabandeh
- Faculty of Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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44
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Razeghi N, Hamidian AH, Wu C, Zhang Y, Yang M. Scientific studies on microplastics pollution in Iran: An in-depth review of the published articles. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111901. [PMID: 33310377 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This literature review was conducted to collect present data on microplastics pollution in Iran's ecosystems. Most of the studies performed in aquatic environment were conducted in Persian Gulf & Oman Sea (70%). The Persian Gulf, along with the beaches of Bushehr and Hormozgan Provinces, are the most studied areas. Moreover, most of the studies were conducted in aquatic environments and only four studies were conducted in terrestrial environment (4/42). One study has assessed microplastics in commercial salt and another study has reported the microplastics presence in Iranian bottled mineral water brands. The investigation of microplastics associated with biota was highlighted, customarily for fish species. Microplastics were also present in urban wastewater samples in Sari and Bandar Abbas cities. Three studies were performed in freshwater ecosystems until now (Haraz River, Anzali wetland, and Taleqan dam). The need for further studies in this field still exists, especially in terrestrial and freshwater compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Razeghi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj 31587-77878, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Hamidian
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj 31587-77878, Iran; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj 31587-77878, Iran; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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45
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Du S, Zhu R, Cai Y, Xu N, Yap PS, Zhang Y, He Y, Zhang Y. Environmental fate and impacts of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: a review. RSC Adv 2021; 11:15762-15784. [PMID: 35481192 PMCID: PMC9031200 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra00880c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wide usage of plastic products leads to the global occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic environment. Due to the small size, they can be bio-ingested, which may cause certain health effects. The present review starts with summarizing the main sources of various types of MPs and their occurrences in the aquatic environment, as well as their transportation and degradation pathways. The analysis of migration of MPs in water environments shows that the ultimate fate of most MPs in water environments is cracked into small fragments and sinking into the bottom of the ocean. The advantages and disadvantages of existing methods for detection and analysis of MPs are summarized. In addition, based on recent researches, the present review discusses MPs as carriers of organic pollutants and microorganisms, and explores the specific effects of MPs on aquatic organisms in the case of single and combined pollutants. Finally, by analysing the causes and influencing factors of their trophic transfer, the impact of MPs on high-level trophic organisms is explored. The sources, fate and impacts of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Du
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Rongwen Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Yujie Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Ning Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Pow-Seng Yap
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Yide He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
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46
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Abstract
High living standards and a comfortable modern way of life are related to an increased usage of various plastic products, yielding eventually the generation of an increased amount of plastic debris in the environment. A special concern is on microplastics (MPs), recently classified as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). This review focuses on MPs’ adverse effects on the environment based on their bioactivity. Hence, the main topic covered is MPs’ ecotoxicity on various aquatic (micro)organisms such as bacteria, algae, daphnids, and fish. The cumulative toxic effects caused by MPs and adsorbed organic/inorganic pollutants are presented and critically discussed. Since MPs’ bioactivity, including ecotoxicity, is strongly influenced by their properties (e.g., types, size, shapes), the most common classification of MPs types present in freshwater are provided, along with their main characteristics. The review includes also the sources of MPs discharge in the environment and the currently available characterization methods for monitoring MPs, including identification and quantification, to obtain a broader insight into the complex problem caused by the presence of MPs in the environment.
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47
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Nematollahi MJ, Moore F, Keshavarzi B, Vogt RD, Nasrollahzadeh Saravi H, Busquets R. Microplastic particles in sediments and waters, south of Caspian Sea: Frequency, distribution, characteristics, and chemical composition. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 206:111137. [PMID: 32858324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in coastal and sea surface sediments, as well as water samples, collected from the coastal region of the southern Caspian Sea, Mazandaran province, Iran. A total of 32 sediment and 10 water samples were studied. The mean concentration of MPs was 15 units kg-1 in the sediments and 710 units m-3 in the coastal water. Fibers constituted by far the dominant MPs in both media, accounting for 97% of the MPs in both sediment and water samples. The MPs were mainly black in color. The dominant size of MP particles in sediment samples was between 250 and 500 μm, while the fraction >1000 μm dominated in the water samples. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and nylon (NYL) were the main polymers and/or copolymers composing MPs in both sediment and water samples. The MP particles had a relatively smooth surface morphology, although signs of weathering were observed. The number of MP particles in sediment and water samples showed a general decrease from west to east in the study area. This may be reflecting the spreading of MP loading from the outlets of Sefidrud, Tonekabon, Chalus, the major rivers entering the Caspian Sea just west of the study area, and the overall decrease in the spatial distribution of touristic and fishery activity. The main sources of MP particles could be local emissions from a large number of domestic wastewater effluents and urban surface runoff due to high population density, and industrial and fishing activities in this region. This study indicated that MP particles, based on their characteristics and chemical composition, are circulated between coastal waters, and shore and sea surface sediments of the Caspian Sea, leading to their uneven distribution in the different depths. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work studying the distribution of MP particles in sea surface sediments and also the most comprehensive on MPs in shoreline sediments and coastal waters in the southern Caspian Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Nematollahi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo (UiO), 0315, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene, University of Oslo, 0315, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran; Medical Geology Center of Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran; Medical Geology Center of Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Rolf David Vogt
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo (UiO), 0315, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene, University of Oslo, 0315, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Hassan Nasrollahzadeh Saravi
- Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center (CSERC), Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran.
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, London, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK.
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48
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Alavian Petroody SS, Hashemi SH, van Gestel CAM. Factors affecting microplastic retention and emission by a wastewater treatment plant on the southern coast of Caspian Sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 261:128179. [PMID: 33113649 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) process microplastics (MPs) will help informing management practices to reduce MP emissions to the environment. We show that composite 24 h samples taken at three replications from the outflow of the grit chamber, primary settling tank and clarifier of the WWTP of Sari City, on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, contained 12667 ± 668, 3514 ± 543 and 423 ± 44.9 MP/m3, respectively. Fibers accounted for 94.9%, 89.9% and 77.5% of the total number of MPs, respectively. The MP removal efficiency was 96.7%. MP shape (fiber, particle), size and structure were the most important factors determining their removal in different steps of the wastewater treatment process. The structure of microfibers (polyester, acrylic and nylon) and the consequent higher density than water explained their high removal (72.3%) in the primary settling tank. However, size was more important in microparticle removal with particles ≥500 μm being removed in the primary settling tank and <500 μm in the clarifier unit. The smallest particles (37-300 μm) showed the lowest removal efficiency. The predominant types of fibers and particles were polyester and polyethylene, respectively, which are likely to originate from the washing of synthetic textiles and from microbeads in toothpaste and cosmetics. Despite the efficiency of the Sari WWTP in removing MPs, it remains a major emission source of MPs to the Caspian Sea due to its high daily discharge load.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seyed Hossein Hashemi
- Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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49
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N V Lakshmi Kavya A, Sundarrajan S, Ramakrishna S. Identification and characterization of micro-plastics in the marine environment: A mini review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111704. [PMID: 33181967 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Micro-plastics (MPs) are an environmental threat that has been gaining importance lately with an increasing number of studies demonstrating that they are a larger threat than previously thought. Scientists around the world have used a wide number of methods in their studies and they have adapted changes in response to the specific nature of the research undertaken. This article provides an account of the historical development of the MP menace, development of methods and tools used in MP research and also describes the challenges that are faced to further advancement to take place. The article is categorized into various sections that include history, sources, isolation, extraction, and characterization of MPs. Among the thermal characterization techniques, direct pyrolysis mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry, which are widely used to characterize the plastics, but not utilised so far in this field are also highlighted for future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Subramanian Sundarrajan
- Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology Lab, Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Blk E3 05-12, 2 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117581, Singapore.
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology Lab, Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Blk E3 05-12, 2 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117581, Singapore.
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50
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Ghayebzadeh M, Aslani H, Taghipour H, Mousavi S. Contamination of the Caspian Sea Southern coast sediments with microplastics: A marine environmental problem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111620. [PMID: 33181919 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystem pollution with microplastics (MPs) is a global problem. The current study aimed to assess the occurrence of MPs in the sediments of the Caspian Sea southern coasts. For sampling, two distinct areas were selected including recreational-tourism areas (No = 24), and non-tourist areas (No = 24). MPs were studied in 5 and 5-15 cm from the top sediment surface. All 96 samples were taken and analyzed according to the methodology provided by the US national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA). The combination of observational techniques, FTIR, and SEM analysis was applied to identify MPs. MPs were classified into two categories in terms of size: small MPs and large MPs. The average, maximum, and minimum abundance of MPs (based on dry weight) in sediments of the southern coast of the Caspian Sea was 183.5 ± 154.4 MP/kg, 542 MP/kg, and 13 MP/kg, respectively. On the basis of morphology, fragment-shaped (30.3%) MPs showed the highest prevalence, while film-shaped (18.7%) MPs were the least contributory. Polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), each of them with a 20% share, were the most common MPs found in the studied samples. The distribution of MPs on the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea revealed a sporadic and irregular spatial pattern. Correspondingly, it can be concluded that probably environmental factors (the current of the sea surface water from west to east), enclosed environment of the Caspian Sea, anthropogenic activities (e.g., industrialization and urbanization, improper waste management, fishing, and tourism activity, residential wastewater), and also discharging of rivers (which can carry plastics) into the sea, have all influenced the abundance and polymer diversity of MPs in the sediments of the southern coast of the sea. More attention should be paid to the health and environmental effects of MPs and to the protection of this sensitive marine ecosystem through implementing proper waste management system by all surrounding littoral countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghayebzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hassan Aslani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hassan Taghipour
- Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Saeid Mousavi
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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