1
|
Song Q, Zhang Y, Ju C, Zhao T, Meng Q, Cong J. Microbial strategies for effective microplastics biodegradation: Insights and innovations in environmental remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120046. [PMID: 39313172 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), diminutive yet ubiquitous fragments arising from the degradation of plastic waste, pervade environmental matrices, posing substantial risks to ecological systems and trophic dynamics. This review meticulously examines the origins, distribution, and biological impacts of MPs, with an incisive focus on elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning their toxicity. We highlight the indispensable role of microbial consortia and enzymatic pathways in the oxidative degradation of MPs, offering insights into enhanced biodegradation processes facilitated by innovative pretreatment methodologies. Central to our discourse is the interplay between MPs and biota, emphasizing the detoxification capabilities of microbial metabolisms and enzymatic functions in ameliorating MPs' deleterious effects. Additionally, we address the practical implementations of MP biodegradation in environmental remediation, advocating for intensified research to unravel the complex biodegradation pathways and to forge effective strategies for the expeditious elimination of MPs from diverse ecosystems. This review not only articulates the pervasive challenges posed by MPs but also positions microbial strategies at the forefront of remedial interventions, thereby paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in environmental conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Song
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Cuiping Ju
- Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Qingxuan Meng
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Jing Cong
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kakavas D, Panagiotidis K, Rochfort KD, Grintzalis K. Miniaturizing Nanotoxicity Assays in Daphnids. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2046. [PMID: 39061509 PMCID: PMC11274355 DOI: 10.3390/ani14142046] [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: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid progress of the modern world has resulted in new materials and products created at an accelerating pace. As such, nanoparticles have widespread applications and often find their way into the aquatic ecosystem. In the case of freshwater ecosystems, one of the commonly used bioindicators species used for pollution assessment is Daphnid magna. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and other organizations such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have set guidelines for acute toxicity testing in daphnids that are severely lacking in terms of information on the characteristics of the exposure vessel when studying the adverse effects of nanoparticles (NPs). Understanding the toxicity mechanisms of nanomaterials is imperative given the scarcity of information on their adverse effects. Furthermore, miniaturization of nanotoxicity assays can reduce the number of daphnids used, as well as the cost and nanomaterial waste, and provide results even at the individual animal level with enhanced reproducibility of testing. In this study, the impact of the exposure vessel on the observed physiological changes of daphnids was investigated for a silver nano ink. Exposures in eleven commercially available vessels; nine made of plastic and two made of glass were compared for 24 h. The effect of surface to volume ratio of the exposure vessel and the animal number or "crowding" during exposure was investigated in the context of miniaturizing biomarker assays as alternatives to traditional experimental setups in Daphnid magna. Toxicity curves showed differences depending on the vessel used, while a novel feeding rate assay and the activity of key enzymes were assessed as physiology endpoints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Konstantinos Grintzalis
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 Y5NO Dublin, Ireland; (D.K.); (K.P.); (K.D.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karwadiya J, Lützenkirchen J, Darbha GK. Retention of ZnO nanoparticles onto polypropylene and polystyrene microplastics: Aging-associated interactions and the role of aqueous chemistry. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124097. [PMID: 38703985 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124097] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive and undergo environmental aging processes, which alters potential interaction with the co-contaminants. Hence, to assess their contaminant-carrying capacity, mimicking the weathering characteristics of secondary MPs is crucial. To this end, the present study investigated the interaction of Zinc oxide (nZnO) nanoparticles with non-irradiated (NI) and UV-irradiated (UI) forms of the most abundant MPs, such as polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), in aqueous environments. SEM images revealed mechanical abrasions on the surfaces of NI-MPs and their subsequent photoaging caused the formation of close-ended and open-ended cracks in UI-PP and UI-PS, respectively. Batch-sorption experiments elucidated nZnO uptake kinetics by PP and PS MPs, suggesting a sorption-desorption pathway due to weaker and stronger sorption sites until equilibrium was achieved. UI-PP showed higher nZnO (∼3000 mg/kg) uptake compared to NI-PP, while UI-PS showed similar or slightly decreased nZnO (∼2000 mg/kg) uptake compared to NI-PS. FTIR spectra and zeta potential measurements revealed electrostatic interaction as the dominant interaction mechanism. Higher nZnO uptake by MPs was noted between pH 6.5 and 8.5, whereas it decreased beyond this range. Despite DOM, MPs always retained ∼874 mg/kg nZnO irrespective of MPs type and extent of aging. The experimental results in river water showed higher nZnO uptake on MPs compared to DI water, attributed to mutual effect of ionic competition, DOM, and MP hydrophobicity. In the case of humic acids, complex synthetic and natural water matrices, NI-MPs retained more nZnO than UI-MPs, suggesting that photoaged MPs sorb less nZnO under environmental conditions than non-photoaged MPs. These findings enhance our understanding on interaction of the MPs with co-contaminants in natural environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayant Karwadiya
- Environmental nanoscience laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Johannes Lützenkirchen
- Institute of Nuclear Waste Disposal (INE), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Gopala Krishna Darbha
- Environmental nanoscience laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India; Centre for Climate and Environmental Studies, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barari F, Eydi Gabrabad M, Bonyadi Z. Recent progress on the toxic effects of microplastics on Chlorella sp. in aquatic environments. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32881. [PMID: 38975222 PMCID: PMC11226894 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants that have harmful effects on ecosystems. Microalgae are important primary producers in aquatic environments, providing nutrients for various organisms. These microorganisms may be affected by MPs. Therefore, it is important to investigate the toxicity aspects of different MPs on Chlorella species. It can be seen that the BG-11 culture medium was the most commonly used medium in 40 % of the studies for the growth of Chlorella sp. Chlorella sp. grows optimally at a temperature of 25 °C and a pH of 7. Most studies show that Chlorella sp. can grow in the range of 3000-6000 lux. Moreover, various techniques have been used to analyze the morphological properties of MPs in different studies. These techniques included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which were used in 65 %, 35 %, and 27 % of the studies, respectively. 53 % of the research has focused on the toxic effects of PS on Chlorella sp. Findings show that 41 % of the studies investigated MPs concentrations in the range of 10-100 mg/L, followed by 32 % of the studies in the range of 100-1000 mg/L. The studies found that MPs were used in a spherical shape in 45 % of the cases. The enzymes most affected by MPs were superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA), accounting for 48 % of the studies each. Additionally, exposure to MPs increased the activity of enzymes such as SOD and MDA. In general, it can be concluded that MPs had a relatively high negative effect on the growth of Chlorella sp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Barari
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohaddeseh Eydi Gabrabad
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ziaeddin Bonyadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zeng Z, Jia B, Liu X, Chen L, Zhang P, Qing T, Feng B. Adsorption behavior of triazine pesticides on polystyrene microplastics aging with different processes in natural environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124319. [PMID: 38844042 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in the ecological environment, serving as carriers for other organic pollutants, has garnered widespread attention. These microplastics exposed in the environment may undergo various aging processes. However, there is still a lack of information regarding how these aged microplastics impact the environmental behavior and ecological toxicity of pollutants. In this study, we modified polystyrene microplastics by simulating the aging behavior that may occur under environmental exposure, and then explored the adsorption behavior and adsorption mechanism of microplastics before and after aging for typical triazine herbicides. It was shown that all aging treatments of polystyrene increased the adsorption of herbicides, the composite aged microplastics had the strongest adsorption capacity and the fastest adsorption rate, and of the three herbicides, metribuzin was adsorbed the most by microplastics. The interactions between microplastics and herbicides involved mechanisms such as hydrophobic interactions, surface adsorption, the effect of π-π interactions, and the formation of hydrogen bonds. Further studies confirmed that microplastics adsorbed with herbicides cause greater biotoxicity to E. coli. These findings elucidate the interactions between microplastics before and after aging and triazine herbicides. Acting as carriers, they alter the environmental behavior and ecological toxicity of organic pollutants, providing theoretical support for assessing the ecological risk of microplastics in water environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Zeng
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Bingni Jia
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Hunan Institute of Advanced Sensing and Information Technology, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Lixiang Chen
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Taiping Qing
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Feng
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yan Z, Zhao H, Zhu P, Wang Y, Hou J, Lu G, He C. Polystyrene microplastics alter the trophic transfer and biotoxicity of fluoxetine in an aquatic food chain. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134179. [PMID: 38565011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and fluoxetine are ubiquitous emerging pollutants in aquatic environments that may interact with each other due to the carrier effects of MPs, posing unpredictable risks to non-target organisms. However, limited studies have focused on the carrier effects of MPs in the aquatic food chain. This study evaluated the influences of polystyrene MPs on the trophic transfer and biotoxicity of fluoxetine in a simple food chain composed of brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii) and zebrafish (Danio rerio). The finding reveals that carrier effects of MPs enhanced the accumulation of waterborne fluoxetine in brine shrimp, but suppressed that in zebrafish due to the distinct retention times. The accumulated fluoxetine in shrimp was further transferred to fish through the food chain, which was alleviated by MPs due to their cleaning effects. In addition, the specific neurotransmission biotoxicity in fish induced by fluoxetine was mitigated by MPs, whilst the oxidative damage, apoptosis, and immune responses in zebrafish were reversely enhanced by MPs due to the stimulating effect. These findings highlight the alleviating effects of MPs on the trophic transfer and specific biotoxicity of fluoxetine in the food chain, providing new insights into the carrier effects of MPs in aquatic environments in the context of increasing global MP pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Haizhou Zhao
- China Machinery International Engineering Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. East China Regional Center, Nanjing 210049, China
| | - Peiyuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yonghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Chao He
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Leng P, Yu H, Wang X, Li D, Feng J, Liu J, Xu C. Effects of different concentrations and particle sizes of microplastics on the full life history of freshwater Chlorella. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123349. [PMID: 38219893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123349] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as pollutants can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems; however, their effects on the full life history of microalgae need to be further explored and thoroughly examined. In this study, we investigated influence of polystyrene (PS) plastics with different concentrations (10/50/100 mg/L) and particle sizes (0.1/0.5/1 μm) on the full life history of Chlorella; their potential environmental risks were also analyzed. The results showed that PS(0.1um) had the strongest inhibitory effect on Chlorella growth (Max(inhibition) 68.42%), PS(0.5/1um) can not only promote (Max(promotion) 55.48% and 55.05%) but also prolong cell growth; PS has various effects on photosynthetic efficiency of Chlorella. PS(0.1um) can significantly promote Fv/Fm, inhibit RC/ABS, F0/Fv, DIo/RC, and both inhibit and promote rETRmax, but effect of PS(0.5/1μm) is generally consistent with that of control group; PS affects the morphological structure and interaction of Chlorella significantly, and can squeeze and aggregate cells. Zeta potential fluctuated greatly in the initial stage of experiment, and was stable as Relative conductivity in the later stage. About 65.5% of PS(0.1um) can enter cell, which has potential risk of entering the food chain; Statistics on long and short-term impacts showed significant differences in growth and photosynthesis efficiencies, as well as in interactions; the potential environmental risk index (PERI) indicates that class II (slightly polluted) has the highest percentage (64.72%), and that the concentration and composition of MPs are important influences on potential environmental risk. Overall, the long-term impacts of PS were diverse, but Chlorella also showed good resilience. Meanwhile, we found that most of the previous short-term studies may be one-sided and incomplete, the real impacts of MPs may be overestimated. Our research could provide scientific support for assessing the risks posed by MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panchuan Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Hao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Jie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution (SEKL-SW), Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
| | - Chunyang Xu
- College Harbor Coastal & Offshore Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tang S, Wang J, Zhu X, Shen D. Ecological Risks of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Early Life Stages of Obscure Puffer ( Takifugu obscurus). TOXICS 2024; 12:48. [PMID: 38251004 PMCID: PMC10818710 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) are extensively used in various applications, and their widespread use leads to their environmental presence, particularly in wastewater treatment plant effluents, rivers, and soil. This study focuses on the obscure puffer, Takifugu obscurus, an economically important fish in China, aiming to assess the toxic effects of ZnO NPs on its early life stages, emphasizing the need for understanding the ecological implications of ZnO NP exposure in aquatic environments. Exposure during the hatching stage resulted in a significant decrease in hatching rates, with embryos displaying surface coating at higher ZnO NP concentrations. Newly hatched larvae experienced deformities, and post-hatching exposure led to pronounced reductions in survival rates, particularly with higher ZnO NP concentrations. Two-month-old juveniles exposed to increasing ZnO NP concentrations exhibited a consistent decline in survival rates, emphasizing concentration-dependent adverse effects. Biochemical analyses revealed elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in various tissues, indicating oxidative stress. This study underscores the ecological risks of ZnO NP contamination in aquatic environments, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of nanoparticle exposure in aquatic ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengkai Tang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China;
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xuexia Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Dongdong Shen
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dang F, Yuan Y, Huang Y, Wang Y, Xing B. Trophic transfer of nanomaterials and their effects on high-trophic-level predators. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100489. [PMID: 37993019 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100489] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology offers great opportunities for numerous sectors in society. One important challenge in sustainable nanotechnology is the potential of trophic transfer of nanomaterials (NMs), which may lead to unintentional impacts on environmental and human health. Here, we highlight the key advances that have been made in recent 15 years with respect to trophic transfer of heterogeneous NMs, including metal-based NMs, carbon-based NMs and nanoplastics, across various aquatic and terrestrial food chains. Particle number-based trophic transfer factors (TTFs), rather than the variable mass-based TTFs, capture the particle-specific transfer, for which NMs exhibit dynamic and complex biotransformation (e.g., dissolution, sulfidation, reduction, and corona formation). Trophic transfer of NMs has toxicological significance to predators at molecular (e.g., increased oxidative stress and modified metabolites), physiological (e.g., feeding inhibition) and population (e.g., reproduction inhibition) levels. However, linking NM exposure and toxicity remains a challenge, partly due to the dynamic biotransformation along the food chain. Although NMs have been used to increase crop yield in agriculture, they can exert detrimental impacts on crop yield and modify crop quality, depending on NMs type, exposure dose, and crop species, with unknown consequences to human health via crop consumption. Given this information, we describe the challenges and opportunities in understanding the significance of NMs trophic transfer to develop more sustainable, effective and safer nanotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingnan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| |
Collapse
|