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Rede D, Vilarinho R, Moreira JA, Delerue-Matos C, Fernandes VC. Investigating the impact of microplastics on triphenyl phosphate adsorption in soil: Insights into environmental factors and soil properties. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173745. [PMID: 38844227 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose significant environmental pollution problems owing to their diverse properties such as various shapes, sizes, compositions, surface features, and levels of degradation. Moreover, their interactions with toxic chemicals and aging processes add complexity to environmental research. This study investigated the adsorption of triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) in soil-only, MP-only, and soil-MP simulated environments under different conditions. The experiment involved three phases: initial exposure to a pH of 5.5 under fluorescent light, subsequent introduction of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and pH adjustment to 4.0 and 7.0, while maintaining UV exposure, each lasting 7 days. The study found that environmental factors affected TPhP sorption capacity, with higher adsorption observed under UV radiation and acidic conditions. In contrast, the MP-only systems showed no clear trend for TPhP adsorption, suggesting kinetic limitations. When MPs were added to the soil, the adsorption dynamics were altered, with varying adsorption capacities observed for different MP polymers under different aging conditions. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and water contact angle measurements suggested potential photooxidation processes and changes in the surface hydrophobicity of the MPs subjected to simulated environmental conditions. This study provides valuable insights into the interplay between soil properties, MP characteristics, and environmental factors in determining TPhP sorption dynamics in soil-MP environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rede
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernandino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; Departmento de Química e Bioquimica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169- 007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Vilarinho
- Departmento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; IFIMUP-Instituto de Física dos Materiais Avançados, Nanotecnologia e Fotónica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Agostinho Moreira
- Departmento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; IFIMUP-Instituto de Física dos Materiais Avançados, Nanotecnologia e Fotónica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernandino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Virgínia Cruz Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernandino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal.
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Hao L, Ma H, Xing B. Surface characteristics and adsorption properties of polypropylene microplastics by ultraviolet irradiation and natural aging. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173962. [PMID: 38876352 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The vast application and deep integration of plastic commodity with our human lives raise a great concern about the ubiquitous microplastics (MPs) in nature, yet the environmental behavior of MPs remain unclear. As a main type and candidate of MPs, pristine polypropylene MPs (PP-MP-Pris), as well as the influence of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the degree of aging and surface characteristics, were characterized quantitatively by Fourier infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle meter, automatic specific surface area and pore analyzer and laser particle analyzer, with natural aged PP-MPs (PP-MP-Age) as comparison. The carbonyl index (CI) of UV aged PP-MPs (PP-MP-U) was increased with extension of exposure time, while biofilm with abundant functional groups and the maximum CI value were the characteristics of PP-MP-Age. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of PP-MP-U for crystal violet (CV) was increased and reached the maximum after 30 days, while that of PP-MP-Age was weakened, probably due to the enhanced hydrophilicity and the shedding of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) during the natural aging process, which was demonstrated by hydrochloric acid treatment, indicating the vital involvement of CaCO3. Moreover, the better fitting to PSO kinetics and Freundlich isotherm models indicated that the multilayered and non-homogeneous surface adsorption was acted as the rate-controlling step. Furthermore, the positive values of ΔGθ, ΔHθ and ΔSθ indicated that the adsorption was a non-spontaneous, endothermic process with increased degree of the freedom on the interface of PP-MPs and CV solution. The presence of divalent salts inhibited CV adsorption, demonstrating that electrostatic attraction played a major role in CV capture. The hydrophobic interaction, micropore filling, hydrogen bonding, and π - π conjugation were possible involved. This study is of great significance for better understanding the complex pollution of MPs and its potential environmental risks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Hao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi 710119, PR China
| | - Hongzhu Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi 710119, PR China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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3
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Chen L, Xie N, Yuan S, Shao H. Adsorption mechanism of hexavalent chromium on electron beam-irradiated aged microplastics: Novel aging processes and environmental factors. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142741. [PMID: 38977247 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely present in the natural environment and exhibit a strong affinity for heavy metals in water, resulting in the formation of microplastics composite heavy metal pollutants. This study investigated the adsorption of heavy metals by electron beam-aged microplastics. For the first time, electron beam irradiation was employed to degrade polypropylene, demonstrating its ability to rapidly age microplastics and generate a substantial number of oxygen-containing functional groups on aged microplastics surface. Adsorption experiments revealed that the maximum adsorption equilibrium capacity of hexavalent chromium by aged microplastics reached 9.3 mg g-1. The adsorption process followed second-order kinetic model and Freundlich model, indicating that the main processes of heavy metal adsorption by aged microplastics are chemical adsorption and multilayer adsorption. The adsorption of heavy metals on aged microplastics primarily relies on the electrostatic and chelation effects of oxygen-containing functional groups. The study results demonstrate that environmental factors, such as pH, salinity, coexisting metal ions, humic acid, and water matrix, exert inhibitory effects on the adsorption of heavy metals by microplastics. Theoretical calculations confirm that the aging process of microplastics primarily relies on hydroxyl radicals breaking carbon chains and forming oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface. The results indicate that electron beam irradiation can simultaneously oxidize and degrade microplastics while reducing hexavalent chromium levels by approximately 90%, proposing a novel method for treating microplastics composite pollutants. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis reveals that electron beam irradiation can oxidatively degrade microplastics into esters, alcohols, and other small molecules. This study proposes an innovative and efficient approach to treat both microplastics composite heavy metal pollutants while elucidating the impact of environmental factors on the adsorption of heavy metals by electron beam-aged microplastics. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis and guidance for controlling microplastics composite pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- School of Future Membrane Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Nan Xie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1649-004, Portugal
| | - Shanning Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1649-004, Portugal
| | - Haiyang Shao
- School of Future Membrane Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
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Kong Y, Zhou Q, Wang R, Chen Q, Xu X, Zhu L, Wang Y. Alleviating effects of microplastics together with tetracycline hydrochloride on the physiological stress of Closterium sp. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024. [PMID: 39099448 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00286e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have significant influence on both freshwater cyanobacteria and marine microalgae, especially under co-exposure with other pollutants such as heavy metals, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals. In the present study, combined effects of microplastics (polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) on the microalgae Closterium sp. were studied to evaluate their acute toxicity, and the cell density, total chlorophyll concentration, photosynthetic activity, antioxidant system, and subcellular structure of Closterium sp. under different treatments were used to explain the physiological stress mechanism of the combined effects. The results indicate that both the single and combined treatments have inhibition effects on the cell growth and photosynthetic activity, with inhibition efficiencies (in terms of cell density) of 5.0%, 9.2%, 66.7%, 55.1%, and 59.8% for PET (100 mg L-1), PBT (100 mg L-1), TCH (10 mg L-1), PET/TCH (PET 100 mg L-1 and TCH 10 mg L-1), and PBT/TCH (PBT 100 mg L-1 and TCH 10 mg L-1), respectively, and relative electron-transport rates (rETRs) of 7.3%, 12.7%, 66.8%, 54.0%, and 59.9%, respectively, for each treatment compared with the control on the 7th day. Moreover, both PET and PBT have positive effects in alleviating TCH toxicity toward Closterium sp., and at the same time, the malondialdehyde level (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and catalase (CAT) activity induced by the combined treatments were much higher than those from the single microplastic treatments but lower than those from TCH treatment after 7 days. It was demonstrated that TCH causes a much more serious oxidative stress than PET/TCH and PBT/TCH, and the lower oxidative stress of the PET/TCH and PBT/TCH groups could be attributed to the adsorption of TCH to PET or PBT. This work improves the understanding of the combined toxicity effects of microplastics and TCH on Closterium sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Kong
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, Hubei, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingyun Zhou
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, Hubei, China.
| | - Renjuan Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, Hubei, China.
| | - Qi Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiangyang Xu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, Hubei, China.
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5
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Ning Z, Zhou S, Yang Y, Li P, Zhao Z, Zhang W, Lu L, Ren N. Adsorption behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid on aged microplastics. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11080. [PMID: 38970489 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11080] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
The presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment poses a significant threat to ecological safety and environmental health. Widespread microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as vectors for emerging contaminants due to human activities. However, the adsorption behaviors of PFAS on MPs, especially on aged MPs, have not been extensively investigated. This study aimed to investigate the adsorption behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on aged MPs (polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate) treated with UV irradiation and persulfate oxidation under salinity and dissolve organic matter (DOM) condition. Carbonyl index values of MPs increased after the aged treatment, indicating the production of oxygen-containing groups. The PFOA adsorption on aged MPs was impacted by the co-existence of Na+ ions and DOM. As PFOA adsorption onto aged MPs was mainly controlled by hydrophobic interaction, the electrostatic interaction also made a contribution, but there was no significant change in PFOA adsorption behavior between the pristine and aged MPs. While these findings provide insight into PFAS adsorption on aged MPs, further research is necessary to account for the complexity of the real environment. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Adsorption behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on aged microplastics were investigated. Hydrophobic interaction mainly controlled PFOA adsorption on aged microplastics (MPs). Co-existence dissolve organic matter and salinity influenced PFOA adsorption behaviors on aged MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigong Ning
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Zhuhai Modern Agriculture Development Center, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Shenzhen Honglue Research Institute of Innovation Management, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengxiang Li
- CCTEG Beijing Academy of Land Renovation and Ecological Restoration Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, China
- Research Center of Land Renovation and Ecological Restoration Engineering in the Coal Industry, Beijing, China
| | - Zilong Zhao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lu Lu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nanqi Ren
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
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6
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Wu J, Jiang S, Zhang J, Sun R, Lu W, Chen X, Dai Z, Lian Z, Li C. Effects of microplastics on typical macrobenthos in sargassum ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 259:119511. [PMID: 38950811 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Recently, microplastics (MPs) have attracted extensive attention to their wide distribution and potential toxicity in ecosystems. However, there was a lack of research focused on MPs in seaweed bed ecosystems. This study investigated the distribution and toxicity of MPs in macrobenthos in Sargassum ecosystem. According to the in-situ investigation results, the abundance of MPs in the sediment was 0.9-2.3 items/g, the indoor microcosmic experiment was constructed. After exposure to MPs (0, 2, and 20 items/g) for 30 days, the abundance of MPs in macrobenthos exhibits a concentration-dependent increase. However, there was no significant bioaccumulation of MPs at the trophic level. The indoor toxicity test revealed that MPs induced oxidative stress and altered intestinal microflora composition in macrobenthos, even at actual environmental concentrations (2 items/g). It may result in a perturbation of the organism's homeostatic equilibrium. High-concentration (20 items/g) MPs had a greater impact on alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in Mollusks. The increase in AKP activity could be indicative of an adaptive mechanism in some macrobenthos while the decline in AKP activity might signal a decrease in their survival. These results elucidated the fate of MPs in ecosystem and the ecological risks of MPs to large benthic animals on model environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Wu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Tropical Ocean Environment in Western Coastal Water, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Shiqi Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Tropical Ocean Environment in Western Coastal Water, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Tropical Ocean Environment in Western Coastal Water, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Ruikun Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Tropical Ocean Environment in Western Coastal Water, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China.
| | - Wen Lu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Tropical Ocean Environment in Western Coastal Water, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Tropical Ocean Environment in Western Coastal Water, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Zhenqing Dai
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Tropical Ocean Environment in Western Coastal Water, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China
| | - Zhonglian Lian
- Zhanjiang Marine Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Zhanjiang, 524005, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Tropical Ocean Environment in Western Coastal Water, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China.
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7
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Zhang L, Qin Z, Bai H, Xue M, Tang J. Photochemically induced aging of polystyrene nanoplastics and its impact on norfloxacin adsorption behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172511. [PMID: 38641106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172511] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of nanoplastics (NPs) and antibiotics in the environment is a growing concern for ecological safety. As NPs age in natural environments, their surface properties and morphology may change, potentially affecting their interactions with co-contaminants such as antibiotics. It is crucial to understand the effect of aging on NPs adsorption of antibiotics, but detailed studies on this topic are still scarce. The study utilized the photo-Fenton-like reaction to hasten the aging of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs). The impact of aging on the adsorption behavior of norfloxacin (NOR) was then systematically examined. The results showed a time-dependent rise in surface oxygen content and functional groups in aged PS-NPs. These modifications led to noticeable physical changes, including increased surface roughness, decreased particle size, and improved specific surface area. The physicochemical changes significantly increased the adsorption capacity of aged PS-NPs for norfloxacin. Aged PS-NPs showed 5.03 times higher adsorption compared to virgin PS-NPs. The adsorption mechanism analysis revealed that in addition to the electrostatic interactions, van der Waals force, hydrogen bonding, π-π* interactions and hydrophobic interactions observed with virgin PS-NPs, aged PS-NPs played a significant role in polar interactions and pore-filling mechanisms. The study highlights the potential for aging to worsen antibiotic risk in contaminated environments. This study not only enhances the comprehension of the environmental behavior of aged NPs but also provides a valuable basis for developing risk management strategies for contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing and Recycling of Non-ferrous Metals, School of Material Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu, PR China.
| | - Zhi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing and Recycling of Non-ferrous Metals, School of Material Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu, PR China
| | - He Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing and Recycling of Non-ferrous Metals, School of Material Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu, PR China
| | - Manyu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing and Recycling of Non-ferrous Metals, School of Material Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu, PR China
| | - Jie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing and Recycling of Non-ferrous Metals, School of Material Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu, PR China
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8
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Junaid M, Hamid N, Liu S, Abbas Z, Imran M, Haider MR, Wang B, Chen G, Khan HK, Yue Q, Xu N, Wang J. Interactive impacts of photoaged micro(nano)plastics and co-occurring chemicals in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172213. [PMID: 38580116 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172213] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
In the environment, sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation is considered to be the primary cause of plastic aging, leading to their fragmentation into particles, including micro(nano)plastics (MNPs). Photoaged MNPs possess diverse interactive properties and ecotoxicological implications substantially different from those of pristine plastic particles. This review aims to highlight the mechanisms and implications of UV-induced photoaging of MNPs, with an emphasis on various UV sources and their interactions with co-occurring organic and inorganic chemicals, as well as the associated ecological and health impacts and factors affecting those interactions. Compared to UV-B, UV-A and UV-C were more widely used in laboratory studies for MNP degradation. Photoaged MNPs act as vectors for the transportation of organic pollutants, organic matter, and inorganic chemicals in the environment. Literature showed that photoaged MNPs exhibit a higher sorption capacity for PPCPs, PAHs, PBDEs, pesticides, humic acid, fulvic acid, heavy metals, and metallic nanoparticles than pristine MNPs, potentially causing significant changes in associated ecological and health impacts. Combined exposure to photoaged MNPs and organic and inorganic pollutants significantly altered mortality rate, decreased growth rate, histological alterations, neurological impairments, reproductive toxicity, induced oxidative stress, thyroid disruption, hepatotoxicity, and genotoxicity in vivo, both in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Limited studies were reported in vitro and found decreased cellular growth and survival, induced oxidative stress, and compromised the permeability and integrity of the cell membrane. In addition, several environmental factors (temperature, organic matter, ionic strength, time, and pH), MNP properties (polymer types, sizes, surface area, shapes, colour, and concentration), and chemical properties (pollutant type, concentration, and physiochemical properties) can influence the photoaging of MNPs and associated impacts. Lastly, the research gaps and prospects of MNP photoaging and associated implications were also summarized. Future research should focus on the photoaging of MNPs under environmentally relevant conditions, exploiting the polydisperse characteristics of environmental plastics, to make this process more realistic for mitigating plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Junaid
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Naima Hamid
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Ocean Pollution and Ecotoxicology (OPEC) Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Shulin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zohaib Abbas
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Crop Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Rizwan Haider
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Guanglong Chen
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Hudda Khaleeq Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Qiang Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China.
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Yao J, Li J, Qi J, Wan M, Tang L, Han H, Tian K, Liu S. Distribution patterns and environmental risk assessments of microplastics in the lake waters and sediments from eight typical wetland parks in Changsha city, China. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1365906. [PMID: 38784569 PMCID: PMC11112001 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1365906] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The quality of water in urban parks is closely related to people's daily lives, but the pollution caused by microplastics in park water and sediments has not been comprehensively studied. Therefore, eight typical parks in the urban area of Changsha, China, were selected, and Raman spectroscopy was used to explore the spatial distributions and compositions of the microplastics in the water and sediments, analyze their influencing factors, and evaluate their environmental risks. The results showed that the abundances of surface water microplastics in all parks ranged from 150 to 525 n L-1, and the abundances of sediment microplastics ranged from 120 to 585 n kg-1. The microplastics in the surface water included polyethylene terephthalate (PET), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and fluororubber (FLU), while those in the sediments included polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wp-acrylate copolymer (ACR), and CPE. Regression analyses revealed significant positive correlations between human activities and the abundances of microplastics in the parks. Among them, the correlations of population, industrial discharge and domestic wastewater discharge with the abundance of microplastics in park water were the strongest. However, the correlations of car flow and tourists with the abundance of microplastics in park water were the weakest. Based on the potential ecological risk indices (PERI) classification assessment method, the levels of microplastics in the waters and sediments of the eight parks were all within the II-level risk zone (53-8,549), among which the risk indices for Meixi Lake and Yudai Lake were within the IV risk zone (1,365-8,549), which may have been caused by the high population density near the park. This study provides new insights into the characteristics of microplastics in urban park water and sediment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Yao
- The Department of Environmental Design, School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang Li
- The Department of Environmental Design, School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jialing Qi
- The Department of Environmental Design, School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengrui Wan
- The Department of Environmental Design, School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liling Tang
- The Department of Environmental Design, School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Han
- Henan Field Observation and Research Station of Headwork Wetland Ecosystem of the Central Route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project, School of Life Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Kai Tian
- Henan Field Observation and Research Station of Headwork Wetland Ecosystem of the Central Route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project, School of Life Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Shaobo Liu
- The Department of Environmental Design, School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha, China
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10
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Piyathilake U, Lin C, Bolan N, Bundschuh J, Rinklebe J, Herath I. Exploring the hidden environmental pollution of microplastics derived from bioplastics: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141773. [PMID: 38548076 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics might be an ecofriendly alternative to traditional plastics. However, recent studies have emphasized that even bioplastics can end up becoming micro- and nano-plastics due to their degradation under ambient environmental conditions. Hence, there is an urgent need to assess the hidden environmental pollution caused by bioplastics. However, little is known about the evolutionary trends of bibliographic data, degradation pathways, formation, and toxicity of micro- and nano-scaled bioplastics originating from biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch-based plastics. Therefore, the prime objective of the current review was to investigate evolutionary trends and the latest advancements in the field of micro-bioplastic pollution. Additionally, it aims to confront the limitations of existing research on microplastic pollution derived from the degradation of bioplastic wastes, and to understand what is needed in future research. The literature survey revealed that research focusing on micro- and nano-bioplastics has begun since 2012. This review identifies novel insights into microbioplastics formation through diverse degradation pathways, including photo-oxidation, ozone-induced degradation, mechanochemical degradation, biodegradation, thermal, and catalytic degradation. Critical research gaps are identified, including defining optimal environmental conditions for complete degradation of diverse bioplastics, exploring micro- and nano-bioplastics formation in natural environments, investigating the global occurrence and distribution of these particles in diverse ecosystems, assessing toxic substances released during bioplastics degradation, and bridging the disparity between laboratory studies and real-world applications. By identifying new trends and knowledge gaps, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations and sustainable solutions in the realm of sustainable management of bioplastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udara Piyathilake
- Environmental Science Division, National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, 2000, Sri Lanka
| | - Chuxia Lin
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, The University of Southern Queensland, West Street, 4350, QLD, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Indika Herath
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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11
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Li Y, Ke S, Xu D, Zhuo H, Liu X, Gao B. Preferential deposition of buoyant small microplastics in surface sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China: Insights from biomineralization. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133693. [PMID: 38367432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Sediments act as sinks of microplastics (MPs) derived from terrestrial ecosystems. However, the fate and transport of MPs at the zone of sediment-overlying water in reservoir environment are poorly understood. Here, the MPs distribution patterns in surface sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) and dominant mechanisms responsible for the sinking of MPs at the zone of sediment-overlying water were comprehensively investigated. The predominant occurrence of small microplastics (<300 µm, SMPs) in surface sediments of the TGR was found, with buoyant polyethene (PE) was dominant polymer types. Interestingly, the high abundance of SMPs in sediments correlated well with the Ca2+/Mg2+ in overlying water, suggesting that divalent cations in overlying water may enhance the preferential deposition of SMPs. Simulation sinking experiments under the presence of Microcystis aeruginosa and two divalent cations using different-sized PE MPs demonstrated that the greater deposition of SMPs was mainly the result of the formation of biogenic calcite on the surface of MPs rather than magnesium minerals, which provides stronger ballasting effects for SMPs than for large MPs. This study first highlights that the impact of biomineralization on preferential sinking of SMPs and enhances the understanding of the transport behaviour of MPs in aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Sun Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Dongyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Haihua Zhuo
- Changjiang Basin Ecology and Environment Monitoring and Scientific Research Center, Changjiang Basin Ecology and Environment Administration, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Wuhan 430010, China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Bo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China.
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12
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Hu C, Xiao Y, Jiang Q, Wang M, Xue T. Adsorption properties and mechanism of Cu(II) on virgin and aged microplastics in the aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29434-29448. [PMID: 38575820 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33131-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) migrate by adsorbing heavy metals in aquatic environments and act as their carriers. However, the aging mechanisms of MPs in the environment and the interactions between MPs and heavy metals in aquatic environments require further study. In this study, two kinds of materials, polyamide (PA) and polylactic acid (PLA) were used as target MPs, and the effects of UV irradiation on the physical and chemical properties of the MPs and the adsorption behavior of Cu(II) were investigated. The results showed that after UV irradiation, pits, folds and pores appeared on the surface of aged MPs, the specific surface area (SSA) increased, the content of oxygen-containing functional groups increased, and the crystallinity decreased. These changes enhanced the adsorption capacity of aged MPs for Cu(II) pollutants. The adsorption behavior of the PA and PLA MPs for Cu(II) conformed to the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that the monolayer chemical adsorption was dominant. The maximum amounts of aged PA and PLA reached 1.415 and 1.398 mg/g, respectively, which were 1.59 and 1.76 times of virgin MPs, respectively. The effects of pH and salinity on the adsorption of Cu(II) by the MPs were significant. Moreover, factors such as pH, salinity and dosage had significant effects on the adsorption of Cu(II) by MPs. Oxidative complexation between the oxygen-containing groups of the MPs and Cu(II) is an important adsorption mechanism. These findings reveal that the UV irradiation aging of MPs can enhance the adsorption of Cu(II) and increase their role as pollutant carriers, which is crucial for assessing the ecological risk of MPs and heavy metals coexisting in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yaodong Xiao
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingrong Jiang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyao Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingdan Xue
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
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13
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Du T, Qian L, Shao S, Xing T, Li T, Wu L. Comparison of sulfide-induced transformation of biodegradable and conventional microplastics: Mechanism and environmental fate. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 253:121295. [PMID: 38354663 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121295] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have been massively produced and used as potential substitutes for conventional plastics, resulting in their inevitable entry into the environment and generation of biodegradable microplastics (MPs). The sulfidation transformation of MPs is an important process for their transformation in anoxic environments (e.g., sediments, anaerobic activated sludges) that can alter their environmental effects and risks. However, how sulfides induce the transformation of biodegradable MPs and whether they are similar to conventional MPs remains unknown. In the present study, we compared the transformation and mechanism of conventional polyethylene (PE) MPs and biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) MPs during sulfidation. The results demonstrated that sulfidation resulted in oxidation of PE MPs, whereas PBAT MPs underwent reduction and had higher physical damage, as evidenced by fragmentation, chain scission and organic compound release. Besides, reactive oxygen species and sulfide species played important roles in the sulfidation of PE and PBAT MPs, respectively. The presence of ester groups in PBAT MPs led to their hydrolysis, causing chain scission and further reduction. Furthermore, sulfidation caused a higher degree of adsorption and toxicity alterations in PBAT MPs than in PE MPs. This work uncovers critical abiotic transformation behaviors of biodegradable microplastics and highlights the necessity of considering microplastic structural features to accurately predict microplastic occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Du
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Liwen Qian
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Song Shao
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Tianran Xing
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Tong Li
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Lijun Wu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
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14
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Jansen MAK, Andrady AL, Bornman JF, Aucamp PJ, Bais AF, Banaszak AT, Barnes PW, Bernhard GH, Bruckman LS, Busquets R, Häder DP, Hanson ML, Heikkilä AM, Hylander S, Lucas RM, Mackenzie R, Madronich S, Neale PJ, Neale RE, Olsen CM, Ossola R, Pandey KK, Petropavlovskikh I, Revell LE, Robinson SA, Robson TM, Rose KC, Solomon KR, Andersen MPS, Sulzberger B, Wallington TJ, Wang QW, Wängberg SÅ, White CC, Young AR, Zepp RG, Zhu L. Plastics in the environment in the context of UV radiation, climate change and the Montreal Protocol: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2023. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:629-650. [PMID: 38512633 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00552-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This Assessment Update by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) considers the interactive effects of solar UV radiation, global warming, and other weathering factors on plastics. The Assessment illustrates the significance of solar UV radiation in decreasing the durability of plastic materials, degradation of plastic debris, formation of micro- and nanoplastic particles and accompanying leaching of potential toxic compounds. Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in all ecosystems, the atmosphere, and in humans. While the potential biological risks are not yet well-established, the widespread and increasing occurrence of plastic pollution is reason for continuing research and monitoring. Plastic debris persists after its intended life in soils, water bodies and the atmosphere as well as in living organisms. To counteract accumulation of plastics in the environment, the lifetime of novel plastics or plastic alternatives should better match the functional life of products, with eventual breakdown releasing harmless substances to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Janet F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | | | - Alkiviadis F Bais
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastazia T Banaszak
- Unidad Académica Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Paul W Barnes
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environment Program, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Laura S Bruckman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Busquets
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kingston University London, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
| | | | - Mark L Hanson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Samuel Hylander
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Roy Mackenzie
- Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de Magallanes, Puerto Williams, Chile
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems BASE, Santiago, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center CHIC, Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Sasha Madronich
- UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Patrick J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA
| | - Rachel E Neale
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine M Olsen
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rachele Ossola
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Irina Petropavlovskikh
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Ozone and Water Vapor Division, NOAA ESRL Global Monitoring Laboratory, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Laura E Revell
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - T Matthew Robson
- UK National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria, Ambleside Campus, Ambleside, UK
- Organismal & Evolutionary Ecology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, Faculty of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kevin C Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Keith R Solomon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mads P Sulbæk Andersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barbara Sulzberger
- Retired From Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dubendorf, Switzerland
| | - Timothy J Wallington
- Center for Sustainable Systems, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qing-Wei Wang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Sten-Åke Wängberg
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Richard G Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Liping Zhu
- State Key Lab for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Chen L, Shao H, Ren Y, Mao C, Chen K, Wang H, Jing S, Xu C, Xu G. Investigation of the adsorption behavior and adsorption mechanism of pollutants onto electron beam-aged microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170298. [PMID: 38272098 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, as an emerging pollutant, are widely distributed worldwide. Extensive research has been conducted to address the issue of microplastic pollution; however, effective methods for microplastic treatment are still lacking. This study innovatively utilizes electron beam technology to age and degrade microplastics. Compared to other treatment methods, electron beam technology can effectively promote the aging and degradation of microplastics. The Oxygen - carbon ratio of aged microplastics reached 0.071, with a mass loss of 48 % and a carbonyl index value of 0.69, making it the most effective method for short-term aging treatment in current research efforts. Theoretical calculations and experimental results demonstrate that a large number of oxygen-containing functional groups are generated on the surface of microplastics after electron beam irradiation, changing their adsorption performance for pollutants. Theoretical calculations show that an increase in oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface leads to a gradual decrease in hydrophobic pollutant adsorption capacity while increasing hydrophilic pollutant adsorption capacity for aged microplastics. Experimental studies were conducted to investigate the adsorption behavior and process of typical pollutants by aged microplastics which conform to pseudo-second-order kinetics and Henry model during the adsorption process, and the adsorption results are consistent with theoretical calculations. The results show that the degradation of microplastics is mainly due to hydroxyl radicals generated by electron beam irradiation, which can break the carbon chain of microplastics and gradually degrade them into small molecular esters and alcohols. Furthermore, studies have shown that microplastics can desorb pollutants in pure water and simulated gastric fluid. Overall, electron beam irradiation is currently the most effective method for degrading microplastics. These results also clearly elucidate the characteristics and mechanisms of the interaction between aged microplastics and organic pollutants, providing further insights for assessing microplastic pollution in real-world environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Haiyang Shao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Yingfei Ren
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Chengkai Mao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Kang Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Hongyong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200444, PR China.
| | - Shuting Jing
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Chengwei Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Gang Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China; Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200444, PR China.
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16
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Cao Y, Zhao Q, Jiang F, Geng Y, Song H, Zhang L, Li C, Li J, Li Y, Hu X, Huang J, Tian S. Interactions between inhalable aged microplastics and lung surfactant: Potential pulmonary health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:117803. [PMID: 38043900 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117803] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between microplastics (MPs) and human respiratory health has garnered significant attention since inhalation constitutes the primary pathway for atmospheric MP exposure. While recent studies have revealed respiratory risks associated with MPs, virgin MPs used as plastic surrogates in these experiments did not represent the MPs that occur naturally and that undergo aging effects. Thus, the effects of aged MPs on respiratory health remain unknown. We herein analyzed the interaction between inhalable aged MPs with lung surfactant (LS) extracted from porcine lungs vis-à-vis interfacial chemistry employing in-vitro experiments, and explored oxidative damage induced by aged MPs in simulated lung fluid (SLF) and the underlying mechanisms of action. Our results showed that aged MPs significantly increased the surface tension of the LS, accompanied by a diminution in its foaming ability. The stronger adsorptive capacity of the aged MPs toward the phospholipids of LS appeared to produce increased surface tension, while the change in foaming ability might have resulted from a variation in the protein secondary structure and the adsorption of proteins onto MPs. The adsorption of phospholipid and protein components then led to the aggregation of MPs in SLF, where the aged MPs exhibited smaller hydrodynamic diameters in comparison with the unaged MPs, likely interacting with biomolecules in bodily fluids to exacerbate health hazards. Persistent free radicals were also formed on aged MPs, inducing the formation of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide radicals (O2•-), hydrogen peroxide (HOOH), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH); this would lead to LS lipid peroxidation and protein damage and increase the risk of respiratory disease. Our investigation was the first-ever to reveal a potential toxic effect of aged MPs and their actions on the human respiratory system, of great significance in understanding the risk of inhaled MPs on lung health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cao
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Fanshu Jiang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Yingxue Geng
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Haoran Song
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Linfeng Zhang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Chen Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Jie Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.
| | - Yingjie Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Xuewei Hu
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Jianhong Huang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Senlin Tian
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.
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17
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Bai R, Liu H, Cui J, Wu Y, Guo X, Liu Q, Liu Q, Gao H, Yan C, He W. The characteristics and influencing factors of farmland soil microplastic in Hetao Irrigation District, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133472. [PMID: 38219587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution, a major global concern, has garnered increasing attention in agricultural ecosystem research. China's Hetao Irrigation District, vital for grain production in the Yellow River Basin, lacks sufficient research on microplastic pollution of agricultural soils. This study, based on a detailed background investigation and testing of 47 samples, is the first to elucidate the characteristics and potential influencing factors of microplastics in the Hetao Irrigation District. The abundance of microplastics in the farmland soil ranged from 1810 to 86331 items/kg, with 90% measuring below 180 µm and mainly in film and fragment forms. Predominant polymers were polyethylene (PE, 43.0%) and polyamide (PA, 27.8%). Key pollution influencers were identified as agricultural inputs, with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) being the most extensively used plastic type. The carbonyl index and hydroxyl indices of the detected LDPE microplastics ranged from 0.041 to 0.96 and 0.092 to 1.20, respectively. The study highlights the significance of mulching management and agronomic practices in shaping microplastic characteristics. Potential pollution sources include agricultural inputs, irrigation equipment, domestic waste, and tire wear. Proposed effective strategies include responsible plastic use, robust waste management, and irrigation system upgrades, establishing a foundation for future ecological risk assessments and effective management approaches in the Hetao Irrigation District. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The harmful substances studied in this paper are microplastics, which are widely distributed in the environment and have potential ecological risks. This study is the first to investigate the characteristics of microplastics in farmland soil within the Hetao Irrigation Area, a region that is of critical importance to agricultural production in the Yellow River Basin of China. The study provides comprehensive insights into the factors influencing the characteristics of microplastics and speculates on their sources. These findings offer a novel perspective on the assessment of microplastic contamination in the area and provide valuable recommendations for prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhao Bai
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hongjin Liu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Jixiao Cui
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China.
| | - Yan Wu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Xiaoyu Guo
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Haihe Gao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changrong Yan
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Wenqing He
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China.
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18
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Mao S, He C, Niu G, Ma Y. Effect of aging on the release of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from biodegradable and petroleum-based microplastics into soil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116006. [PMID: 38295739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116006] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Due to microplastics (MPs) being widely distributed in soil, the use of advanced oxidation to remediate organic-contaminated soils may accelerate the aging of MPs in soil and impact the release of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a potential carcinogen used as a plasticizer in plastics, from MPs. In this study, persulfate oxidation (PO) and temperature treatment (TT) were used to treat biodegradable and petroleum-based MPs, including polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS). The methods used for evaluating the characteristics changes of MP were X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and water contact angle measurement. The effects of aging on DEHP release from MPs were investigated via soil incubation. The results showed PO and TT led to increased surface roughness, oxygen-containing functional group content, and hydrophilicity of the MPs with prolonged aging, consequently accelerating the release of DEHP from the MPs. Interestingly, PLA aged faster than PVC and PS under similar conditions. After 30 days of PO treatment, DEHP release from PLA into the soil increased 0.789-fold, exceeding the increase from PVC (0.454-fold) and PS (0.287-fold). This suggests that aged PLA poses a higher ecological risk than aged PVC or PS. Furthermore, PO treatment resulted in the oxidation and degradation of DEHP on the MP surface. After 30 days of PO treatment, the DEHP content in PLA, PVC, and PS decreased by 19.1%, 25.8%, and 23.5%, respectively. Specifying the types of MPs studied and the environmental conditions would provide a more precise context for the results. These findings provide novel insights into the fate of biodegradable and petroleum-based MPs and the potential ecotoxicity arising from advanced oxidation remediation in contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Mao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chiquan He
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Guoyao Niu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yangyang Ma
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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19
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Guo S, Feng D, Li Y, Liu L, Tang J. Innovations in chemical degradation technologies for the removal of micro/nano-plastics in water: A comprehensive review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115979. [PMID: 38244511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115979] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) in water have raised global concern due to their potential environmental risks. To reestablish a M/NPs free world, enormous attempts have been made toward employing chemical technologies for their removal in water. This review comprehensively summarizes the advances in chemical degradation approaches for M/NPs elimination. It details and discusses promising techniques, including photo-based technologies, Fenton-based reaction, electrochemical oxidation, and novel micro/nanomotors approaches. Subsequently, critical influence factors, such as properties of M/NPs and operating factors, are analyzed in this review specifically. Finally, it concludes by addressing the current challenges and future perspectives in chemical degradation. This review will provide guidance for scientists to further explore novel strategies and develop feasible chemical methods for the improved control and remediation of M/NPs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Di Feng
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center/Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Linan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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20
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Dong D, Guo Z, Yang X, Dai Y. Comprehensive understanding of the aging and biodegradation of polystyrene-based plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123034. [PMID: 38016589 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123034] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The extensive utilization and inadequate handling of plastics have resulted in severe environmental ramifications. In particular, plastics composed solely of a carbon-carbon (C-C) backbone exhibit limited degradation due to the absence of hydrolyzable functional groups. Plastics with enduring longevity in the natural environment are susceptible to environmental factors and their intrinsic properties, subsequently undergoing a series of aging processes that culminate in biodegradation. This article focuses on polystyrene (PS), which constitutes 20% of total plastic waste, as a case study. Initially, the application of PS in life and the impacts it poses are introduced. Following that, the key factors influencing the aging of PS are discussed, primarily encompassing its properties (e.g., surface characteristics, additives) and environmental factors (e.g., water matrices, biofilms). Lastly, an overview of microbial degradation of PS is provided, including potential microorganisms involved in PS degradation (bacteria, fungi, algae, and insects), four processes of microbial degradation (colonization, bio-fragmentation, assimilation, and mineralization), and potential mechanisms of microbial degradation. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted influences affecting the aging and biodegradation mechanisms of PS, thereby contributing valuable insights for the future management of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhuang Dong
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Zhi Guo
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Xue Yang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yaodan Dai
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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21
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Zhang Z, Zou S, Li P. Aging of plastics in aquatic environments: Pathways, environmental behavior, ecological impacts, analyses and quantifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122926. [PMID: 37963513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122926] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastics in our environment has brought about pressing concerns, with their aging processes, photo-oxidation, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation, being at the forefront. Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from plastic degradation or direct anthropogenic sources, further complicate this landscape. This review delves into the intricate aging dynamics of plastics in aquatic environments under various influential factors. We discuss the physicochemical changes that occur in aged plastics and the release of oxidation products during their degradation. Particular attention is given to their evolving environmental interactions and the resulting ecotoxicological implications. A rigorous evaluation is also conducted for methodologies in the analysis and quantification of plastics aging, identifying their merits and limitations and suggesting potential avenues for future research. This comprehensive review is able to illuminate the complexities of plastics aging, charting a path for future research and aiding in the formulation of informed policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Shichun Zou
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Pu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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22
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Zhang X, Tian X, Song W, Ma B, Chen M, Sun Y, Chen Y, Zhang L. Adsorption of As(III) by microplastics coexisting with antibiotics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167857. [PMID: 37865258 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167857] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Although recent studies have been conducted on the pollution and toxicity of microplastics with heavy metals or antibiotics, it is necessary to further investigate the coexistence of antibiotics and heavy metals on the surface of microplastics. In this study, the mechanisms of As(III) adsorption by polystyrene (PS) and polyamide (PA) microplastics in the presence of antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, CIP) were investigated. Adsorption behavior was investigated using kinetic and isotherm models, and the effects of microplastic particle size, aging, ion concentration, pH, xanthic acid (FA), and tannic acid (TA) were considered. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm models showed that the kinetics of As(III) adsorption on PS were consistent with a pseudo-first-order model; the kinetics of adsorption on PA were more consistent with segmented linear regression. The Freundlich model is consistent with the adsorption isotherms of As(III) on PS and PA. The smaller the microplastic particle size and the longer the aging time, the better the adsorption of As(III). Increasing NO3-significantly inhibited the adsorption of As(III) by PS, while it first promoted and then inhibited the adsorption by PA. The effect of pH was similar to that ofNO3-. The adsorption of As(III) by PS was significantly promoted by FA and TA, regardless of the presence of CIP; the adsorption of As(III) by PA was inhibited. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize microscopic morphology of pristine and aged PS and PA microplastics; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XPS) revealed changes in surface functional groups of PS and PA, while demonstrating the importance of different functional groups in exogenous additives (CIP and dissolved organic matter, DOM) in the adsorption of As(III). This study provides new insight into adsorption behaviors and interaction mechanisms between ternary pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University,Qingdao 266005, PR China
| | - Xia Tian
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University,Qingdao 266005, PR China.
| | - Wenlong Song
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University,Qingdao 266005, PR China
| | - Bing Ma
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University,Qingdao 266005, PR China
| | - Mengxin Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University,Qingdao 266005, PR China
| | - Yiming Sun
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University,Qingdao 266005, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University,Qingdao 266005, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University,Qingdao 266005, PR China.
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23
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Zhao S, Zhang C, Zhang Q, Huang Q. Small microplastic particles promote tetracycline and aureomycin adsorption by biochar in an aqueous solution. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119332. [PMID: 37907026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119332] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Biochar (BC) has been used to remove antibiotics from wastewater. Microplastics are emerging contaminants of wastewater. The capacities of microplastics for adsorbing antibiotics and the effects of microplastics of different types and particle sizes on antibiotic adsorption by BC have not been studied. Here, adsorption isotherm and kinetics experiments were performed to investigate tetracycline and aureomycin adsorption to polyvinyl chloride particles with diameters of 10, 100, 500, and 2000 μm, polylactic acid particles with diameters of 30, 100, 500, and 2000 μm (PLA30, PLA100, PLA500, and PLA2000, respectively), and wheat straw BC. The highest tetracycline adsorption capacity (25.00 mg g-1) was found for a PLA30 + BC. The tetracycline adsorption capacities of the other microplastic particles were 20.44-24.57 mg g-1. The highest aureomycin adsorption capacity (39.50 mg g-1) was found for 10 μm polyvinyl chloride particles and BC. The aureomycin adsorption capacities of the other microplastic particles were 32.21-38.42 mg g-1. The tetracycline adsorption capacities were 13.69%, 6.28%, 5.49%, and 4.54% higher for PLA30 + BC, PLA100 + BC, PLA500 + BC, and PLA2000 + BC, respectively, than for only BC. This may have been because there were more sites available per unit mass of microplastic for adsorbing tetracycline and dissolved organic carbon on small microplastic particles than large microplastic particles. The results indicated that microplastics can adsorb antibiotics and increase the amounts of antibiotics adsorbed by BC. Therefore, it is essential to consider potential interactions between BC and microplastics when BC is used to remove antibiotics from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chuchen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Qianru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Qilan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
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24
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Chen R, Zhao X, Wu X, Wang J, Wang X, Liang W. Research progress on occurrence characteristics and source analysis of microfibers in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115834. [PMID: 38061148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115834] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic microfiber pollution is a growing concern in the marine environment. However, critical issues associated with microfiber origins in marine environments have not been resolved. Herein, the potential sources of marine microfibers are systematically reviewed. The obtained results indicate that surface runoffs are primary contributors that transport land-based microfibers to oceans, and the breakdown of larger fiber plastic waste due to weathering processes is also a notable secondary source of marine microfibers. Additionally, there are three main approaches for marine microplastic source apportionment, namely, anthropogenic source classification, statistical analysis, and numerical simulations based on the Lagrangian particle tracking method. These methods establish the connections between characteristics, transport pathways and sources of microplastics, which provides new insights to further conduct microfiber source apportionment. This study helps to better understand sources analysis and transport pathways of microfibers into oceans and presents a scientific basis to further control microfiber pollution in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
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25
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Luo H, Tu C, He D, Zhang A, Sun J, Li J, Xu J, Pan X. Interactions between microplastics and contaminants: A review focusing on the effect of aging process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165615. [PMID: 37481081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the environment are a major global concern due to their persistent nature and wide distribution. The aging of MPs is influenced by several processes including photodegradation, thermal degradation, biodegradation and mechanical fragmentation, which affect their interaction with contaminants. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the aging process of MPs and the factors that impact their aging, and to discuss the effects of aging on the interaction of MPs with contaminants. A range of characterization methods that can effectively elucidate the mechanistic processes of these interactions are outlined. The rate and extent of MPs aging are influenced by their physicochemical properties and other environmental factors, which ultimately affect the adsorption and aggregation of aged MPs with environmental contaminants. Pollutants such as heavy metals, organic matter and microorganisms have a tendency to accumulate on MPs through adsorption and the interactions between them impact their environmental behavior. Aging enhances the specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups of MPs, thereby affecting the mechanism of interaction between MPs and contaminants. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how aging affects the interactions, this review also provides an overview of the mechanisms by which MPs interact with contaminants. In the future, there should be further in-depth studies of the potential hazards of aged MPs in different environments e.g., soil, sediment, aquatic environment, and effects of their interaction with environmental pollutants on human health and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Chaolin Tu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Anping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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26
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Town RM, van Leeuwen HP, Duval JFL. Effect of Polymer Aging on Uptake/Release Kinetics of Metal Ions and Organic Molecules by Micro- and Nanoplastics: Implications for the Bioavailability of the Associated Compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16552-16563. [PMID: 37856883 PMCID: PMC10620988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05148] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The main driver of the potential toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics toward biota is often the release of compounds initially present in the plastic, i.e., polymer additives, as well as environmentally acquired metals and/or organic contaminants. Plastic particles degrade in the environment via various mechanisms and at different rates depending on the particle size/geometry, polymer type, and the prevailing physical and chemical conditions. The rate and extent of polymer degradation have obvious consequences for the uptake/release kinetics and, thus, the bioavailability of compounds associated with plastic particles. Herein, we develop a theoretical framework to describe the uptake and release kinetics of metal ions and organic compounds by plastic particles and apply it to the analysis of experimental data for pristine and aged micro- and nanoplastics. In particular, we elucidate the contribution of transient processes to the overall kinetics of plastic reactivity toward aquatic contaminants and demonstrate the paramount importance of intraparticulate contaminant diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raewyn M. Town
- ECOSPHERE,
Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Herman P. van Leeuwen
- ECOSPHERE,
Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Physical
Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University
& Research, Stippeneng
4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
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27
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Wang K, Yang S, Yu X, Liu Y, Bai M, Xu Y, Weng L, Li Y, Li X. Effect of microplastics on the degradation of tetracycline in a soil microbial electric field. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132313. [PMID: 37619277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132313] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The degradation of organic pollutants and the adsorption of organic pollutants onto microplastics (MPs) in the environment have recently been intensively studied, but the effects of biocurrents, which are widespread in various soil environments, on the environmental behavior of MPs and antibiotic pollutants have not been reported. In this study, it was found that polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs accelerated the mineralization of humic substances in microbial electrochemical systems (MESs). After tetracycline (TC) was introduced into the MESs, the internal resistance of the soil MESs decreased. Additionally, the presence of MPs enhanced the charge output of the soil MESs by 40% (PLA+TC) and 18% (PVC+TC) compared with a control group without MPs (424 C). The loss in MP mass decreased after TC was added, suggesting a promotion of TC degradation rather than MP degradation for charge output. MPs altered the distribution of the highest occupied molecular orbitals and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals of TC molecules and reduced the energy barrier for the TC hydrolysis reaction. The microbial community of the plastisphere exhibited a greater ability to degrade xenobiotics than the soil microbial community, indicating that MPs were hotspots for TC degradation. This study provides the first glimpse into the influence of MPs on the degradation of TC in MESs, laying a theoretical and methodological foundation for the systematic evaluation of the potential risks of environmental pollutants in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Side Yang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Mohan Bai
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Liping Weng
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China; Department of Soil Quality, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6700 HB, the Netherlands
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, MARA/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Tianjin 300191, China.
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28
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Lee J, Jeong S. Approach to an answer to "How dangerous microplastics are to the human body": A systematic review of the quantification of MPs and simultaneously exposed chemicals. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132404. [PMID: 37672992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132404] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to facilitate future research on microplastics (MPs) in the environment using systematic and analytical protocols, ultimately contributing to assessment of the risk to human health due to continuous daily exposure to MPs. Despite extensive studies on MP abundance in environment, identification, and treatment, their negative effects on human health remain unknown due to the lack of proof from clinical studies and limited technology on the MP identification. To assess the risk of MPs to human health, the first step is to estimate MP intake via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact under standardized exposure conditions in daily life. Furthermore, rather than focusing on the sole MPs, migrating chemicals from plastic products should be quantified and their health risk be assessed concurrently with MP release. The critical factors influencing MP release and simultaneously exposed chemicals (SECs) must be investigated using a standardized identification method. This review summarises release sources, factors, and possible routes of MPs from the environment to the human body, and the quantification methods used in risk assessment. We also discussed the issues encountered in MP release and SEC migration. Consequently, this review provides directions for future MP studies that can answer questions about MP toxicity to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Lee
- Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, South Korea
| | - Sanghyun Jeong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, South Korea.
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Sun X, Anoopkumar AN, Madhavan A, Binod P, Pandey A, Sindhu R, Awasthi MK. Degradation mechanism of microplastics and potential risks during sewage sludge co-composting: A comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122113. [PMID: 37379875 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122113] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as a kind of emerging contaminants, widely exists in various kinds of medium, sewage sludge (SS) is no exception. In the sewage treatment process, a large number of microplastics will be deposited in SS. More seriously, microplastics in sewage sludge can migrate to other environmental media and threaten human health. Therefore, it is necessary to remove MPs from SS. Among the various restorations, aerobic composting is emerging as a green microplastic removal method. There are more and more reports of using aerobic compost to degrade microplastics. However, there are few reports on the degradation mechanism of MPs in aerobic composting, hindering the innovation of aerobic composting methods. Therefore, in this paper, the degradation mechanism of MPs in SS is discussed based on the environmental factors such as physical, chemical and biological factors in the composting process. In addition, this paper expounds the MPs in potential hazards, and combined with the problems in the present study were studied the outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712 100, China
| | - A N Anoopkumar
- Centre for Research in Emerging Tropical Diseases (CRET-D), Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, India
| | - Aravind Madhavan
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kollam, 690525, Kerala, India
| | - Parameswaran Binod
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Trivandrum, 695019, Kerala, India
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR- Indian Institute for Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), 31 MG Marg, Lucknow, 226 001, India; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, 226029, Uttar Pradesh, India; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248007, India
| | - Raveendran Sindhu
- Department of Food Technology, TKM Institute of Technology, Kollam, 691505, Kerala, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712 100, China.
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Wu X, Zhao X, Wang X, Chen R, Liu P, Liang W, Wang J, Shi D, Gao S. Bioaccessibility of polypropylene microfiber-associated tetracycline and ciprofloxacin in simulated human gastrointestinal fluids. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108193. [PMID: 37703772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108193] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics residues in natural waters can adsorb organic contaminants owing to their rough surface morphology and high specific surface area, potentially harming human health when ingested. Although humans inevitably ingest microplastics, the bioaccessibility of microplastic-associated chemicals in the human gastric and intestinal fluids remains unresolved. This study investigated the mechanism and primary factor controlling the bioaccessibility of polypropylene (PP) microplastic fiber-associated tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) in simulated human gastrointestinal fluids. After mixing 0.1 g of PP microfiber with 10 mg/L of TC (or CIP) for 96 h and exposure to simulated human gastrointestinal fluids, the TC concentrations were 0.440, 0.678, and 1.840 mg/L and the CIP concentrations were 0.700, 1.367, and 3.281 mg/L CIP in the simulated human saliva, gastric, and intestinal fluids after incubation for 60 s, 4 h, and 8 h, respectively. This indicated that the antibiotics TC and CIP adsorbed onto microfiber surface are readily released into human gastrointestinal fluids upon ingestion. Gastric and intestinal fluids showed enhanced bioaccessibility to TC/CIP adhered to PP microfiber. The primary factors affecting the bioaccessibility to TC/CIP adhered to PP microfiber surfaces were found to be pepsin in human gastric fluid and trypsin in human intestinal fluid. Molecular docking and simulated molecular dynamic analyses results showed that pepsin and trypsin stablish connections with TC via hydrogen bonds (reaction sites: pepsin TC: T139, T136, S97, D94, D277 and Y251; trypsin TC: S257, H120, K235, G274, and G276) and CIP via hydrophobic interactions (reaction sites: pepsin CIP: Y137, T136, T139, F173, I362, V353, and I275; trypsin CIP: W273, I161, C253, and C277). Our findings highlight that microplastic ingestion increases the risk of microplastics and the co-contaminants adsorbed to human health; thus, these findings are helpful to assess the risk of microplastics and co-contaminants to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Di Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Zhu X, Wang Z, Yang Y, Ma N, Zhang X. Bioinspired Formation of Anti-Ultraviolet Micro-Goose Bump PDMAEMA/PS Coatings. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300479. [PMID: 37532630 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, inspired by the human-giving goosebumps process, we demonstrated a rapid, versatile, and simple method to prepare anti-UV microstructures polymer blend films with good morphology based on phase separation. Through the results of characterizations, it is proved that the microstructures are formed by polymer phase separation. Then the formation possibility of microstructures is proved by thermodynamic analysis. Moreover, the phase-field model is used to simulate the formation of microstructures by the finite element method, which can illustrate the evolution process of the microstructures. Besides, the microstructures were prepared on different substrates through the simple phase separation method, which can verify the versatility of this method. In addition, the anti-UV performance of the micro-structure films was evaluated. This work proposed a simple and versatile route to prepare microstructures coating in different substrates, which exhibit well anti-UV performance, and this work has the application potential for preventing material aging caused by UV radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhu
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yuyun Yang
- College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
- College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
- College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
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He Y, Shen A, Salam M, Liu M, Wei Y, Yang Y, Li H. Microcystins-Loaded Aged Nanoplastics Provoke a Metabolic Shift in Human Liver Cells. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37449315 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Studies concerning the toxicity of pollutant-loaded nanoplastics (NPs) toward humans are still in their infancy. Here, we evaluated the adsorption of microcystins (MCs) by pristine and aged polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs), prepared MCs-loaded aged PSNPS (1, 5, 10, 15, and 19 μg/mg), and systematically mapped the key molecular changes induced by aged and MCs-loaded PSNPs to human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells. According to the results, MC-LR adsorption is increased 2.64-fold by aging, and PSNP accumulation is detected in HepG2 cells. The cytotoxicity of the MC-LR-loaded aged PSNPs showed a positive relationship with the MC-LR amount, as the cell viability in the 19 μg/mg loading treatment (aPS-MC19) was 10.84% lower than aged PSNPs; meanwhile, more severe oxidative damage was observed. Primary approaches involved stressing the endoplasmic reticulum and reducing protein synthesis that the aged PSNPs posed for HepG2 cells, while the aggravated cytotoxicity in aPS-MC19 treatment was a combined result of the metabolic energy disorder, oxidative damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and downregulation of the MC-LR target protein. Our results confirm that the aged PSNPs could bring more MC-LR into the HepG2 cells, significantly interfere with biological processes, and provide new insight into deciphering the risk of NPs to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin He
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ai Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Muhammad Salam
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Mengzi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yanyan Wei
- Cultivation Base of Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yongchuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400044, China
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Zhou S, Ai J, Qiao J, Sun H, Jiang Y, Yin X. Effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on transport of non-degradable agricultural film microplastics. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 236:119939. [PMID: 37054611 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mulch film microplastics (MPs) could act as a vector for agricultural chemicals due to their long-term presence in farmland environments. As a result, this study focuses on the adsorption mechanism of three neonicotinoids on two typical agricultural film MPs, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), as well as the effects of neonicotinoids on the MPs transport in quartz sand saturated porous media. The findings revealed that the adsorption of neonicotinoids on PE and PP was a combination of physical and chemical processes, including hydrophobic, electrostatic and hydrogen bonding. Acidity and appropriate ionic strength (IS) were favorable conditions for neonicotinoid adsorption of on MPs. The results of column experiments showed that the presence of neonicotinoids, particularly at low concentrations (0.5 mmol L-1), could promote the transport of PE and PP in the column by improving the electrostatic interaction and hydrophilic repulsion of particles. The neonicotinoids would be adsorbed on MPs through hydrophobic action preferentially, whereas excessive neonicotinoids could cover the hydrophilic functional groups on the surface of MPs. Neonicotinoids reduced the response of PE and PP transport behavior to pH changes. 0.005 mol L-1 NaCl ameliorated the migration of MPs by increasing their stability. Because of its highest hydration ability and the bridging effect of Mg2+, Na+ had the most prominent transport promoting effect on PE and PP in MPs-neonicotinoid. This study shows that the increased environmental risk caused by the coexistence of microplastic particles and agricultural chemicals is unneglectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Juehao Ai
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Jiachang Qiao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Huimin Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Yanji Jiang
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, PR China
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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Zhang M, Liu N, Hou L, Li C, Li C. Adsorption behaviors of chlorpyrifos on UV aged microplastics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114852. [PMID: 36996610 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114852] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Both non-degradable and biodegradable plastics can act as vectors of diverse organic pollutants. In this study, two types of biodegradable microplastics [poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA)] and one type of non-degradable microplastics [polypropylene (PP)] were selected to investigate the impacts of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for one month on microplastics surface modification and their adsorption behaviors for chlorpyrifos (CPF). The study revealed that PBAT held the largest adsorption capacity, and PLA held the fastest adsorption rate. The UV irradiation diminished the adsorption capacities on PLA and PP but enhanced the adsorption capacities on PBAT. The adsorption capacity normalized by specific surface area revealed that specific surface area was the dominant factor for affecting the adsorption capacities on PP and PLA after UV irradiation. These findings further clarify the interaction between CPF and microplastics, and provide a theoretical basis for assessing the ecological risk of microplastics in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minggu Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Na Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Lei Hou
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Chao Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Chengliang Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.
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35
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Ge J, Wang M, Liu P, Zhang Z, Peng J, Guo X. A systematic review on the aging of microplastics and the effects of typical factors in various environmental media. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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