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Zhang Y, Shi P, Cui L. Microplastics in riverine systems: Recommendations for standardized sampling, separation, digestion and characterization. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116950. [PMID: 39243470 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a global concern, prompting numerous studies on MP detection. Due to the remaining methodological challenges, it affects the accuracy and reliability of MP's impact assessment on river systems. To address this, the establishment of standardized operating protocols is crucial, encompassing sampling, separation, digestion, and characterization methods. This study evaluates the current tools used for identifying and quantifying MPs in riverine ecosystems, aiming to offer harmonized guidelines for future protocols. Recommendations include adopting a consistent format for reporting MP concentrations and providing improved information on sampling, separation, and digestion for enhanced cross-study comparisons. The importance of quality assurance and quality control is also discussed. Furthermore, we highlight unresolved issues, proposing avenues for further investigation. Suggestions encompass standardizing river sampling methods, optimizing technical steps and analysis processes, and enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of detection data to advance our understanding of MPs in river environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China.
| | - Lingzhou Cui
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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2
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Chen B, Wang Q, Wang Z, Han S, Li J, Zhuang X, Liu Y, Chen L, Zhu S, Xie F. Water transfer projects and microplastics: Analyzing changes in lake environments with a focus on Wabu Lake, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174637. [PMID: 38986692 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are widespread in freshwaters, yet their interaction with navigational structures remains unclear. This study compared the distribution and characteristics of microplastics before and after navigation in Wabu Lake. Microplastic concentrations decreased significantly in both surface water and sediment due to navigation opened, from 13.7 ± 6.56 to 3.12 ± 1.8 p L-1 (p < 0.001) and from 568 ± 286 to 174 ± 60.2 p kg-1 (p < 0.001), respectively. Acrylates copolymer was frequently detected in surface water and sediment before navigation, whereas the dominant polymer after navigation was chlorinated polyisoprene in surface water and chlorinated polyethylene in sediment. The results showed that three-years dredging induced relatively severe microplastic pollution before navigation, however, these microplastics were apparently eliminated after navigation, as the distribution and characteristics of microplastics thoroughly varied. This study provides a valuable finding that microplastic transport process can be facilitated by water transfer project, which should be considered for preventing microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Chen
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Sanqing Han
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Junjie Li
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Xingmei Zhuang
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Long Chen
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Shuguang Zhu
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Fazhi Xie
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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3
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Pang J, Chen H, Guo H, Lin K, Huang S, Lin B, Zhang Y. High-sensitive determination of tetracycline antibiotics adsorbed on microplastics in mariculture water using pre-COF/monolith composite-based in-tube solid phase microextraction on-line coupled to HPLC-MS/MS. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133768. [PMID: 38422729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133768] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) act as carriers for organic pollutants (e.g. antibiotics) and microorganisms (e.g. bacteria) in waters, leading to the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes. Moreover, the antibiotics adsorbed on MPs may exacerbate this process. For further research, it is necessary to understand the types and amounts of antibiotics adsorbed on MPs. However, due to the heavy work of MPs collection and sample pretreatment, there is a lack of analytical methods and relevant data. In this study, an in-tube solid phase microextraction (IT-SPME) on-line coupled to HPLC-MS/MS method based on amorphous precursor polymer of three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks/monolith-based composite adsorbent was developed, which could efficiently capture, enrich and analyze tetracycline (TCs) antibiotics. Under the optimal extraction parameters, the developed method was capable of detecting TCs at levels as low as 0.48-1.76 pg. This method was applied to analyze the TCs adsorbed on MPs of different particle sizes in mariculture water for the first time, requiring a minimum amount of MPs of only 1 mg. Furthermore, it was observed that there could be an antagonistic relationship between algal biofilm and TCs loaded on MPs. This approach could open up new possibilities for analyzing pollutants on MPs and support deeper research on MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Pang
- Key Laboratory of Global Change and Marine Atmospheric Chemistry, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Hongzhe Chen
- Key Laboratory of Global Change and Marine Atmospheric Chemistry, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Huige Guo
- Key Laboratory of Global Change and Marine Atmospheric Chemistry, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Kunning Lin
- Key Laboratory of Global Change and Marine Atmospheric Chemistry, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Shuyuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Global Change and Marine Atmospheric Chemistry, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Beichen Lin
- College of Marine Equipment and Mechanical Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yuanbiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Global Change and Marine Atmospheric Chemistry, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China.
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4
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Binelli A, Magni S, Della Torre C, Sbarberi R, Cremonesi C, Galafassi S. Monthly variability of floating plastic contamination in Lake Maggiore (Northern Italy). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170740. [PMID: 38340826 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The monitoring of plastics in freshwater ecosystems has witnessed a significant increase in recent years, driven by the awareness that approximately 80 % of marine plastic litter originates from terrestrial sources transported to the seas through lakes and rivers. Consequently, it is imperative to develop monitoring plans that offer a comprehensive understanding of plastic contamination in these aquatic environments, given their seasonal variations in hydrochemical characteristics and anthropogenic sources. Historically, most global lake monitoring campaigns have been limited to one-time or, at most, seasonal sampling. In this context, the primary objective of the present study was to assess the quantitative and qualitative monthly variations of floating plastics in Lake Maggiore, a large European lake with high ecological and economic significance. Twelve transverse transects were conducted from January to December 2022 using a Manta-net with a 100 μm mesh. Characterization of each plastic particle was performed using a μ-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (μFT-IR). The results revealed relatively low levels of contamination in Lake Maggiore when compared with other lakes worldwide exclusively from a secondary origin. However, a considerable heterogeneity was observed, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Notably, we identified a 13-fold difference between the minimum (0.02 plastics/m3 in September) and maximum (0.29 plastics/m3 in December) concentrations of plastics, accompanied by significant variations in polymer composition. Our monitoring underscored the necessity of also considering the temporal variation as a potential factor influencing plastic contamination in a lake. Moreover, frequent sampling emerged as a crucial requirement to accurately gauge the extent of plastic pollution, yielding robust and valuable data essential for effective environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Binelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Magni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Camilla Della Torre
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sbarberi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cremonesi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Galafassi
- National Research Council, Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), Largo Tonolli 50, 28922 Verbania Pallanza, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
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5
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Leng P, Yu H, Wang X, Li D, Feng J, Liu J, Xu C. Effects of different concentrations and particle sizes of microplastics on the full life history of freshwater Chlorella. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123349. [PMID: 38219893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123349] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as pollutants can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems; however, their effects on the full life history of microalgae need to be further explored and thoroughly examined. In this study, we investigated influence of polystyrene (PS) plastics with different concentrations (10/50/100 mg/L) and particle sizes (0.1/0.5/1 μm) on the full life history of Chlorella; their potential environmental risks were also analyzed. The results showed that PS(0.1um) had the strongest inhibitory effect on Chlorella growth (Max(inhibition) 68.42%), PS(0.5/1um) can not only promote (Max(promotion) 55.48% and 55.05%) but also prolong cell growth; PS has various effects on photosynthetic efficiency of Chlorella. PS(0.1um) can significantly promote Fv/Fm, inhibit RC/ABS, F0/Fv, DIo/RC, and both inhibit and promote rETRmax, but effect of PS(0.5/1μm) is generally consistent with that of control group; PS affects the morphological structure and interaction of Chlorella significantly, and can squeeze and aggregate cells. Zeta potential fluctuated greatly in the initial stage of experiment, and was stable as Relative conductivity in the later stage. About 65.5% of PS(0.1um) can enter cell, which has potential risk of entering the food chain; Statistics on long and short-term impacts showed significant differences in growth and photosynthesis efficiencies, as well as in interactions; the potential environmental risk index (PERI) indicates that class II (slightly polluted) has the highest percentage (64.72%), and that the concentration and composition of MPs are important influences on potential environmental risk. Overall, the long-term impacts of PS were diverse, but Chlorella also showed good resilience. Meanwhile, we found that most of the previous short-term studies may be one-sided and incomplete, the real impacts of MPs may be overestimated. Our research could provide scientific support for assessing the risks posed by MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panchuan Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Hao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Jie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
| | - Chunyang Xu
- College Harbor Coastal & Offshore Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
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6
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Liu Y, Prikler B, Bordós G, Lorenz C, Vollertsen J. Does microplastic analysis method affect our understanding of microplastics in the environment? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166513. [PMID: 37619728 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Two analytical methods - both in active use at different laboratories - were tested and compared against each other to investigate how the procedure influences microplastic (MP) detection with micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR) imaging. A representative composite water sample collected from the Danube River was divided into 12 subsamples, and processed following two different methods, which differed in MP isolation procedures, the optical substrate utilized for the chemical imaging, and the detection limit of the spectroscopic instruments. The first instrument had a nominal pixel resolution of 5.5 μm, while the second had a nominal resolution of 25 μm. These two methods led to different MP abundance, MP mass estimates, but not MP characteristics. Only looking at MPs > 50 μm, the first method showed a higher MP abundance, namely 418-2571 MP m-3 with MP mass estimates of 703-1900 μg m-3, while the second method yielded 16.7-72.1 MP m-3 with mass estimates of 222-439 μg m-3. Looking deeper into the steps of the methods showed that the MP isolation procedure contributed slightly to the difference in the result. However, the variability between individual samples was larger than the difference caused by the methods. Somewhat sample-dependent, the use of two different substrates (zinc selenide windows versus Anodisc filters) caused a substantial difference between results. This was due to a higher tendency for particles to agglomerate on the Anodisc filters, and an 'IR-halo' around particles on ZnSe windows when scanning with μFTIR. Finally, the μFTIR settings and nominal resolution caused significant differences in identifying MP size and mass estimate, which showed that the smaller the pixel size, the more accurately the particle boundary can be defined. These findings contributed to explaining disagreements between studies and addressed the importance of harmonization of methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Liu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Bence Prikler
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., 6. Anonymus st., Budapest 1045, Hungary; Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Gábor Bordós
- Eurofins Analytical Services Hungary Ltd., 6. Anonymus st., Budapest 1045, Hungary
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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7
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Conowall P, Schreiner KM, Minor EC, Hrabik T, Schoenebeck CW. Variability of microplastic loading and retention in four inland lakes in Minnesota, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 328:121573. [PMID: 37044256 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution (plastic particles < 5 mm) has potentially harmful impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the factors that impact microplastic loading and distribution within aquatic ecosystems is crucial for assessing potential threats from microplastics. Here we examine the extent of microplastic pollution in the surface waters and sediments of four small inland lakes in Minnesota, USA that represent a range of human impacts as well as a variety of watershed and lake characteristics. Surface water particulates and benthic sediments were collected in the summers of 2019 and 2020 to examine the loading of microplastics into these lakes and their distribution throughout the ecosystems. Lower size cut offs were set at 330 μm for surface water particulate samples and 250 μm for sediment samples. Watershed to surface area ratio (WS:SA) and urban development were the most influential factors on microplastic loading. Surface water microplastic concentrations ranged from 27,000 microplastics km-2 in Elk Lake (small WS:SA and minimally developed) to 152,000 microplastics km-2 in White Iron Lake (large WS:SA and low development). Concentrations in benthic sediments ranged from 30 microplastics kg-1 dry sediment in White Iron Lake (forested watershed) to 270 microplastics kg-1 dry sediment in Peltier Lake (urbanized watershed) and were not directly correlated to surface water concentrations. Results from this study highlight the characteristics of small lakes that influence spatial and temporal variability in microplastic loading, retention, and deposition of microplastics to sediments. Further, this study demonstrates the difficulties of accurately predicting microplastic loading and the importance of comprehensive sampling to account for the variability of microplastic loading and distribution in smaller inland lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Conowall
- Large Lakes Observatory, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2205 E 5th St, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Kathryn M Schreiner
- Large Lakes Observatory, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2205 E 5th St, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr., Duluth, MN, 55812, USA.
| | - Elizabeth C Minor
- Large Lakes Observatory, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2205 E 5th St, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Duluth, 1038 University Dr., Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Thomas Hrabik
- Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth, 1035 Kirby Dr., Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Casey W Schoenebeck
- Sentinel Lakes Program, Fisheries Research Unit, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 23070 North Lakeshore Drive, Glenwood, MN, 56334, USA
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8
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Wang B, Chen X, Xiong X, Wu W, He Q, Hu H, Wu C. Spatial analysis of the influence on "microplastic communities" in the water at a medium scale. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 885:163788. [PMID: 37149188 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The issue of microplastics in freshwater has been growing in concern. Besides their abundance, the characteristics of microplastics are also important issues. The concept of "microplastic communities" has been utilized to assess differences in microplastic characteristics. In this study, we utilized the "microplastic community" approach to evaluate the impact of land use on microplastic characteristics in water at a provincial scale in China. The abundance of microplastics in water bodies in Hubei Province varied between 0.33 items/L and 5.40 items/L, with an average of 1.74 items/L. Microplastics were significantly more abundant in rivers than in lakes and reservoirs, and their abundance was negatively correlated with the distance from the nearest residential district of sampling sites. Similarities of microplastic communities were significantly different in mountainous and plain areas. Anthropogenic surfaces increased microplastic abundance and tended to decrease the size of microplastics, whereas natural vegetation had the opposite effect. The effect of land use on microplastic community similarity was greater than that of geographic distance. However, spatial scale limits the effect of various factors on microplastic community similarity. This study revealed the comprehensive influence of land use on microplastic characteristics in water and emphasized the importance of spatial scale in the study of microplastic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaofei Chen
- Hubei Academy of Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiong Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Weiju Wu
- Hubei Academy of Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qiankun He
- Hubei Academy of Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hongjuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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9
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Abbasi S, Rezaei M, Mina M, Sameni A, Oleszczuk P, Turner A, Ritsema C. Entrainment and horizontal atmospheric transport of microplastics from soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 322:138150. [PMID: 36804497 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Soils are an important source of microplastics (MPs) to the atmosphere but the fluxes and mechanisms involved in MPs entrainment are not well understood. In the present study, a series of horizontally aligned sediment traps have been deployed at different heights within 1 m above the ground for a two-month period at various locations in an arid region (Sarakhs, Iran). MPs were isolated from sediments and were quantified and characterised according to size, colour, shape and polymer composition by established techniques. Most MPs were <250 μm in length, fibres were the most important shape, black and blue-green were the dominant colours, and polymer abundance decreased in the order polyethylene > nylon > polypropylene > polystyrene > polyethylene terephthalate. The distributions of sediment mass (range <0.01-9 g) and number of MPs (range = 0 to 21) were heterogeneous, both between sites and at the different heights sampled, and yielded median, vertically-averaged horizontal fluxes for the region of about 450 g m-2 d-1 and 2600 MP m-2 d-1, respectively. However, when data were pooled, the number of MPs normalised to sediment mass exhibited a significant inverse relationship with sediment mass, an effect attributed to the presence of ambient suspended MPs and sediment that are diluted by the suspension of soil and deposited MPs at higher wind speeds. The mechanisms of MP saltation and entrainment were not ascertained but a theoretical framework for threshold shear velocity based on regularly-shaped particles and density considerations is presented. Further experimental work is required to verify this framework, and in particular for fibrous MPs with different aerodynamic properties to soil particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Abbasi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71454, Iran; Centre for Environmental Studies and Emerging Pollutants (ZISTANO), Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mahrooz Rezaei
- Meteorology and Air Quality Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700, AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Monireh Mina
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Sameni
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Patryk Oleszczuk
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environment Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, 20-031, Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Coen Ritsema
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
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10
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Li T, Zhang W, Yu H, Hai C, Wang Y, Yu S, Tsedevdorj SO. Research status and prospects of microplastic pollution in lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:485. [PMID: 36933078 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11043-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As an emerging pollutant, microplastics have attracted widespread concern around the world. Research on microplastics was first conducted in oceans, and in recent years, inland water, especially lakes, has gradually become a hot spot. This paper systematically reviews the sampling, separation, purification, and identification technologies used to assess microplastics in lakes and summarizes the occurrence of lake microplastics worldwide. The results show that microplastics are widespread in lake water and sediment. There are obvious geographical differences in the occurrence of microplastics. The abundance of microplastics in different lakes varies greatly. The forms are mostly fibrous and fragments, and the main polymers are polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Previous papers have failed to comment in as much detail on the microplastic sampling techniques employed within lake systems. The sampling and analysis methods are critical to accurately evaluating contamination results. Due to the widespread presence of microplastics and the lack of uniform standards, there are various sampling methods. Trawls and grabs are most widely used in the sampling of lake water bodies and sediment, and sodium chloride and hydrogen peroxide are the most widely used media for flotation and digestion, respectively. In the future, it will be critical to establish unified standards for lake microplastic sampling and analysis technology, further explore the migration mechanism of microplastics in lake systems, and pay attention to the impact of microplastics on lake ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Weiqing Zhang
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China.
| | - Hui Yu
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Chunxing Hai
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Shan Yu
- School of Geography, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010022, China
| | - Ser-Od Tsedevdorj
- Department of Geography, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mongolian National University of Education, Ulaanbaatar, 14191, Mongolia
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11
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Tang R, Ying M, Luo Y, El-Naggar A, Palansooriya KN, Sun T, Cao Y, Diao Z, Zhang Y, Lian Y, Chen K, Yan Y, Lu X, Cai Y, Chang SX. Microplastic pollution destabilized the osmoregulatory metabolism but did not affect intestinal microbial biodiversity of earthworms in soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121020. [PMID: 36632970 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121020] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Metabolomic and gut microbial responses of soil fauna to environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics indicate the potential molecular toxicity of microplastics; however, limited data exist on these responses. In this study, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were exposed to spherical (25-30 μm diameter) polystyrene microplastic-contaminated soil (0.02%, w:w) for 14 days. Changes in weight, survival rate, intestinal microbiota and metabolic responses of the earthworms were assessed. The results showed that polystyrene microplastics did not influence the weight, survival rate, or biodiversity of the gut microbiota, but significantly decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. Moreover, polystyrene microplastics disturbed the osmoregulatory metabolism of earthworms, as indicated by the significantly decreased betaine, myo-inositol and lactate, and increased 2-hexyl-5-ethyl-furan-3-sulfonic acid at the metabolic level. This study provides important insights into the molecular toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of polystyrene microplastics on soil fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronggui Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Minshen Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Ali El-Naggar
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11241, Egypt
| | - Kumuduni Niroshika Palansooriya
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Tao Sun
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yutao Cao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Zhihan Diao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yichen Lian
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Keyi Chen
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yan Yan
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xinghang Lu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yanjiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Scott X Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E3, Canada
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12
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Lv M, Zhang T, Ya H, Xing Y, Wang X, Jiang B. Effects of heavy metals on the adsorption of ciprofloxacin on polyethylene microplastics: Mechanism and toxicity evaluation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 315:137745. [PMID: 36608883 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter and are widely present in water environments. Their unique surface structures can adsorb coexisting pollutants in the surrounding environment, such as antibiotics and metal ions, leading to compound pollution. The adsorption of ciprofloxacin on polyethylene microplastics under different environmental conditions (pH and salinity) was investigated. The Freundlich model fitted well at 25 °C, indicating that the adsorption of ciprofloxacin by polyethylene microplastics was multilayered, and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that the adsorption of ciprofloxacin by polyethylene microplastics was physical. The kinetic adsorption of ciprofloxacin on polyethylene microplastics followed a pseudo-second-order mode. Heavy metals (Cu2+, Cr3+, Cr6+, Cd2+, and Pb2+) affected the adsorption of ciprofloxacin by microplastics, which was related to the type and concentration of metal ions and the valence state of the ions. The acute toxicity of microplastics and the microplastic-ciprofloxacin-Cu2+ complex were evaluated using luminescent Photobacterium phosphoreum, demonstrating the polyethylene toxicity microplastic-ciprofloxacin-Cu2+ complex was mainly caused by Cu2+ and ciprofloxacin rather than microplastics. This study provides theoretical support for the environmental behavior and ecological effects of microplastics in aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Haobo Ya
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China; Zhejiang Development & Planning Institute, Hangzhou, 310030, 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
| | - 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
| | - 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.
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13
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Tarafdar A, Lim JY, Kwon JH. UV stabilizers can foster early development of biofilms on freshwater microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120444. [PMID: 36265727 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between microbes and microplastics are important as of emerging plastic loads in the global environment. Although diverse plastic additives are used in large amounts, there are very few studies on a quantitative comparison of plastisphere on plastics with different plastic additives. We studied the effects of two widely used UV stabilizers (benzotriazole-type UV-327 and benzophenone-type UV-531 were selected based on their persistence and toxicity) in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) on freshwater microbes. This is the first study on the sole effects of UV stabilizers used as plastic additives on freshwater in situ plastisphere biofilm development. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, assisted with proper differentiating fluorochromes and threshold-based 3D segmentation of data, was used to visualize and quantify biofilm. On the first week of biofilm growth, there was very little biovolume and a negligible amount of phototrophs on pristine LDPE contrasting other substrates. Biovolumes were significantly higher on LDPE with UV stabilizers (up to 159% higher than pristine LDPE), although the biomass was mostly dead due to toxicity (>100% higher dead biovolume than live biovolume in LDPE with UV stabilizers). After the fourth week, marginally higher biovolumes along with a revival of the biomass on LDPE with UV stabilizers were observed. The ability to induce microorganismic intracellular reactive oxygen species by UV stabilizers was detected, which may stimulate biofilm growth during the primary phase of biofilm development. Atomic force microscopy analysis denoted that LDPE with UV stabilizers exhibit considerably stronger adhesion force than pristine LDPE. These observations suggest that UV stabilizers can foster the early attachment of microbes to microplastics while killing the surface contacting layer. An alive upper layer of microbes can get developed on the dead biofilm without much disruption due to the toxicity of UV stabilizers. This occurrence can eventually boost the early development of biofilms on plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhrajyoti Tarafdar
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ja-Yun Lim
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Hyejeon College, 19 Daehak-1gil, Hongsung-eup, Hongsung-gun, Chungnam, 32244, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Godoy V, Calero M, González-Olalla JM, Martín-Lara MA, Olea N, Ruiz-Gutierrez A, Villar-Argaiz M. The human connection: First evidence of microplastics in remote high mountain lakes of Sierra Nevada, Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119922. [PMID: 35961567 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119922] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become one of the most serious global threats to animal and human health. While their presence has been documented in all Earth water ecosystems, including remote mountain lakes, the observation that the abundance of microplastics is largely different across nearby lakes has rarely been examined. As part of a citizen science initiative, this study analyzed for the first time the abundance of microplastics in the surface of 35 glacial lakes of Sierra Nevada National Park in Southern Spain with the objective of determining the local factors that control their abundance. First, we described the shape, size, color and nature of microplastics. Second, we tested whether the number of microplastics differed between basins and analyzed environmental and morphometrical features of lakes affecting their abundance. We found that microplastics were common in most lakes, with a maximum abundance of 21.3 particles per liter that akin to some of the most microplastic polluted lakes worldwide. Fragments were the predominant shape (59.7%) followed by fibers (38.8%) and very scarce spheres (1.5%). Microplastics were observed for all size-fractions, but the abundance of particles <45 μm was higher, what advocates for the use of low pore-size filters to prevent underestimation of microplastics. While the mean abundance of microplastics did not differ among basins, their quantity was related to the presence of meadows surrounding the lakes. This result indicates that while atmospheric transport of microsplastics may equally reach all basins, differences in microplastics among nearby-lakes has an anthropic origin caused by mountaineers who find lakes with ample meadows much more attractive to visit relative to barren lakes. The staggering number in these remote lakes, headwaters of rivers that feed drinking reservoirs, is a major concern that warrants further investigation and the strict compliance with waste management laws to reduce the harmful impacts of microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Godoy
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Mónica Calero
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan M González-Olalla
- Department of Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, United States
| | - María A Martín-Lara
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Nicolás Olea
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, Granada, CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Adrián Ruiz-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Villar-Argaiz
- Departamento de Ecología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
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15
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He B, Liu A, Duan H, Wijesiri B, Goonetilleke A. Risk associated with microplastics in urban aquatic environments: A critical review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129587. [PMID: 35863231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) has been recognized as a significant environmental threat due to adverse effects spanning from molecular level, organism health, ecosystem services to human health and well-being. MPs are complex environmental contaminants as they bind to a wide range of other contaminants. MPs associated contaminants include toxic chemical substances that are used as additives during the plastic manufacturing process and adsorbed contaminants that co-exist with MPs in aquatic environments. With the transfer between the water column and sediments, and the migration within aquatic systems, such contaminants associated MPs potentially pose high risk to aquatic systems. However, only limited research has been undertaken currently to link the environmental risk associated with MPs occurrence and movement behaviour in aquatic systems. Given the significant environmental risk and current knowledge gaps, this review focuses on the role played by the abundance of different MP species in water and sediment compartments as well as provides the context for assessing and quantifying the multiple risks associated with the occurrence and movement behaviour of different MP types. Based on the review of past literature, it is found that the physicochemical properties of MPs influence the release/sorption of other contaminants and current MPs transport modelling studies have primarily focused on virgin plastics rather than aged plastics. Additionally, risk assessment of contaminants-associated MPs needs significantly more research. This paper consolidates the current state-of-the art knowledge on the source to sink movement behaviour of MPs and methodologies for assessing the risk of different MP species. Moreover, knowledge gaps and emerging trends in the field are also identified for future research endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei He
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - An Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Huabo Duan
- College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Buddhi Wijesiri
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia
| | - Ashantha Goonetilleke
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia
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