1
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Das S, M R S, Jeeva JB, Mukherjee A. Release kinetic study of microplastics from N95 face masks and consequent effects on freshwater alga Scenedesmus obliquus. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142851. [PMID: 39019171 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142851] [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: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
The uncontrolled disposal of N95 face masks, widely used during the recent COVID-19 pandemic can release significant amounts of microplastics and other additives into aquatic bodies. This study aimed to: (i) to quantify and analyze the released microplastics and heavy metals from N95 face masks weathered for various time periods (24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h) and (ii) to assess the cytotoxicity potential of the leachates on a model organism, freshwater alga Scenedesmus obliquus. The mask leachates contained microplastics, polypropylene in different shapes and sizes, and heavy metals like Cu, Cd, and Zn. The leachates significantly reduced cell viability and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and membrane damage. The effects were also accompanied by a significant drop in the photosynthetic yield. All of the examined parameters indicated a dose-response relationship, with longer leaching periods resulting in higher microplastic concentrations. Mask leachates severely damaged the structural integrity of the algal cells, as seen in scanning electron microscopy images. The findings of our study confirm that the releases from disposable N95 face masks pose a severe threat to freshwater microalgae, and the cascading effects would harm the aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soupam Das
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Sumaiya M R
- Sensor and Biomedical Technology, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - J B Jeeva
- Sensor and Biomedical Technology, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Amitava Mukherjee
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
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2
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Raufanda MS, Aunurohim A, Prabowo RE. Barnacle analysis as a microplastic pollution bioindicator on the East Coast of Surabaya. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17548. [PMID: 38938603 PMCID: PMC11210488 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Plastic pollution is a significant issue on the East Coast of Surabaya, emphasizing the need to develop microplastic monitoring programs. Barnacles became one of the potential microplastic bioindicator species on the East Coast of Surabaya. This study aimed to characterize the visual and polymers of microplastics found in barnacles and assess their potential as a bioindicator species for microplastic pollution on the East Coast of Surabaya. Methods Microplastic polymer analysis was performed using ATR-FTIR. Results A total of 196 microplastic particles were found in barnacles, water, and sediment. The size of microplastics in barnacles, water, and sediment varied, with the size in barnacles dominated by class 1 (1-10 µm), in water by class 2 (10-50 µm), and in sediments by class 3 (50-100 µm). Fragments dominated the shape of microplastics in barnacles, while water and sediment were dominated by fiber. The microplastic color in barnacles, water, and sediment was dominated by blue, and the microplastic polymer composition on barnacles, water, and sediments was dominated by cellophane (36%). Amphibalanus amphitrite was found to be predominant and identified as a potential microplastic bioindicator because it is a cosmopolitan species. Its population was found to correlate positively with cellophane (CP) accumulation. The Pearson's correlation test between barnacle length and microplastic length at a = 0.05 was inversely proportional to r = - 0.411 (p < 0.05), categorized as a strong enough correlation. These findings are essential in developing monitoring programs and mitigating the impact of microplastics on the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aunurohim Aunurohim
- Department of Biology, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia
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3
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Bogush AA, Kourtchev I. Disposable surgical/medical face masks and filtering face pieces: Source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123792. [PMID: 38518974 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123792] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The production and consumption of disposable face masks (DFMs) increased intensely during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a high amount of them being found in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. The main goal of this research study is to conduct a comparative evaluation of the water-leachability of microplastics (MPs) and chemical additives from various types of disposable surgical/medical face masks (MM DFMs) and filtering face pieces (FFPs). Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was used for MPs analysis. Liquid Chromatography/High Resolution Mass Spectrometry was used to analyse analytes presented in the water-leachates of DFMs. FFPs released 3-4 times more microplastic particles compared to MM DFMs. The release of MPs into water from all tested DFMs without mechanical stress suggests potential MP contamination originating from the DFM production process. Our study for the first time identified bisphenol B (0.25-0.42 μg/L) and 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (163.9-115.0 μg/L) as leachables from MM DFMs. MPs in the water-leachates vary in size, with predominant particles <100 μm, and the release order from DFMs is MMIIR > MMII > FFP3>FFP2>MMI. The main type of microplastics identified in the water leachates of the investigated face masks was polypropylene, accounting for 93-97% for MM DFMs and 82-83% for FFPs. Other polymers such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester/polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide/Nylon, polyvinylchloride, and ethylene-propylene copolymer were also identified, but in smaller amounts. FFPs released a wider variety and a higher percentage (17-18%) of other polymers compared to MM DFMs (3-7%). Fragments and fibres were identified in all water-leachate samples, and fragments, particularly debris of polypropylene fibres, were the most common MP morphotype. The findings in this study are important in contributing additional data to develop science-based policy recommendations on the health and environmental impacts of MPs and associated chemical additives originated from DFMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Bogush
- Research Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, Ryton-on Dunsmore, CV8 3LG, United Kingdom.
| | - Ivan Kourtchev
- Research Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, Ryton-on Dunsmore, CV8 3LG, United Kingdom
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Gautam K, Dwivedi S, Verma R, Vamadevan B, Patnaik S, Anbumani S. Combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and carbendazim on Eisenia fetida: A comprehensive ecotoxicological study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123854. [PMID: 38527586 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is becoming an emerging environmental concern across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Plastic mulching and the use of pesticides in agriculture can lead to microplastics and agrochemicals in soil, which can result in unintended exposure to non-target organisms. The combined toxicity of multiple stressors represents a significant paradigm shift within the field of ecotoxicology, and its exploration within terrestrial ecosystems involving microplastics is still relatively limited. The present study investigated the combined effects of polyethylene MP (PE-MP) and the agrochemical carbendazim (CBZ) on the earthworm Eisenia fetida at different biological levels of organization. While E. fetida survival and reproduction did not exhibit significant effects following PE-MP treatment, there was a reduction in cocoon and hatchling numbers. Notably, prolonged exposure revealed delayed toxicity, leading to substantial growth impairment. Exposure to CBZ led to significant alterations in the endpoints mentioned above. While there was a decrease in cocoon and hatchling numbers, the combined treatment did not yield significant effects on earthworm reproduction except at higher concentrations. However, lower concentrations of PE-MP alongside CBZ induced a noteworthy decline in biomass content, signifying a form of potentiation interaction. In addition, concurrent exposure led to synergistic effects, from oxidative stress to modifications in vital organs such as the body wall, intestines, and reproductive structures (spermathecae, seminal vesicles, and ovarian follicles). The comparison of multiple endpoints revealed that seminal vesicles and ovarian follicles were the primary targets during the combined exposure. The research findings suggest that there are variable and complex responses to microplastic toxicity in terrestrial ecosystems, especially when combined with other chemical stressors like agrochemicals. Despite these difficulties, the study implies that microplastics can alter earthworms' responses to agrochemical exposure, posing potential ecotoxicological risks to soil fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Gautam
- Ecotoxicology Laboratory, REACT Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, C.R. Krishnamurti (CRK) Campus, Lucknow, 226 008, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Shreya Dwivedi
- Ecotoxicology Laboratory, REACT Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, C.R. Krishnamurti (CRK) Campus, Lucknow, 226 008, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul Verma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India; Water Analysis Laboratory, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Beena Vamadevan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India; Central Pathology Laboratory, ASSIST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Satyakam Patnaik
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India; Water Analysis Laboratory, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sadasivam Anbumani
- Ecotoxicology Laboratory, REACT Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, C.R. Krishnamurti (CRK) Campus, Lucknow, 226 008, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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5
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Zhao X, Gao P, Zhao Z, Wu Y, Sun H, Liu C. Microplastics release from face masks: Characteristics, influential factors, and potential risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171090. [PMID: 38387585 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171090] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been used popularly and disposed of improperly, leading to the generation of a large amount of microplastics. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive insight into the characteristics of mask-derived microplastics, the influential factors of microplastics release, and the potential risks of these microplastics to the environment and organisms. Mask-derived microplastics were predominantly transparent fibers, with a length of <1 mm. The release of microplastics from masks is mainly influenced by mask types, use habits, and weathering conditions. Under the same conditions, surgical masks release more microplastics than other types of masks. Long-term wearing of masks and the disinfection for reuse can promote the release of microplastics. Environmental media, UV irradiation, temperature, pH value, and mechanical shear can also influence the microplastics release. The risks of mask-derived microplastics to human health via inhalation cannot be neglected. Future studies should pay more attention to the release of microplastics from the masks with alternative materials and under more weathering conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Panpan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ziqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yinghong Wu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin 300011, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chunguang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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6
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Li Y, Chen H, Li S, Feng L, Wang Z, Wang D, Wang Q, Wang H. Corals-inspired magnetic absorbents for fast and efficient removal of microplastics in various water sources. RSC Adv 2024; 14:11908-11913. [PMID: 38623298 PMCID: PMC11017187 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02521k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as the formidable pollutants with high toxicity and difficult degradation may threaten the aquaculture industry and human health, making it highly necessary to develop the effective removal methods. In this article, Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were initially fabricated with mesoporous structure, but showing undesirable adsorption efficiencies for the adsorption of MPs (lower than 70%). Inspired by the reefs-rebuilding corals acting as the sinks for various marine pollutants like plastic, Fe3O4 NPs were coated further with adhesive polymerized dopamine (PDA) yielding Fe3O4@PDA absorbents. Unexpectedly, it was discovered that the corals-mimicking absorbents so formed could allow for the removal of MPs with dramatically enhanced efficiencies up to 98.5%, which is over about 30% higher than those of bare Fe3O4 NPs. Herein, the PDA shells might conduct the increased adhesion to MPs, presumably through the formation of hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and hydrophobic interactions. A fast (within 20 min) and stable adsorption of MPs can also be expected, in addition to the PDA-improved environmental storage of Fe3O4 NPs. Subsequently, the Fe3O4@PDA adsorbents were utilized to remove MPs from different water sources with high efficiencies, including pure water, suburban streams, village rivers, lake water, inner-city moats, and aquaculture water. Such a magnet-recyclable adsorbent may provide a new way for rapid, effective, and low-cost removal of MPs pollutants from various water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyan Li
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Huilan Chen
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Shuai Li
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Luping Feng
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Di Wang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Qidong Wang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
| | - Hua Wang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Medical and Environmental Application Technologies, School of Life Sciences, Huzhou University Zhejiang 313000 P. R. China
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Khan Z, Shah T, Haider G, Adnan F, Sheikh Z, El-Sheikh MA, Bhatti MF, Ahmad P. Mycorrhizosphere bacteria inhibit greenhouse gas emissions from microplastics contaminated soil by regulating soil enzyme activities and microbial community structure. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120673. [PMID: 38508003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120673] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in terrestrial ecosystems can affect greenhouse gases (GHGs) production by altering microbial and soil structure. Presently, research on the MPs effect on plants is not consistent, and underlying molecular mechanisms associated with GHGs are yet unknown. For the first time, we conducted a microcosm study to explore the impact of MPs addition (Raw vs. aged) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Bacillus subtilis inoculation (Sole vs. combination) on GHGs emission, soil community structure, physiochemical properties, and enzyme activities. Our results indicated that the addition of aged MPs considerably enhanced the GHGs emissions (N2O (+16%) and CO2 (+21%), respectively), C and N cycling gene expression, microbial biomass carbon, and soil physiochemical properties than raw MPs. However, the soil microbial community structure and enzyme activities were enhanced in raw MPs added treatments, irrespective of the MPs type added to soil. However, microbial inoculation significantly reduced GHGs emission by altering the expression of C and N cycling genes in both types of MPs added treatments. The soil microbial community structure, enzymes activities, physiochemical properties and microbial biomass carbon were enhanced in the presence of microbial inoculation in both type of MPs. Among sole and combined inoculation of Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis, the co-applied Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis considerably reduced the GHGs emission (N2O (-64%) and CO2 (-61%), respectively) by altering the expression of C and N cycling genes regardless of MPs type used. The combined inoculation also enhanced soil enzyme activities, microbial community structure, physiochemical properties and microbial biomass carbon in both types of MPs treatment. Our findings provide evidence that polyethylene MPs likely pose a high risk of GHGs emission while combined application of Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis significantly reduced GHGs emission by altering C and N cycling gene expression, soil microbial community structure, and enzyme activities under MPs pollution in a terrestrial ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Khan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Shah
- Plant Science Research Unit United States Department for Agriculture -Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ghulam Haider
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Adnan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Zeshan Sheikh
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed A El-Sheikh
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Faraz Bhatti
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Parvaiz Ahmad
- Department of Botany, GDC Pulwama-192301, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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8
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Liu P, Shao L, Zhang Y, Silvonen V, Oswin H, Cao Y, Guo Z, Ma X, Morawska L. Comparative study on physicochemical characteristics of atmospheric microplastics in winter in inland and coastal megacities: A case of Beijing and Shanghai, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169308. [PMID: 38101632 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169308] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) have received global attention across various sectors of society due to their potential negative impacts. This study aims to understand the physicochemical characteristics of MPs in inland and coastal megacities for raising awareness about the urgent need to reduce plastic pollution. Laser Direct Infrared Imaging (LDIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) techniques were employed to characterize atmospheric MPs in megacities (inland megacity Beijing and coastal megacity Shanghai) in China, focusing on their physicochemical characteristics, including compositional types, number concentration, morphology, size, possible sources, and potential health risks. The LDIR analysis identified sixteen different types of MPs present in the atmospheres of Beijing and Shanghai. The number concentration of atmospheric MPs in Beijing (3.0 items/m3) is 1.8 times that of Shanghai (1.7 items/m3). The study found that the variations in MP pollution between Beijing and Shanghai are influenced by the urban industrial structure and geographical location. Morphological analysis indicates that fragment MPs have the highest relative abundance in Beijing, while fibrous MPs dominate the atmosphere of Shanghai. Additionally, the study assessed the potential health risks of atmospheric MPs to urban residents. The results suggest that residents of Beijing face more severe health risks from atmospheric MPs compared to those in Shanghai. These findings underscore the urgency to address the issue of atmospheric MPs and provide crucial evidence for the formulation of relevant environmental and health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Longyi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yaxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ville Silvonen
- Aerosol Physics Laboratory, Physics Unit, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere 33014, Finland
| | - Henry Oswin
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Yaxin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ziyu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuying Ma
- College of Geomatics, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
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9
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Pastorino P. Sunscreens and micro(nano)plastics: Are we aware of these threats to the Egyptian coral reefs? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168587. [PMID: 37984652 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
During a snorkeling trip to Marsa Alam and Hamata (southern Red Sea Riviera, Egypt) I explored the coral reefs and the diverse marine habitats of fish and invertebrate species. The area invites recreational diving and snorkeling, but the beaches are littered with all sorts of solid waste (mainly fragmented plastics). Also, there are no local restrictions on sunscreen use. The development of tourism to the area raises questions about the environmental impact and how its further growth will have on coral reefs. Every year, 1.2 million tourists visit the Red Sea coast (about 3287 tourists per day) and release about 1.7 tons/month of sunscreen into the Red Sea. As an ecologist and editorial board member of Science of the Total Environment, I ask myself how we as scientists can increase public awareness and call for prompt actions to protect the coral reefs. The discussion underlines two major threats to the Egyptian coral reefs: sunscreen use and micro(nano)plastics waste. The discussion closes with possible solutions, future perspectives, and recommendations to protect the coral reefs ecosystem of the Egyptian Red Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pastorino
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy.
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10
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Wang H, Zhu Z, Zhang L, Liu X, Sun W, Yan F, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Wang X, Wei C, Lai J, Chen Q, Zhu D, Zhang Y. The hind information: Exploring the impact of physical damage on mask microbial composition in the aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116917. [PMID: 37611784 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Due to poor management and the lack of environmental awareness, lots of masks (an emerging form of plastic pollution) are discarded into the environment during the COVID-19, thereby jeopardizing the health of humans and the environment. Our study introduces a novel perspective by examining the impact of physical damage on the microbial composition of masks in the water environment. We focus on the variations in biofilm formation on each layer of both damaged and undamaged masks, which allows us to understand more about the biofilm on each layer and the significant changes that occur when masks are physically damaged. Research has shown that the community structure of microorganisms on discarded masks can be altered in just ten days, showing an evolution from undifferentiated pioneer colonizing species ("non-picky") to adaptive dominant species ("picky"). Especially, considering that discarded masks were inevitably damaged, we found that the biomass on the damaged samples is 1.62-2.38 times higher than that of the undamaged samples, respectively. Moreover, the microbial community structure on it was also significantly different. Genes involved in biogeochemical cycles of nutrients are more enriched in damaged masks. When damaged, the colonization process and community structure in the middle layer significantly differ from those in the inner and outer layers and even enrich more pathogenic bacteria. Based on the above, it is evident that the environmental risk of masks cannot be assessed as a whole, and the middle layer carries a higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Wang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Zixian Zhu
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR 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, PR China
| | - Ling Zhang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China
| | - Weihong Sun
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China
| | - Feifei Yan
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Yuxin Zhou
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Environment and Disaster Monitoring and Evaluation of Hubei Province, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430077, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China
| | - Chunyan Wei
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China
| | - Jie Lai
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo, 315830, PR China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, PR China.
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11
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Naeem M, Gill R, Gill SS, Singh K, Sofo A, Tuteja N. Editorial: Emerging contaminants and their effect on agricultural crops. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1296252. [PMID: 37941663 PMCID: PMC10628685 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1296252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Naeem
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Ritu Gill
- Centre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | | | - Kashmir Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Adriano Sofo
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Narendra Tuteja
- Plant Molecular Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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12
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Xiong W, Wang S, Zhang Q, Hou Y, Jin Y, Chen B, Su H. Synergistic analysis of performance, microbial community, and metabolism in aerobic granular sludge under polyacrylonitrile microplastics stress. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 385:129394. [PMID: 37369317 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) has proved to be a promising biotechnology for microplastics wastewater treatment. However, polyacrylonitrile microplastics (PAN MPs), the most widely used plastic in textile materials, have not been investigated. Therefore, the effect of the neglected PAN MPs on AGS at different concentrations (1, 10, and 100 mg/L) was evaluated. The results indicated that PAN MPs with 1 and 10 mg/L concentrations had no obvious effect on granular stability and nutrient removal performance, but greatly promoted the secretion of EPS. Remarkably, the granule structure was severely damaged under 100 mg/L PAN MPs. Moreover, microbial community analysis showed that phylum Proteobacteria played a dominant role in resistance to PAN MPs. Metabolic analysis further revealed that genes related to denitrification pathway (nasA, nirK, nirS and norB) and membrane transport were significantly inhibited under PAN MPs stress. This study may provide additional information on the treatment of microplastics wastewater using AGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaojie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiran Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Biqiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Haijia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Kim L, Il Kwak J, Kim SA, An YJ. Potential effects of natural aging process on the characteristics and toxicity of facial masks: A zebrafish-based study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 453:131425. [PMID: 37084512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131425] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of facial masks has increased and is therefore being recognized as a large source of environmental microplastics. Herein, we naturally aged disposable masks in a lake for eight weeks and compared the toxicity of mask-derived microplastics depending on the aging process using zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were exposed to virgin and aged mask fragments (VF and AF, respectively) for eight weeks. The aging process induced cracks on the surface of mask fragments and chemical adsorption. Both VF and AFs damaged the zebrafish's liver, gills, and intestine and adversely affected their digestive ability, and their movement-aggression was decreased. These observations highlight the consequences of indiscriminately discarding masks or AFs following consumption. In conclusion, personal protective equipment waste in the environment should be appropriately managed to prevent negative impacts on aquatic organisms and, consequently, on humans via the food chain.
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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
| | - Jin Il Kwak
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, the Republic of Korea
| | - Sang A 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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14
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Baysal A, Saygin H. Multispectroscopic Characterization of Surface Interaction between Antibiotics and Micro(nano)-sized Plastics from Surgical Masks and Plastic Bottles. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:12739-12751. [PMID: 37065040 PMCID: PMC10099137 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that plastic particles can sorb antibiotics, and these sorption properties have been examined in various studies; however, the possible mechanism responsible for the interactions requires a deeper investigation in terms of further interaction with living systems. Moreover, the usage of disposable surgical masks and plastic bottles has increased the plastic pollution risk for living systems like humans. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the sorption characteristics between antibiotics (amoxicillin and spiramycin) and plastic particles from surgical masks and plastic bottles through batch sorption experiments. In the study, their surface interactions were characterized using multispectroscopic approaches including FTIR, Raman spectrometry, and SEM-EDX, and various surface indicators (e.g., surface oxidation, deformation, and biological potential) were examined. The sorption results showed that adsorption kinetics and the isotherm of amoxicillin and spiramycin on micro(nano)plastics from surgical masks and plastic bottles closely fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmiur isotherm. These results indicated that the evidence for the antibiotic interaction with particles was changes in the surface functional group intensities and up-shifting, and this correlated with the sorption of antibiotics on micro(nano)-sized plastics. The C/N ratio of the plastic particles before and after antibiotic treatment was used as an indicator for the surface biological interaction, and the results showed that C/N ratios of surgical mask particles increased with both types of antibiotic sorption. However, the C/N of the particles from plastic bottles showed antibiotic type-dependence. The surface deformation indicators (e.g., O/C, C=O, C=C, and O-H indices) showed that the O/C ratios of micro(nano)plastics from surgical masks were higher with the amoxicillin and spiramycin sorption, and the C=O indices were positively linked with the amoxicillin sorption stages, whereas the C=C and O-H had a negative correlation with the amoxicillin sorption stages. Moreover, amoxicillin sorption influenced the O/C ratio and indices of O-H and C=C of micro(nano)plastics from plastic bottles in a limited manner. The C=O groups of the micro(nano)plastics from plastic bottles were positively influenced by the spiramycin sorption stages, whereas it was negatively linked with amoxicillin sorption stages. Overall, the findings from surface indicators indicated that the micro(nano)plastics from surgical masks can be more influenced with antibiotic sorption compared to plastic bottles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Baysal
- Istanbul
Technical University, Science and Letters
Faculty, Chemistry Department, Maslak, Sariyer, Istanbul 34467, Turkey
| | - Hasan Saygin
- Istanbul
Aydin University, Application and
Research Center for Advanced Studies, Sefakoy, Kucukcekmece, Istanbul 34295, Turkey
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15
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Hidalgo-Triana N, Picornell A, Reyes S, Circella G, Ribeiro H, Bates AE, Rojo J, Pearman PB, Vivancos JMA, Nautiyal S, Brearley FQ, Pereña J, Ferragud M, Monroy-Colín A, Maya-Manzano JM, Ouachinou JMAS, Salvo-Tierra AE, Antunes C, Trigo-Pérez M, Navarro T, Jaramillo P, Oteros J, Charalampopoulos A, Kalantzi OI, Freitas H, Ščevková J, Zanolla M, Marrano A, Comino O, Roldán JJ, Alcántara AF, Damialis A. Perceptions of change in the environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for environmental policy. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW 2023; 99:107013. [PMID: 36532697 PMCID: PMC9744709 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2022.107013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 lockdown measures have impacted the environment with both positive and negative effects. However, how human populations have perceived such changes in the natural environment and how they may have changed their daily habits have not been yet thoroughly evaluated. The objectives of this work were to investigate (1) the social perception of the environmental changes produced by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and the derived change in habits in relation to i) waste management, energy saving, and sustainable consumption, ii) mobility, iii) social inequalities, iv) generation of noise, v) utilization of natural spaces, and, vi) human population perception towards the future, and (2) the associations of these potential new habits with various socio-demographic variables. First, a SWOT analysis identified strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T) generated by the pandemic lockdown measures. Second, a survey based on the aspects of the SWOT was administered among 2370 adults from 37 countries during the period from February to September 2021. We found that the short-term positive impacts on the natural environment were generally well recognized. In contrast, longer-term negative effects arise, but they were often not reported by the survey participants, such as greater production of plastic waste derived from health safety measures, and the increase in e-commerce use, which can displace small storefront businesses. We were able to capture a mismatch between perceptions and the reported data related to visits to natural areas, and generation of waste. We found that age and country of residence were major contributors in shaping the survey participants ´answers, which highlights the importance of government management strategies to address current and future environmental problems. Enhanced positive perceptions of the environment and ecosystems, combined with the understanding that livelihood sustainability, needs to be prioritized and would reinforce environmental protection policies to create greener cities. Moreover, new sustainable jobs in combination with more sustainable human habits represent an opportunity to reinforce environmental policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hidalgo-Triana
- University of Málaga, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology (Botany Area), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - A Picornell
- University of Málaga, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology (Botany Area), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - S Reyes
- University of Málaga, Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, Department of Geography (Geographic Analysis Research Group), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - G Circella
- Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, USA
- Department of Geography, Ghent University. 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Ribeiro
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - A E Bates
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - J Rojo
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - P B Pearman
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia 48940, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- BC3 Basque Centre for Climate Change, Scientific Campus, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - J M Artes Vivancos
- Department of Chemistry, Kennedy College of Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - S Nautiyal
- Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources (CEENR), Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru 560 072, India
| | - F Q Brearley
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - J Pereña
- University of Málaga, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology (Botany Area), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - M Ferragud
- University of Valencia, Faculty of Sciences, Spain
| | - A Monroy-Colín
- University of Extremadura, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Vegetal Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (Botany Area), 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - J M Maya-Manzano
- University of Valencia, Faculty of Sciences, Spain
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University and Helmholtz Center, Munich, Germany
- University of Extremadura, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Vegetal Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (Botany Area), 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - J M A Sènami Ouachinou
- Laboratoire de Botanique et Ecologie Végétale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Universite d'Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - A E Salvo-Tierra
- Technical Director Chair Climate Change on UMA, University of Málaga, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology (Botany Area), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - C Antunes
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & Institute of Earth Sciences - ICT, University of Évora, Evora, Portugal
| | - M Trigo-Pérez
- University of Málaga, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology (Botany Area), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - T Navarro
- University of Málaga, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology (Botany Area), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - P Jaramillo
- Charles Darwin Research Station, Charles Darwin Foundation, Santa Cruz, Galápagos, 200102, Ecuador
| | - J Oteros
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence CeiA3, Andalusian Inter-University Institute for Earth System IISTA, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - A Charalampopoulos
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - O I Kalantzi
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece
| | - H Freitas
- University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J Ščevková
- Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Révová 39, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - M Zanolla
- University of Málaga, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology (Botany Area), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - A Marrano
- Phoenix Bioinformatics, Fremont, CA, USA
| | - O Comino
- Estudios de Flora y Vegetación SL (EFYVE), 29580 Cártama, Málaga, Spain
| | - J J Roldán
- University of Málaga, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology (Botany Area), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - A F Alcántara
- Centro de Cooperación del Mediterráneo de UICN, 29590 Campanillas, Málaga, Spain
| | - A Damialis
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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