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Chen Y, Meng Y, Liu G, Huang X, Chai G, Xie Y. Atmospheric deposition of microplastics at a western China metropolis: Relationship with underlying surface types and human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124192. [PMID: 38776994 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124192] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The issue of atmospheric microplastic (AMP) contamination is gaining increasing attention, yet the influencing factors and human exposure are not well-understood. In this study, atmospheric depositions were collected in the megacity of Chengdu, China, to investigate the pollution status and spatial disparities in AMP distribution. The relationship between AMP abundance and underlying surface types was then analyzed with the aid of back trajectory simulation. Additionally, a probabilistic estimation of human exposure to AMP deposition during outdoor picnics was provided, followed by the calculation of AMP loading into rivers. Results revealed that the mean deposition flux ranged within 207.1-364.0 N/m2/d (14.17-33.75 μg/m2/d), with significantly larger AMP abundance and sizes in urban compared to rural areas. Areas of compact buildings played an important role in contributing to both fibrous and non-fibrous AMP contamination from urban to rural areas, providing new insight into potential sources of pollution. This suggests that appropriate plastic waste disposal in compact building areas should be prioritized for controlling AMP pollution. Besides, the median ingestion of deposited AMPs during a single picnic was 34.9 N/capita/hour (3.03 × 10-3 μg/capita/hour) for urban areas and 17.8 N/capita/hour (7.74 × 10-4 μg/capita/hour) for suburbs. Furthermore, the worst-case scenario of AMPs loading into rivers was investigated, which could reach 170.7 kg in summertime Chengdu. This work could contribute to a better understanding of the status of AMP pollution and its sources, as well as the potential human exposure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yuchuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Guangming Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Chengdu Institute of Urban Safety and Emergency Management, Chengdu, 610065, China
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2
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Zhu L, Wu Z, Dong J, Zhao S, Zhu J, Wang W, Ma F, An L. Unveiling Small-Sized Plastic Particles Hidden behind Large-Sized Ones in Human Excretion and Their Potential Sources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:11901-11911. [PMID: 38920334 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c11054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Health risks of microplastic exposure have drawn growing global concerns due to the widespread distribution of microplastics in the environment. However, more evidence is needed to understand the exposure characteristics of microplastics owing to the limitation of current spectrum technologies, especially the missing information on small-sized particles. In the present study, laser direct infrared spectroscopy and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined pyrolysis using a tubular furnace (TD-GC/MS) were employed to comprehensively detect the presence of plastic particles down to 0.22 μm in human excreted samples. The results showed that polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride, PE terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene dominated large-sized (>20 μm) and small-sized plastic plastics (0.22-20 μm) in feces and urine. Moreover, fragments accounted for 60.71 and 60.37% in feces and urine, respectively, representing the most pervasive shape in excretion. Surprisingly, the concentration of small-sized particles was significantly higher than that of large-sized microplastics, accounting for 56.54 and 50.07% in feces (345.58 μg/g) and urine (6.49 μg/mL). Significant positive correlations were observed between the level of plastic particles in feces and the use of plastic containers and the consumption of aquatic products (Spearman correlation analysis, p < 0.01), suggesting the potential sources for plastic particles in humans. Furthermore, it is estimated that feces was the primary excretory pathway, consisting of 94.0% of total excreted microplastics daily. This study provides novel evidence regarding small-sized plastic particles, which are predominant fractions in human excretion, increasing the knowledge of the potential hazards of omnipresent microplastics to human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhixin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jiao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shaoyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jingying Zhu
- Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Weiping Wang
- Weifang Eco-environmental Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Fujun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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3
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Wang Y, Shi Y, Fang L, Wang Z, Wu P, Yang X, Shi X, Pi K. Characteristics and aging of microplastics in waste activated sludge under persulfate and hydrothermal co-treatment: Impact of solid content and temperature. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 358:124498. [PMID: 38972564 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Activated persulfate and hydrothermal treatment (HTT) are often employed to treat waste activated sludge, which can improve the efficiency of subsequent sludge treatment and change the distribution of pollutants in the sludge. However, the impact of sludge solid content and temperature on the occurrence and aging of microplastics (MPs) during HTT remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of persulfate-HTT (SPS-HTT) co-treatment on the migration, occurrence, and aging of MPs in sludge with different solid contents (2% and 5% solid content). The results indicated that SPS-HTT co-treatment triggers both the disruption of sludge flocs and the melting deformation of MPs at high temperatures, leading to variations in the increasing trend of MP concentration in the solid-liquid phase at different solid contents. 5% solid content sludge showed a weak release of MPs from the solid phase. The proportion of fiber MPs first increased and then decreased with increasing temperature, while no significant changes were observed in the color and type of MPs. Higher temperature and solid content induced the melting deformation of MPs, exacerbated the aging of polypropylene MPs, and resulted in rough surfaces, higher carbonyl index, and variations in crystallinity. Moreover, the correlation between the carbonyl index and aging indicators increased with increasing solid content. The MP-derived dissolved organic matter under HTT primarily comprised soluble microbial by-products and humic acid-like substances. These findings underscore the significance of sludge solid content in affecting the migration and aging of MPs during HTT, and offer novel insights into the application of HTT to MP management in sludge treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Yafei Shi
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.
| | - Longyu Fang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Pan Wu
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Xiong Yang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Xiong Shi
- National Engineering Research Center for Ecological Environment of Yangtze River Economic Zone, China Three Gorges Corporation, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Kewu Pi
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
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Zeng L, Yuan C, Xiang T, Guan X, Dai L, Xu D, Yang D, Li L, Tian C. Research on the Migration and Adsorption Mechanism Applied to Microplastics in Porous Media: A Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:1060. [PMID: 38921936 PMCID: PMC11206983 DOI: 10.3390/nano14121060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a significant environmental pollutant, garnering substantial attention for their migration and transformation behaviors in natural environments. MPs frequently infiltrate natural porous media such as soil, sediment, and rock through various pathways, posing potential threats to ecological systems and human health. Consequently, the migration and adsorption mechanisms applied to MPs in porous media have been extensively studied. This paper aims to elucidate the migration mechanisms of MPs in porous media and their influencing factors through a systematic review. The review encompasses the characteristics of MPs, the physical properties of porous media, and hydrodynamic factors. Additionally, the paper further clarifies the adsorption mechanisms of MPs in porous media to provide theoretical support for understanding their environmental behavior and fate. Furthermore, the current mainstream detection techniques for MPs are reviewed, with an analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of each technique. Finally, the paper identifies the limitations and shortcomings of current research and envisions future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zeng
- School of Resources and Environment Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (L.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.T.)
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Cong Yuan
- School of Resources and Environment Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (L.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.T.)
| | - Taoyu Xiang
- College of New Students, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China;
| | - Xiangwei Guan
- China Kunlun Contracting and Engineering Corporation (CKCEC), Beijing 100044, China;
| | - Li Dai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Dingliang Xu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Danhui Yang
- School of Resources and Environment Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (L.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.T.)
| | - Long Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Chengcheng Tian
- School of Resources and Environment Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (L.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.T.)
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5
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Chen Y, Meng Y, Liu G, Huang X, Chai G. Probabilistic Estimation of Airborne Micro- and Nanoplastic Intake in Humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9071-9081. [PMID: 38748887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Little research exists on the magnitude, variability, and uncertainty of human exposure to airborne micro- and nanoplastics (AMNPs), despite their critical role in human exposure to MNPs. We probabilistically estimate the global intake of AMNPs through three main pathways: indoor inhalation, outdoor inhalation, and ingestion during indoor meals, for both children and adults. The median inhalation of AMPs is 1,207.7 (90% CI, 42.5-8.48 × 104) and 1,354.7 (90% CI, 47.4-9.55 × 104) N/capita/day for children and adults, respectively. The annual intake of AMPs is 13.18 mg/capita/a for children and 19.10 mg/capita/a for adults, which is approximately one-fifth and one-third of the mass of a standard stamp, assuming a consistent daily intake of medians. The majority of AMP number intake occurs through inhalation, while the ingestion of deposited AMPs during meals contributes the most in terms of mass. Furthermore, the median ANP intake through outdoor inhalation is 9,638.1 N/day (8.23 × 10-6 μg/d) and 5,410.6 N/day (4.62 × 10-6 μg/d) for children and adults, respectively, compared to 5.30 × 105 N/day (5.79 × 10-4 μg/d) and 6.00 × 105 N/day (6.55 × 10-4 μg/d) via indoor inhalation. Considering the increased toxicity of smaller MNPs, the significant number of ANPs inhaled warrants great attention. Collaborative efforts are imperative to further elucidate and combat the current MPN risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuchuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guangming Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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6
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Tuttle E, Wiman C, Muñoz S, Law KL, Stubbins A. Sunlight-Driven Photochemical Removal of Polypropylene Microplastics from Surface Waters Follows Linear Kinetics and Does Not Result in Fragmentation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5461-5471. [PMID: 38489752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Floating microplastics are susceptible to sunlight-driven photodegradation, which can convert plastic carbon to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and can facilitate microplastic fragmentation by mechanical forces. To understand the photochemical fate of sub-millimeter buoyant plastics, ∼0.6 mm polypropylene microplastics were photodegraded while tracking plastic mass, carbon, and particle size distributions. Plastic mass loss and carbon loss followed linear kinetics. At most time points DOC accumulation accounted for under 50% of the total plastic carbon lost. DOC accumulation followed sigmoidal kinetics, not the exponential kinetics previously reported for shorter irradiations. Thus, we suggest that estimates of plastic lifespan based on exponential DOC accumulation are inaccurate. Instead, linear plastic-C mass and plastic mass loss kinetics should be used, and these methods result in longer estimates of photochemical lifetimes for plastics in surface waters. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that photoirradiation produced two distinct patterns of cracking on the particles. However, size distribution analyses indicated that fragmentation was minimal. Instead, the initial population of microplastics shrank in size during irradiations, indicating photoirradiation in tranquil waters (i.e., without mechanical forcing) dissolved sub-millimeter plastics without fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Tuttle
- Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, Assumption University, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, United States
| | - Charlotte Wiman
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Samuel Muñoz
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kara Lavender Law
- Sea Education Association, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02540, United States
| | - Aron Stubbins
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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7
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Ziajahromi S, Slynkova N, Dwyer J, Griffith M, Fernandes M, Jaeger JE, Leusch FDL. Comprehensive assessment of microplastics in Australian biosolids: Abundance, seasonal variation and potential transport to agroecosystems. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 250:121071. [PMID: 38171181 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121071] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Striving towards a circular economy, the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to land is an opportunity to improve the condition of the soil and add essential nutrients, in turn reducing the need for fertilisers. However, there is an increasing concern about microplastic (MP) contamination of biosolids and their transport to terrestrial ecosystems. In Australia, agriculture is the largest biosolids end-user, however, there is limited understanding of MPs in Australian biosolids. Also, while the method to isolate MPs from biosolid is established, a need to extract and analyse MPs more efficiently is still pressing. In this study, we comprehensively quantified and characterised MPs in 146 biosolids samples collected from thirteen wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) including different seasons. We have optimised an oxidative-enzymatic purification method to overcome current limitations for MP identification in complex samples and accurately report MPs in biosolids. This method enabled removal of >93 % of dry weight of organic material and greatly facilitated the MPs instrumental analysis. The concentration of MPs (>20 µm) in all biosolids samples ranged from 11 to 150 MPs/g dry weight. Abundance of MPs was affected by seasons with higher abundance of MPs usually found during cold and wet seasons. Despite seasonal variations, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane and polymethyl methacrylate were the most abundant polymers. Smaller MPs (20 to 200 µm) comprised >70 % of all detected MPs with a clear negative linear relationship observed between MP size and abundance. Per capita concentration of MPs in biosolids across all studied WWTPs was 0.7 to 21 g MPs per person per year. Therefore, biosolids are an important sink and source of MPs to agroecosystems, emphasising the need to more comprehensively understand the fate, impact and risks associated with MPs on agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4222, Australia.
| | | | | | | | - Milena Fernandes
- South Australian Water Corporation, SA 5000, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Julia E Jaeger
- Eurofins Environment Testing Australia, VIC 3175, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
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8
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Song K, Jin W, Yang G, Zhang H, Li P, Huang W, Feng Z. A case study on microplastics pollution characteristics in fouling organisms in typical aquaculture bay, China. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 193:106286. [PMID: 38109802 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106286] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and fouling organisms are prevalent in oceans worldwide. The study aims to investigate the pollution characteristics of MPs in fouling organisms. The study found significant inter-specific differences in the MPs abundance, while the length of MPs is consistent. The average number of MPs in N. exigua is 0.00 ± 0.00. There is a correlation between MPs abundance and weight in sessile group, while gastropods don't. Direct observation has demonstrated that the radulae of N. radula can envelop MPs. Fiber and blue are the predominant forms and colors of MPs found in fouling organisms. It is noteworthy that all film and fragment MPs observed were of a blue hue and had a size limitation of 500 μm. The characteristics of MPs between sessile organisms are more similar than those between gastropods. This study has improved our understanding of the pollution characteristics of MPs in fouling organisms, specifically gastropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China; Analytical Instrumentation Center, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Wei Jin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China
| | - Guang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China
| | - Haichao Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China
| | - Pingjing Li
- Analytical Instrumentation Center, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem and Biogeochemistry, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China
| | - Zhihua Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Salt Marsh Ecology and Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China.
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9
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Zhou G, Wu Q, Wei XF, Chen C, Ma J, Crittenden JC, Liu B. Tracing microplastics in rural drinking water in Chongqing, China: Their presence and pathways from source to tap. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132206. [PMID: 37543018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the significant attention given to microplastics in urban areas, our understanding of microplastics in rural drinking water systems is still limited. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the presence and pathways of microplastics in rural drinking water system, including reservoir, water treatment plant (WTP), and tap water of end-users. The results showed that the treatment processes in the WTP, including coagulation-sedimentation, sand-granular active carbon filtration, and ultrafiltration, completely removed microplastics from the influent. However, the microplastic abundance increased during pipe transport from WTP to residents' homes, resulting in the presence of 1.4 particles/L of microplastics in tap water. This microplastic increase was also observed during the transportation from the reservoir to the WTP, suggesting that the plastic pipe network is a key source of microplastics in the drinking water system. The main types of polymers were PET, PP, and PE, and plastic breakdown, atmospheric deposition, and surface runoff were considered as their potential sources. Furthermore, this study estimated that rural residents could ingest up to 1034 microplastics annually by drinking 2 L of tap water every day. Overall, these findings provide essential data and preliminary insights into the fate of microplastics in rural drinking water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyu Zhou
- College of Architecture and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, PR China
| | - Qidong Wu
- College of Architecture and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, PR China
| | - Xin-Feng Wei
- Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chen Chen
- Litree Purifying Technology Co., Ltd, Haikou, Hainan 571126, PR China
| | - Jun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - John C Crittenden
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 332, USA
| | - Baicang Liu
- College of Architecture and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, PR China.
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10
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Ziajahromi S, Lu HC, Drapper D, Hornbuckle A, Leusch FDL. Microplastics and Tire Wear Particles in Urban Stormwater: Abundance, Characteristics, and Potential Mitigation Strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12829-12837. [PMID: 37578171 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Stormwater has been identified as a pathway for microplastics (MPs), including tire wear particles (TWPs), into aquatic habitats. Our knowledge of the abundance of MPs in urban stormwater and potential strategies to control MPs in stormwater is still limited. In this study, stormwater samples were collected from microlitter capture devices (inlet and outlet) during rain events. Sediment samples were collected from the material captured in the device and from the inlet and outlet of a constructed stormwater wetland. MP (>25 μm) concentration in stormwater varied across different locations ranging from 3.8 to 59 MPs/L in raw and 1.8 to 32 MPs/L in treated stormwater, demonstrating a decrease after passage through the device (35-88% removal). TWPs comprised ∼95% of all particles, followed by polypropylene (PP) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The concentration of TWPs ranged from 2.5 to 58 TWPs/L and 1450 to 4740 TWPs/kg in stormwater and sediment, respectively. A higher abundance of MPs was found in the sediment at the inlet of the constructed wetland compared to the outlet, indicating a potential role of wetlands in removing MPs from stormwater. These findings suggest that both constructed wetlands and microlitter capture devices can mitigate the transport of MPs from stormwater to the receiving waterways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Gold Coast 4222, QLD, Australia
| | - Hsuan-Cheng Lu
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Gold Coast 4222, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren Drapper
- Drapper Environmental Consultants, 4/54 Quilton Place, Crestmead 4132, QLD, Australia
| | - Andy Hornbuckle
- Atlan Stormwater (formerly SPEL Stormwater), 130 Sandstone PlaceParkinson 4115, QLD, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Gold Coast 4222, QLD, Australia
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Shan LP, Hu Y, Hu L, Liu HW, Liu L, Chen J. Involvement of Microplastics in the Conflict Between Host Immunity Defense and Viral Virulence: Promoting the Susceptibility of Shrimp to WSSV Infection. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11634-11642. [PMID: 37498082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
As the concentration of microplastics/microspheres (MPs) in coastal and estuarine regions increases, the likelihood of disease outbreaks and epidemics also rises. Our study investigated the impact of polyvinyl chloride MPs (PVC-MPs) on white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in shrimp. The results revealed that PVC-MPs obviously increased WSSV replication in vivo, leading to a high mortality rate among the larvae and facilitating the horizontal transmission of WSSV. Furthermore, the data of WSSV loads detected together with qPCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry approaches indicated that PVC-MPs could interact with the virus to prolong survival and maintain the virulence of WSSV at different temperatures and pH values. In terms of host resistance, metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis demonstrated that exposure to PVC-MPs upregulated metabolic concentrations and gene expressions associated with phospholipid metabolism that were associated with innate immunity responses. Particularly, PVC-MPs stimulated the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and induced lipid peroxidation. The inhibition of PC on Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus reduces expression of the innate immunity genes (IFN-like genes Vago4 and Vago5) regulated by STING signaling pathways, resulting in a significant decrease in the shrimp's resistance to WSSV infection. Notably, a recovery operation in which the exposed larvae were transferred to a MPs-free aquatic environment led to decreased WSSV infectivity over time, indicating the restoration of antiviral properties in shrimp. Overall, these findings highlight that MPs promote shrimp susceptibility to WSSV in two aspects: host immune defense and viral virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Peng Shan
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Ling Hu
- Ningbo Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Han-Wei Liu
- Ningbo Customs District Technology Center, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Meishan Campus, Ningbo 315832, China
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Feng S, Lu H, Xue Y, Yan P, Sun T. Fate, transport, and source of microplastics in the headwaters of the Yangtze River on the Tibetan Plateau. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131526. [PMID: 37167873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the Yangtze River have been drawn increasing attention recently with most merely concentrating on the plain area. This research focuses on the source area of the Yangtze River on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), revealing the occurrence, drivers, sources, and exposure risks of riverine MPs in the Jinsha River (JSR) basin. The results showed that average MP abundances determined were higher in the tributaries than in the of mainstreams. According to the correlation analysis, MP abundance was consistently negatively related to pH and altitude both in water and sediment. However, MPs in two media showed a contrary relationship with river width, which could be explained by the special terrain of plateau rivers and hydrological conditions. After the tributary river flow into the mainstream, the concentration of MPs in the mainstream near the tributary side were significantly lower than that before confluence temporarily. Based on the conditional fragmentation-based model, the cumulative λ value of fibers in surface water along the river divided the JSR into three stages (upstream, midstream, and downstream). Under certain assumptions, the proportions of MPs sourced from three stages were eventually revealed, respectively. This is conducive to better understanding the plateau environmental impacts of MP distribution in the large river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sansan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yuxuan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Pengdong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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