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Mohamed DFMS, Tarafdar A, Lee SY, Oh HB, Kwon JH. Assessment of biodegradation and toxicity of alternative plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate: Impacts on microbial biofilms, metabolism, and reactive oxygen species-mediated stress response. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124217. [PMID: 38797346 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Although di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP) is being widely adopted as a non-phthalate plasticizer, existing research primarily focuses on human and rat toxicity. This leaves a significant gap in our understanding of their impact on microbial communities. This study assessed the biodegradation and toxicity of DOTP on microbes, focusing on its impact on biofilms and microbial metabolism using Rhodococcus ruber as a representative bacterial strain. DOTP is commonly found in mass fractions between 0.6 and 20% v/v in various soft plastic products. This study used polyvinyl chloride films (PVC) with varying DOTP concentrations (range 1-10% v/v) as a surface for analysis of biofilm growth. Cell viability and bacterial stress responses were tested using LIVE/DEAD™ BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit and by the detection of reactive oxygen species using CellROX™ Green Reagent, respectively. An increase in the volume of dead cells (in the plastisphere biofilm) was observed with increasing DOTP concentrations in experiments using PVC films, indicating the potential negative impact of DOTP on microbial communities. Even at a relatively low concentration of DOTP (1%), signs of stress in the microbes were noticed, while concentrations above 5% compromised their ability to survive. This research provides a new understanding of the environmental impacts of alternative plasticizers, prompting the need for additional research into their wider effects on both the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Fahad M S Mohamed
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Abhrajyoti Tarafdar
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Grangegorman, Dublin, D07ADY7, Ireland
| | - So Yeon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Bin Oh
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Lan D, He H, Song X, Ma Y. Effects of food quantity on the ingestion and egestion of MPs with different colors by Daphnia magna. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106976. [PMID: 38820742 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Aquatic organism uptake and accumulate microplastics (MPs) through various pathways, with ingestion alongside food being one of the primary routes. However, the impact of food concentration on the accumulation of different types of MPs, particularly across various colors, remains largely unexplored. To address this gap, we selected Daphnia magna as a model organism to study the ingestion/egestion kinetics and the preference for different MP colors under varying concentrations of Chlorella vulgaris. Our findings revealed that as the concentration of Chlorella increased, the ingestion of MPs by D. magna initially increased and then showed a decline. During the egestion phase within clean medium without further food supply, an increase in food concentration during the ingestion phase led to a slower rate of MP discharge; while when food was present during the egestion phase, the discharge rate accelerated for all treatments, indicating the importance of food ingestion/digestion process on the MPs bioaccumulation. Furthermore, in the presence of phytoplankton, D. magna demonstrated a preference for ingesting green-colored MPs, especially at low and medium level Chlorella supply, possibly due to the enhanced food searching activities. Beyond gut passage, we also examined the attachment of MPs to the organism's body surface, finding that the number of adhered MPs increased with increasing food concentration, likely due to the intensified filtering current during food ingestion. In summary, this study demonstrated that under aquatic environment with increasing phytoplankton concentrations, the ingestion and egestion rates, color preferences, as well as surface adherence of MPs to filter feeding zooplanktons will be significantly influenced, which may further pose ecological risks. Our results offer novel insights into the unintentional accumulation of MPs by zooplankton, highlighting the complex interactions between food availability and MPs accumulation dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danhua Lan
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Hua He
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xueyi Song
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yini Ma
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
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3
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Zhou R, Huang X, Xie Z, Ding Z, Wei H, Jin Q. A review focusing on mechanisms and ecological risks of enrichment and propagation of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements by microplastic biofilms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118737. [PMID: 38493850 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118737] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging ubiquitous pollutants in aquatic environment and have received extensive global attention. In addition to the traditional studies related to the toxicity of MPs and their carrier effects, their unique surface-induced biofilm formation also increases the ecotoxicity potential of MPs from multiple perspectives. In this review, the ecological risks of MPs biofilms were summarized and assessed in detail from several aspects, including the formation and factors affecting the development of MPs biofilms, the selective enrichment and propagation mechanisms of current pollution status of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in MPs biofilms, the dominant bacterial communities in MPs biofilms, as well as the potential risks of ARGs and MGEs transferring from MPs biofilms to aquatic organisms. On this basis, this paper also put forward the inadequacy and prospects of the current research and revealed that the MGEs-mediated ARG propagation on MPs under actual environmental conditions and the ecological risk of the transmission of ARGs and MGEs to aquatic organisms and human beings are hot spots for future research. Relevant research from the perspective of MPs biofilm should be carried out as soon as possible to provide support for the ecological pollution prevention and control of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Zhou
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Xirong Huang
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Zhongtang Xie
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Zhuhong Ding
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Hengchen Wei
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Qijie Jin
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
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4
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Di Cesare A, Sathicq MB, Sbaffi T, Sabatino R, Manca D, Breider F, Coudret S, Pinnell LJ, Turner JW, Corno G. Parity in bacterial communities and resistomes: Microplastic and natural organic particles in the Tyrrhenian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116495. [PMID: 38759465 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Petroleum-based microplastic particles (MPs) are carriers of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments, influencing the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This research characterized MP and natural organic particle (NOP) bacterial communities and resistomes in the Tyrrhenian Sea, a region impacted by plastic pollution and climate change. MP and NOP bacterial communities were similar but different from the free-living planktonic communities. Likewise, MP and NOP ARG abundances were similar but different (higher) from the planktonic communities. MP and NOP metagenome-assembled genomes contained ARGs associated with mobile genetic elements and exhibited co-occurrence with metal resistance genes. Overall, these findings show that MPs and NOPs harbor potential pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria, which can aid in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Further, petroleum-based MPs do not represent novel ecological niches for allochthonous bacteria; rather, they synergize with NOPs, collectively facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Cesare
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy
| | - Maria Belen Sathicq
- Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet" (ILPLA) CONICET-UNLP, Bv. 120 y 62 n1437, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomasa Sbaffi
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy
| | - Raffaella Sabatino
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy
| | - Dario Manca
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy
| | - Florian Breider
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Coudret
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL, Central Environmental Laboratory, IIE, ENAC, Station 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lee J Pinnell
- Veterinary Education, Research, and Outreach Program, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Turner
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Gianluca Corno
- National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Verbania, Italy.
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5
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Guo Z, Zhang M, Li J. Modifying luteolin's algicidal effect on Microcystis by virgin and diversely-aged polystyrene microplastics: Unveiling novel mechanisms through microalgal adaptive strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124237. [PMID: 38801882 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Luteolin has shown great potential in inhibiting Microcystis-dominated cyanobacterial blooms. However, widespread microplastics (MPs) in natural aquatic systems often serve as substrates for cyanobacterial growth, which could impact cyanobacterial resistance to external stresses and interfere with luteolin's algicidal effect. This study explored the influence of virgin and diversely-aged polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on inhibitory effect of luteolin on Microcystis growth and its microcystins (MCs) production/release. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms were also revealed by jointly analyzing SEM image, antioxidant response, exopolymeric substances (EPSs) production, and functional gene expression. Results suggested that 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/L virgin and diversely-aged PS-MPs almost weakened growth inhibition and oxidative damage of two doses of luteolin against Microcystisby stimulating its EPSs production and inducing self-aggregation of Microcystis cells and/or hetero-aggregation between Microcystis cells and PS-MPs. Compared to virgin PS-MPs, photo-aged PS-MPs possessed rougher flaky surfaces, and hydrothermal-aged PS-MPs showed internal cracking. These characteristics led to greater stimulation of EPS production and exhibited more significant protective effects on Microcystis. Notably, PS-MPs also decreased MCs content in aqueous phase, likely because they adsorbed some MCs. Such toxigenic hetero-aggregates formed by MCs, MPs, and Microcystis cells would directly poison grazing organisms that consume them and create more pathways for MCs into food web, posing greater eco-risks. This is the first study to clarify the influence and mechanisms of virgin and diversely-aged MPs on allelopathic algicidal effects from the perspective of microalgal inherent adaptive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Guo
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mingxia Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jieming Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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6
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Du M, Pu Q, Xu Y, Li Y, Li X. Improved microalgae carbon fixation and microplastic sedimentation in the lake through in silico method. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171623. [PMID: 38485006 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The impact of microplastics in lake water environments on microalgae carbon fixation and microplastic sedimentation has attracted global attention. The molecular dynamic simulation method was used to design microplastic additive proportioning schemes for improving microalgae carbon fixation and microplastic sedimentation. Results showed that the harm of microplastics can be effectively alleviated by adjusting the proportioning scheme of plastic additives. Besides, the decabromodiphenyl oxide (DBDPO) was identified as the main additive that affect the microalgae carbon fixation and microplastic sedimentation. Thus, a molecular modification based on CiteSpace visual analysis was firstly used and 12 DBDPO derivatives were designed. After the screening, DBDPO-2 and DBDPO-5 became the environmentally friendly DBDPO alternatives, with the highest microalgae carbon fixation and microplastic sedimentation ability enhancement of over 25 %. Compared to DBDPO, DBDPO derivatives were found easier to stimulate the adsorption and binding ability of surrounding hotspot amino acids to CO2 and ribulose-5-phosphate, increasing the solvent-accessible surface area of microplastics, thus improving the microalgae carbon fixation and microplastic sedimentation ability. This study provides theoretical support for simultaneously promoting the microalgae carbon fixation and microplastic sedimentation in the lake water environment and provides scientific basis for the protection and sustainable development of lake water ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijin Du
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Qikun Pu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Yu Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Xixi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's A1B 3X5, Canada.
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7
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Zhang S, Li Y, Jiang L, Chen X, Zhao Y, Shi W, Xing Z. From organic fertilizer to the soils: What happens to the microplastics? A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170217. [PMID: 38307274 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent, soil microplastic pollution arising from organic fertilizers has been of a great increasing concern. In response to this concern, this review presents a comprehensive analysis of the occurrence and evolution of microplastics in organic fertilizers, their ingress into the soil, and the subsequent impacts. Organic fertilizers are primarily derived from solid organic waste generated by anthropocentric activities including urban (daily-life, municipal wastes and sludge), agricultural (manure, straw), and industrial (like food industrial waste etc.) processes. In order to produce organic fertilizer, the organic solid wastes are generally treated by aerobic composting or anaerobic digestion. Currently, microplastics have been widely detected in the raw materials and products of organic fertilizer. During the process of converting organic solid waste materials into fertilizer, intense oxidation, hydrolysis, and microbial actions significantly alter the physical, chemical, and surface biofilm properties of the plastics. After the organic fertilizer application, the abundances of microplastics significantly increased in the soil. Additionally, the degradation of these microplastics often promotes the adsorption of organic pollutants and affects their retention time in the soil. These microplastics, covered by biofilms, also significantly alter soil ecology due to the unique properties of the biofilm. Furthermore, the biofilms also play a role in the degradation of microplastics in the soil environment. This review offers a new perspective on the soil environmental processes involving microplastics from organic fertilizer sources and highlights the challenges associated with further research on organic fertilizers and microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yanxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Linshu Jiang
- Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Xingcai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenzhuo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhijie Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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Nakatani H, Uchiyama T, Motokucho S, Dao ATN, Kim HJ, Yagi M, Kyozuka Y. Differences in the Residual Behavior of a Bumetrizole-Type Ultraviolet Light Absorber during the Degradation of Various Polymers. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:293. [PMID: 38276701 PMCID: PMC10819654 DOI: 10.3390/polym16020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The alteration of an ultraviolet light absorber (UVA: UV-326) in polymers (PP, HDPE, LDPE, PLA, and PS) over time during degradation was studied using an enhanced degradation method (EDM) involving sulfate ion radicals in seawater. The EDM was employed to homogeneously degrade the entire polymer samples containing the UVA. The PP and PS samples containing 5-phr (phr: per hundred resin) UVA films underwent rapid whitening, characterized by the formation of numerous grooves or crushed particles. Notably, the UVA loss rate in PS, with the higher glass transition temperature (Tg), was considerably slower. The behavior of crystalline polymers, with the exception of PS, was analogous in terms of the change in UVA loss rate over the course of degradation. The significant increase in the initial loss rate observed during EDM degradation was due to microplasticization. A similar increase in microplasticization rate occurred with PS; however, the intermolecular interaction between UVA and PS did not result in as pronounced an increase in loss rate as observed in other polymers. Importantly, the chemical structure of UVA remained unaltered during EDM degradation. These findings revealed that the primary cause of UVA loss was leaching from the polymer matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisayuki Nakatani
- Polymeri Materials Laboratory, Chemistry and Materials Engineering Program, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (T.U.); (S.M.); (A.T.N.D.)
- Organization for Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan;
| | - Taishi Uchiyama
- Polymeri Materials Laboratory, Chemistry and Materials Engineering Program, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (T.U.); (S.M.); (A.T.N.D.)
| | - Suguru Motokucho
- Polymeri Materials Laboratory, Chemistry and Materials Engineering Program, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (T.U.); (S.M.); (A.T.N.D.)
- Organization for Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan;
| | - Anh Thi Ngoc Dao
- Polymeri Materials Laboratory, Chemistry and Materials Engineering Program, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (T.U.); (S.M.); (A.T.N.D.)
| | - Hee-Jin Kim
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (H.-J.K.); (M.Y.)
| | - Mitsuharu Yagi
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (H.-J.K.); (M.Y.)
| | - Yusaku Kyozuka
- Organization for Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan;
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Do ATN, Ha Y, Kwon JH. Effect of Mass Fraction on Leaching Kinetics of Hydrophobic Ultraviolet Stabilizers in Low-Density Polyethylene. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21428-21437. [PMID: 38059692 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The leaching kinetics of five hydrophobic ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (micro)fibers into water was evaluated in this study, with variation of the mass fraction (ω = 0.1-2.0 wt %) of the stabilizers. A one-dimensional convection-diffusion model for a cylindrical geometry, requiring partitioning between the LDPE fibers and water (KLDPEw) and the internal diffusion coefficients (DLDPE), was used to evaluate the leaching process and the leaching half-life of the target UV stabilizers at ω < 0.5 wt % (Case I). Diffusion through the aqueous boundary layer is the rate-determining step, and the leaching half-life is predicted to be very long (a few months to years) under unaffected conditions. When the UV stabilizers are supersaturated within LDPE fibers (i.e., ω > 0.5 wt %, Case II), the possible formation of a surficial crystal layer of the additives on the LDPE fiber extends the time scale for leaching compared to that in Case I due to the requirement of overcoming the crystallization energy. This study provides a fundamental understanding of the leaching profiles of plastic additives for assessing their potential chemical risks in aquatic environments; further studies under the relevant environmental conditions are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh T Ngoc Do
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Onogawa 16-2, 305-8506 Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yeonjeong Ha
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- ICT Environment Convergence, Department of ICT Convergence, Pyeongtaek University, Pyeongtaek 17869, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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10
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Vattanasit U, Kongpran J, Ikeda A. Airborne microplastics: A narrative review of potential effects on the human respiratory system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166745. [PMID: 37673257 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166745] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
There has been growing evidence showing the widespread of airborne microplastics (AMPs) in many regions of the world, raising concerns about their impact on human health. This review aimed to consolidate recent literature on AMPs regarding their physical and chemical characteristics, deposition in the human respiratory tract, translocation, occurrence from human studies, and toxic effects determined in vitro and in vivo. The physical characteristics influence interactions with cell membranes, cellular internalization, accumulation, and cytotoxicity resulting from cell membrane damage and oxidative stress. In addition, prolonged exposure to AMP-associated toxic chemicals might lead to significant health effects. Most toxicological assessments of AMPs in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated that oxidative stress and inflammation are major mechanisms of action for their toxic effects. Elevated reactive oxygen species production could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory responses, and subsequent apoptosis in experimental models. To date, there has been some evidence suggesting exposure in humans. However, the data are still insufficient, and adverse human health effects need to be investigated. Future research on the existence, exposure, and health effects of AMPs is required for developing preventive and mitigation measures to protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udomratana Vattanasit
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand.
| | - Jira Kongpran
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Atsuko Ikeda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0600812, Japan; Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0600812, Japan
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11
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Liu X, Fang L, Yan X, Gardea-Torresdey JL, Gao Y, Zhou X, Yan B. Surface functional groups and biofilm formation on microplastics: Environmental implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166585. [PMID: 37643702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is becoming a significant environmental issue, as the widespread omnipresence of MPs can cause many adverse consequences for both ecological systems and humans. Contrary to what is commonly thought, the toxicity-inducing MPs are not the original pristine plastics; rather, they are completely transformed through various surface functional groups and aggressive biofilm formation on MPs via aging or weathering processes. Therefore, understanding the impacts of MPs' surface functional groups and biofilm formation on biogeochemical processes, such as environmental fate, transport, and toxicity, is crucial. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the distinctive impact that surface functional groups and biofilm formation of MPs have on their significant biogeochemical behavior in various environmental media, as well as their toxicity and biological effects. We place emphasis on the role of surface functional groups and biofilm formation as a means of influencing the biogeochemical processes of MPs. This includes their effects on pollutant fate and element cycling, which in turn impacts the aggregation, transport, and toxicity of MPs. Ultimately, future research studies and tactics are needed to improve our understanding of the biogeochemical processes that are influenced by the surface functional groups and biofilm formation of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xigui Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liping Fang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-Environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Xiliang Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jorge L Gardea-Torresdey
- University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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