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Liang J, Abdullah ALB, Li Y, Wang H, Xiong S, Han M. Long-term PS micro/nano-plastic exposure: Particle size effects on hepatopancreas injury in Parasesarma pictum. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176530. [PMID: 39332714 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
With the widespread use of plastic products, microplastics and nanoplastics have emerged as prevalent pollutants in coastal aquatic ecosystems. Parasesarma pictum, a common estuarine crab species, was selected as a model organism. P. pictum was exposed to polystyrene (PS) particles of sizes 80 nm (80PS), 500 nm (500PS), and 1000 nm (1000PS), as well as to clean seawater (CK) for 21 days. Histological and fluorescent staining results showed that PS particles of all three sizes induced hepatopancreatic nuclear pyknosis, cell junction damage, and necrosis. The degree of damage was observed as 1000PS > 80PS > 500PS. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that major differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with cellular processes, membrane components, and catalytic activity. The respiratory chain disruptions and immune exhaustion induced by 1000PS were notably stronger than those by 80PS and 500PS. Additionally, necrosis caused hepatopancreas injury in P. pictum rather than apoptosis or autophagy after long-term PS particle exposure. Furthermore, PS particles of all three sizes inhibited innate immunity, while the complement pathway was not significantly affected in the 80PS group. This study elucidated potential distinctions in how plastic particles of varying sizes (nanoplastics, microplastics, and micro/nanoplastics) impact P. pictum, providing a reference for toxicological mechanism research on microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic organisms. Future research should focus on exploring long-term effects and potential mitigation strategies for microplastics and nanoplastics of more types and a wider range of particle size pollution in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liang
- School of Humanities, University Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | | | - Yiming Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Humanities, University Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Sen Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China; Chengdu Jncon Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Mingming Han
- Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, University Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
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2
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Richard CMC, Dejoie E, Wiegand C, Gouesbet G, Colinet H, Balzani P, Siaussat D, Renault D. Plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems: Current knowledge on impacts of micro and nano fragments on invertebrates. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135299. [PMID: 39067293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The increasing accumulation of small plastic particles, in particular microplastics (>1 µm to 5 mm) and nanoplastics (< 1 µm), in the environment is a hot topic in our rapidly changing world. Recently, studies were initiated to better understand the behavior of micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) within complex matrices like soil, as well as their characterization, incorporation and potential toxicity to terrestrial biota. However, there remains significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of the wide-extent impacts of MNP on terrestrial invertebrates. We first summarized facts on global plastic pollution and the generation of MNP. Then, we focused on compiling the existing literature examining the consequences of MNP exposure in terrestrial invertebrates. The diversity of investigated biological endpoints (from molecular to individual levels) were compiled to get a better comprehension of the effects of MNP according to different factors such as the shape, the polymer type, the organism, the concentration and the exposure duration. The sublethal effects of MNP are acknowledged in the literature, yet no general conclusion was drawn as their impacts are highly dependent on their characteristic and experimental design. Finally, the synthesis highlighted some research gaps and remediation strategies, as well as a protocol to standardize ecotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé M C Richard
- University of Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, Rennes, France
| | - Elsa Dejoie
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie de la MRC Abitibi, Institut de Recherche sur les Forêts, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Amos, Québec J9T 2L8, Canada
| | - Claudia Wiegand
- University of Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, Rennes, France
| | - Gwenola Gouesbet
- University of Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, Rennes, France
| | - Hervé Colinet
- University of Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, Rennes, France
| | - Paride Balzani
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 38925 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - David Siaussat
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INRAe, IRD, UPEC, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, iEES-Paris, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - David Renault
- University of Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, Rennes, France.
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Tayyab M, Kazmi SSUH, Pastorino P, Saqib HSA, Yaseen ZM, Hanif MS, Islam W. Microplastics in agroecosystems: Soil-plant dynamics and effective remediation approaches. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142641. [PMID: 38906184 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Increasing microplastic (MP) pollution, primarily from anthropogenic sources such as plastic film mulching, waste degradation, and agricultural practices, has emerged as a pressing global environmental concern. This review examines the direct and indirect effects of MPs on crops, both in isolation and in conjunction with other contaminants, to elucidate their combined toxicological impacts. Organic fertilizers predominantly contain 78.6% blue, 9.5% black, and 8.3% red MPs, while irrigation water in agroecosystems contains 66.2% white, 15.4% blue, and 8.1% black MPs, ranging from 0-1 mm to 4-5 mm in size. We elucidate five pivotal insights: Firstly, soil MPs exhibit affinity towards crop roots, seeds, and vascular systems, impeding water and nutrient uptake. Secondly, MPs induce oxidative stress in crops, disrupting vital metabolic processes. Thirdly, leachates from MPs elicit cytotoxic and genotoxic responses in crops. Fourthly, MPs disrupt soil biotic and abiotic dynamics, influencing water and nutrient availability for crops. Lastly, the cumulative effects of MPs and co-existing contaminants in agricultural soils detrimentally affect crop yield. Thus, we advocate agronomic interventions as practical remedies. These include biochar input, application of growth regulators, substitution of plastic mulch with crop residues, promotion of biological degradation, and encouragement of crop diversification. However, the efficacy of these measures varies based on MP type and dosage. As MP volumes increase, exploring alternative mitigation strategies such as bio-based plastics and environmentally friendly biotechnological solutions is imperative. Recognizing the persistence of plastics, policymakers should enact legislation favoring the mitigation and substitution of non-degradable materials with bio-derived or compostable alternatives. This review demonstrates the urgent need for collective efforts to alleviate MP pollution and emphasizes sustainable interventions for agricultural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tayyab
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China.
| | - Syed Shabi Ul Hassan Kazmi
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Paolo Pastorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Hafiz Sohaib Ahmed Saqib
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Zaher Mundher Yaseen
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Sajid Hanif
- Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Waqar Islam
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Desert Plant Roots Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
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Lu S, Wei S, Li M, Chadwick DR, Xie M, Wu D, Jones DL. Earthworms alleviate microplastics stress on soil microbial and protist communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174945. [PMID: 39043297 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution can exert significant pressure on soil ecosystems, however, the interactive effects of MPs on soil bacterial, fungal and protist communities remains poorly understood. Soil macrofauna, such as earthworms, can be directly affected by MPs, potentially leading to a range of feedbacks on the soil microbial community. To address this, we conducted a microcosm experiment to examine the effects of conventional (i.e., polyethylene, polystyrene) and biodegradable MPs (i.e. PBAT, polylactic acid) on the structure of the soil bacterial, fungal, and protist communities in the presence or absence of earthworms. We found that MP contamination negatively affected the diversity and composition of soil microbial and protist communities, with smaller-sized conventional MPs having the most pronounced effects. For example, compared with the unamended control, small-sized polyethylene MPs both significantly reduced the Shannon diversity of soil bacteria, fungi, and protist by 4.3 %, 37.0 %, and 9.1 %, respectively. Biodegradable MPs increased negative correlations among bacteria, fungi, and protists. However, earthworms mitigated these effects, enhancing the diversity and altering the composition of these communities. They also increased the niche width and stability of the soil microbial food web network. Our study indicated that earthworms help attenuate the response of soil microorganisms to MPs stress by influencing the diversity and composition of soil microorganisms and soil physicochemical properties and underscores the importance of considering macrofauna in MPs research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130117, China
| | - Shitong Wei
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130117, China
| | - Meiyan Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130117, China
| | - David R Chadwick
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Mengmeng Xie
- Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security in Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Donghui Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130117, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; Jilin Songnen Grassland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
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Rivenbark KJ, Fawkes LS, Nikkhah H, Wang M, Sansom GT, Beykal B, Wade TL, Phillips TD. Using L. minor and C. elegans to assess the ecotoxicity of real-life contaminated soil samples and their remediation by clay- and carbon-based sorbents. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123762. [PMID: 38479705 PMCID: PMC11323775 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123762] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Toxic substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, can accumulate in soil, posing a risk to human health and the environment. To reduce the risk of exposure, rapid identification and remediation of potentially hazardous soils is necessary. Adsorption of contaminants by activated carbons and clay materials is commonly utilized to decrease the bioavailability of chemicals in soil and environmental toxicity in vitro, and this study aims to determine their efficacy in real-life soil samples. Two ecotoxicological models (Lemna minor and Caenorhabditis elegans) were used to test residential soil samples, known to contain an average of 5.3, 262, and 9.6 ppm of PAHs, lead, and mercury, for potential toxicity. Toxicity testing of these soils indicated that 86% and 58% of soils caused ≤50% inhibition of growth and survival of L. minor and C. elegans, respectively. Importantly, 3 soil samples caused ≥90% inhibition of growth in both models, and the toxicity was positively correlated with levels of heavy metals. These toxic soil samples were prioritized for remediation using activated carbon and SM-Tyrosine sorbents, which have been shown to immobilize PAHs and heavy metals, respectively. The inclusion of low levels of SM-Tyrosine protected the growth and survival of L. minor and C. elegans by 83% and 78%, respectively from the polluted soil samples while activated carbon offered no significant protection. These results also indicated that heavy metals were the driver of toxicity in the samples. Results from this study demonstrate that adsorption technologies are effective strategies for remediating complex, real-life soil samples contaminated with hazardous pollutants and protecting natural soil and groundwater resources and habitats. The results highlight the applicability of these ecotoxicological models as rapid screening tools for monitoring soil quality and verifying the efficacy of remediation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Rivenbark
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Leanne S Fawkes
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hasan Nikkhah
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Center for Clean Energy Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Meichen Wang
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Garett T Sansom
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Burcu Beykal
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Center for Clean Energy Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Terry L Wade
- Geochemical & Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Timothy D Phillips
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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6
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Redondo-Hasselerharm PE, Rico A, Huerta Lwanga E, van Gestel CAM, Koelmans AA. Source-specific probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics in soils applying quality criteria and data alignment methods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133732. [PMID: 38350316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The risk characterization of microplastics (MP) in soil is challenging due to the non-alignment of existing exposure and effect data. Therefore, we applied data alignment methods to assess the risks of MP in soils subject to different sources of MP pollution. Our findings reveal variations in MP characteristics among sources, emphasizing the need for source-specific alignments. To assess the reliability of the data, we applied Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) screening tools. Risk assessment was carried out probabilistically, considering uncertainties in data alignments and effect thresholds. The Hazardous Concentrations for 5% (HC5) of the species were significantly higher compared to earlier studies and ranged between 4.0 × 107 and 2.3 × 108 particles (1-5000 µm)/kg of dry soil for different MP sources and ecologically relevant metrics. The highest risk was calculated for soils with MP entering via diffuse and unspecified local sources, i.e., "background pollution". However, the source with the highest proportion of high-risk values was sewage, followed by background pollution and mulching. Notably, locations exceeding the risk threshold obtained low scores in the QA/QC assessment. No risks were observed for soils with compost. To improve future risk assessments, we advise to primarily test environmentally relevant MP mixtures and adhere to strict quality criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula E Redondo-Hasselerharm
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081H Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Wang M, Rivenbark KJ, Nikkhah H, Beykal B, Phillips TD. In vitro and in vivo remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by processed and amended clays and activated carbon in soil. APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY : A SECTION OF AGRICULTURE, ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 196:105285. [PMID: 38463139 PMCID: PMC10919550 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2024.105285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Remediation methods for soil contaminated with poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are needed to prevent their leaching into drinking water sources and to protect living organisms in the surrounding environment. In this study, the efficacy of processed and amended clays and carbons as soil amendments to sequester PFAS and prevent leaching was assessed using PFAS-contaminated soil and validated using sensitive ecotoxicological bioassays. Four different soil matrices including quartz sand, clay loam soil, garden soil, and compost were spiked with 4 PFAS congeners (PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and PFBS) at 0.01-0.2 μg/mL and subjected to a 3-step extraction method to quantify the leachability of PFAS from each matrix. The multistep extraction method showed that PFAS leaching from soil was aligned with the total carbon content in soil, and the recovery was dependent on concentration of the PFAS. To prevent the leaching of PFAS, several sorbents including activated carbon (AC), calcium montmorillonite (CM), acid processed montmorillonite (APM), and organoclays modified with carnitine, choline, and chlorophyll were added to the four soil matrices at 0.5-4 % w/w, and PFAS was extracted using the LEAF method. Total PFAS bioavailability was reduced by 58-97 % by all sorbents in a dose-dependent manner, with AC being the most efficient sorbent with a reduction of 73-97 %. The water leachates and soil were tested for toxicity using an aquatic plant (Lemna minor) and a soil nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans), respectively, to validate the reduction in PFAS bioavailability. Growth parameters in both ecotoxicological models showed a dose-dependent reduction in toxicity with value-added growth promotion from the organoclays due to added nutrients. The kinetic studies at varying time intervals and varying pHs simulating acidic rain, fresh water, and brackish water suggested a stable sorption of PFAS on all sorbents that fit the pseudo-second-order for up to 21 days. Contaminated soil with higher than 0.1 μg/mL PFAS may require reapplication of soil amendments every 21 days. Overall, AC showed the highest sorption percentage of total PFAS from in vitro studies, while organoclays delivered higher protection in ecotoxicological models (in vivo). This study suggests that in situ immobilization with soil amendments can reduce PFAS leachates and their bioavailability to surrounding organisms. A combination of sorbents may facilitate the most effective remediation of complex soil matrices containing mixtures of PFAS and prevent leaching and uptake into plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Wang
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kelly J Rivenbark
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Hasan Nikkhah
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Center for Clean Energy Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Burcu Beykal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Center for Clean Energy Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Timothy D Phillips
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Zhuang Z, Liu T, Liu Z, Wang D. Polystyrene nanoparticles strengthen high glucose toxicity associated with alteration in insulin signaling pathway in C. elegans. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116056. [PMID: 38301579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Using Caenorhabditis elegans as animal model, we investigated the effect of exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) in the range of μg/L on high glucose toxicity induction. With lifespan and locomotion behavior as endpoints, we observed that PS-NP (10 and 100 μg/L) enhanced toxicity in 50 mM glucose treated animals. In insulin signaling pathway, expressions of genes encoding insulin receptor (daf-2), kinases (age-1 and akt-1/2), and insulin peptides (ins-9, ins-6, and daf-28) were increased, and expressions of daf-16 and its target of sod-3 were decreased in high glucose treated nematodes followed by PS-NP exposure. Toxicity enhancement in high glucose treated nematodes by PS-NP exposure was inhibited by RNAi of daf-2, age-1, akt-2, akt-1, and 3 insulin peptides genes, but increased by RNAi of daf-16 and sod-3. The resistance of animals with RNAi of daf-2 to toxicity in high glucose treated nematodes followed by PS-NP exposure could be suppressed by RNAi of daf-16. Moreover, in high glucose treated animals followed by PS-NP exposure, daf-2 expression was inhibited by RNAi of ins-6, ins-9, and daf-28. Our data demonstrated the risk of PS-NP exposure in enhancing the high glucose toxicity. More importantly, alteration in expression of genes in insulin signaling pathway was associated with the toxicity enhancement in high glucose treated nematodes followed by PS-NP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhengying Liu
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
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Rivenbark KJ, Nikkhah H, Wang M, Beykal B, Phillips TD. Toxicity of representative organophosphate, organochlorine, phenylurea, dinitroaniline, carbamate, and viologen pesticides to the growth and survival of H. vulgaris, L. minor, and C. elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:21781-21796. [PMID: 38396181 PMCID: PMC11257079 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32444-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Pesticides are commonly found in the environment and pose a risk to target and non-target species; therefore, employing a set of bioassays to rapidly assess the toxicity of these chemicals to diverse species is crucial. The toxicity of nine individual pesticides from organophosphate, organochlorine, phenylurea, dinitroaniline, carbamate, and viologen chemical classes and a mixture of all the compounds were tested in three bioassays (Hydra vulgaris, Lemna minor, and Caenorhabditis elegans) that represent plant, aquatic, and soil-dwelling species, respectively. Multiple endpoints related to growth and survival were measured for each model, and EC10 and EC50 values were derived for each endpoint to identify sensitivity patterns according to chemical classes and target organisms. L. minor had the lowest EC10 and EC50 values for seven and five of the individual pesticides, respectively. L. minor was also one to two orders of magnitude more sensitive to the mixture compared to H. vulgaris and C. elegans, where EC50 values were calculated to be 0.00042, 0.0014, and 0.038 mM, respectively. H. vulgaris was the most sensitive species to the remaining individual pesticides, and C. elegans consistently ranked the least sensitive to all tested compounds. When comparing the EC50 values across all pesticides, the endpoints of L. minor were correlated with each other while the endpoints measured in H. vulgaris and C. elegans were clustered together. While there was no apparent relationship between the chemical class of pesticide and toxicity, the compounds were more closely clustered based on target organisms (herbicide vs insecticide). The results of this study demonstrate that the combination of these plant, soil, and aquatic specie can serve as representative indicators of pesticide pollution in environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Rivenbark
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Hasan Nikkhah
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Center for Clean Energy Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Meichen Wang
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Burcu Beykal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Center for Clean Energy Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Timothy D Phillips
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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10
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Liu M, Wang C, Zhu B. Independent and combined effects of microplastics pollution and drought on soil bacterial community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169749. [PMID: 38160843 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169749] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Global terrestrial ecosystems are simultaneously threatened by multiple environmental pressures, with microplastics (MPs) pollution and drought possibly being the most pressing, both of which may have unanticipated effects on soil organisms. Here, we investigated the responses of diversity, composition and functions of soil bacterial community to MPs pollution (including two MPs types: polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA); two MPs sizes: < 20 μm and <300 μm) and drought in microcosms. We found that only 20 μm PLA MPs significantly decreased soil bacterial diversity by 17.4 % and altered soil bacterial community composition, while PE MPs and 300 μm PLA MPs had no significant effects. The copiotrophic bacteria (i.e., Proteobacteria and Firmicutes) were enriched in the 20 μm PLA MPs pollution soils due to the enhanced dissolved organic carbon contents. Moreover, our results showed that the 20 μm PLA MPs also affected the potential phenotypes and functions of soil bacterial community, increasing the potentially pathogenic, stress-tolerant, containing mobile elements and forming biofilms phenotypes, and promoting membrane transport and signal transduction pathways. These results suggested that the effects of MPs on soil bacterial community varied depending on MPs types and sizes. However, drought significantly increased soil bacterial diversity by 10.3 % and affected soil bacterial community composition in the 20 μm PLA MPs pollution soils. We also found that drought inhibited the levels of potentially pathogenic, containing mobile elements and forming biofilms phenotypes in the 20 μm PLA MPs pollution soils. Taken together, these findings reveal that drought may alleviate the adverse effects of MPs pollution on soil bacterial community, which enhances our understanding of the interactive effects of multiple global change factors on agroecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Liu
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chong Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Biao Zhu
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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11
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Kataria N, Yadav S, Garg VK, Rene ER, Jiang JJ, Rose PK, Kumar M, Khoo KS. Occurrence, transport, and toxicity of microplastics in tropical food chains: perspectives view and way forward. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:98. [PMID: 38393462 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01862-2] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, which have a diameter of less than 5 mm, are becoming an increasingly prevalent contaminant in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems due to the dramatic increase in plastic production to 390.7 million tonnes in 2021. Among all the plastics produced since 1950, nearly 80% ended up in the environment or landfills and eventually reached the oceans. Currently, 82-358 trillion plastic particles, equivalent to 1.1-4.9 million tonnes by weight, are floating on the ocean's surface. The interactions between microorganisms and microplastics have led to the transportation of other associated pollutants to higher trophic levels of the food chain, where microplastics eventually reach plants, animals, and top predators. This review paper focuses on the interactions and origins of microplastics in diverse environmental compartments that involve terrestrial and aquatic food chains. The present review study also critically discusses the toxicity potential of microplastics in the food chain. This systematic review critically identified 206 publications from 2010 to 2022, specifically reported on microplastic transport and ecotoxicological impact in aquatic and terrestrial food chains. Based on the ScienceDirect database, the total number of studies with "microplastic" as the keyword in their title increased from 75 to 4813 between 2010 and 2022. Furthermore, various contaminants are discussed, including how microplastics act as a vector to reach organisms after ingestion. This review paper would provide useful perspectives in comprehending the possible effects of microplastics and associated contaminants from primary producers to the highest trophic level (i.e. human health).
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Affiliation(s)
- Navish Kataria
- Department of Environmental Sciences, J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA, Faridabad, Haryana, 121006, India
| | - Sangita Yadav
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Vinod Kumar Garg
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151001, India
| | - Eldon R Rene
- Department of Water Supply, Sanitation and Environmental Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2601 DA, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jheng-Jie Jiang
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE), Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Risk Management (CERM), Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pawan Kumar Rose
- Department of Energy and Environmental Sciences, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Haryana, 125055, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Kuan Shiong Khoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India.
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12
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Yang S, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Zeng Y, Yan X, Tang X, Pu S. Studies on the transfer effect of aged polyethylene microplastics in soil-plant system. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:141001. [PMID: 38128740 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of polyethylene (PE) agricultural films has led to a large accumulation of microplastics in soil, and the environmental effects of microplastics on soil-plants have received increasing attention. In the actual soil environment, microplastics undergo significant changes in their physicochemical properties due to aging, accompanied by complex ecological and environmental effects. However, the quantitative understanding of the environmental effects of microplastic aging in soil-plant systems is still unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of aged and unaged PE microplastics on ecological functions and microplastic transfer mechanisms in soil-plant system, and confirmed the transport behavior of micrometer-sized microplastics (26 μm) within maize plants, expanding the upper size limit of existing studies on microplastic transport within plants. The accumulation of microplastics in maize was also quantitatively assessed in combination with the self-established method of Eu marked PE. The mobility ratio of microplastics from soil to roots, roots to stems, and stems to leaves was 1.07%, 0.76%, and 103.28%, respectively. This study provides a scientific understanding for the environmental effects of microplastics in soil-plants systems quantitatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuping Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xinyao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shengyan Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China.
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13
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Cheng Y, Guo Y, Wang F, Zhang L. Effects of polyethylene microplastics stress on soil physicochemical properties mediated by earthworm Eisenia fetida. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:12071-12082. [PMID: 38227261 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32007-8] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in soil environments, but their ecological risks are not fully understood. To fill this knowledge gap, incubation experiments were conducted to explore the physiological response of Eisenia foetida (E. fetida) to polyethylene MP stress and its effects on soil physicochemical properties. E. fetida was incubated in soils amended with MPs of two particle sizes (13 μm and 130 μm) at six concentrations (0, 1, 3, 6, 10 and 20 g MPs·kg-1 soil) under laboratory conditions. The toxicity of 13 μm MPs on the growth and survival of E. fetida was greater than that of 130 μm MPs. Excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation induced by high MP concentrations decreased superoxide dismutase activity and increased malondialdehyde content. Soil pH increased significantly in the 130 μm treatments. MPs increased the contents of soil organic carbon and available potassium. However, the presence of MPs did not significantly alter available phosphorus or nitrate nitrogen content. MP contamination in soil may have adverse impacts on the growth of earthworms, induce oxidative stress in earthworms, and change soil physicochemical properties. In addition, the effects of MPs are size-dependent and dose-dependent. This study provides new evidence for the ecological risks of MP pollution in the earthworm-soil systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Cheng
- School of Resources and Environment, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, 90 Eastern Hualan Avenue, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Yanling Guo
- School of Resources and Environment, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, 90 Eastern Hualan Avenue, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Resources and Environment, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, 90 Eastern Hualan Avenue, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Lihao Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, 90 Eastern Hualan Avenue, Xinxiang, 453003, China
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14
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Liu Z, Hua X, Zhao Y, Bian Q, Wang D. Polyethylene nanoplastics cause reproductive toxicity associated with activation of both estrogenic hormone receptor NHR-14 and DNA damage checkpoints in C. elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167471. [PMID: 37778542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
As the most commercial polymer, the polyethylene nanoparticle (PE-NP) has been discharged into the environment and poses potential risks to organisms. However, the possible reproductive toxicity of PE-NP and underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans was employed as the animal model to effects of PE-NP (100 nm) and their leachates on reproduction and underlying mechanisms. Nematodes were exposed to PE-NP at 0.1-100 μg/L from L1-larvae to adult day 1 (approximately 4.5 days). Both brood size and number of fertilized eggs in uterus were decreased by 10 and 100 μg/L PE-NP, but could not be affected by their leachates. In addition, number of mitotic cells, length, and area of gonad were reduced by 10 and 100 μg/L PE-NP, but were not altered by their leachates. Accompanied with alteration in expressions of genes (egl-1, ced-9, ced-4, and ced-3) governing cell apoptosis, germline apoptosis was enhanced by PE-NP. Meanwhile, DNA damage was involved in the enhancement germline apoptosis after PE-NP exposure. PE-NP further increased expression of nhr-14 encoding estrogenic hormone receptor, and RNAi of nhr-14 suppressed PE-NP reproductive toxicity. Moreover, RNAi of nhr-14 decreased expression of egl-1, ced-4, ced-3, and mrt-2 in PE-NP exposed nematodes. Therefore, exposure to PE-NPs rather than in their leachates potentially caused reproductive toxicity by activating both estrogenic hormone receptor NHR-14 and DNA damage checkpoints (CLK-2, HUS-1, and MRT-2) in nematodes. These findings provide important insights into the exposure risk of PE-NPs on reproduction of environmental organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Bian
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
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15
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Le VR, Nguyen MK, Nguyen HL, Lin C, Rakib MRJ, Thai VA, Le VG, Malafaia G, Idris AM. Organic composts as A vehicle for the entry of microplastics into the environment: A comprehensive review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 892:164758. [PMID: 37308024 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a widespread issue that poses a threat to agroecosystems. Recent data on microplastic (MP) pollution from compost and its application to soil have highlighted the potential impact of micropollutants that may be transferred from compost. Thus, we aim with this review to elucidate the distribution-occurrence, characterization, fate/transport, and potential risk of MPs from organic compost to gain comprehensive knowledge and mitigate the adverse impacts of compost application. The concentration of MPs in compost was up to thousands of items/kg. Among micropollutants, fibers, fragments, and films are the most common, with small MPs having a higher potential to absorb other pollutants and cause harm to organisms. Various synthetic polymers, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester (PES), and acrylic polymers (AP), have been widely used of plastic items. MPs are emerging pollutants that can have diverse effects on soil ecosystems, as they can transfer potential pollutants from MPs to compost and then to the soil. Following the microbial degradation scheme, the transfer chain from plastics to compost to soil can be broken down into main stages, i.e., colonization - (bio)fragmentation - assimilation - and mineralization. Microorganisms and adding biochar play an essential role during composting, which can be an effective solution to enhance MP degradation. Findings have shown that stimulating free radical generation could promote the biodegradation efficacy of MPs and possibly remove their occurrence in compost, thereby reducing their contribution to ecosystem pollution. Furthermore, future recommendations were discussed to reduce ecosystem risks and health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Re Le
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry (HUFI), 140 Le Trong Tan Street, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Hoang-Lam Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Van-Anh Thai
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Van-Giang Le
- Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi 111000, Viet Nam
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil.
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61431 Abha, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Höss S, Sanders D, van Egmond R. Determining the toxicity of organic compounds to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans based on aqueous concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:96290-96300. [PMID: 37567994 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is used for assessing the toxicity of chemicals in aqueous medium. However, chemicals can absorb to the bacterial food, which reduces the freely dissolved concentrations of the tested compounds. Thus, based on total or nominal concentrations, toxicity is underestimated, resulting in misleading assumptions on toxicity mechanisms or comparisons to other test organisms. As the verification of freely dissolved exposure concentrations (Cfree) is challenging in small test systems, simple partitioning models might by a good option for estimating Cfree. Therefore, C. elegans was exposed to seven differently acting organic chemicals with varying hydrophobicities, thus also different affinities to bind to the food of C. elegans. Measured concentrations of the dissolved aqueous and the bacterial-bound fraction allowed the calculation of binding constants (Kb). Experimental Kb were comparable to literature data of hydrophobic chemicals and correlated well with their hydrophobicity, expressed as log KOW. The chronic toxicity of the various compounds on C. elegans' reproduction, based on their aqueous concentration, was weakly related to their log KOW. Toxicity expressed based on chemical activity and comparisons with a baseline toxicity model, nevertheless, suggested a narcotic mode of action for most hydrophobic compounds (except methylisothiazolinone and trichlorocarbanilide). Although revealing a similar toxicity ranking than Daphnia magna, C. elegans was less sensitive, probably due to its ability to reduce its internal concentrations by means of its very impermeable cuticle or by efficient detoxification mechanisms. It could be shown that measured aqueous concentrations in the nematode test system corresponded well with freely dissolved concentrations that were modeled using simple mass-balance models from nominal concentrations. This offers the possibility to estimate freely dissolved concentrations of chemicals from nominal concentrations, making routine testing of chemicals and their comparison to other species more accurate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Sanders
- Unilever, Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedford, MK44 1LQ, UK
| | - Roger van Egmond
- Unilever, Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedford, MK44 1LQ, UK
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17
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Daghighi E, Shah T, Chia RW, Lee JY, Shang J, Rodríguez-Seijo A. The forgotten impacts of plastic contamination on terrestrial micro- and mesofauna: A call for research. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116227. [PMID: 37244494 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) contamination of the terrestrial environment is a growing concern worldwide and is thought to impact soil biota, particularly the micro and mesofauna community, by various processes that may contribute to global change in terrestrial systems. Soils act as a long-term sink for MP, accumulating these contaminants and increasing their adverse impacts on soil ecosystems. Consequently, the whole terrestrial ecosystem is impacted by microplastic pollution, which also threatens human health by their potential transfer to the soil food web. In general, the ingestion of MP in different concentrations by soil micro and mesofauna can adversely affect their development and reproduction, impacting terrestrial ecosystems. MP in soil moves horizontally and vertically because of the movement of soil organisms and the disturbance caused by plants. However, the effects of MP on terrestrial micro-and mesofauna are largely overlooked. Here, we give the most recent information on the forgotten impacts of MP contamination of soil on microfauna and mesofauna communities (protists, tardigrades, soil rotifers, nematodes, collembola and mites). More than 50 studies focused on the impact of MP on these organisms between 1990 and 2022 have been reviewed. In general, plastic pollution does not directly affect the survival of organisms, except under co-contaminated plastics that can increase adverse effects (e.g. tire-tread particles on springtails). Besides, they can have adverse effects at oxidative stress and reduced reproduction (protists, nematodes, potworms, springtails or mites). It was observed that micro and mesofauna could act as passive plastic transporters, as shown for springtails or mites. Finally, this review discusses how soil micro- and mesofauna play a key role in facilitating the (bio-)degradation and movement of MP and NP through soil systems and, therefore, the potential transfer to soil depths. More research should be focused on plastic mixtures, community level and long-term experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Daghighi
- BetterSoil e. V., Lise-Meitner-Straße 9, D-89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tufail Shah
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - R W Chia
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jianying Shang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Andrés Rodríguez-Seijo
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia Do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias de Ourense, Universidade de Vigo, As Lagoas S/n, Ourense, 32004, Spain; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
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18
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Liu M, Wang C, Zhu B. Drought Alleviates the Negative Effects of Microplastics on Soil Micro-Food Web Complexity and Stability. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37471306 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Soil ecosystems are under considerable pressure due to anthropogenic factors, including microplastics (MPs) pollution and drought. However, little is known about the interactive effects of MPs and drought on soil organisms, especially soil micro-food web. We conducted a microcosm experiment with MPs pollution (including two types and two sizes of MPs) and drought to investigate their interaction effects on soil microbial, protist, and nematode communities in soil micro-food web. We found that MPs significantly decreased the complexity and stability of soil micro-food web, with greater negative effects of biodegradable and smaller-sized MPs than conventional and larger-sized MPs. Drought had negative effects on soil micro-food web in the non-MPs pollution soils while increasing the complexity and stability of soil micro-food web in the MPs pollution soils. Drought increased the proportion of negative correlations between bacteria and fungi in the biodegradable MPs soils while decreasing the proportion of negative correlations between protists and nematodes in the smaller-sized MPs soils. Our study reveals that drought may alleviate the negative effects of MPs on soil micro-food web by reducing competition among lower trophic levels in the biodegradable MPs pollution soils while reducing competition among higher trophic levels in the smaller-sized MPs pollution soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Liu
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chong Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Biao Zhu
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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19
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Zhou W, Wang Q, Wei Z, Jiang J, Deng J. Effects of microplastic type on growth and physiology of soil crops: Implications for farmland yield and food quality. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 326:121512. [PMID: 36967010 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic residues pose one of the most serious environmental problems in areas where plastic mulch is used extensively. Microplastic pollution has potentially serious consequences for ecosystems and human health. Several studies have analyzed microplastics in greenhouses or laboratory climate-controlled chambers; however, field studies evaluating the effects of different microplastics on different crops in extensive farming are limited. Therefore, we selected three major crops, Zea mays (ZM, monocotyledon), Glycine max (GM, dicotyledon, aboveground-bearing), and Arachis hypogaea (AH, dicotyledon, belowground-bearing) and investigated the effect of adding polyester microplastics (PES-MPs) and polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs). Our results demonstrate that PP-MPs and PES-MPs decreased the soil bulk density of ZM, GM, and AH. Regarding soil pH, PES-MPs increased the soil pH of AH and ZM, whereas PP-MPs decreased the soil pH of ZM, GM, and AH compared to controls. Intriguingly, different coordinated trait responses to PP-MPs and PES-MPs were observed in all crops. In general, commonly measured parameters of AH, such as plant height, culm diameter, total biomass, root biomass, PSII maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm), hundred-gain weight, and soluble sugar tended to decrease under PP-MPs exposure; however, some indicators of ZM and GM increased under PP-MPs exposure. PES-MPs had no obviously adverse influence on the three crops, except for the biomass of GM, and even significantly increased the chlorophyll content of AH, specific leaf area, and soluble sugar of GM. Compared with PES-MPs, PP-MPs have serious negative effects on crop growth and quality, especially AH. The findings of the present study provides evidence for evaluating the impact of soil microplastic pollution on crop yield and quality in farmland and lay a foundation for future investigations on the exploration of MP toxicity mechanisms and adaptability of different crops to microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qingwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhanbo Wei
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Green Fertilizers, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Juntao Jiang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110003, China
| | - Jiaojiao Deng
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
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20
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Johansen JL, Dam M, Kudjordjie EN, Santos SS, Palmqvist A, Magid J, Vestergård M. Effects of long-term fertilization with contemporary Danish human urine, composted household waste and sewage sludge on soil nematode abundance and community structure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160485. [PMID: 36436626 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
It is desirable to recycle the urban waste products human urine, composted household waste and sewage sludge as fertilizers to agricultural fields. This could minimize the use of NPK fertilizer, improve soil structure and store carbon. However, waste products may contain heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POP) and plastics, and there are concerns that long-term build-up of these substances will cause unwanted effects on soil health. Nematodes are ubiquitous and numerous in soil ecosystems. Abundance and community structure of soil nematodes can be used as indicators of soil health, as some species are vulnerable to pollution. There are well-developed methods for detecting environmental changes based on nematode community structure. At the long-term CRUCIAL field experiment, where alternative fertilizer products have been applied since 2003, we measured effects of long-term fertilization with human urine, composted household waste and sewage sludge on soil properties (pH, soil organic matter and nitrogen availability), abundance of soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, small protozoa and ciliates) and nematode trophic groups compared to plots with unfertilized, NPK and cattle manure treatment. Sampling and assessments were done three times during a growth season. Further, we assessed the composition of nematode communities using metabarcoding. Treatments with a high input of organic matter (cattle manure, composted household waste and sewage sludge) had high abundances of bacteria and thus bacterial grazers (small protozoa, ciliates, and bacterial feeding nematodes). We found a significant correlation between nematode community structure and pH and organic matter. We calculated the nematode Maturity Index 2-5 (pollution indicator) based on metabarcoding data, which did not differ significantly between the treatments. We conclude that long-term fertilization with different types of contemporary Danish urban waste products affects both soil properties and abundance of soil organisms, the latter largely reflecting the organic matter input of the fertilizer treatments. We found no adverse effect on nematode communities that could indicate pollution-induced stress on nematofauna or decreased soil fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Liengaard Johansen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK1871 København, Denmark; Department of Agroecology, AU-Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK4200 Slagelse, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, PO Box 260, DK4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Marie Dam
- Danish Agricultural Agency, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark, Nyropsgade 30, DK1780 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Enoch Narh Kudjordjie
- Department of Agroecology, AU-Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK4200 Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Susana Silva Santos
- Department of Agroecology, AU-Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK4200 Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Annemette Palmqvist
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, PO Box 260, DK4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jakob Magid
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK1871 København, Denmark
| | - Mette Vestergård
- Department of Agroecology, AU-Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK4200 Slagelse, Denmark
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21
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Pérez-Reverón R, Álvarez-Méndez SJ, González-Sálamo J, Socas-Hernández C, Díaz-Peña FJ, Hernández-Sánchez C, Hernández-Borges J. Nanoplastics in the soil environment: Analytical methods, occurrence, fate and ecological implications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120788. [PMID: 36481462 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Soils play a very important role in ecosystems sustainability, either natural or agricultural ones, serving as an essential support for living organisms of different kinds. However, in the current context of extremely high plastic pollution, soils are highly threatened. Plastics can change the chemical and physical properties of the soils and may also affect the biota. Of particular importance is the fact that plastics can be fragmented into microplastics and, to a final extent into nanoplastics. Due to their extremely low size and high surface area, nanoplastics may even have a higher impact in soil ecosystems. Their transport through the edaphic environment is regulated by the physicochemical properties of the soil and plastic particles themselves, anthropic activities and biota interactions. Their degradation in soils is associated with a series of mechanical, photo-, thermo-, and bio-mediated transformations eventually conducive to their mineralisation. Their tiny size is precisely the main setback when it comes to sampling soils and subsequent processes for their identification and quantification, albeit pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and other spectroscopic techniques have proven to be useful for their analysis. Another issue as a consequence of their minuscule size lies in their uptake by plants roots and their ingestion by soil dwelling fauna, producing morphological deformations, damage to organs and physiological malfunctions, as well as the risks associated to their entrance in the food chain, although current conclusions are not always consistent and show the same pattern of effects. Thus, given the omnipresence and seriousness of the plastic menace, this review article pretends to provide a general overview of the most recent data available regarding nanoplastics determination, occurrence, fate and effects in soils, with special emphasis on their ecological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Pérez-Reverón
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Sergio J Álvarez-Méndez
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier González-Sálamo
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Socas-Hernández
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Avenida Catalunya, 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco J Díaz-Peña
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Cintia Hernández-Sánchez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Forense y Legal y Parasitología, Área de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Sección de Náutica, Máquinas y Radioelectrónica Naval, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Vía Auxiliar Paso Alto 2, 38001, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
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22
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Mohana AA, Islam MM, Rahman M, Pramanik SK, Haque N, Gao L, Pramanik BK. Generation and consequence of nano/microplastics from medical waste and household plastic during the COVID-19 pandemic. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:137014. [PMID: 36328315 PMCID: PMC9619086 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Since the end of 2019, the world has faced a major crisis because of the outbreak of COVID-19 disease which has created a severe threat to humanity. To control this pandemic, the World Health Organization gave some guidelines like wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) (e.g., face masks, overshoes, gloves), social distancing, hand hygiene and shutting down all modes of public transport services. During this pandemic, plastic products (e.g., household plastics, PPE and sanitizer bottles) have substantially prevented the spread of this virus. Since the outbreak, approximately 1.6 million tons of plastic waste have been generated daily. However, single-use PPE like face masks (N95), surgical masks and hand gloves contain many non-biodegradable plastics materials. These abandoned products have created a huge number of plastic debris which ended up as microplastics (MPs) followed by nanoplastics (NPs) in nature that are hazardous to the eco-system. These MPs and NPs also act as vectors for the various pathogenic contaminants. The goal of this review is to offer an extensive discussion on the formation of NPs and MPs from all of these abandoned plastics and their long-term impact on the environment as well as human health. This review paper also attempts to assess the present global scenario and the main challenge of waste management to reduce the potential NP/MPs pollution to improve the eco-systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Amir Mohana
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Md Monjurul Islam
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, South Korea
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Sagor Kumar Pramanik
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nawshad Haque
- CSIRO Mineral Resources, Clayton South, Melbourne, VIC, 3169, Australia
| | - Li Gao
- South East Water, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, Australia
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23
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Ullah R, Tsui MTK, Chow A, Chen H, Williams C, Ligaba-Osena A. Micro(nano)plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystem: emphasis on impacts of polystyrene on soil biota, plants, animals, and humans. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:252. [PMID: 36585967 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10769-3] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pollution with emerging microscopic contaminants such as microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) including polystyrene (PS) in aquatic and terrestrial environments is increasingly recognized. PS is largely used in packaging materials and is dumped directly into the ecosystem. PS micro-nano-plastics (MNPs) can be potentially bioaccumulated in the food chain and can cause human health concerns through food consumption. Earlier MP research has focused on the aquatic environments, but recent researches show significant MP and NP contamination in the terrestrial environments especially agricultural fields. Though PS is the hotspot of MPs research, however, to our knowledge, this systematic review represents the first of its kind that specifically focused on PS contamination in agricultural soils, covering sources, effects, and ways of PS mitigation. The paper also provides updated information on the effects of PS on soil organisms, its uptake by plants, and effects on higher animals as well as human beings. Directions for future research are also proposed to increase our understanding of the environmental contamination of PS in terrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raza Ullah
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Shatin, New Territories, China
| | - Alex Chow
- Biogeochemistry & Environmental Quality Research Group, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29442, USA
- Dep. of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Huan Chen
- Biogeochemistry & Environmental Quality Research Group, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29442, USA
- Dep. of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Clinton Williams
- USDA-ARS, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Cardon Ln, Maricopa, AZ, USA
| | - Ayalew Ligaba-Osena
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA.
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24
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Qiao R, Mortimer M, Richter J, Rani-Borges B, Yu Z, Heinlaan M, Lin S, Ivask A. Hazard of polystyrene micro-and nanospheres to selected aquatic and terrestrial organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158560. [PMID: 36087672 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics contamination in the environment is a major concern. Risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics (MPL and NPL) poses significant challenges due to MPL and NPL heterogeneity regarding compositional polymers, particle sizes and morphologies in the environment. Yet, there exists considerable toxicological literature on commercial polystyrene (PS) micro- and nanospheres. Although such particles do not directly represent the environmental MPL and NPL, their toxicity data should be used to advance the hazard assessment of plastics. Here, toxicity data of PS micro- and nanospheres for microorganisms, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, fish, and higher plants was collected and analyzed. The evaluation of 294 papers revealed that aquatic invertebrates were the most studied organisms, nanosized PS was studied more often than microsized PS, acute exposures prevailed over chronic exposures, the toxicity of PS suspension additives was rarely addressed, and ∼40 % of data indicated no organismal effects of PS. Toxicity mechanisms were mainly studied in fish and nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, providing guidance for relevant studies in higher organisms. Future studies should focus on environmentally relevant plastics concentrations, wide range of organisms, co-exposures with other pollutants, and method development for plastics identification and quantification to fill the gap of bioaccumulation assessment of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxia Qiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Jelizaveta Richter
- National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
| | - Bárbara Rani-Borges
- Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Alto da Boa Vista, Sorocaba, São Paulo 18087-180, Brazil; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Zhenyang Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Margit Heinlaan
- National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Tallinn 12618, Estonia.
| | - Sijie Lin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Angela Ivask
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia.
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25
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Huang CW, Yen PL, Kuo YH, Chang CH, Liao VHC. Nanoplastic exposure in soil compromises the energy budget of the soil nematode C. elegans and decreases reproductive fitness. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 312:120071. [PMID: 36055456 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental nanoplastics (NPs) can accumulate in soils, posing a potential risk to soil ecosystems. However, the ecotoxicity of NPs for soil organisms has received little research attention. This study investigated whether NP exposure in soil leads to reproductive decline in the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and sought to determine the mechanisms by which it may occur. Wild-type N2 C. elegans L1 larvae were exposed to various concentrations of nano-sized polystyrene (100 nm) in soil (0, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg dry weight) for 96 h. We show that nano-sized polystyrene (100 nm) labeled with red fluorescence significantly accumulated in the intestine of C. elegans in a dose-dependent fashion via soil exposure (8%-47% increase). In addition, NP soil exposure led to 7%-33% decline in the number of eggs in utero and 2.6%-4.4% decline in the egg hatching percentage. We also find that the number of germ cell corpses (31%-55% increase) and the mRNA levels of germline apoptosis marker gene ced-3 (14%-31% increase) were significantly higher with greater NP soil exposure (10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg), while intracellular ATP levels were significantly reduced. Finally, the DEBtox model, which is based on the dynamic energy budget theory, was applied to show that the increased reproductive costs for C. elegans caused by NPs in soil are associated with energy depletion and reproductive decline. The threshold value (4.18 × 10-6 mg/kg) for the energy budget also highlighted the potential high reproductive risk posed by NPs in terrestrial ecosystems. Our study provides new insights into how soil organisms interact with NPs in soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Wei Huang
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ling Yen
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Kuo
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Han Chang
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Vivian Hsiu-Chuan Liao
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
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26
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Li D, Sun W, Jiang X, Yu Z, Xia Y, Cheng S, Mao L, Luo S, Tang S, Xu S, Zou Z, Chen C, Qiu J, Zhou L. Polystyrene nanoparticles enhance the adverse effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on male reproductive system in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 245:114104. [PMID: 36174316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coexposure of nanoplastics (NPs) with other pollutants adsorbed from the surroundings has received extensive attention. Currently, the combined effects of NPs and plasticizers remain unclear. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer that has raised much concern owing to its ubiquitous pollution and endocrine-disrupting potential. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects on the male reproductive system upon coexposure to NPs and DEHP. The C57BL/6J mice were orally administrated with polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs), DEHP or both for 35 days to evaluate their effects on sperm quality, histology of testes and epididymides, testicular transcriptomic characteristics as well as expression of some important genes in the epididymides. The low-dose PSNPs used here did not induce significant changes in sperm quality, while DEHP alone or cotreatment with DEHP and PSNPs caused notable impairment, mainly manifesting as decreased sperm quality and aberrant structure of the testis and epididymis. Moreover, enhanced toxic effects were found in the cotreatment group when compared with the individual DEHP treatment group, as manifested by more obvious alterations in the sperm parameters as well as histological changes in the testis and epididymis. Testicular transcriptomic analysis revealed differential regulation of genes involved in immune response, cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor signaling pathways, protein ubiquitination, oxidative stress, necrotic cell death, ATP synthesis and the cellular respiratory chain. RT-qPCR verified that the expression patterns of Cenpb, Crisp1 and Mars were changed in testes, and genes relevant to epididymal function including Aqp9 and Octn2 were downregulated in epididymides, particularly in the cotreatment group. Collectively, our results emphasize that DEHP at an environmentally relevant dose can induce male reproductive toxicity, and PSNPs may aggravate the toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Jiang
- Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Center of Experimental Teaching for Public Health, Experimental Teaching and Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziying Yu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinyin Xia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuqun Cheng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Lejiao Mao
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyue Luo
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixin Tang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangcheng Xu
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Chongqing 400060, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key lab of Prevention and Treatment for Occupational Diseases and Poisoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zou
- Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Molecular Biology Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengzhi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingfu Qiu
- Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lixiao Zhou
- Research Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Wen X, Yin L, Zhou Z, Kang Z, Sun Q, Zhang Y, Long Y, Nie X, Wu Z, Jiang C. Microplastics can affect soil properties and chemical speciation of metals in yellow-brown soil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 243:113958. [PMID: 35987081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although the influence of microplastics (MPs) in different soil environments has been investigated, their effects on the physiochemical properties and chemical speciation of heavy metals in yellow-brown soil remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of various concentrations of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs on the yellow-brown soil environment and chemical speciation of the heavy metals cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). MPs influenced the physicochemical properties and chemical speciation of heavy metals in yellow-brown soil. The physicochemical properties of yellow-brown soil can be altered by changing the concentrations of LDPE MP. The relationship between changes in field capacity (FC) and LDPE concentrations was approximately linear. The physiochemical properties of yellow-brown soil containing added PA, PU, and LDPE MPs were substantially improved (control vs. MPs): FC, 39 % vs. 42.50 % for PU, cation exchange capacity (CEC) 45.77, 56.65, and 57.44 cmol.kg-1 for PA, PU, and LDPE respectively, and organic matter (OM) content, 40.16 vs. 51.68 g.kg-1 for PA. The LLDPE and PU MPs also simultaneously affected the chemical speciation of heavy metals in yellow-brown soil. The LLDPE MPs increased the acid-soluble (45.17-54.67 % (Cd-F1), 7.24-11.30 % (Cu-F1), 4.20-7.23 % (Pb-F1), 21.21-31.47 % (Zn-F1)) and reducible (24.02-29.41 % (Cd-F2), 25.69-34.95 % (Cu-F2), 74.29-81.07 % (Pb-F2), 28.77-34.19 % (Zn-F2)) fractions of heavy metals, which increased their bioavailability. However, PU MPs reduced the ecological risk of heavy metals in yellow-brown soil by increasing the content of the residual fraction (26.11-40.21 % (Cd-F4), 47.63-59.67 % (Cu-F4), 17.25-26.76 % (Pb-F4), 32.63-50.46 % (Zn-F4)). Changes in the properties of yellow-brown soil and the impact of MPs on heavy metals, might change the chemical speciation of heavy metals. The impact of MPs on heavy metals in yellow-brown soil requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Wen
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Water-Sediment Sciences and Water Disaster Prevention of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Lingshi Yin
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Water-Sediment Sciences and Water Disaster Prevention of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhou
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Ziyi Kang
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Qiaoling Sun
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - You Zhang
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Yuannan Long
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Water-Sediment Sciences and Water Disaster Prevention of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Xiaobao Nie
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Water-Sediment Sciences and Water Disaster Prevention of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Water-Sediment Sciences and Water Disaster Prevention of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Changbo Jiang
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Water-Sediment Sciences and Water Disaster Prevention of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China.
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Kim L, Lee TY, Kim H, An YJ. Toxicity assessment of tire particles released from personal mobilities (bicycles, cars, and electric scooters) on soil organisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129362. [PMID: 35716575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129362] [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: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tire particles are generated by the abrasion of tire treads on roads and are major contributors to microplastics in soil environments. Contamination by tire wear particles worsens annually as the use of personal mobilities increases. Tire particles (112-541 µm) were obtained from three types of personal mobility tires (bicycle, car, and electric scooter) and exposed to plants (Vigna radiata) and springtails (Folsomia candida) for 28 d to assess the toxicity of each tire-particle type. The laboratory-generated tire particles exhibit adverse effects depending on the origin of the tire or test species. Particles from bicycle or electric-scooter tires changed the soil's bulk density and water holding capacity and adversely affected plant growth. Car tire particles had leached various organic compounds and induced detrimental effects on springtails (adult and offspring growth). We concluded that laboratory-generated tire particles (frow new tires) can affect the soil environment by changing soil properties and leaching chemicals; thus, causing adverse effects on soil organisms. Since this study found tire particle toxicity on soil organisms, it would be possible to compare the various contamination levels in areas near road soil and other clean soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, the Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Yang Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, the Republic of Korea
| | - Haemi Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, the Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, the Republic of Korea.
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29
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Song K, Xue Y, Li L, Deng M, Zhao X. Impact and microbial mechanism of continuous nanoplastics exposure on the urban wastewater treatment process. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 223:119017. [PMID: 36044798 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Contamination by nanoplastics in urban water has aroused increasing concern. The impact of nanoplastic exposure on the wastewater treatment process in the long term is still unclear. This study investigated the effect of continuous nanoplastic exposure (R1:0, R2:10, R3:100, and R4:1000 μg/L) on the nitrification and denitrification processes for over 200 days in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The results revealed that nanoplastic exposure does not demonstrate significant inhibition of total nitrogen removal. The ammonia oxidation rate (19.24 ± 0.01 mgN/gMLVSS/h, p < 0.05) and denitrification rate (11.78 ± 0.11 mgN/ gMLVSS/h, p < 0.05) in R4 was significantly lower than the control (R1: 0 μg/L). The maximal reaction velocities of N2O reduction (Vmax) were improved after long-term exposure to nanoplastics in high concentrations. The R3 demonstrated the highest Vmax value-six times higher than R4 and approximately 20 times higher than R1 and R2. The microbial structure largely varied with the exposure to nanoplastics, where the exposure to a high concentration largely suppressed the nitrifier and selectively enriched the denitrifier. The percentage of the top 20 genera of denitrifiers increased from 31.76% to 63.42%, and the nitrifiers decreased from an initial 12.40% to 2.83% for R4. The predominant genera were found to be Thauera, Azoarcus, and Defluviicoccus in R4 and R3 which indicated their tolerance to nanoplastics. The function prediction results indicated that the membrane transport function was significantly enhanced and the lipid metabolism function was significantly reduced in R4 as compared with the control (R1, p<0.05). This may be attributed to the adsorption of nanoplastics on bacteria. Observation under a scan electronic microscope demonstrated that the nanoplastics were firmly attached to the microbe surface and aggregated in activated sludge at high nanoplastics dosed reactor. These results deepen the understanding of the effect of nanoplastics on the urban wastewater treatment process and provide valuable information for the management of nanoplastic contamination in urban wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunpeng Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Min Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
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Nam SH, Kim D, An YJ. Soil algae as a potential carrier for nanoplastics: Adsorption and internalization of nanoplastics in algal cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155678. [PMID: 35561935 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although plastics are widely distributed in soil environments, few studies have assessed their effects on different test species. In this study, the responses (adsorption or internalization) of two green algal species (Chlorococcum infusionum and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) to nanoplastics in soil were evaluated via microscopic analysis for nine weeks; additionally, the effects of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics on their photosynthetic activity and growth were assessed. The results showed that PS nanoplastics and C. infusionum or C. reinhardtii cells were aggregated with the formation of palmelloid colonies; additionally, internalization of PS nanoplastics to C. reinhardtii cells was verified. However, no significant effects of PS nanoplastics on photosynthetic activity and growth of soil algae were observed. Algae were more likely to be threatened by plastic aggregation in the soil environment than in the aquatic environment due to the formation of a mucilaginous sheath on their cell. Our results highlighted that soil algae are a potential carrier of nanoplastics to other organisms in the food chain due to plastic aggregation through adsorption or internalization. This study will enhance our understanding of nanoplastic distribution in soil algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Hwa Nam
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dokyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Shen F, Li D, Guo J, Chen J. Mechanistic toxicity assessment of differently sized and charged polystyrene nanoparticles based on human placental cells. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 223:118960. [PMID: 35988336 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics, as emerging contaminants, may be degraded from microplastics and released into aquatic systems globally, which pose threats to human health via ingestion with food or water. Although plastic fragments have been isolated from placental tissues in pregnant women, little is known about the direct toxicity of nanoplastics on human placental cells that plays a critical role in maintaining healthy growth of fetus. This study explored the mechanistic toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) with different sizes (25, 50, 100 and 500 nm) and surface charges (-NH2, -COOH and unlabeled) on human placental cells. Results showed that PS-NPs had size- and surface charge-specific toxicity pattern. The smaller the PS-NP size was, the greater the toxicity induced on human placental cells. In terms of surface charges, NH2-labeled PS-NPs caused greater effects on cytotoxicity, inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) activity, oxidative stress, and cell cycle arrest compared to COOH-labeled and unmodified PS-NPs. PS-NPs also induced size- and surface charge-dependent expression profiles of genes involved in various and interrelated toxicity pathways. In particular, PS-NPs increased intracellular reactive oxygen species in human placental cells, which can induce DNA damage and lead to cell cycle arrest in G1or G2 phase, inflammation and apoptosis. Our findings provide empirical evidences that the negative effects of nanoplastics on human placental cells, and highlight the necessity to conduct risk assessment of nanoplastics on female reproduction and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglin Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Fudan Tyndall Center, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Fudan Tyndall Center, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Fudan Tyndall Center, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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32
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Helmberger MS, Grieshop MJ. Characterizing Fragmentation of Polystyrene Foam Debris by Isopods Oniscus asellus (Isopoda: Oniscidae) and Trachelipus rathkii (Isopoda: Trachelipodidae). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:710-715. [PMID: 35834266 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvac052] [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: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics present a novel and potentially unique threat to soil ecosystems, one whose effects may be mediated by soil organisms themselves. We investigated fragmentation of polystyrene (PS) foam into microplastic particles by two isopods, Oniscus asellus L. and Trachelipus rathkii Brandt, in laboratory arena experiments. First, we examined the temporal dynamics of fragmentation across a time span of 96 h. O. asellus produced more fragments than T. rathkii, and neither species significantly fragmented the PS foam until 48 h had passed. Second, we asked whether O. asellus would still fragment PS foam in the presence of an alternate, more natural substrate like wood. Wood did not significantly affect fragmentation rates, in line with the few other studies examining the effect of alternate food on soil invertebrates' propensity to consume and/or fragment plastics. Our results provide additional characterization of PS foam fragmentation by isopods and indicate that laboratory experiments involving soil invertebrates and plastic debris can take place over relatively short timespans of four or fewer days, but do not necessarily need to provide alternate food to prove that plastic consumption would still occur in its presence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew J Grieshop
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
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33
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Huo Y, Dijkstra FA, Possell M, Singh B. Ecotoxicological effects of plastics on plants, soil fauna and microorganisms: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 310:119892. [PMID: 35932895 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The interactions of plastics and soil organisms are complex and inconsistent observations on the effects of plastics have been made in published studies. In this study, we assessed the effects of plastic exposure on plants, fauna and microbial communities, with a meta-analysis. Using a total of 2936 observations from 140 publications, we analysed how responses in plants, soil fauna and microorganisms depended on the plastic concentration, size, type, species and exposure media. We found that overall plastics caused substantial detrimental effects to plants and fauna, but less so to microbial diversity and richness. Plastic concentration was one of the most important factors explaining variations in plant and faunal responses. Larger plastics (>1 μm) caused unfavourable changes to plant growth, germination and oxidative stress, while nanoplastics (NPs; ≤ 1 μm) only increased oxidative stress. On the contrary, there was a clear trend showing that small plastics adversely affected fauna reproduction, survival and locomotion than large plastics. Plant responses were indifferent to plastic type, with most studies conducted using polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) plastics, but soil fauna were frequently more sensitive to PS than to PE exposure. Plant species played a vital role in some parameters, with the effects of plastics being considerably greater on vegetable plants than on cereal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Huo
- Biomedical Building, 3 Central Ave, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Eveleigh, Sydney, NSW, 2015, Australia.
| | - Feike A Dijkstra
- Biomedical Building, 3 Central Ave, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Eveleigh, Sydney, NSW, 2015, Australia
| | - Malcolm Possell
- Biomedical Building, 3 Central Ave, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Eveleigh, Sydney, NSW, 2015, Australia
| | - Balwant Singh
- Biomedical Building, 3 Central Ave, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Eveleigh, Sydney, NSW, 2015, Australia
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Luo B, Li J, Wang M, Zhang X, Mi Y, Xiang J, Gong S, Zhou Y, Ma T. Chronic toxicity effects of sediment-associated polystyrene nanoplastics alone and in combination with cadmium on a keystone benthic species Bellamya aeruginosa. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 433:128800. [PMID: 35364528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging pollutants that may adversely affect aquatic fauna. However, the adverse effects of NPs and heavy metals, both alone and combined on freshwater benthic fauna remain largely unclear. Here, we performed a 28-day sediment toxicity test with Bellamya aeruginosa to examine the effects of exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and co-exposure to PSNPs and Cd. Cd bioavailability, the bioaccumulation of PSNPs and Cd, and changes in multiple biomarkers were determined. The results revealed that PSNPs significantly increased Cd bioavailability and thereby facilitated Cd bioaccumulation; however, PSNPs displayed a negligible vector role in Cd uptake by B. aeruginosa. The results demonstrated that PSNPs can accumulate in B. aeruginosa and induce oxidative damage and DNA damage. Co-exposure to PSNPs and Cd significantly enhanced oxidative damage and DNA damage and reduced metallothionein levels. The integrated biomarker response index analysis showed that co-exposure to PSNPs and Cd considerably increased toxic stress in B. aeruginosa compared to single PSNPs or Cd exposure, suggesting that PSNPs may have a synergistic effect with Cd. Collectively, our findings highlight that PSNPs not only cause toxicity to B. aeruginosa but also significantly enhance the toxicity of Cd by increasing Cd bioavailability in the sediment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benxiang Luo
- College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinman Li
- College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxu Zhang
- College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Mi
- College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xiang
- College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangjiao Gong
- College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingru Zhou
- College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, People's Republic of China
| | - Taowu Ma
- College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, People's Republic of China.
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Höss S, Rauchschwalbe MT, Fueser H, Traunspurger W. Food availability is crucial for effects of 1-μm polystyrene beads on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in freshwater sediments. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 298:134101. [PMID: 35292277 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134101] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater sediments represent a sink for microplastic (<5 mm) through various processes. Thus, benthic organisms can be exposed to relatively high concentrations of microplastics. Surprisingly, studies on benthic organisms are still underrepresented in the field of ecotoxicological effect assessment of microplastics. Therefore, we studied the effects of 1-μm polystyrene (PS) beads on the reproduction of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans using a standardized protocol for toxicity testing in freshwater sediments (96 h; ISO 10872:2020), combined with ingestion experiments using fluorescent PS beads. To investigate the role of sediment properties (e.g., textures, organic contents) for ingestion and effects of PS beads, five different artificial and field-collected sediments were used. Body burdens of 1-μm PS beads in the intestinal tract of the nematodes after 96 h differed between the sediments, however, differences were not significant over the whole course of the experiment. EC10 and EC50-values of 1-μm PS beads for C. elegans' reproduction in the various sediments ranged from 0.9 to 2.0 and 4.8 to 11.3 mg PS/g dry sediment, respectively. The ECx-values showed to be considerably higher than values reported for water exposure (EC10/50: 0.2 and 0.6 mg PS/ml, respectively), which was probably due to higher food densities in sediment compared to water exposure. Based on the PS beads/bacteria ratio, ECx-values were comparable between sediment and water exposure, suggesting that also in sediments microplastic reduces the food availability for C. elegans causing lower reproduction. This indirect effect mechanism was confirmed by experiments with varying food densities. Thus, the nutritious conditions might play a crucial role for the overall ecological risk of microplastics in benthic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Höss
- Ecossa, Giselastr. 6, 82319, Starnberg, Germany; Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | | | - Hendrik Fueser
- Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Walter Traunspurger
- Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
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Fuentes C, Verdú S, Fuentes A, Ruiz MJ, Barat JM. In vivo toxicity assessment of eugenol and vanillin-functionalised silica particles using Caenorhabditis elegans. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 238:113601. [PMID: 35533449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113601] [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: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The toxicological properties of different silica particles functionalised with essential oil components (EOCs) were herein assessed using the in vivo model C. elegans. In particular, the effects of the acute and long-term exposure to three silica particle types (SAS, MCM-41 micro, MCM-41 nano), either bare or functionalised with eugenol or vanillin, were evaluated on different biological parameters of nematodes. Acute exposure to the different particles did not reduce nematodes survival, brood growth or locomotion, but reproduction was impaired by all the materials, except for vanillin-functionalised MCM-41 nano. Moreover, long-term exposure to particles led to strongly inhibited nematodes growth and reproduction. The eugenol-functionalised particles exhibited higher functionalisation yields and had the strongest effects during acute and long-term exposures. Overall, the vanillin-functionalised particles displayed milder acute toxic effects on reproduction than pristine materials, but severer toxicological responses for the 96-hour exposure assays. Our findings suggest that the EOC type anchored to silica surfaces and functionalisation yield are crucial for determining the toxicological effects of particles on C. elegans. The results obtained with this alternative in vivo model can help to anticipate potential toxic responses to these new materials for human health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fuentes
- Department of Food Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València. Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Samuel Verdú
- Department of Food Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València. Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Fuentes
- Department of Food Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València. Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - María José Ruiz
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Manuel Barat
- Department of Food Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València. Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Nanoplastics: Status and Knowledge Gaps in the Finalization of Environmental Risk Assessments. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050270. [PMID: 35622683 PMCID: PMC9147381 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are particles ranging in size between 1 and 1000 nm, and they are a form of environmental contaminant of great ecotoxicological concern. Although NPs are widespread across ecosystems, they have only recently garnered growing attention from both the scientific community and regulatory bodies. The present study reviews scientific literature related to the exposure and effects of NPs and identifies research gaps that impede the finalization of related environmental risk assessments (ERAs). Approximately 80 articles published between 2012 and 2021 were considered. Very few studies (eight articles) focused on the presence of NPs in biotic matrices, whereas the majority of the studies (62 articles) assessed the lethal and sublethal effects of NPs on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Whilst many studies focused on nude NPs, only a few considered their association with different aggregates. Amongst NPs, the effects of polystyrene are the most extensively reported to date. Moreover, the effects of NPs on aquatic organisms are better characterized than those on terrestrial organisms. NP concentrations detected in water were close to or even higher than the sublethal levels for organisms. An ERA framework specifically tailored to NPs is proposed.
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38
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Lee TY, Kim L, Kim D, An S, An YJ. Microplastics from shoe sole fragments cause oxidative stress in a plant (Vigna radiata) and impair soil environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128306. [PMID: 35101758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Shoe sole fragments are generated by sole abrasion, which is unavoidable. These fragments can enter the soil ecosystem. However, limited studies have evaluated their effects on soils and plants. Here, we aimed to evaluate the toxicity of shoe sole fragments on a crop plant, Vigna radiata (mung bean). Shoe sole fragments (size: 57-229 µm) were obtained from four shoe types (trekking shoes, slippers, sneakers, and running shoes) and plant toxicity assessments were performed. Additionally, the fragments were leached for 30 d, and potentially toxic leachates were identified. Shoe sole fragments exhibited adverse effects depending on the shoe type. The fragments of soles from sneakers increased the bulk density of the soil but reduced its water holding capacity. Moreover, the microplastic fragments and leachates directly affected plant growth and photosynthetic activities. The fragments of slippers and running shoes boosted plant growth but changed the flavonoid content and photosynthetic factors. Trekking shoe sole fragments did not exhibit plant photoinhibition; however, their leachate inhibited photosynthesis. Overall, it was concluded that shoe sole fragments can cause adverse effects in plants and impair soil environment. Our study findings indicate that it is necessary to develop shoe soles that have less harmful environmental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Yang Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Lia Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dokyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghee An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Edo C, Fernández-Piñas F, Rosal R. Microplastics identification and quantification in the composted Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:151902. [PMID: 34838550 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151902] [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: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Composted Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) is used in agricultural soils as a source of organic matter and nutrients. Besides, its use avoids landfilling or incineration following the principles of circular economy. It is well established that source separated OFMSW is suitable for compost production, but its quality depends on their content in non-compostable materials. In this work, we selected and studied the final refined compost form five OFMSW facilities over a five-month period. The plants displayed differences in collection systems, concentration on non-desired materials, treatment technology and density of served population. The presence of plastic was studied using a separation and identification process that consisted of oxidation and flotation followed by spectroscopic identification. The results showed a concentration of plastic impurities in the 10-30 items/g of dry compost range. The concentration of small fragments and fibres (equivalent diameter < 5 mm) was in the 5-20 items/g of dry weight range and were dominated by fibres (25% of all particles <500 μm). Five polymers represented 94% of the plastic items: polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylic polymers in order of abundance. Polyethylene was more abundant in films, polystyrene in fragments, polypropylene in filaments, and fibres were dominated by polyester. Our results showed that smaller plants, with OFMSW door-to-door collection systems produced compost with less plastic of all sizes. Compost from big facilities fed by OFMSW from street bin collection displayed the highest contents of plastics. No debris from compostable bioplastics were found in any of the samples, meaning that if correctly composted their current use does not contribute to the spreading of anthropogenic pollution. Our results suggested that the use of compostable polymers and the implementation of door-to-door collection systems could reduce the concentration of plastic impurities in compost from OFMSW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Edo
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain.
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40
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Huang D, Wang X, Yin L, Chen S, Tao J, Zhou W, Chen H, Zhang G, Xiao R. Research progress of microplastics in soil-plant system: Ecological effects and potential risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:151487. [PMID: 34742990 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The effect of microplastics on soil ecosystem is a hot topic in recent years. It is increasingly recognized that soil is also an important sink for microplastics in addition to the aquatic environment. This review aims to discuss the direct and indirect effects of microplastics on the soil-plant system, focusing on the effects of microplastics on soil aggregates and soil nutrient cycling as well as the combined effects of microplastics and other pollutants on soil-plant systems. Microplastics have been shown to affect the rooting ability of plants by altering soil bulk density and water-holding capacity, as well as reducing photosynthetic rate by directly interfering with the balance of plant chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratios. In addition, microplastics affect the stability of aggregates by interfering with abiotic factors (e.g., sesquioxide and exchangeable cations) or biotic factors (e.g., soil organic matter and organism activities in the soil). Moreover, microplastics may affect soil nutrient cycling by altering the dominant bacteria phyla in the soil or genes and enzymes associated with the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycle. When microplastics and other pollutants have combined effects on plants, microplastics attached onto the root surface physically hamper the contact of the pollutants with the roots but are more likely to exacerbate the damage of pollutants to plants. Different types, sizes and concentrations of microplastics have different effects on the soil-plant system. Microplastics with similar shape and size to soil particles have less significant effects, while microfibers, small-sized microplastics and biodegradable plastic particles have more significant effects. Finally, this review also provides an outlook for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danlian Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Xinya Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Lingshi Yin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Sha Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaxi Tao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Wei Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Haojie Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Gaoxia Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Ruihao Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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41
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Jiang X, Yang Y, Wang Q, Liu N, Li M. Seasonal variations and feedback from microplastics and cadmium on soil organisms in agricultural fields. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107096. [PMID: 35074634 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic film mulching is an important agricultural technology that plays a critical role in increasing crop yield and maintaining soil moisture. However, long-term coverage and untimely recovery lead to a large amount of plastic residues in soils. This decomposes into smaller plastics over time, which can reduce sowing quality, destroy the soil structure, and have adverse effects on soil organisms. In this study, the seasonal variations and correlations of microplastics and cadmium (Cd) in Wuxi farmland soils of Taihu Lake, China, were investigated in the spring and winter. The microplastics were mainly in the form of films, fibers, and debris and were mainly transparent and black in color. Microplastic abundance reached 890 particles/kg soil, with the majority of microplastics (>72.5%) being 0-500 μm. Polyethylene microplastics were the main polymers, accounting for >54.65%. In addition, the abundance of soil microplastics in the winter was significantly correlated with Cd, indicating that microplastics and heavy metals present a risk of coexposure to soil organisms. Furthermore, the response of in situ earthworms to microplastic-Cd pollution revealed that microplastics can be used as a vector to transfer heavy metals in the soil environment and may accumulate in the bodies of soil organisms. Multiomics techniques demonstrated bacterial community structure dysbiosis and metabolic changes of in situ earthworms under microplastic heavy metal-contaminated soils. The abundance of microplastics in earthworm casts and intestines was higher than that in the soil samples. These results reveal the potential risks from microplastics entering the soil environment and heavy metal pollution in soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Na Liu
- Norwegian Research Center NORCE, Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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42
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Choi DS, Lim S, Park JS, Kim CH, Rhee H, Cho M. Label-Free Live-Cell Imaging of Internalized Microplastics and Cytoplasmic Organelles with Multicolor CARS Microscopy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3045-3055. [PMID: 35133146 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06255] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As the bioaccumulation of microplastics (MPs) is considered as a potential health risk, many efforts have been made to understand the cellular dynamics and cytotoxicity of MPs. Here, we demonstrate that label-free multicolor coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy enables separate vibrational imaging of internalized MPs and lipid droplets (LDs) with indistinguishable shapes and sizes in live cells. By simultaneously obtaining polystyrene (PS)- and lipid-specific CARS images at two very different frequencies, 1000 and 2850 cm-1, respectively, we successfully identify the local distribution of ingested PS beads and native LDs in Caenorhabditis elegans. We further show that the movements of PS beads and LDs in live cells can be separately tracked in real time, which allows us to characterize their individual intracellular dynamics. We thus anticipate that our multicolor CARS imaging method could be of great use to investigate the cellular transport and cytotoxicity of MPs without additional efforts for pre-labeling to MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Sik Choi
- Technology Human Resource Support for SMEs Center, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Cheonan 31056, Republic of Korea
- R&D Center, Uniotech, Daejeon 34013, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohee Lim
- Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Sung Park
- Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Ho Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biological Interfaces, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanju Rhee
- Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhaeng Cho
- Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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43
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Rozman U, Kalčíková G. Seeking for a perfect (non-spherical) microplastic particle - The most comprehensive review on microplastic laboratory research. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127529. [PMID: 34736190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, much attention has been paid to microplastic pollution, and research on microplastics has begun to grow exponentially. However, microplastics research still suffers from the lack of standardized protocols and methods for investigation of microplastics under laboratory conditions. Therefore, in this review, we summarize and critically discuss the results of 715 laboratory studies published on microplastics in the last five years to provide recommendations for future laboratory research. Analysis of the data revealed that the majority of microplastic particles used in laboratory studies are manufactured spheres of polystyrene ranging in size from 1 to 50 µm, that half of the studies did not characterize the particles used, and that a minority of studies used aged particles, investigated leaching of chemicals from microplastics, or used natural particles as a control. There is a large discrepancy between microplastics used in laboratory research and those found in the environment, and many laboratory studies suffer from a lack of environmental relevance and provide incomplete information on the microplastics used. We have summarized and discussed these issues and provided recommendations for future laboratory research on microplastics focusing on (i) microplastic selection, (ii) microplastic characterization, and (iii) test design of laboratory research on microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ula Rozman
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 113 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gabriela Kalčíková
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 113 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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44
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Lahive E, Cross R, Saarloos AI, Horton AA, Svendsen C, Hufenus R, Mitrano DM. Earthworms ingest microplastic fibres and nanoplastics with effects on egestion rate and long-term retention. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:151022. [PMID: 34662614 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic fibres (MPFs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have the potential to be hazardous to soil organisms. Understanding uptake into organisms is key in assessing these effects, but this is often limited by the analytical challenges to quantify smaller-sized plastics in complex matrices. This study used MPFs and NPs containing inorganic tracers (In, Pd) to quantify uptake in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. Following seven days exposure, tracer concentrations were measured in earthworms and faeces. Earthworms exposed to 500 μg MPFs/g soil retained an estimated 32 MPFs in their tissues, while at 5000 μg MPFs/g earthworms retained between 2 and 593 MPFs. High variation in body burdens of MPFs was linked to soil retention in earthworms and reduced faeces production, suggesting egestion was being affected by MPFs. NPs uptake and elimination was also assessed over a more extended time-period of 42 days. After 1 day, NPs were no longer detectable in faeces during the elimination phase. However, some retention of NPs in the earthworms was estimated, not linked to retained soil, indicating not all NPs were eliminated. MPFs and NPs uptake can be quantified in earthworms and both particle types can be retained beyond the depuration period, suggesting the potential for longer-term accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elma Lahive
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - Richard Cross
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Aafke I Saarloos
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK; Department of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alice A Horton
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK; National Oceanography Centre, European Way, SO14 3ZH Southampton, UK
| | - Claus Svendsen
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Rudolf Hufenus
- Laboratory of Advanced Fibers, Empa, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Denise M Mitrano
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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45
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Riveros G, Urrutia H, Araya J, Zagal E, Schoebitz M. Microplastic pollution on the soil and its consequences on the nitrogen cycle: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:7997-8011. [PMID: 34825330 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17681-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) correspond to plastics between 0.1 μm and 5 mm in diameter, and these can be intentionally manufactured to be microscopic or generated from the fragmentation of larger plastics. Currently, MP contamination is a complicated subject due to its accumulation in the environment. They are a novel surface and a source of nutrients in soils because MPs can serve as a substrate for the colonization of microorganisms. Its presence in soil triggers physical (stability of aggregates, soil bulk density, and water dynamics), chemical (nutrients availability, organic matter, and pH), and biological changes (microbial activity and soil fauna). All these changes alter organic matter degradation and biogeochemical cycles such as the nitrogen (N) cycle, which is a key predictor of ecological stability and management in the terrestrial ecosystem. This review aims to explore how MPs affect the N cycle in the soil, the techniques to detect it in soil, and their effects on the physicochemical and biological parameters, emphasizing the impact on the main bacterial groups, genes, and enzymes associated with the different stages of the N cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Riveros
- Department of Soil Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Concepcion, P.O. Box 160 C, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Homero Urrutia
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Environmental Microbiology, Center of Biotechnology, University of Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepción, Chile
| | - Juan Araya
- Department of Instrumental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Erick Zagal
- Department of Soil Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Concepcion, P.O. Box 160 C, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Mauricio Schoebitz
- Department of Soil Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Concepcion, P.O. Box 160 C, Concepcion, Chile.
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Environmental Microbiology, Center of Biotechnology, University of Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepción, Chile.
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46
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Ebrahimbabaie P, Yousefi K, Pichtel J. Photocatalytic and biological technologies for elimination of microplastics in water: Current status. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150603. [PMID: 34592303 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Water pollution by microplastics (MPs) has emerged as a significant environmental and public health concern. Several conventional technologies in drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities are capable of capturing a substantial portion of microplastics from surface water; however, only limited methods are available for actual destruction of microplastics. Rate of success is highly variable, and actual mechanisms which result in MP destruction are only partly known. Photocatalysis and microbial degradation technologies show promise at laboratory scale for the transformation of microplastics to water-soluble hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and, in limited cases, useful fuels. Both photocatalytic and microbial technologies offer the potential for long-term water security and ecological stability and deserve further attention by scientists. Additional research is necessary, however, in identifying more effective semiconductors for photocatalysis, and optimal effective microbial consortia and environmental conditions to optimize microplastic biodegradation. Many more polymer types beyond polyethylene must be studied for degradation, and laboratory-scale research must be expanded to field-scale. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of processes and mechanisms for removing MPs by photocatalysis and microbial technologies. It provides useful data for research dedicated to improved removal of MPs from surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Ebrahimbabaie
- Environment, Geology and Natural Resources, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.
| | - Kimiya Yousefi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran.
| | - John Pichtel
- Environment, Geology and Natural Resources, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.
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47
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Joos L, De Tender C. Soil under stress: The importance of soil life and how it is influenced by (micro)plastic pollution. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1554-1566. [PMID: 35422972 PMCID: PMC8991314 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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48
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Zhou Y, Kumar M, Sarsaiya S, Sirohi R, Awasthi SK, Sindhu R, Binod P, Pandey A, Bolan NS, Zhang Z, Singh L, Kumar S, Awasthi MK. Challenges and opportunities in bioremediation of micro-nano plastics: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 802:149823. [PMID: 34454140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rising level of micro-nano plastics (MNPs) in the natural ecosystem adversely impact the health of the environment and living organisms globally. MNPs enter in to the agro-ecosystem, flora and fauna, and human body via trophic transfer, ingestion and inhalation, resulting impediment in blood vessel, infertility, and abnormal behaviors. Therefore, it becomes indispensable to apply a novel approach to remediate MNPs from natural environment. Amongst the several prevailing technologies of MNPs remediation, microbial remediation is considered as greener technology. Microbial degradation of plastics is typically influenced by several biotic as well as abiotic factors, such as enzymatic mechanisms, substrates and co-substrates concentration, temperature, pH, oxidative stress, etc. Therefore, it is pivotal to recognize the key pathways adopted by microbes to utilize plastic fragments as a sole carbon source for the growth and development. In this context, this review critically discussed the role of various microbes and their enzymatic mechanisms involved in biodegradation of MNPs in wastewater (WW) stream, municipal sludge, municipal solid waste (MSW), and composting starting with biological and toxicological impacts of MNPs. Moreover, this review comprehensively discussed the deployment of various MNPs remediation technologies, such as enzymatic, advanced molecular, and bio-membrane technologies in fostering the bioremediation of MNPs from various environmental compartments along with their pros and cons and prospects for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Surendra Sarsaiya
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ranjna Sirohi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Raveendran Sindhu
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
| | - Parameswaran Binod
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226 001, India
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; School of Engineering, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Lal Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China.
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49
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Ya H, Jiang B, Xing Y, Zhang T, Lv M, Wang X. Recent advances on ecological effects of microplastics on soil environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149338. [PMID: 34375233 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The mass production and wide application of plastics and their derivatives have led to the release of a large number of discarded plastic products into the natural environment, where they continue to accumulate due to their low recycling rate and long durability. These large pieces of plastic will gradually break into microplastics (<5 mm), which are highly persistent organic pollutants and attract worldwide attention due to their small particle size and potential threats to the ecosystem. Compared with the aquatic system, terrestrial systems such as soils, as sinks for microplastics, are more susceptible to plastic pollution. In this article, we comprehensively summarized the occurrence and sources of microplastics in terrestrial soil, and reviewed the eco-toxicological effects of microplastics in soil ecosystems, in terms of physical and chemical properties of soil, soil nutrient cycling, soil flora and fauna. The influence of microplastics on soil microbial community, and particularly the microbial community on the surface of microplastics, were examined in detail. The compound effects of microplastics and other pollutants, e.g., heavy metals and antibiotics, were addressed. Future challenges of research on microplastics include development of new techniques and standardization for the extraction and qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in soils, toxic effects of microplastics at microbial or even molecular levels, the contribution of microplastics to antibiotic resistance genes migration, and unraveling microorganisms for the degradation of microplastics. This work provides as a better understanding of the occurrence, distribution and potential ecological risks of microplastics in terrestrial soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobo Ya
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing 100015, PR China.
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Tian Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Mingjie Lv
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
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Mohana AA, Farhad SM, Haque N, Pramanik BK. Understanding the fate of nano-plastics in wastewater treatment plants and their removal using membrane processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 284:131430. [PMID: 34323805 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have become a major environmental issue due to their adverse effect on the water environment. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is considered as one of the main sources for breaking down of larger-sized plastic debris and microplastics (MPs) into NPs. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of NPs generation in the WWTPs, their physiochemical characteristics and interaction with the WWTPs. It is found that cracking is the major mechanism of plastics fragmentation in the WWTPs. This review also discusses the current membrane process used for NPs removal. It is found that conventional membrane processes are ineffective as they are not designed for NPs removal and fouling is a major obstacle for its application. Therefore, this study concludes by providing an outlook of developing a bio-nanofiltration process that can be used as a tertiary treatment for removing NPs and other components present in water. Such a process can produce NPs-free water for non-potable use or safe discharge into open waterways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Amir Mohana
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh
| | - S M Farhad
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh
| | - Nawshad Haque
- CSIRO Mineral Resources, Clayton South, Melbourne, VIC, 3169, Australia
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