1
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Wu F, Reding L, Starkenburg M, Leistenschneider C, Primpke S, Vianello A, Zonneveld KAF, Huserbråten MBO, Versteegh GJM, Gerdts G. Spatial distribution of small microplastics in the Norwegian Coastal Current. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 942:173808. [PMID: 38848912 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
High concentrations of microplastic (MP) particles have been reported in the Arctic Ocean. However, studies on the high-resolution lateral and vertical transport of MPs from the European waters to the Arctic are still scarce. Here, we provide information about the concentrations and compositions of MPs in surface, subsurface, and deeper waters (< 1 m, ∼ 4 m, and 17-1679 m) collected at 18 stations on six transects along the Norwegian Coastal Current (NCC) using an improved Neuston Catamaran, the COntinuos MicroPlastic Automatic Sampling System (COMPASS), and in situ pumps, respectively. FTIR microscopy and spectroscopy were applied to measure MP concentration, polymer composition, and size distribution. Results indicate that the concentrations of small microplastics (SMPs, <300 μm) varied considerably (0-1240 MP m-3) within the water column, with significantly higher concentrations in the surface (189 MP m-3) and subsurface (38 MP m-3) waters compared to deeper waters (16 MP m-3). Furthermore, the average concentration of SMPs in surface water samples was four orders of magnitude higher than the abundance of large microplastics (LMPs, >300 μm), and overall, SMPs <50 μm account for >80 % of all detected MPs. However, no statistically significant geographical patterns were observed in SMP concentrations in surface/subsurface seawaters between the six sampling transects, suggesting a relatively homogeneous horizontal distribution of SMPs in the upper ocean within the NCC/Norwegian Atlantic Current (NwAC) interface. The Lagrangian particle dispersal simulation model further enabled us to assess the large-scale transport of MPs from the Northern European waters to the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhu Wu
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany.
| | - Lina Reding
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Marrit Starkenburg
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Clara Leistenschneider
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany; Man-Society-Environment Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Karin A F Zonneveld
- MARUM - Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany; Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Mats B O Huserbråten
- Department of Oceanography and Climate, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Gerard J M Versteegh
- MARUM - Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany; Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Constructor University, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
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2
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Sefiloglu FÖ, Stratmann CN, Brits M, van Velzen MJM, Groenewoud Q, Vethaak AD, Dris R, Gasperi J, Lamoree MH. Comparative microplastic analysis in urban waters using μ-FTIR and Py-GC-MS: A case study in Amsterdam. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124088. [PMID: 38697250 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124088] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of freshwater with microplastics (MPs) has been established globally. While the analysis of MPs has predominantly involved spectroscopic methods for revealing particle numbers, the potential of employing spectroscopy for mass estimation has been underutilized. Consequently, there is a need to enhance our understanding of the mass loads of MPs and ensure the complementarity and comparability of various techniques for accurate quantification. This study presents the first comparative results on urban water samples using micro Fourier-transform infrared (μ-FTIR) imaging and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) to identify and quantify MPs in both particle numbers and mass concentration. Two sampling campaigns in summer and winter were conducted at 11 locations within the Amsterdam canal network. An advanced in-situ volume-reducing sampling pump was employed to collect MPs from the surface water within the size fraction of 10-300 μm. The analysis revealed MP concentrations within the range of 16-107 MP/m3, estimated to be 2.0-789 μg/m3 by μ-FTIR imaging and 8.5-754 μg/m3 by Py-GC-MS. The results of the two analysis techniques showed good comparability in terms of the general trends of MP abundances, with variations in polymer compositions due to the inherent inter-methodological differences. Elevated MP concentrations were observed in the city center compared to the suburban areas. In addition, seasonal differences in MP abundances were noted at the locations with high human activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feride Öykü Sefiloglu
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Cleo N Stratmann
- LEESU, École des Ponts, Paris-Est Créteil, Marne-la-Vallee, France
| | - Marthinus Brits
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin J M van Velzen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Quinn Groenewoud
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A Dick Vethaak
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Deltares, Boussinesqweg 1, 2629 HV, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Rachid Dris
- LEESU, École des Ponts, Paris-Est Créteil, Marne-la-Vallee, France
| | | | - Marja H Lamoree
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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3
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Chand R, Iordachescu L, Bäckbom F, Andreasson A, Bertholds C, Pollack E, Molazadeh M, Lorenz C, Nielsen AH, Vollertsen J. Treating wastewater for microplastics to a level on par with nearby marine waters. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121647. [PMID: 38657311 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121647] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Retention of microplastics (MPs) at the third largest wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Sweden was investigated. The plant is one of the most modern and advanced of its kind, with rapid sand filter for tertiary treatment in combination with mechanical, biological, and chemical treatment. It achieved a significantly high treatment efficiency, which brought the MP concentration in its discharge on par with concentrations measured in marine waters of the same region. This novel data shows that properly designed modern WWTPs can reduce the MP content of sewage down to background levels measured in the receiving aquatic environment. Opposite to current understanding of the retention of MP by WWTPs, a modern and well-designed WWTP does not have to be a significant point source for MP. MPs were quantified at all major treatment steps, including digester inlet and outlet sludge. MPs sized 10-500 µm were analyzed by a focal plane array based micro-Fourier transform infrared (FPA-µFTIR) microscopy, a hyperspectral imaging technique, while MPs above 500 µm were analyzed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Mass was estimated from the hyperspectral images for MPs <500 µm and from microscope images >500 µm. The overall treatment efficiency was in terms of MP counts 99.98 %, with a daily input of 6.42 × 1010 and output of 1.04 × 107 particles. The mass removal efficiency was 99.99 %. The mechanical part of the treatment, the pre-treatment, and primary stages, reduced both the MP counts and mass by approximately 71 %. The combined biological treatment, secondary settling, and final polishing with rapid sand filtration removed nearly all the remaining 29 %. MPs became successively smaller as they passed the different treatment steps. The digester inlet received 1.04 × 1011 MPs daily, while it discharged 9.96 × 1010 MPs, causing a small but not significant decrease in MP counts, with a corresponding MP mass reduction of 9.56 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupa Chand
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark.
| | - Lucian Iordachescu
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark
| | - Frida Bäckbom
- Käppala, Södra Kungsvägen 315, Lidingö 18163, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Marziye Molazadeh
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, Aalborg 9200, Denmark
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4
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Ebbesen LG, Strange MV, Gunaalan K, Paulsen ML, Herrera A, Nielsen TG, Shashoua Y, Lindegren M, Almeda R. Do weathered microplastics impact the planktonic community? A mesocosm approach in the Baltic Sea. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121500. [PMID: 38554636 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants of increasing concern in aquatic systems. However, little is still known about the impacts of weathered MPs on plankton at the community level after long-term exposure. In this study, we investigated the effects of weathered MPs on the structure and dynamics of a Baltic Sea planktonic community during ca. 5 weeks of exposure using a mesocosm approach (2 m3) mimicking natural conditions. MPs were obtained from micronized commercial materials of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyamide (nylon) previously weathered by thermal ageing and sunlight exposure. The planktonic community was exposed to 2 μg L-1 and 2 mg L-1 of MPs corresponding to measured particle concentrations (10-120 μm) of 680 MPs L-1 and 680 MPs mL-1, respectively. The abundance and composition of all size classes and groups of plankton and chlorophyll concentrations were periodically analyzed throughout the experiment. The population dynamics of the studied groups showed some variations between treatments, with negative and positive effects of MPs exhibited depending on the group and exposure time. The abundance of heterotrophic bacteria, pico- and nanophytoplankton, cryptophytes, and ciliates was lower in the treatment with the higher MP concentration than in the control at the last weeks of the exposure. The chlorophyll concentration and the abundances of heterotrophic nanoflagellates, Astromoeba, dinoflagellate, diatom, and metazooplankton were not negatively affected by the exposure to MPs and, in some cases, some groups showed even higher abundances in the MP treatments. Despite these tendencies, statistical analyses indicate that in most cases there were no statistically significant differences between treatments over the exposure period, even at very high exposure concentrations. Our results show that weathered MPs of the studied conventional plastic materials have minimal or negligible impact on planktonic communities after long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linea Gry Ebbesen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Markus Varlund Strange
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | | | - Alicia Herrera
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Torkel Gissel Nielsen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Yvonne Shashoua
- Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Martin Lindegren
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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5
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Xie J, Gowen A, Xu W, Xu J. Analysing micro- and nanoplastics with cutting-edge infrared spectroscopy techniques: a critical review. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:2177-2197. [PMID: 38533677 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01808c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The escalating prominence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) as emerging anthropogenic pollutants has sparked widespread scientific and public interest. These minuscule particles pervade the global environment, permeating drinking water and food sources, prompting concerns regarding their environmental impacts and potential risks to human health. In recent years, the field of MNP research has witnessed the development and application of cutting-edge infrared (IR) spectroscopic instruments. This review focuses on the recent application of advanced IR spectroscopic techniques and relevant instrumentation to analyse MNPs. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, encompassing articles published within the past three years. The findings revealed that Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy stands as the most used technique, with focal plane array FTIR (FPA-FTIR) representing the cutting edge in FTIR spectroscopy. The second most popular technique is quantum cascade laser infrared (QCL-IR) spectroscopy, which has facilitated rapid analysis of plastic particles. Following closely is optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, which can furnish submicron spatial resolution. Subsequently, there is atomic force microscopy-based infrared (AFM-IR) spectroscopy, which has made it feasible to analyse MNPs at the nanoscale level. The most advanced IR instruments identified in articles covered in this review were compared. Comparison metrics encompass substrates/filters, data quality, spatial resolution, data acquisition speed, data processing and cost. The limitations of these IR instruments were identified, and recommendations to address these limitations were proposed. The findings of this review offer valuable guidance to MNP researchers in selecting suitable instrumentation for their research experiments, thereby facilitating advancements in research aimed at enhancing our understanding of the environmental and human health risks associated with MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Xie
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Aoife Gowen
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Coastal Studies, College of Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, USA
| | - Junli Xu
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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6
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Bhatia SK, Kumar G, Yang YH. Understanding microplastic pollution: Tracing the footprints and eco-friendly solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169926. [PMID: 38199349 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169926] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health. These are plastic particles measuring <5 mm and are categorized as primary and secondary based on their origin. Primary MPs are used in various products like cosmetics, scrubs, body wash, and toothpaste, while secondary MPs are generated through the degradation of plastic products. These have been detected in seas, rivers, snow, indoor air, and seafood, posing potential risks to human health through the food chain. Detecting and quantifying MPs are essential to understand their distribution and abundance in the environment. Various microscopic (fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy) and spectroscopy techniques (FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) have been reported to analyse MPs. Despite the challenges in scalable removal methods, biological systems have emerged as promising options for eco-friendly MPs remediation. Algae, bacteria, and fungi have shown the potential to adsorb and degrade MPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) offering hope for mitigating this global crisis. This review examines the sources, impacts, detection, and biological removal of MPs, highlighting future directions in this crucial field of environmental conservation. By fostering global collaboration and innovative research a path towards a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations can be promised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Kant Bhatia
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Applications, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Institute of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Box 8600 Forus, 4036 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Yung-Hun Yang
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Applications, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Gunaalan K, Almeda R, Vianello A, Lorenz C, Iordachescu L, Papacharalampos K, Nielsen TG, Vollertsen J. Does water column stratification influence the vertical distribution of microplastics? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122865. [PMID: 37926412 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122865] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has been confirmed in all marine compartments. However, information on the sub-surface microplastics (MPs) abundance is still limited. The vertical distribution of MPs can be influenced by water column stratification due to water masses of contrasting density. In this study, we investigated the vertical distribution of MPs in relation to the water column structure at nine sites in the Kattegat/Skagerrak (Denmark) in October 2020.A CTD was used to determine the stratification and pycnocline depth before sampling. Plastic-free pump-filter sampling devices were used to collect MPs from water samples (1-3 m3) at different depths. MPs concentration (MPs m-3) ranged from 18 to 87 MP m-3 (Median: 40 MP m-3; n = 9) in surface waters. In the mid waters, concentrations ranged from 16 to 157 MP m-3 (Median: 31 MP m-3; n = 6), while at deeper depths, concentrations ranged from 13 to 95 MP m-3 (Median: 34 MP m-3; n = 9). There was no significant difference in the concentration of MPs between depths. Regardless of the depth, polyester (47%), polypropylene (24%), polyethylene (10%), and polystyrene (9%) were the dominating polymers. Approximately 94% of the MPs fell within the size range of 11-300 μm across all depths. High-density polymers accounted for 68% of the MPs, while low-density polymers accounted for 32% at all depths. Overall, our results show that MPs are ubiquitous in the water column from surface to deep waters; we did not find any impact of water density on the depth distribution of MPs despite the strong water stratification in the Kattegat/Skagerrak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark.
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
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8
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Albani G, Asiedu D, Abrokwah S, Jónasdóttir SH, Nielsen TG, Acheampong E, Ruiz LH, Ekumah B, Koski M. Synergistic and additive effects of microplastic, nickel and pyrene on survival, reproduction, and egestion of a tropical copepod. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 265:106737. [PMID: 37939499 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106737] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Coastal tropical ecosystems provide livelihood for millions of people but are at the same time exposed to an increasing intensity of diverse anthropogenic stressors, including pollution. Nevertheless, the combined effects of pollutants on marine ecosystems are poorly understood, particularly regarding lower trophic levels (plankton) and tropical ocean. We exposed the tropical copepod Centropages velificatus to 4-5 concentrations of a heavy metal (nickel), an oil compound (pyrene) and microplastic (PET), either alone or in combination, and measured their egestion, reproduction, and mortality rates. Microplastic alone did not have any effect on pellet or egg production of copepods, whereas nickel reduced egg production rate at concentrations ≥1 µg L-1 and pyrene reduced both egg and pellet production rates at concentrations ≥1 nM. The addition of nickel and pyrene to PET - microplastic resulted in a reduction similar to one caused by nickel or pyrene alone, suggesting an additive effect. In contrast, a combination of nickel and pyrene had a synergistic effect, with a strong reduction in survival, egg and pellet production. Our results suggest that combinations of contaminants that are commonly found in tropical coastal waters have detrimental effects on copepods-the crucial link in the pelagic food web-at lower concentrations than suggested by single stressor studies. This can have an influence on the food web productivity - the basis of fisheries that local communities rely on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Albani
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Delove Asiedu
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sika Abrokwah
- Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Sigrún H Jónasdóttir
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Torkel G Nielsen
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Emmanuel Acheampong
- Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Laura Hernández Ruiz
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bernard Ekumah
- Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Marja Koski
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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9
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Goßmann I, Mattsson K, Hassellöv M, Crazzolara C, Held A, Robinson TB, Wurl O, Scholz-Böttcher BM. Unraveling the Marine Microplastic Cycle: The First Simultaneous Data Set for Air, Sea Surface Microlayer, and Underlying Water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16541-16551. [PMID: 37853526 PMCID: PMC10620994 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) including tire wear particles (TWP) are ubiquitous. However, their mass loads, transport, and vertical behavior in water bodies and overlying air are never studied simultaneously before. Particularly, the sea surface microlayer (SML), a ubiquitous, predominantly organic, and gelatinous film (<1 mm), is interesting since it may favor MP enrichment. In this study, a remote-controlled research catamaran simultaneously sampled air, SML, and underlying water (ULW) in Swedish fjords of variable anthropogenic impacts (urban, industrial, and rural) to fill these knowledge gaps in the marine-atmospheric MP cycle. Polymer clusters and TWP were identified and quantified with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Air samples contained clusters of polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and polystyrene (max 50 ng MP m-3). In water samples (max. 10.8 μg MP L-1), mainly TWP and clusters of poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyethylene terephthalate occurred. Here, TWP prevailed in the SML, while the poly(methyl methacrylate) cluster dominated the ULW. However, no general MP enrichment was observed in the SML. Elevated anthropogenic influences in urban and industrial compared to the rural fjord areas were reflected by enhanced MP levels in these areas. Vertical MP movement behavior and distribution were not only linked to polymer characteristics but also to polymer sources and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Goßmann
- Institute
for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, Oldenburg 26111, Germany
- Center
for Marine Sensors, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine
Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University
of Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven 26382, Germany
| | - Karin Mattsson
- Department
of Marine Sciences, University
of Gothenburg, Kristineberg 566, Fiskebäckskil 45178, Sweden
| | - Martin Hassellöv
- Department
of Marine Sciences, University
of Gothenburg, Kristineberg 566, Fiskebäckskil 45178, Sweden
| | - Claudio Crazzolara
- Chair
of Environmental Chemistry and Air Research, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin 10623, Germany
| | - Andreas Held
- Chair
of Environmental Chemistry and Air Research, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin 10623, Germany
| | - Tiera-Brandy Robinson
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, Kiel 24148, Germany
| | - Oliver Wurl
- Center
for Marine Sensors, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine
Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University
of Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven 26382, Germany
| | - Barbara M. Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute
for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, P.O. Box 2503, Oldenburg 26111, Germany
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10
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Gunaalan K, Nielsen TG, Rodríguez Torres R, Lorenz C, Vianello A, Andersen CA, Vollertsen J, Almeda R. Is Zooplankton an Entry Point of Microplastics into the Marine Food Web? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11643-11655. [PMID: 37497822 PMCID: PMC10413952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) overlap in size with phytoplankton and can be ingested by zooplankton, transferring them to higher trophic levels. Copepods are the most abundant metazoans among zooplankton and the main link between primary producers and higher trophic levels. Ingestion of MPs has been investigated in the laboratory, but we still know little about the ingestion of MPs by zooplankton in the natural environment. In this study, we determined the concentration and characteristics of MPs down to 10 μm in zooplankton samples, sorted calanoid copepods, and fecal pellets collected in the Kattegat/Skagerrak Sea (Denmark). We found a median concentration of 1.7 × 10-3 MPs ind-1 in the zooplankton samples, 2.9 × 10-3 MPs ind-1 in the sorted-copepods, and 3 × 10-3 MPs per fecal pellet. Most MPs in the zooplankton samples and fecal pellets were fragments smaller than 100 μm, whereas fibers dominated in the sorted copepods. Based on the collected data, we estimated a MP budget for the surface layer (0-18 m), where copepods contained only 3% of the MPs in the water, while 5% of the MPs were packed in fecal pellets. However, the number of MPs exported daily to the pycnocline via fecal pellets was estimated to be 1.4% of the total MPs in the surface layer. Our results indicate that zooplankton are an entry point of small MPs in the food web, but the number of MPs in zooplankton and their fecal pellets was low compared with the number of MPs found in the water column and the occurrence and/or ingestion of MPs reported for nekton. This suggests a low risk of MP transferring to higher trophic levels through zooplankton and a quantitatively low, but ecologically relevant, contribution of fecal pellets to the vertical exportation of MPs in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Torkel Gissel Nielsen
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rocío Rodríguez Torres
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Laboratoire
d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), UPMC
Université Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7093, Sorbonne Université, 06230 Villefranche sur Mer, France
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Ceelin Aila Andersen
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- EOMAR-ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas
de Gran Canaria, Spain
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11
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Almeda R, Kuddithamby G, Alonso-Lópeza O, Vilas A, Christelle C, Loisel T, Nielsen TG, Cachot J, Beiras R. A protocol for lixiviation of micronized plastics for aquatic toxicity testing. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 333:138894. [PMID: 37164198 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastics contain various types and amounts of additives that can leach into the water column when entering aquatic ecosystems. Some leached plastic additives are hazardous to marine biota at environmentally relevant concentrations. Disparate methodological approaches have been adopted for toxicity testing of plastic leachates, making comparison difficult. Here we propose a protocol to standardize the methodology to obtain leachates from microplastics (MPs) for aquatic toxicity testing. Literature reviewing and toxicity tests using marine model organisms and different types of MPs were conducted to define the main methodological aspects of the protocol. Acute exposure to leachates from the studied plastics caused negative effects on the early life stages of sea urchins and marine bacteria. We provide recommendations of key factors influencing MPs lixiviation, such as MP size (<250 μm), solid-to-liquid ratio (1-10 g/L), mixing conditions (1-60 rpm), and lixiviation time (72 h). The proposed methodology was successful to determine the toxicity of leachates from different micronized plastics on marine biota. Our recommendations balance feasibility and environmental relevance, and their use would help ensure comparability amongst studies for a better assessment of the toxicity of plastic leachates on aquatic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Almeda
- EOMAR Group, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | | | - Olalla Alonso-Lópeza
- EOMAR Group, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; ECOTOX Group, ECIMAT-CIM, University of Vigo, Spain
| | | | | | - Tara Loisel
- EPOC UMR 5805, University of Bordeaux, CNRS and INP Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Jérôme Cachot
- EPOC UMR 5805, University of Bordeaux, CNRS and INP Bordeaux, France
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12
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Kadac-Czapska K, Knez E, Gierszewska M, Olewnik-Kruszkowska E, Grembecka M. Microplastics Derived from Food Packaging Waste-Their Origin and Health Risks. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:674. [PMID: 36676406 PMCID: PMC9866676 DOI: 10.3390/ma16020674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are commonly used for packaging in the food industry. The most popular thermoplastic materials that have found such applications are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Unfortunately, most plastic packaging is disposable. As a consequence, significant amounts of waste are generated, entering the environment, and undergoing degradation processes. They can occur under the influence of mechanical forces, temperature, light, chemical, and biological factors. These factors can present synergistic or antagonistic effects. As a result of their action, microplastics are formed, which can undergo further fragmentation and decomposition into small-molecule compounds. During the degradation process, various additives used at the plastics' processing stage can also be released. Both microplastics and additives can negatively affect human and animal health. Determination of the negative consequences of microplastics on the environment and health is not possible without knowing the course of degradation processes of packaging waste and their products. In this article, we present the sources of microplastics, the causes and places of their formation, the transport of such particles, the degradation of plastics most often used in the production of packaging for food storage, the factors affecting the said process, and its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Kadac-Czapska
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Eliza Knez
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Gierszewska
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Physicochemistry of Polymers, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Ewa Olewnik-Kruszkowska
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Physicochemistry of Polymers, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Grembecka
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
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