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Kemarau RA, Sakawi Z, Eboy OV, Anak Suab S, Ibrahim MF, Rosli NNB, Md Nor NNF. Planetary boundaries transgressions: A review on the implications to public health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 260:119668. [PMID: 39048067 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119668] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
This literature review systematically examines the impacts of violating planetary boundaries from 2009 to 2023, emphasizing the implications for human health. Planetary boundaries define safe operational limits for Earth's systems, and their transgression poses significant threats to environmental stability and public health. This paper reviews extensive research on the health effects of breaches in these boundaries, including climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater use, and aerosol loading. The review integrates findings from numerous studies, providing a critical overview of health impacts across various global regions. The analysis underscores the intricate links between planetary boundaries breaching impacts, highlighting urgent policy and governance challenges. The study's outcomes aim to inform policymakers, businesses, and communities, promoting sustainable development and resilience in the face of escalating global challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky Anak Kemarau
- Earth Observation Centre, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Zaini Sakawi
- Earth Observation Centre, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Oliver Valentine Eboy
- Geography Program, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Stanley Anak Suab
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Mohd Faiz Ibrahim
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Nazli Binti Rosli
- Center for STEM Enculturation Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nik Norliati Fitri Md Nor
- Geography Section, School Distance Learning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, 11700, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
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2
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Wang F, Sun J, Han L, Liu W, Ding Y. Microplastics regulate soil microbial activities: Evidence from catalase, dehydrogenase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120064. [PMID: 39332793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Soil microbiomes drive many soil processes and maintain the ecological functions of terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastics (MPs, size < 5 mm) are pervasive emerging contaminants worldwide. However, how MPs affect soil microbial activity has not been well elucidated. This review article first highlights the effects of MPs on overall soil microbial activities represented by three soil enzymes, i.e., catalase, dehydrogenase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase (FDAse), and explores the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors. Abundant evidence confirms that MPs can change soil microbial activities. However, existing results vary greatly from inhibition to promotion and non-significance, depending on polymer type, degradability, dose, size, shape, additive, and aging degree of the target MPs, soil physicochemical and biological properties, and exposure conditions, such as exposure time, temperature, and agricultural practices (e.g., planting, fertilization, soil amendment, and pesticide application). MPs can directly affect microbial activities by acting as carbon sources, releasing additives and pollutants, and shaping microbial communities via plastisphere effects. Smaller MPs (e.g., nanoplastics, 1 to < 1000 nm) can also damage microbial cells through penetration. Indirectly, MPs can change soil attributes, fertility, the toxicity of co-existing pollutants, and the performance of soil fauna and plants, thus regulating soil microbiomes and their activities. In conclusion, MPs can regulate soil microbial activities and consequently pose cascading consequences for ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, P.R. China.
| | - Jiao Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, P.R. China
| | - Lanfang Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P.R. China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhong Ding
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, P.R. China.
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Wang C, Song J, Nunes LM, Zhao H, Wang P, Liang Z, Arp HPH, Li G, Xing B. Global microplastic fiber pollution from domestic laundry. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135290. [PMID: 39047563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The rapid expansion of fast fashion has significantly increased microplastic fiber (MPF) release during laundry practices, accounting for approximately one-third of primary microplastics entering the ocean. Currently, a significant gap exists in global-scale research on the release of MPFs from washing textiles. This study introduces an innovative empirical model to assess the spatial distribution of MPF emissions. The model estimates an annual global emission of 5.69 million tons of MPFs from laundry. Of this total, machine washing accounts for the majority (93.7 %), with hand washing contributing the remaining 6.3 %. As the primary source of MPF pollution, Asia's emissions reach 3.71 million tons, far exceeding those of North America (1.18 million tons) and Europe (0.45 million tons). The primary issue is that wastewater management efficiency varies significantly worldwide. In Asia, there is persistently high discharge of MPFs into natural waters, and the removal efficiency of wastewater treatment plants is still comparatively low. In contrast, the United States and many European countries exhibit better MPF retention. The global nature of this challenge mandates international collaboration for comprehensive environmental conservation. Our study provides the first high-resolution global distribution map of MPF emissions and discharge into natural waters, establishing a data foundation for global and regional management of microplastics originating from household laundry sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Jing Song
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Luís Miguel Nunes
- CERIS-Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-199, Portugal
| | - Hongting Zhao
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Zhirong Liang
- Zhongfa Aviation Institute of Beihang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311115, China
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930 Ullevaal Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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Zhuo T, Yu K, Chai B, Tang Q, Gao X, Wang J, He L, Lei X, Li Y, Meng Y, Wu L, Chen B. Microplastics increase the microbial functional potential of greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution in a freshwater lake: A metagenomic study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119250. [PMID: 38844031 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119250] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems are being increasingly polluted by microplastics (MPs), which calls for an understanding of how MPs affect microbially driven biogenic element cycling in water environments. A 28-day incubation experiment was conducted using freshwater lake water added with three polymer types of MPs (i.e., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene) separately or in combination at a concentration of 1 items/L. The effects of various MPs on microbial communities and functional genes related to carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycling were analyzed using metagenomics. Results showed that Sphingomonas and Novosphingobium, which were indicator taxa (genus level) in the polyethylene treatment group, made the largest functional contribution to biogenic element cycling. Following the addition of MPs, the relative abundances of genes related to methane oxidation (e.g., hdrD, frhB, accAB) and denitrification (napABC, nirK, norB) increased. These changes were accompanied by increased relative abundances of genes involved in organic phosphorus mineralization (e.g., phoAD) and sulfate reduction (cysHIJ), as well as decreased relative abundances of genes involved in phosphate transport (phnCDE) and the SOX system. Findings of this study underscore that MPs, especially polyethylene, increase the potential of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, N2O) and water pollution (PO43-, H2S) in freshwater lakes at the functional gene level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhuo
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Intelligent Regulation and Comprehensive Management of Water Resources, School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Kehong Yu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Beibei Chai
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Intelligent Regulation and Comprehensive Management of Water Resources, School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Intelligent Water Conservancy, School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China.
| | - Qingfeng Tang
- Beijing Center for Physical & Chemical Analysis, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Beijing Center for Physical & Chemical Analysis, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Jiamin Wang
- Beijing Center for Physical & Chemical Analysis, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Lixin He
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Intelligent Regulation and Comprehensive Management of Water Resources, School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Xiaohui Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450007, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Power, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Lifeng Wu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Intelligent Water Conservancy, School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Bin Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Ecological Remediation, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China.
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5
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Khan MT, Rashid S, Yaman U, Khalid SA, Kamal A, Ahmad M, Akther N, Kashem MA, Hossain MF, Rashid W. Microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystem: A review of existing policies and regulations. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143221. [PMID: 39233299 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143221] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollution due to plastic waste is a global challenge causing adverse impacts on the ecosystem and public health. Microplastic (MP) originates at the upstream processes such as industrial and household activities; however, their existence is affecting the downstream environment. Even though many governments and non-government organizations have taken technological and regulatory steps, these current efforts and strategies are insufficient to prevent the MP release in the environment. Thus, a multidisciplinary global approach is required, which must prioritize the reducing of plastic inputs to the environment. To regulate MP levels in the environment, worldwide reformative and preventive strategies are required because the issue is not limited to a single nation or region. In relation to marine plastic waste, a number of multilateral agreements and measures exist at global level. Several regulatory measures have been examined by regulatory bodies with the intention of safeguarding the environment from excessive MP contamination. However, neither of the frameworks in place is specifically made to stop the increased MP pollution in the environment. Therefore, this review focused on the preventive measures taken by the government and non-government organizations for MP control through legislations. The study also critically discussed MP-related policies aiming to increase the viability and efficiency of implementing future plastic management. This review is expected to provide the basic guidelines for formulating MP standards in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tariq Khan
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai po New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Sajid Rashid
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco- Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Unzile Yaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, 35620, Cigli, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Saeed Ahsan Khalid
- Department of Law, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Asif Kamal
- Guanghua Law School Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Nasrin Akther
- Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abul Kashem
- Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Md Faysal Hossain
- Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, Erkki Koiso-Kanttilan katu, Oulu, 90014, Finland
| | - Wajid Rashid
- Department of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, University of Swat, Swat, 19120, Pakistan.
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6
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Zantis LJ, Adamczyk S, Velmala SM, Adamczyk B, Vijver MG, Peijnenburg W, Bosker T. Comparing the impact of microplastics derived from a biodegradable and a conventional plastic mulch on plant performance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173265. [PMID: 38754499 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173265] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural lands have been identified as plastic sinks. One source is plastic mulches, which are a source of micro- and nano-sized plastics in agricultural soils. Because of their persistence, there is now a push towards developing biodegradable plastics, which are designed to undergo (partial) breakdown after entering the environment. Yet, limited research has investigated the impacts of both conventional and biodegradable plastics on distinct plants. Moreover, comparisons among studies are difficult due to differences in experimental design. This study directly compares the effects of artificially weathered conventional polyethylene (PE) and starch-based biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) on four food crops, including two monocots (barley, Hordeum vulgare, and wheat, Triticum aestivum L.) and two dicots (carrot, Daucus carota, and lettuce, Lactuca sativa L.). We investigated the effects of environmentally relevant low, medium, and high (0.01 %, 0.1 %, 1 % w/w) concentrations of PE and starch-PBAT blend on seed germination (acute toxicity), and subsequently on plant growth and chlorophyll through a pot-plant experiment (chronic toxicity). Germination of all species was not affected by both plastics. However, root length was reduced for lettuce and wheat seedlings. No other effects were recorded on monocots. We observed a reduction in shoot length and bud wet weight of carrot seedlings for the highest concentration of PE and starch-PBAT blend. Chronic exposure resulted in a significant decrease in shoot biomass of barley and lettuce. Additionally, a positive increase in the number of leaves of lettuce was observed for both plastics. Chlorophyll content was increased in lettuce when exposed to PE and starch-PBAT blend. Overall, adverse effects in dicots were more abundant than in monocots. Importantly, we found that the biodegradable plastic caused more commonly adverse effects on plants compared to conventional plastic, which was confirmed by a mini-review of studies directly comparing the impact of conventional and biodegradable microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Zantis
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Sylwia Adamczyk
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Sannakajsa M Velmala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Bartosz Adamczyk
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Martina G Vijver
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Willie Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Thijs Bosker
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Gao S, Zhang S, Feng Z, Lu J, Fu G, Yu W. The ecological risk and fate of microplastics in the environmental matrices of marine ranching area in coastal water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134570. [PMID: 38772105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The debate surrounding "source" and "sink" of microplastics (MPs) in coastal water has persisted for decades. While the transportation of MPs is influenced by surface runoff and currents, the precise transport patterns remain inadequately defined. In this study, the typical coastal habitat - marine ranching in Haizhou Bay (Jiangsu Province, China) were selected as a case study to assess the ecological risk of MPs. An enhanced framework was employed to assess the entire community characteristics of MPs in various environmental compartments, including surface water (SW), middle water (MW), bottom water (BW), sea bottom sediment (SS), and intertidal sediment (IS). The results of the assessment showed a low risk in the water column and a high risk in the sediment. PERMANOVA based on size and polymer of MPs revealed significant differences between IS and other compartments (SW, MW, BW, and SS) (P < 0.001). The co-occurrence network analysis for MP size indicated that most sites occupied central positions, while the analysis for MP polymer suggested that sites near the marine ranching area held more central positions, with sites in MW, BW, and SS being somewhat related to IS. Generalized additive model (GAM) demonstrated that MP concentration in the water correlated with Chla and nutrients, whereas MPs in sediment exhibited greater susceptibility to dissolved oxygen (DO) and salinity. We believe that except for the natural sedimentation and re-suspension of MPs in the vertical direction, MPs in bottom water may migrate to the surface water due to upwelling mediated by artificial reefs. Additionally, under the combined influence of surface runoff, currents, and tides, MPs may migrate horizontally, primarily occurring between middle and bottom water and sediments. The study recommends limiting and reducing wastewater and sewage discharge, as well as regulating fishing and aquaculture activities to control the sources and sinks of MPs in coastal water. Moreover, it advocates the implementation and strengthening of marine monitoring activities to gain a better understanding of the factors driving MP pollution in marine ranching area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shike Gao
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
| | - Shuo Zhang
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Joint Laboratory for Monitoring and Conservation of Aquatic Living Resources In the Yangtze Estuary, Shanghai 200000, China.
| | - Zhihua Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China.
| | - Jikun Lu
- Marine and Fishery Development Promotion Center In Lianyungang, Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guanghui Fu
- Marine and Fishery Development Promotion Center In Lianyungang, Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Jiangsu Research Institute of Marine Fisheries, Nantong 226007, China
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Habumugisha T, Zhang Z, Uwizewe C, Yan C, Ndayishimiye JC, Rehman A, Zhang X. Toxicological review of micro- and nano-plastics in aquatic environments: Risks to ecosystems, food web dynamics and human health. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116426. [PMID: 38718727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116426] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The increase of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) in aquatic environments has become a significant concern due to their potential toxicological effects on ecosystems, food web dynamics, and human health. These plastic particles emerge from a range of sources, such as the breakdown of larger plastic waste, consumer products, and industrial outputs. This review provides a detailed report of the transmission and dangers of MNPs in aquatic ecosystems, environmental behavior, and interactions within aquatic food webs, emphasizing their toxic impact on marine life. It explores the relationship between particle size and toxicity, their distribution in different tissues, and the process of trophic transfer through the food web. MNPs, once consumed, can be found in various organs, including the digestive system, gills, and liver. Their consumption by lower trophic level organisms facilitates their progression up the food chain, potentially leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification, thereby posing substantial risks to the health, reproduction, and behavior of aquatic species. This work also explores how MNPs, through their persistence and bioaccumulation, pose risks to aquatic biodiversity and disrupt trophic relationships. The review also addresses the implications of MNPs for human health, particularly through the consumption of contaminated seafood, highlighting the direct and indirect pathways through which humans are exposed to these pollutants. Furthermore, the review highlights the recommendations for future research directions, emphasizing the integration of ecological, toxicological, and human health studies to inform risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to address the global challenge of plastic pollution in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théogène Habumugisha
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | - Zixing Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | - Constance Uwizewe
- Key Laboratory of Physical Oceanography, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Changzhou Yan
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | | | - Abdul Rehman
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China.
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9
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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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10
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Ledet J, Tan C, Guan XH, Yong CLX, Ying L, Todd P. Trapping of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in seagrass beds: Ubiquity across a vertical and horizontal sampling gradient. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 197:106487. [PMID: 38583358 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106487] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Seagrass beds can trap large amounts of marine debris leading to areas of accumulation, known as 'sinks', of anthropogenic particles. While the presence of vegetation can enhance accumulation, less is known about how the trapping effect changes from vegetated to less vegetated patches. To test this, vegetation and sediment were sampled along a vegetation percent cover gradient from the centre of seagrass beds to nearby less vegetated patches. To determine whether trapped particles can lead to increased accumulation in associated fauna, gastropods were also collected from the transects laid across this gradient. Extracted anthropogenic particles were counted and characterised. Particles were detected in all sample types and reached quantifiable limits in at least 50% of sediment and gastropod samples. There was no significant difference in the distribution of particles found in seagrass beds compared to less vegetated patches, suggesting other factors contribute to the trapping efficiency of biogenic habitats besides simply the presence or absence of vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Ledet
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Chloe Tan
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Xing Hua Guan
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Clara Lei Xin Yong
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Lynette Ying
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558
| | - Peter Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3 Level 2, Singapore, 117558.
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11
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Kumar M, Bhujbal SK, Kohli K, Prajapati R, Sharma BK, Sawarkar AD, Abhishek K, Bolan S, Ghosh P, Kirkham MB, Padhye LP, Pandey A, Vithanage M, Bolan N. A review on value-addition to plastic waste towards achieving a circular economy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171106. [PMID: 38387564 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Plastic and mixed plastic waste (PW) has received increased worldwide attention owing to its huge rate of production, high persistency in the environment, and unsustainable waste management practices. Therefore, sustainable PW management and upcycling approaches are imperative to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous recent studies have shown the application and feasibility of various PW conversion techniques to produce materials with better economic value. Within this framework, the current review provides an in-depth analysis of cutting-edge thermochemical technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, carbonization, and photocatalysis that can be used to value plastic and mixed PW in order to produce energy and industrial chemicals. Additionally, a thorough examination of the environmental impacts of contemporary PW upcycling techniques and their commercial feasibility through life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economical assessment are provided in this review. Finally, this review emphasizes the opportunities and challenges accompanying with existing PW upcycling techniques and deliver recommendations for future research works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India.
| | - Sachin Krushna Bhujbal
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Kirtika Kohli
- Distillate and Heavy Oil Processing Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun 248005, India
| | - Ravindra Prajapati
- Prairie Research Institute-Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Brajendra K Sharma
- Prairie Research Institute-Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Eastern Regional Research Center Sustainable Biofuels and Co-Products Research Unit, 600 E. Mermaid Ln., Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Ankush D Sawarkar
- Department of Information Technology, Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering and Technology (SGGSIET), Nanded, Maharashtra 431 606, India
| | - Kumar Abhishek
- Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Bihar, Patna, India
| | - Shiv Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India; Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226 001, India; Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee Dae Ro 26, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248 007, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226029, India
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia.
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12
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Nidheesh PV, Kumar M, Venkateshwaran G, Ambika S, Bhaskar S, Vinay, Ghosh P. Conversion of locally available materials to biochar and activated carbon for drinking water treatment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141566. [PMID: 38428536 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
For environmental sustainability and to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), drinking water treatment must be done at a reasonable cost with minimal environmental impact. Therefore, treating contaminated drinking water requires materials and approaches that are inexpensive, produced locally, and effortlessly. Hence, locally available materials and their derivatives, such as biochar (BC) and activated carbon (AC) were investigated thoroughly. Several researchers and their findings show that the application of locally accessible materials and their derivatives are capable of the adsorptive removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from drinking water. The application of locally available materials such as lignocellulosic materials/waste and its thermo-chemically derived products, including BC and AC were found effective in the treatment of contaminated drinking water. Thus, this review aims to thoroughly examine the latest developments in the use of locally accessible feedstocks for tailoring BC and AC, as well as their features and applications in the treatment of drinking water. We attempted to explain facts related to the potential mechanisms of BC and AC, such as complexation, co-precipitation, electrostatic interaction, and ion exchange to treat water, thereby achieving a risk-free remediation approach to polluted water. Additionally, this research offers guidance on creating efficient household treatment units based on the health risks associated with customized adsorbents and cost-benefit analyses. Lastly, this review work discusses the current obstacles for using locally accessible materials and their thermo-chemically produced by-products to purify drinking water, as well as the necessity for technological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P V Nidheesh
- Environmental Impact and Sustainability Division, CSIR - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Manish Kumar
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - G Venkateshwaran
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India
| | - S Ambika
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India
| | - S Bhaskar
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, NIT Campus, P.O 673 601, Kozhikode, India
| | - Vinay
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India; Industrial Pollution Control-IV Division, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Parivesh Bhawan, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi, 110032, India
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
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13
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Yu Y, Kumar M, Bolan S, Padhye LP, Bolan N, Li S, Wang L, Hou D, Li Y. Various additive release from microplastics and their toxicity in aquatic environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123219. [PMID: 38154772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123219] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Additives may be present in amounts higher than 50% within plastic objects. Additives in plastics can be gradually released from microplastics (MPs) into the aquatic environment during their aging and fragmentation because most of them do not chemically react with the polymers. Some are known to be hazardous substances, which can cause toxicity effects on organisms and pose ecological risks. In this paper, the application of functional additives in MPs and their leaching in the environment are first summarized followed by their release mechanisms including photooxidation, chemical oxidation, biochemical degradation, and physical abrasion. Important factors affecting the additive release from MPs are also reviewed. Generally, smaller particle size, light irradiation, high temperature, dissolved organic matter (DOM) existence and alkaline conditions can promote the release of chemicals from MPs. In addition, the release of additives is also influenced by the polymer's structure, electrolyte types, as well as salinity. These additives may transfer into the organisms after ingestion and disrupt various biological processes, leading to developmental malformations and toxicity in offspring. Nonetheless, challenges on the toxicity of chemicals in MPs remain hindering the risk assessment on human health from MPs in the environment. Future research is suggested to strengthen research on the leaching experiment in the actual environment, develop more techniques and analysis methods to identify leaching products, and evaluate the toxicity effects of additives from MPs based on more model organisms. The work gives a comprehensive overview of current process for MP additive release in natural waters, summarizes their toxicity effects on organisms, and provides recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Manish Kumar
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Shiv Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Australia
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Australia
| | - Sixu Li
- Beijing No.4 High School International Campus, Beijing, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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14
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Thacharodi A, Hassan S, Meenatchi R, Bhat MA, Hussain N, Arockiaraj J, Ngo HH, Sharma A, Nguyen HT, Pugazhendhi A. Mitigating microplastic pollution: A critical review on the effects, remediation, and utilization strategies of microplastics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119988. [PMID: 38181686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119988] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are found ubiquitous in the natural environment and are an increasing source of worry for global health. Rapid industrialization and inappropriate plastic waste management in our daily lives have resulted in an increase in the amount of microplastics in the ecosystem. Microplastics that are <150 μm in size could be easily ingested by living beings and cause considerable toxicity. Microplastics can aggregate in living organisms and cause acute, chronic, carcinogenic, developmental, and genotoxic damage. As a result, a sustainable approach to reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste is required to manage microplastic pollution in the environment. However, there is still a significant lack of effective methods for managing these pollutants. As a result, the purpose of this review is to convey information on microplastic toxicity and management practices that may aid in the reduction of microplastic pollution. This review further insights on how plastic trash could be converted as value-added products, reducing the load of accumulating plastic wastes in the environment, and leading to a beneficial endeavor for humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Thacharodi
- Dr. Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Saqib Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Ramu Meenatchi
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Naseer Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centre of Bioengineering, NatProLab, Plant Innovation Lab, School of Engineering and Sciences, Queretaro, 76130, Mexico
| | - H T Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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15
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Qian G, Zhang L, Chen Y, Xu C. Fish microplastic ingestion may induce tipping points of aquatic ecosystems. J Anim Ecol 2024; 93:45-56. [PMID: 37970633 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics can be ingested by a wide range of aquatic animals. Extensive studies have demonstrated that microplastic ingestion-albeit often not lethal-can affect a range of species life-history traits. However, it remains unclear how the sublethal effects of microplastics on individual levels scale up to influence ecosystem-level dynamics through cascading trophic interactions. Here we employ a well-studied, empirically fed three-species trophic chain model, which was parameterized to mimic a common type of aquatic ecosystems to examine how microplastic ingestion by fish on an intermediate trophic level can produce cascading effects on the species at both upper and lower trophic levels. We show that gradually increasing microplastics in the ingested substances of planktivorous fish may cause population structure effects such as skewed size distributions (i.e. reduced average body length vs. increased maximal body size), and induce abrupt declines in fish biomass and reproduction. Our model analysis demonstrates that these abrupt changes correspond to an ecosystem-level tipping point, crossing which difficult-to-reverse ecosystem degradation can happen. Importantly, microplastic pollution may interact with other anthropogenic stressors to reduce safe operating space of aquatic ecosystems. Our work contributes to better understanding complex effects of microplastic pollution and anticipating tipping points of aquatic ecosystems in a changing world. It also calls attention to an emerging threat that novel microplastic contaminants may lead to unexpected and abrupt degradation of aquatic ecosystems, and invites systematic studies on the ecosystem-level consequences of microplastic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjing Qian
- School of Mathematical Science, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lai Zhang
- School of Mathematical Science, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- School of Mathematical Science, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chi Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Parashar N, Hait S. Abundance, characterization, and removal of microplastics in different technology-based sewage treatment plants discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River, India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167099. [PMID: 37730063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are considered as a prominent source for releasing microplastics (MPs) into the riverine systems. Though MPs abundance and removal efficacy in different secondary treatment technique-based STPs have been extensively studied worldwide, such studies are scarce in Indian conditions. Herein, this study comprehensively assesses MPs abundance, characterization, and their removal in the selected secondary treatment technique-based STPs discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River in India. MPs concentration (n/L) in influent and effluent of the STPs varied between 42 ± 10 to 150 ± 19 and 3 ± 1 to 22 ± 5, respectively. Overall, the primary treatment stage was observed to remove MPs by 23-42 %, while the secondary treatment stage removed MPs by 67-90 %. Selected technique-based STPs exhibited varying MPs removal efficacies as follows: SBR (94 %), TF (90 %), AL (88 %), UASB (87 %), ASP (85 %), FAB (84 %), and Bio-tower (77 %). MPs ranging from 50 to 250 μm were the dominant sizes, with PP, PE, and PS being the prevalent polymers. The Ganga River receives about 3 × 108 MPs/day from STP effluents, and an estimated 4.5 × 107 MPs/day are released via the sludge. This comprehensive assessment of MPs abundance and removal from different technology-based Indian STPs will allow the comparison of the generated dataset with similar studies worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Parashar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India
| | - Subrata Hait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India.
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17
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Le VG, Nguyen MK, Nguyen HL, Lin C, Hadi M, Hung NTQ, Hoang HG, Nguyen KN, Tran HT, Hou D, Zhang T, Bolan NS. A comprehensive review of micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: Occurrence, fate, toxicity, and strategies for risk reduction. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166649. [PMID: 37660815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166649] [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] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) have received considerable attention over the past 10 years due to their environmental prevalence and potential toxic effects. With the increase in global plastic production and disposal, MNP pollution has become a topic of emerging concern. In this review, we describe MNPs in the atmospheric environment, and potential toxicological effects of exposure to MNPs. Studies have reported the occurrence of MNPs in outdoor and indoor air at concentrations ranging from 0.0065 items m-3 to 1583 items m-3. Findings have identified plastic fragments, fibers, and films in sizes predominantly <1000 μm with polyamide (PA), polyester (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), rayon, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) as the major compounds. Exposure through indoor air and dust is an important pathway for humans. Airborne MNPs pose health risks to plants, animals, and humans. Atmospheric MNPs can enter organism bodies via inhalation and subsequent deposition in the lungs, which triggers inflammation and other adverse health effects. MNPs could be eliminated through source reduction, policy/regulation, environmental awareness and education, biodegradable materials, bioremediation, and efficient air-filtration systems. To achieve a sustainable society, it is crucial to implement effective strategies for reducing the usage of single-use plastics (SUPs). Further, governments play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing issue of MNPs pollution and must establish viable solutions to tackle this significant challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Giang Le
- Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University (CRES-VNU), Hanoi, 111000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Hoang-Lam Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Mohammed Hadi
- Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Nguyen Tri Quang Hung
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Hong-Giang Hoang
- Faculty of Medicine, Dong Nai Technology University, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai 810000, Viet Nam
| | - Khoi Nghia Nguyen
- Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 270000, Viet Nam
| | - Huu-Tuan Tran
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Management, Science and Technology Advanced Institute, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Applied Technology, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
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18
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Salam M, Zheng H, Liu Y, Zaib A, Rehman SAU, Riaz N, Eliw M, Hayat F, Li H, Wang F. Effects of micro(nano)plastics on soil nutrient cycling: State of the knowledge. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118437. [PMID: 37343476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The ecological impacts of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have attracted attention worldwide because of their global occurrence, persistence, and environmental risks. Increasing evidence shows that MNPs can affect soil nutrient cycling, but the latest advances on this topic have not systematically reviewed. Here, we aim to present the state of knowledge about the effects of MNPs on soil nutrient cycling, particularly of C, N, and P. Using the latest data, the present review mainly focuses on three aspects, including (1) the effects and underlying mechanisms of MNPs on soil nutrient cycling, particularly of C, N and P, (2) the factors influencing the effects of MNPs on soil nutrient cycling, and (3) the knowledge gaps and future directions. We conclude that MNPs can alter soil nutrient cycling via mediating soil nutrient availability, soil enzyme activities, functional microbial communities, and their potential ecological functions. Furthermore, the effects of MNPs vary with MNPs characteristics (i.e., polymeric type, size, dosage, and shape), chemical additives, soil physicochemical conditions, and soil biota. Considering the complexity of MNP-soil interactions, multi-scale experiments using environmental relevant MNPs are required to shed light on the effects of MNPs on soil nutrients. By learning how MNPs influence soil nutrients cycles, this review can guide policy and management decisions to safeguard soil health and ensure sustainable agriculture and land use practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Salam
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Huaili Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, China
| | - Aneeqa Zaib
- Department of Environmental Science, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Aziz Ur Rehman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54000, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Nimra Riaz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54000, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Moataz Eliw
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Faisal Hayat
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| | - Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, China.
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19
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Vinay, Surana D, Ghosh P, Kumar M, Varjani S, Kumar V, Mannina G. Contemporary Drift in Emerging Micro(nano)plastics Removal and Upcycling Technologies from Municipal Wastewater Sludge: Strategic Innovations and Prospects. CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS 2023; 9:174-197. [PMID: 37292232 PMCID: PMC10201030 DOI: 10.1007/s40726-023-00261-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Annually, huge amounts of microplastics (MPs) are added to farmlands through sewage sludge (SS)/biosolid applications as a fertilizer. Most research emphasizes the enormity of the problem and demonstrates the fate, impacts, and toxicity of MPs during SS treatment processes and land applications. None has addressed the management strategies. To address the gaps, the current review evaluates the performance analysis of conventional and advanced sludge treatment methods in eliminating MPs from sludge. Recent Findings The review uncovers that the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in SS are highly governed by factors such as population density, speed and level of urbanization, citizens' daily habits, and treatment units in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Furthermore, conventional sludge treatment processes are ineffective in eliminating MPs from SS and are accountable for the increased small-sized MPs or micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) along with altered surface morphology facilitating more co-contaminant adsorption. Simultaneously, MPs can influence the operation of these treatment processes depending on their size, type, shape, and concentration. The review reveals that research to develop advanced technology to remove MPs efficiently from SS is still at a nascent stage. Summary This review provides a comprehensive analysis of MPs in the SS, by corroborating state-of-the-knowledge, on different aspects, including the global occurrence of MPs in WWTP sludge, impacts of different conventional sludge treatment processes on MPs and vice versa, and efficiency of advanced sludge treatment and upcycling technologies to eliminate MPs, which will facilitate the development of mitigation measures from the systematic and holistic level. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Deepti Surana
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Engineering Department, Palermo University, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed.8, Palermo, 90128 Italy
| | - Sunita Varjani
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007 India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Giorgio Mannina
- Engineering Department, Palermo University, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed.8, Palermo, 90128 Italy
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20
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Ren X, Han Y, Zhao H, Zhang Z, Tsui TH, Wang Q. Elucidating the characteristic of leachates released from microplastics under different aging conditions: Perspectives of dissolved organic carbon fingerprints and nano-plastics. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119786. [PMID: 36848850 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite numerous studies that have been devoted to investigating the aging behaviors of microplastics (MPs), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nano-plastics (NPs) released from MPs under different aging conditions were limited. Herein, the characterizations and underlying mechanisms of DOC and NPs leaching from MPs (PVC and PS) in the aquatic environment for 130 days under different aging conditions were investigated. The results showed that aging could reduce the abundance of MPs, and high temperature and UV aging generated small-sized MPs (< 100 μm), especially UV aging. DOC-releasing characteristics were related to MP type and aging condition. Meanwhile, MPs were prone to release protein-like and hydrophilic substances except for 60 °C aging of PS MPs. Additionally, 8.77 × 109-8.87 × 1010 and 4.06 × 109-3.94 × 1010 NPs/L were detected in leachates from PVC and PS MPs-aged treatments, respectively. High temperature and UV promoted the release of NPs, especially UV irradiation. Meanwhile, smaller sizes and rougher NPs were observed in UV-aged treatments, implying higher ecological risks of leachates from MPs under UV aging. This study highlights the leachate released from MPs under different aging conditions comprehensively, which could offset the knowledge gap between the MPs' aging and their potential threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuna Ren
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Ye Han
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Haoran Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - To-Hung Tsui
- NUS Environment Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX13PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Quan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China.
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21
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Zantis LJ, Borchi C, Vijver MG, Peijnenburg W, Di Lonardo S, Bosker T. Nano- and microplastics commonly cause adverse impacts on plants at environmentally relevant levels: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161211. [PMID: 36634785 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Over the last years there has been significant research on the presence and effects of plastics in terrestrial systems. Here we summarize current research findings on the effects of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) on terrestrial plants, with the aim to determine patterns of response and sensitive endpoints. We conducted a systematic review (based on 78 studies) on the effects of NMPs on germination, plant growth and biochemical biomarkers. This review highlights that the majority of studies to date have used pristine polystyrene or polyethylene particles, either in a hydroponic or pot-plant setup. Based on these studies we found that effects on plants are widespread. We noted similar responses between and within monocots and dicots to NMPs, except for consistent lower germination seen in dicots exposed to NMPs. During early development, germination and root growth are more strongly affected compared to shoot growth. NMPs induced similar adverse growth effects on plant biomass and length in the most tested plant species (lettuce, wheat, corn, and rice) irrespective of the polymer type and size used. Moreover, biomarker responses were consistent across species; chlorophyll levels were commonly negatively affected, while stress indicators (e.g., ROS or free radicals) and stress respondents (e.g., antioxidant enzymes) were consistently upregulated. In addition, effects were commonly observed at environmentally relevant levels. These findings provide clear evidence that NMPs have wide-ranging impacts on plant performance. However, as most studies have been conducted under highly controlled conditions and with pristine plastics, there is an urgent need to test under more environmentally realistic conditions to ensure the lab-based studies can be extrapolated to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Zantis
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Caterina Borchi
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, Via di S. Marta 3, 50139 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Martina G Vijver
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Willie Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Sara Di Lonardo
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), National Research Council (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Thijs Bosker
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden University College, Leiden University, P.O. Box 13228, 2501 EE The Hague, the Netherlands.
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22
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Liro M, van Emmerik THM, Zielonka A, Gallitelli L, Mihai FC. The unknown fate of macroplastic in mountain rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161224. [PMID: 36584957 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mountain rivers are typically seen as relatively pristine ecosystems, supporting numerous goods (e.g., water resources) for human populations living not only in the mountain regions but also downstream from them. However recent evidence suggests that mountain river valleys in populated areas can be substantially polluted by macroplastic (plastic item >25 mm). It is unknown how distinct characteristics of mountain rivers modulate macroplastic routes through them, which makes planning effective mitigation strategies difficult. To stimulate future works on this gap, we present a conceptual model of macroplastic transport pathways through mountain river. Based on this model, we formulate four hypotheses on macroplastic input, transport and mechanical degradation in mountain rivers. Then, we propose designs of field experiments that allow each hypothesis to be tested. We hypothesize that some natural characteristics of mountain river catchments can accelerate the input of improperly disposed macroplastic waste from the slope to the river. Further, we hypothesize that specific hydromorphological characteristics of mountain rivers (e.g., high flow velocity) accelerate the downstream transport rate of macroplastic and together with the presence of shallow water and coarse bed sediments it can accelerate mechanical degradation of macroplastic in river channels, accelerating secondary microplastic production. The above suggests that mountain rivers in populated areas can act as microplastic factories, which are able to produce more microplastic from the same amount of macroplastic waste inputted into them (in comparison to lowland rivers that have a different hydromorphology). The produced risks can not only affect mountain rivers but can also be transported downstream. The challenge for the future is how to manage the hypothesized risks, especially in mountain areas particularly exposed to plastic pollution due to waste management deficiencies, high tourism pressure, poor ecological awareness of the population and lack of uniform regional and global regulations for the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Liro
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Adama Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Tim H M van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Zielonka
- Faculty of Geography and Geology, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; Department of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. 29 Listopada 46, 31-425 Krakow, Poland
| | - Luca Gallitelli
- University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Florin-Constantin Mihai
- CERNESIM Center, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, 700506, Iasi, Romania
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23
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Haldar S, Muralidaran Y, Míguez D, Mulla SI, Mishra P. Eco-toxicity of nano-plastics and its implication on human metabolism: Current and future perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160571. [PMID: 36471520 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the current scenario, plastic pollution has become one of the serious environmental hazard problems due to its improper handling and insufficiency in degradation. Nanoplastics (NPs) are formed when plastic fragments are subjected to ultraviolet radiation, natural weathering, and biodegradation. This review paper focuses on the source of origin, bioaccumulation, potential nanoplastics toxicity impact towards environment and human system and management strategies towards plastic pollution. Moreover, this study demonstrates that nanoplastics interfere with metabolic pathways and cause organ dysfunction. A wide range of studies have documented the alteration of organism physiology and behavior, caused by NPs exposure. A major source of NPs exposure is via ingestion because these plastics are found in foods or food packaging, however, they can also enter the human body via inhalation but in a less well-defined form. In recent literature, the studies demonstrate the mechanisms for NP uptake, affecting factors that have been discussed followed by cytotoxic mechanisms of NPs. However, study on challenges regarding NPs toxicity for the risk assessment of human health is limited. It is important to perform and focus more on the possible impacts of NPs on human health to identify the key challenges and explore the potential impacts of their environmental accumulation and its toxicity impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoumi Haldar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Yuvashree Muralidaran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Diana Míguez
- Latitud - Fundación LATU, Laboratorio Tecnológico del Uruguay (LATU), Edificio Los Abetos, Avenida Italia 6201, C.P. 11500, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sikandar I Mulla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Prabhakar Mishra
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
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24
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Orlando M, Molla G, Castellani P, Pirillo V, Torretta V, Ferronato N. Microbial Enzyme Biotechnology to Reach Plastic Waste Circularity: Current Status, Problems and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3877. [PMID: 36835289 PMCID: PMC9967032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in the environment has become a global concern. Microbial enzymes (purified or as whole-cell biocatalysts) represent emerging biotechnological tools for waste circularity; they can depolymerize materials into reusable building blocks, but their contribution must be considered within the context of present waste management practices. This review reports on the prospective of biotechnological tools for plastic bio-recycling within the framework of plastic waste management in Europe. Available biotechnology tools can support polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling. However, PET represents only ≈7% of unrecycled plastic waste. Polyurethanes, the principal unrecycled waste fraction, together with other thermosets and more recalcitrant thermoplastics (e.g., polyolefins) are the next plausible target for enzyme-based depolymerization, even if this process is currently effective only on ideal polyester-based polymers. To extend the contribution of biotechnology to plastic circularity, optimization of collection and sorting systems should be considered to feed chemoenzymatic technologies for the treatment of more recalcitrant and mixed polymers. In addition, new bio-based technologies with a lower environmental impact in comparison with the present approaches should be developed to depolymerize (available or new) plastic materials, that should be designed for the required durability and for being susceptible to the action of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Orlando
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Molla
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Pietro Castellani
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences (DiSTA), University of Insubria, Via G.B. Vico 46, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Pirillo
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Torretta
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences (DiSTA), University of Insubria, Via G.B. Vico 46, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Navarro Ferronato
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences (DiSTA), University of Insubria, Via G.B. Vico 46, 21100 Varese, Italy
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25
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Krishnan RY, Manikandan S, Subbaiya R, Karmegam N, Kim W, Govarthanan M. Recent approaches and advanced wastewater treatment technologies for mitigating emerging microplastics contamination - A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159681. [PMID: 36302412 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been identified as an emerging pollutant due to their irrefutable prevalence in air, soil, and particularly, the aquatic ecosystem. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are seen as the last line of defense which creates a barrier between microplastics and the environment. These microplastics are discharged in large quantities into aquatic bodies due to their insufficient containment during water treatment. As a result, WWTPs are regarded as point sources of microplastics release into the environment. Assessing the prevalence and behavior of microplastics in WWTPs is therefore critical for their control. The removal efficiency of microplastics was 65 %, 0.2-14 %, and 0.2-2 % after the successful primary, secondary and tertiary treatment phases in WWTPs. In this review, other than conventional treatment methods, advanced treatment methods have also been discussed. For the removal of microplastics in the size range 20-190 μm, advanced treatment methods like membrane bioreactors, rapid sand filtration, electrocoagulation and photocatalytic degradation was found to be effective and these methods helps in increasing the removal efficiency to >99 %. Bioremediation based approaches has found that sea grasses, lugworm and blue mussels has the ability to mitigate microplastics by acting as a natural trap to the microplastics pollutants and could act as candidate species for possible incorporation in WWTPs. Also, there is a need for controlling the use and unchecked release of microplastics into the environment through laws and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishnan Yedhu Krishnan
- Department of Food Technology, Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kanjirappally, Kottayam 686 518, Kerala, India
| | - Sivasubramanian Manikandan
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Nagar, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105. Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramasamy Subbaiya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, The Copperbelt University, Riverside, Jambo Drive, P O Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Natchimuthu Karmegam
- PG and Research Department of Botany, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 636 007, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
| | - Muthusamy Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
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26
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Gallitelli L, Battisti C, Scalici M. Dunal plants intercepting macrolitter: Implications for beach clean-ups. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114585. [PMID: 36638716 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Coastal vegetation intercepts macroplastics and, consequently, it may represent a reservoir of anthropogenic litter and organic wrack. We aimed at investigating (i) the abundance variation of macrolitter from the beach to foredune and backdune (three cross-shore plots over 20 long-shore sectors) and (ii) the role of the halo-psammophilous plants and Phragmites australis reedbed in intercepting the macrolitter, respectively, in the foredunes and backdunes. The vegetation in the foredunes (mainly halo-psammophilous species) acted as a first interception belt for macrolitter, while the bigger litter reached the backdunes. Our results might be of great concern with implications for beach clean-ups - which must also be mainly focused in foredunes and backdunes, however warning operators in advance that they could damage the vegetation by trampling on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gallitelli
- Department of Sciences, University of Rome Tre, Rome, Italy.
| | - Corrado Battisti
- "Torre Flavia" LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Station, Protected Areas Service, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Rome, Italy.
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27
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Kumar M, Ambika S, Hassani A, Nidheesh PV. Waste to catalyst: Role of agricultural waste in water and wastewater treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159762. [PMID: 36306836 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159762] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Presently, owing to the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization activities, a huge quantity of wastewater is generated that contain toxic chemical and heavy metals, imposing higher environmental jeopardies and affecting the life of living well-being and the economy of the counties, if not treated appropriately. Subsequently, the advancement in sustainable cost-effective wastewater treatment technology has attracted more attention from policymakers, legislators, and scientific communities. Therefore, the current review intends to highlight the recent development and applications of biochars and/or green nanoparticles (NPs) produced from agricultural waste via green routes in removing the refractory pollutants from water and wastewater. This review also highlights the contemporary application and mechanism of biochar-supported advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the removal of organic pollutants in water and wastewater. Although, the fabrication and application of agriculture waste-derived biochar and NPs are considered a greener approach, nevertheless, before scaling up production and application, its toxicological and life-cycle challenges must be taken into account. Furthermore, future efforts should be carried out towards process engineering to enhance the performance of green catalysts to improve the economy of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Selvaraj Ambika
- Faculty, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Adjunct Faculty, Department of Climate Change, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Faculty and Program Coordinator, E-Waste Resources Engineering and Management, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Aydin Hassani
- Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Near East University, 99138 Nicosia, TRNC, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - P V Nidheesh
- CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
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28
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Kumar R, Verma A, Rakib MRJ, Gupta PK, Sharma P, Garg A, Girard P, Aminabhavi TM. Adsorptive behavior of micro(nano)plastics through biochar: Co-existence, consequences, and challenges in contaminated ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159097. [PMID: 36179840 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The abundance of micro(nano)plastics in natural ecosystems is a crucial global challenge, as these small-sized plastic particles originate from land-based and marine-based activities and are widely present in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Micro(nano)plastics can significantly be reduced through various methods, such as biological, chemical, and physical techniques. Biochar is a low-cost adsorbent and is considered an efficient material and its application is ecologically effective carbon-negative for remediation of organic and inorganic pollutants. Therefore, this review critically discusses the fate and transport of micro(nano)plastics and their interactions with different biochar in aqueous and column porous media. This review outlines the implications of biochar with the co-existence of micro(nano)plastics in efforts to understand their coupled effects on soil physicochemical properties, microbial communities, and plant growth, along with the removal of heavy metals and other toxic contaminants. In batch experiments, biochar synthesized from various biomasses such as corn straw, hardwood, pine and spruce bark, corncob, and Prosopis juliflora had shown high level of removal efficiency (>90 %) for microplastic adsorption under varying environmental conditions viz., pH, temperature, ionic strength, particle size, and dose due to chemical bonding and electrostatic attractions. Increased temperature of the aqueous solutions encouraged higher adsorption, while higher pH and dissolved organic matter and nutrients may show decreased adsorption capacities for micro(nano)plastics using biochar. Compared to other available physical, chemical, and biological methods, biochar-amended sand filters in column experiments have been very efficient in removing micro(nano)plastics. In saturated column porous media, various microplastics could be inhibited using biochar due to decreased electrostatic repulsion, steric hindrance, and competitive sorption due to humic acid, ionic strength, and cations. Finally, this review provides in-depth insights on further investigations and recommendations for overall micro(nano)plastics removal using biochar-based materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
| | - Anurag Verma
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Pankaj Kumar Gupta
- Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Prabhakar Sharma
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India.
| | - Ankit Garg
- Guangdong Engineering Center for Structure Safety and Health Monitoring, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | | | - Tejraj M Aminabhavi
- School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Hubballi, Karnataka 580031, India; School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Bidholi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India.
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29
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Amaneesh C, Anna Balan S, Silpa PS, Kim JW, Greeshma K, Aswathi Mohan A, Robert Antony A, Grossart HP, Kim HS, Ramanan R. Gross Negligence: Impacts of Microplastics and Plastic Leachates on Phytoplankton Community and Ecosystem Dynamics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5-24. [PMID: 36534053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is an established environmental menace affecting aquatic systems globally. Recently, microplastics (MP) and plastic leachates (PL) have been detected in vital human organs, the vascular system, and in vitro animal studies positing severe health hazards. MP and PL have been found in every conceivable aquatic ecosystem─from open oceans and deep sea floors to supposedly pristine glacier lakes and snow covered mountain catchment sites. Many studies have documented the MP and PL impacts on a variety of aquatic organisms, whereby some exclusively focus on aquatic microorganisms. Yet, the specific MP and PL impacts on primary producers have not been systematically analyzed. Therefore, this review focuses on the threats posed by MP, PL, and associated chemicals on phytoplankton, their comprehensive impacts at organismal, community, and ecosystem scales, and their endogenous amelioration. Studies on MP- and PL-impacted individual phytoplankton species reveal the production of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, physical damage of thylakoids, and other physiological and metabolic changes, followed by homo- and heteroaggregations, ultimately eventuating in decreased photosynthesis and primary productivity. Likewise, analyses of the microbial community in the plastisphere show a radically different profile compared to the surrounding planktonic diversity. The plastisphere also enriches multidrug-resistant bacteria, cyanotoxins, and pollutants, accelerating microbial succession, changing the microbiome, and thus, affecting phytoplankton diversity and evolution. These impacts on cellular and community scales manifest in changed ecosystem dynamics with widespread bottom-up and top-down effects on aquatic biodiversity and food web interactions. These adverse effects─through altered nutrient cycling─have "knock-on" impacts on biogeochemical cycles and greenhouse gases. Consequently, these impacts affect provisioning and regulating ecosystem services. Our citation network analyses (CNA) further demonstrate dire effects of MP and PL on all trophic levels, thereby unsettling ecosystem stability and services. CNA points to several emerging nodes indicating combined toxicity of MP, PL, and their associated hazards on phytoplankton. Taken together, our study shows that ecotoxicity of plastic particles and their leachates have placed primary producers and some aquatic ecosystems in peril.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Amaneesh
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Shankari Anna Balan
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, United Kingdom
- Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8000, 6700 EA, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - P S Silpa
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Ji Won Kim
- Cell Factory Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 34113, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kozhumal Greeshma
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - A Aswathi Mohan
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Aiswarya Robert Antony
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Potsdam University, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Hee-Sik Kim
- Cell Factory Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 34113, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Rishiram Ramanan
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
- Cell Factory Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Centre for Policy Research & Governance, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
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Paramecium bursaria as a Potential Tool for Evaluation of Microplastics Toxicity. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121852. [PMID: 36552361 PMCID: PMC9775370 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are normally defined as small plastic wastes with a size of 1 μm to 5 mm in diameter. This tiny plastic debris is abundant in aquatic systems and poses a great threat to aquatic biota. To date, toxicological assessment of MPs is predominantly dependent on metazoan animals, although their applications are sometimes limited due to the high cost, narrow ecological niche, or ethical considerations. In this regard, unicellular eukaryotes (i.e., protozoa) that are ubiquitously present in nature represent a promising alternative for evaluating the toxicity of MPs. In this study, we selected Paramecium bursaria (P. bursaria) as a representative of protozoa and further investigated behavioral and molecular changes in MPs-exposed P. bursaria. Our results showed that following MPs uptake, P. bursaria exhibited various changes, including anomalies in swimming patterns, reduction in moving speed, impairment of avoidance behavior, elevation of oxidative stress, and potential disturbance of endosymbiosis. These elicited changes in P. bursaria in response to MPs exposure were pronounced and measurable. Overall, this study demonstrated that P. bursaria could serve as a promising alternative for the toxicological assessment of MPs and may be further applied to evaluate the toxicity of other environmental contaminants.
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The ecological impact of plastic pollution in a changing climate. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:389-402. [PMID: 36398707 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Assessing three interlinked issues, plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss separately can overlook potential interactions that may lead to positive or negative impacts on global ecosystem processes. Recent studies suggest that threatened species and ecosystems are vulnerable to both plastic pollution and climate change stressors. Here we consider the connectivity and state of knowledge between these three environmental issues with a focus on the Global South. Nine out of top ten Long-Term Climate Risk Index (CRI) (2000-2019) ranked countries are located within the Global South, yet research is focused in the Global North. A literature search for the top ten Long-Term Climate Risk Index (CRI) (2000-2019) ranked countries matched a total of 2416 (3.3% of global publications) search results on climate change, with 56 (4% of the global publications) on plastic pollution, and seven (7.7% of the global publications) on both climate change and plastic pollution. There is a strong correlation between the Global South and high biodiversity hotspots, high food insecurity and low environmental performance. Using Bangladesh as a case study, we show the erosion rates and sea level rise scenarios that will increase ocean-bound plastic pollution and impact high biodiversity areas. Poverty alleviation and promoting renewable energy and green practices can significantly reduce the stress on the environment. We recommend that these connected planetary threats can be best addressed through a holistic and collaborative approach to research, a focus on the Global South, and an ambitious policy agenda.
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Walther BA, Bergmann M. Plastic pollution of four understudied marine ecosystems: a review of mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:371-387. [PMID: 36214383 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now a worldwide phenomenon affecting all marine ecosystems, but some ecosystems and regions remain understudied. Here, we review the presence and impacts of macroplastics and microplastics for four such ecosystems: mangroves, seagrass meadows, the Arctic Ocean and the deep seafloor. Plastic production has grown steadily, and thus the impact on species and ecosystems has increased, too. The accumulated evidence also indicates that plastic pollution is an additional and increasing stressor to these already ecosystems and many of the species living in them. However, laboratory or field studies, which provide strong correlational or experimental evidence of ecological harm due to plastic pollution remain scarce or absent for these ecosystems. Based on these findings, we give some research recommendations for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Andreas Walther
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Melanie Bergmann
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
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Fang Z, Gao Y, Zhang F, Zhu K, Shen Z, Liang H, Xie Y, Yu C, Bao Y, Feng B, Bolan N, Wang H. The adsorption mechanisms of oriental plane tree biochar toward bisphenol S: A combined thermodynamic evidence, spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 310:119819. [PMID: 35870525 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Garden pruning waste is becoming a problem that intensifies the garbage siege. It is of great significance to purify polluted water using biochar prepared from garden pruning waste. Herein, the interaction mechanism between BPS and oriental plane tree biochar (TBC) with different surface functional groups was investigated by adsorption experiments, spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm of BPS on TBC can be satisfactorily fitted into pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models, respectively. A rapid adsorption kinetic toward BPS was achieved by TBC in 15 min. As compared with TBC prepared at low temperature (300 °C) (LTBC), the maximum adsorption capacity of TBC prepared at high temperature (600 °C) (HTBC) can be significantly improved from 46.7 mg g-1 to 72.9 mg g-1. Besides, the microstructure and surface functional groups of HTBC were characterized using SEM, BET-N2, and XPS analysis. According to density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations, the higher adsorption energy of HTBC for BPS was mainly attributed to π-π interaction rather than hydrogen bonding, which was further supported by the analysis of FTIR and Raman spectra as well as the adsorption thermodynamic parameters. These findings suggested that by improving π-π interaction through high pyrolysis temperature, BPS could be removed and adsorbed by biochar with high efficacy, cost-efficiency, easy availability, and carbon-negative in nature, contributing to global carbon neutrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fang
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, Physical Science Public Platform, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China; Guangdong Green Technologies Co., Ltd., Foshan, 528100, China
| | - Yurong Gao
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, Physical Science Public Platform, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China; Agronomy College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Fangbin Zhang
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, Physical Science Public Platform, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Kaipeng Zhu
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, Physical Science Public Platform, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Zihan Shen
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, Physical Science Public Platform, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Haixia Liang
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, Physical Science Public Platform, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, Physical Science Public Platform, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Chenglong Yu
- School of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yanping Bao
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, Physical Science Public Platform, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Bo Feng
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Hailong Wang
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, Physical Science Public Platform, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China; Guangdong Green Technologies Co., Ltd., Foshan, 528100, China.
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Kumar M, Bolan N, Jasemizad T, Padhye LP, Sridharan S, Singh L, Bolan S, O'Connor J, Zhao H, Shaheen SM, Song H, Siddique KHM, Wang H, Kirkham MB, Rinklebe J. Mobilization of contaminants: Potential for soil remediation and unintended consequences. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156373. [PMID: 35649457 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Land treatment has become an essential waste management practice. Therefore, soil becomes a major source of contaminants including organic chemicals and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) which enter the food chain, primarily through leaching to potable water sources, plant uptake, and animal transfer. A range of soil amendments are used to manage the mobility of contaminants and subsequently their bioavailability. Various soil amendments, like desorbing agents, surfactants, and chelating agents, have been applied to increase contaminant mobility and bioavailability. These mobilizing agents are applied to increase the contaminant removal though phytoremediation, bioremediation, and soil washing. However, possible leaching of the mobilized pollutants during soil washing is a major limitation, particularly when there is no active plant uptake. This leads to groundwater contamination and toxicity to plants and soil biota. In this context, the present review provides an overview on various soil amendments used to enhance the bioavailability and mobility of organic and inorganic contaminants, thereby facilitating increased risk when soil is remediated in polluted areas. The unintended consequences of the mobilization methods, when used to remediate polluted sites, are discussed in relation to the leaching of mobilized contaminants when active plant growth is absent. The toxicity of targeted and non-targeted contaminants to microbial communities and higher plants is also discussed. Finally, this review work summarizes the existing research gaps in various contaminant mobilization approaches, and prospects for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia.
| | - Tahereh Jasemizad
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Srinidhi Sridharan
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Lal Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shiv Bolan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - James O'Connor
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Haochen Zhao
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- 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; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hocheol Song
- Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kadambot H M Siddique
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Hailong Wang
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - 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; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea; International Research Centre of Nanotechnology for Himalayan Sustainability (IRCNHS), Shoolini University, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Lincoln S, Andrews B, Birchenough SNR, Chowdhury P, Engelhard GH, Harrod O, Pinnegar JK, Townhill BL. Marine litter and climate change: Inextricably connected threats to the world's oceans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155709. [PMID: 35525371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The global issues of climate change and marine litter are interlinked and understanding these connections is key to managing their combined risks to marine biodiversity and ultimately society. For example, fossil fuel-based plastics cause direct emissions of greenhouse gases and therefore are an important contributing factor to climate change, while other impacts of plastics can manifest as alterations in key species and habitats in coastal and marine environments. Marine litter is acknowledged as a threat multiplier that acts with other stressors such as climate change to cause far greater damage than if they occurred in isolation. On the other hand, while climate change can lead to increased inputs of litter into the marine environment, the presence of marine litter can also undermine the climate resilience of marine ecosystems. There is increasing evidence that that climate change and marine litter are inextricably linked, although these interactions and the resulting effects vary widely across oceanic regions and depend on the particular characteristics of specific marine environments. Ecosystem resilience approaches, that integrate climate change with other local stressors, offer a suitable framework to incorporate the consideration of marine litter where that is deemed to be a risk, and to steer, coordinate and prioritise research and monitoring, as well as management, policy, planning and action to effectively tackle the combined risks and impacts from climate change and marine litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Lincoln
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Barnaby Andrews
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Silvana N R Birchenough
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Piyali Chowdhury
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Georg H Engelhard
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Harrod
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - John K Pinnegar
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Bryony L Townhill
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
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Awasthi SK, Kumar M, Kumar V, Sarsaiya S, Anerao P, Ghosh P, Singh L, Liu H, Zhang Z, Awasthi MK. A comprehensive review on recent advancements in biodegradation and sustainable management of biopolymers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119600. [PMID: 35691442 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen upsurge in plastic manufacturing and its utilization in various fields, such as, packaging, household goods, medical applications, and beauty products. Due to various adverse impacts imposed by synthetic plastics on the health of living well-being and the environment, the biopolymers have been emerged out an alternative. Although, the biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are entirely degradable. However, the other polymers, such as poly (lactic acid) (PLA) are only partially degradable and often not biosynthesized. Biodegradation of the polymers using microorganisms is considered an effective bioremediation approach. Biodegradation can be performed in aerobic and anaerobic environments. In this context, the present review discusses the biopolymer production, their persistence in the environment, aerobic biodegradation, anaerobic biodegradation, challenges associated with biodegradation and future perspectives. In addition, this review discusses the advancement in the technologies associated with biopolymer production, biodegradation, and their biodegradation standard in different environmental settings. Furthermore, differences in the degradation condition in the laboratory as well as on-site are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Surendra Sarsaiya
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Prathmesh Anerao
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Lal Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Hong Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China.
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Tian Y, Yang Z, Yu X, Jia Z, Rosso M, Dedman S, Zhu J, Xia Y, Zhang G, Yang J, Wang J. Can we quantify the aquatic environmental plastic load from aquaculture? WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118551. [PMID: 35561617 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Aquaculture provides livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people, but it also forms a significant source of plastic litter that poses a serious hazard to aquatic ecosystems. How to assess and subsequently manage plastic loads from aquaculture is a pending and pressing issue for aquaculture sustainability, and an important concern for water environment monitoring and management. In this study, we developed the first framework for estimating plastic litter from aquaculture by combining data from satellite remote sensing, drones, questionnaires, and in situ measurements. By acquiring multidimensional (human and nature) and multiscale (centimeter to basin scale) data, this framework helped us understand the aquaculture farming patterns and its spatial and temporal evolution, and thus estimate the plastic load it generates and suggest effective management approaches. Applying this framework, we assessed the marine plastic load from oyster floating raft farming in the Maowei Sea, a typical mariculture bay in China, with an increasing farming area. Approximately 3840 tons of plastic waste is expected to be discharged into the sea in the next four years (the average service life of a floating raft) without improvements in aquaculture waste management. Strengthening governance, timely plastic removal, innovative replacement, and transforming farmers' behavior patterns are recommended as the subsequent measures for plastic management. This framework can be extended to other regions and other aquaculture patterns, and is applicable to local, regional, and global aquaculture plastic litter assessments. It is a source-based method for evaluating plastic pollution that is more conducive to subsequent plastic management than traditional post-contamination environmental monitoring. In the context of the global expansion of mariculture and the global commitment to action to combat plastic pollution, this approach could play a critical role in the investigation and management of plastic waste in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Tian
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Zongyao Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xueying Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Zhen Jia
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | | | - Simon Dedman
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove Pacific Grove 93950, California, USA
| | - Jingmin Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Yuxiang Xia
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Guangping Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jingzhen Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; CIMA Research Foundation, Savona, 17100, Italy; Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove Pacific Grove 93950, California, USA; Beibu Gulf Ocean Development Research Center, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China.
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Sridharan S, Kumar M, Saha M, Kirkham MB, Singh L, Bolan NS. The polymers and their additives in particulate plastics: What makes them hazardous to the fauna? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 824:153828. [PMID: 35157873 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing concerns on global ecosystems and human health, the environmental risks posed by microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become an important topic of research. Their ecological impacts on various faunal species have been extensively researched and reviewed. However, the majority of those studies perceive these micro(nano)-plastics (MNPs) as a single entity rather than a collective term for a group of chemically distinct polymeric particulates. Each of the plastic polymers can possess unique physical and chemical behavior, which, in turn, can determine the possible environmental impacts. Furthermore, many studies explore the adsorption, absorption, and release of other environmental pollutants by MNPs. But only a handful of them explore the leaching of additives possessed by these polymers. Data on the environmental behavior and toxicity of individual additives associated with different polymer particulates are scarce. Knowledge about the leachability and ecotoxicity of the additives associated with environmental MNPs (unlike large plastic particles) remains limited. The ecological impacts of different MNPs together with their additives and the basis of their toxicity have not been explored yet. The present review systematically explores the potential implications of environmentally predominant polymers and their associated additives and discusses their physicochemical characteristics. The review ultimately aims to provide novel insights on what components precisely make MNPs hazardous to the fauna. The paper also discusses the major challenges proposed in the available literature along with recommendations for future research to throw light on possible solutions to overcome the hazards of MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinidhi Sridharan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
| | - Lal Singh
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The UWA Institute of Agriculture, M079, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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Sarkar B, Dissanayake PD, Bolan NS, Dar JY, Kumar M, Haque MN, Mukhopadhyay R, Ramanayaka S, Biswas JK, Tsang DCW, Rinklebe J, Ok YS. Challenges and opportunities in sustainable management of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112179. [PMID: 34624271 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has raised concerns because of their adverse effects on ecosystem functions and human health. Plastic waste management has become a universal problem in recent years. Hence, sustainable plastic waste management techniques are vital for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Although many reviews have focused on the occurrence and impact of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), there has been limited focus on the management of MNPs. This review first summarizes the ecotoxicological impacts of plastic waste sources and issues related to the sustainable management of MNPs in the environment. This paper then critically evaluates possible approaches for incorporating plastics into the circular economy in order to cope with the problem of plastics. Pollution associated with MNPs can be tackled through source reduction, incorporation of plastics into the circular economy, and suitable waste management. Appropriate infrastructure development, waste valorization, and economically sound plastic waste management techniques and viable alternatives are essential for reducing MNPs in the environment. Policymakers must pay more attention to this critical issue and implement appropriate environmental regulations to achieve environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Pavani Dulanja Dissanayake
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; Soils and Plant Nutrition Division, Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila 61150, Sri Lanka
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6001, Australia; College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Jaffer Yousuf Dar
- Division of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Md Niamul Haque
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences & Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Raj Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | - Sammani Ramanayaka
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Jayanta Kumar Biswas
- Department of Ecological Studies & International Centre for Ecological Engineering, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - 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; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Lacerda ALDF, Taylor JD, Rodrigues LDS, Kessler F, Secchi E, Proietti MC. Floating plastics and their associated biota in the Western South Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 805:150186. [PMID: 34818771 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The lack of information about plastic pollution in many marine regions hinders firm actions to manage human activities and mitigate their impacts. This study conducted for the first time a quali-quantitative evaluation of floating plastics and their associated biota from coastal and oceanic waters in South Brazil. Plastics were collected using a manta net, and were categorized according to their shape, size, malleability and polymer composition. Multi-marker DNA metabarcoding (16S, and 18S V4 and V9 rRNA regions) was performed to identify prokaryotes and eukaryotes associated to plastics. We found 371 likely plastic particles of several sizes, shapes and polymers, and the average concentration of plastics at the region was 4461 items.km-2 (SD ± 3914). Microplastics (0.5 - 5 mm) were dominant in most sampling stations, with fragments and lines representing the most common shapes. Diverse groups of prokaryotes (20 bacteria phyla) and eukaryotes (41 groups) were associated with plastics. Both the community composition and richness of epiplastic organisms were highly variable between individual plastics but, in general, were not influenced by plastic categories. Organisms with potential pathogenicity (e.g. Vibrio species. and Alexandrium tamarense), as well as potential plastic degraders (e.g. Ralstonia, Pseudomonas, and Alcanivorax species), were found. The information generated here is pivotal to support strategies to prevent the input and mitigate the impacts of plastics and their associated organisms on marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L D F Lacerda
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, PPGOB, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil; Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France.
| | - Joe D Taylor
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Lucas D S Rodrigues
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, PPGOB, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Felipe Kessler
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil; Escola de Química e Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Secchi
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, PPGOB, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha-Ecomega, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Maíra C Proietti
- Projeto Lixo Marinho - Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, PPGOB, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil
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Bolan N, Kumar M, Singh E, Kumar A, Singh L, Kumar S, Keerthanan S, Hoang SA, El-Naggar A, Vithanage M, Sarkar B, Wijesekara H, Diyabalanage S, Sooriyakumar P, Vinu A, Wang H, Kirkham MB, Shaheen SM, Rinklebe J, Siddique KHM. Antimony contamination and its risk management in complex environmental settings: A review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106908. [PMID: 34619530 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Antimony (Sb) is introduced into soils, sediments, and aquatic environments from various sources such as weathering of sulfide ores, leaching of mining wastes, and anthropogenic activities. High Sb concentrations are toxic to ecosystems and potentially to public health via the accumulation in food chain. Although Sb is poisonous and carcinogenic to humans, the exact mechanisms causing toxicity still remain unclear. Most studies concerning the remediation of soils and aquatic environments contaminated with Sb have evaluated various amendments that reduce Sb bioavailability and toxicity. However, there is no comprehensive review on the biogeochemistry and transformation of Sb related to its remediation. Therefore, the present review summarizes: (1) the sources of Sb and its geochemical distribution and speciation in soils and aquatic environments, (2) the biogeochemical processes that govern Sb mobilization, bioavailability, toxicity in soils and aquatic environments, and possible threats to human and ecosystem health, and (3) the approaches used to remediate Sb-contaminated soils and water and mitigate potential environmental and health risks. Knowledge gaps and future research needs also are discussed. The review presents up-to-date knowledge about the fate of Sb in soils and aquatic environments and contributes to an important insight into the environmental hazards of Sb. The findings from the review should help to develop innovative and appropriate technologies for controlling Sb bioavailability and toxicity and sustainably managing Sb-polluted soils and water, subsequently minimizing its environmental and human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanthi Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ekta Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Aman Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Lal Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - S Keerthanan
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Son A Hoang
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ali El-Naggar
- Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11241, Egypt
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Hasintha Wijesekara
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
| | - Saranga Diyabalanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Prasanthi Sooriyakumar
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ajayan Vinu
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Hailong Wang
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, People's Republic of China
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- 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, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; University of Kafrelsheikh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, 33 516 Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - 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, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kadambot H M Siddique
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
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Zhou Y, Kumar M, Sarsaiya S, Sirohi R, Awasthi SK, Sindhu R, Binod P, Pandey A, Bolan NS, Zhang Z, Singh L, Kumar S, Awasthi MK. Challenges and opportunities in bioremediation of micro-nano plastics: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 802:149823. [PMID: 34454140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rising level of micro-nano plastics (MNPs) in the natural ecosystem adversely impact the health of the environment and living organisms globally. MNPs enter in to the agro-ecosystem, flora and fauna, and human body via trophic transfer, ingestion and inhalation, resulting impediment in blood vessel, infertility, and abnormal behaviors. Therefore, it becomes indispensable to apply a novel approach to remediate MNPs from natural environment. Amongst the several prevailing technologies of MNPs remediation, microbial remediation is considered as greener technology. Microbial degradation of plastics is typically influenced by several biotic as well as abiotic factors, such as enzymatic mechanisms, substrates and co-substrates concentration, temperature, pH, oxidative stress, etc. Therefore, it is pivotal to recognize the key pathways adopted by microbes to utilize plastic fragments as a sole carbon source for the growth and development. In this context, this review critically discussed the role of various microbes and their enzymatic mechanisms involved in biodegradation of MNPs in wastewater (WW) stream, municipal sludge, municipal solid waste (MSW), and composting starting with biological and toxicological impacts of MNPs. Moreover, this review comprehensively discussed the deployment of various MNPs remediation technologies, such as enzymatic, advanced molecular, and bio-membrane technologies in fostering the bioremediation of MNPs from various environmental compartments along with their pros and cons and prospects for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Surendra Sarsaiya
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ranjna Sirohi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Raveendran Sindhu
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
| | - Parameswaran Binod
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226 001, India
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; School of Engineering, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Lal Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China.
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Ju Z, Du X, Feng K, Li S, Gu S, Jin D, Deng Y. The Succession of Bacterial Community Attached on Biodegradable Plastic Mulches During the Degradation in Soil. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:785737. [PMID: 35046914 PMCID: PMC8762578 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.785737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing application of biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) in agriculture, the colonization and succession of the attached microbial community on BDMs during their degradation processes remain poorly characterized. Here, we buried four types of commonly used BDMs, including pure polylactic acid (PLA), pure polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and two mixtures of PLA and PBAT (85:15 and 15:85 w/w), and one classic polyethylene (PE) mulch in soil for 5 months. Both plastic components and incubation time significantly shaped the β-diversities of microbiota on the plastic mulches (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the microbial compositions and community structures on BDMs were significantly different from PE mulch, and when excluding PE mulch, the microbiota varied more with time than by the composition of the four BDMs. The orders Burkholderiales and Pseudonocardiales were dominant on most BDMs across different time points. The genus Ramlibacter was revealed as a common biomarker for both PLA and PBAT by random-forest model, and all biomarkers for the BDMs belonged to the dominant order Burkholderiales. In addition, degradation-related and pathogen-related functional taxa were enriched in all mulches among all 40 functional groups, while surprisingly, potential pathogens were detected at higher levels on BDMs than PE. For community assembly on all mulches, the drift and dispersal processes played more important roles than selection, and in particular, the contribution of stochastic drift increased during the degradation process of BDMs while selection decreased, while the opposite trend was observed with PE mulch. Overall, our results demonstrated some degradation species and pathogens were specifically enriched on BDMs, though stochastic processes also had important impacts on the community assembly. It suggested that, similar to conventional plastic mulch, the increased usage of BDMs could lead to potential hazards to crops and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Ju
- CAS Key Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiongfeng Du
- CAS Key Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuzhen Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Songsong Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Decai Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhang Y, Zhou G, Yue J, Xing X, Yang Z, Wang X, Wang Q, Zhang J. Enhanced removal of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics through polyaluminum chloride coagulation with three typical coagulant aids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149589. [PMID: 34399346 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Given the discovery and hazard of microplastics in freshwater environments, the removal of microplastics in drinking water deserves more attention. Nevertheless, in the light of existing literature, the effectiveness of conventional coagulation on microplastics removal is insufficient. Hence, enhanced coagulation is worth being explored. This study investigated the improving performance of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), sodium alginate (SA), and activated silicic acid (ASA) when using poly‑aluminum chloride (PAC) to remove polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics. The experimental results showed that ASA had the highest removal efficiency (54.70%) under conventional dosage, while PAM achieved the best removal effect (91.45%) at high dosage. Mechanism of coagulation was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the results illustrated that when only PAC existed or the dosage of coagulant aids was low, double layer compression was the main principle. The increase of coagulant aids dosage improved the effect of adsorption and sweep flocculation significantly. Moreover, jar tests carried in different conditions demonstrated that the current coagulation systems were highly adaptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujian Zhang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guanyu Zhou
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jiapeng Yue
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xinyi Xing
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zhiwei Yang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Xinyu Wang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Qingguo Wang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; College of Water Resource and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
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45
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Li Y, Liu X, Shinde S, Wang J, Zhang P. Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Photosynthesis Activities of Photoautotrophs: A Mini-Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:773226. [PMID: 34899657 PMCID: PMC8660080 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.773226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) has attracted immense global attention due to their adverse effects on the environment. Photosynthesis, an interface between non-living matter and living organisms, is very important for both energy flow and material circulation on our planet. Increasing evidence indicates that MNPs can pose direct or indirect stress effects on photoautotrophs, however, our knowledge about them is still limited. The purposes of this mini-review are (1) to review the latest literature of the impacts of MNPs on photosynthesis activities and summarize diverse impacts of MNPs on photosynthesis activities of different photoautotrophs (green plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria); (2) to discuss the potential action mechanisms in both aquatic and terrestrial environments; and (3) various factors contributing toward these impacts. Additionally, this review provides key future research directions for both researchers and policymakers to better understand and alleviate the environmental impacts of MNPs on our planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxue Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianhua Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shrameeta Shinde
- Department of Microbiology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
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Abstract
The following article aims to identify the characteristics of the epistemic community of Blue Economy researchers, through the description of its scientific production, its special organization and clustering. The information was examined using bibliometric techniques on 302 research works using the Web of Science databases (JCR) between 2013 and 2021. At the same time, VOSviewer software was used to represent the relationships metrically and visually between the data and metadata. A set of research works is reviewed which relates environmental conservation and its implication in the development of the territory, and the relationship between technology and the improvement of ocean management, to highlight those state interventions where benefits are generated for the population or where there is an important challenge for improvement.
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Wu X, Lu J, Du M, Xu X, Beiyuan J, Sarkar B, Bolan N, Xu W, Xu S, Chen X, Wu F, Wang H. Particulate plastics-plant interaction in soil and its implications: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148337. [PMID: 34465040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Particulate plastics (<5 mm), including macroplastics (1 μm to 5 mm), microplastics (100 nm to 1 μm) and nanoplastics (<100 nm), have become a global environmental problem due to their widespread occurrence, distribution and ecosystem risk. Although numerous studies on particulate plastics have been conducted in aquatic systems, investigations in the soil ecosystem are lacking. Soil is the main storage place of particulate plastics, conferring significant impacts on plant growth and development. The impact of particulate plastics on plants is directly related to the safety of agricultural products. This review comprehensively examines the pollution characteristics and exposure pathways of particulate plastics in agricultural soils, highlighting plastic uptake process, and mechanisms in plants, and effects of particulate plastics, biodegradable particulate plastics and combined pollution of plastics with other environmental pollutants on plant performances. This review identifies a number of future research prospects including the development of accurate quantitative methods for plastic analysis in soil and plant samples, understanding the environmental behaviors of conventional and biodegradable particulate plastics in the presence and absence of other environmental pollutants, unravelling the fate of particulate plastics in plants, phyto-toxicity and molecular regulatory mechanisms of particultate plastics, and developing best management practices for the production of safe agricultural products in plastic-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolian Wu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Jinlian Lu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Minghui Du
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Xiaoya Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Jingzi Beiyuan
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Weicheng Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Song Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China.
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Mishra A, Kumar M, Bolan NS, Kapley A, Kumar R, Singh L. Multidimensional approaches of biogas production and up-gradation: Opportunities and challenges. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 338:125514. [PMID: 34265593 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The expanding interest towards biogas generation from biowaste via complex anaerobic digestion (AD) opened new avenues in the improvement of biogas production processes and their up-gradation. The adsorption/removal of impurities particularly hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from the biogas stream will significantly improve the efficiency of biogas for its further use as a renewable energy fuel. The production and up-gradation of biogas rely upon the types of feedstocks, AD condition, microbial diversity, purification methods along with the application of various additives. In that context, this review aims to emphasize the current state of the art in the field of biogas production via AD using diverse bio-waste. Further, this review will critically explore the biogas up-gradation technologies adopted so far and their pros and cons. Finally, techno-economic and environmental impact assessment of the biogas production process will be underlined to make the process cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Mishra
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Environmental Biotechnology and Genomics Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Environmental Biotechnology and Genomics Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Atya Kapley
- Environmental Biotechnology and Genomics Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Environmental Biotechnology and Genomics Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Lal Singh
- Environmental Biotechnology and Genomics Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India.
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Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Ecosystem Services, Sustainable Development Goals, and Need to Focus on Circular Economy and Policy Interventions. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Plastic waste exposed to the environment creates problems and is of significant concern for all life forms. Plastic production and accumulation in the natural environment are occurring at an unprecedented rate due to indiscriminate use, inadequate recycling, and deposits in landfills. In 2019, the global production of plastic was at 370 million tons, with only 9% of it being recycled, 12% being incinerated, and the remaining left in the environment or landfills. The leakage of plastic wastes into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is occurring at an unprecedented rate. The management of plastic waste is a challenging problem for researchers, policymakers, citizens, and other stakeholders. Therefore, here, we summarize the current understanding and concerns of plastics pollution (microplastics or nanoplastics) on natural ecosystems. The overall goal of this review is to provide background assessment on the adverse effects of plastic pollution on natural ecosystems; interlink the management of plastic pollution with sustainable development goals; address the policy initiatives under transdisciplinary approaches through life cycle assessment, circular economy, and sustainability; identify the knowledge gaps; and provide current policy recommendations. Plastic waste management through community involvement and socio-economic inputs in different countries are presented and discussed. Plastic ban policies and public awareness are likely the major mitigation interventions. The need for life cycle assessment and circularity to assess the potential environmental impacts and resources used throughout a plastic product’s life span is emphasized. Innovations are needed to reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover plastics and find eco-friendly replacements for plastics. Empowering and educating communities and citizens to act collectively to minimize plastic pollution and use alternative options for plastics must be promoted and enforced. Plastic pollution is a global concern that must be addressed collectively with the utmost priority.
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