1
|
Pivokonsky M, Novotna K, Pivokonska L, Cermakova L, Sakalli S, Lacina O. Insight into the fate of bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris in aquatic environments via continuous monitoring of their leachate composition - Release of carbon, metals, and additives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:174913. [PMID: 39069190 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174913] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the environmental problems associated with plastic production and waste, such as the consequences of worldwide pollution of natural waters with microplastics, have led to the seeking of alternative materials that can at least partially replace conventional petroleum-based plastics. Substitute materials include bioplastics and similar plant-based materials or their composites. However, their fate when disposed of in unintended environments (e.g., water bodies) remains largely unknown, while such information is highly desirable prior to massive expansion of exploiting such materials. This study aims to contribute filling this knowledge gap. Specifically, 19 different types of bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris (corresponding to the size of microplastics) were kept in long-term contact with water to mimic their behaviour as water pollutants, and the leachates were continuously analysed. Eighteen of the 19 investigated materials released significant amounts of dissolved organic carbon-up to 34.0 mg per g of debris after 12 weeks of leaching. Each leachate also contained one or more of the following elements: Al, B, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, Si, Ti, and Zn. Non-targeted analysis aimed at providing more specific insight into the leachate composition tentatively revealed 91 individual chemicals, mostly fatty acids and other carboxylic acids, phthalates, terephthalates, adipates, phenols, amides, alcohols, or organophosphates. Based on the compound characteristics, they might be additives, non-intentionally added substances, as well as their degradation products. In general, the current results imply that bioplastics and similar plant-based materials should be considered complex materials that undergo industrial processing and comprise additives rather than harmless natural matter. Additionally, various compounds can release from the bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris when deposited in water. It might have consequences on the fluxes of carbon, metals and specific organic contaminants, and it resembles some properties of conventional petroleum-based microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pivokonsky
- Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Patankou 30/5, 160 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Katerina Novotna
- Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Patankou 30/5, 160 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Pivokonska
- Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Patankou 30/5, 160 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Cermakova
- Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Patankou 30/5, 160 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Sidika Sakalli
- Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Patankou 30/5, 160 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Lacina
- Altium International s. r. o., Na Jetelece 69/2, 190 00 Prague 9, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ali W, Jeong H, Tisné ML, Favrelle-Huret A, Thielemans W, Zinck P, Souissi S, Lee JS. The comparative toxicity of biobased, modified biobased, biodegradable, and petrochemical-based microplastics on the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173747. [PMID: 38838999 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173747] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The escalating production and improper disposal of petrochemical-based plastics have led to a global pollution issue with microplastics (MPs), which pose a significant ecological threat. Biobased and biodegradable plastics are believed to mitigate plastic pollution. However, their environmental fate and toxicity remain poorly understood. This study compares the in vivo effects of different types of MPs, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) as a biodegradable plastic, polylactic acid (PLA) as a biobased plastic, β-cyclodextrin-grafted PLA as a modified biobased plastic, and low density polyethylene as the reference petrochemical-based plastic, on the key aquatic primary consumer Diaphanosoma celebensis. Exposure to MPs resulted in significant reproductive decline, with comparable effects observed irrespective of MP type or concentration. Exposure to MPs induced distinct responses in redox stress, with transcriptional profiling revealing differential gene expression patterns that indicate varied cellular responses to different types of MPs. ATP-binding cassette transporter activity assays demonstrated altered efflux activity, mainly in response to modified biobased and biodegradable MPs. Overall, this study highlights the comparable in vivo and in vitro effects of biobased, biodegradable, and petrochemical-based MPs on aquatic primary consumers, highlighting their potential ecological implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wajid Ali
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Haksoo Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Michaël Lalanne Tisné
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France; Sustainable Materials Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, campus Kulak Kortrijk, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, Box 7659, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Audrey Favrelle-Huret
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Wim Thielemans
- Sustainable Materials Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, campus Kulak Kortrijk, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, Box 7659, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Philippe Zinck
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Sami Souissi
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France; Center of Excellence for Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Operation Center for Enterprise Academia Networking, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amato A, Esposito R, Viel T, Glaviano F, Cocca M, Manfra L, Libralato G, Somma E, Lorenti M, Costantini M, Zupo V. Effects of biodegradable microplastics on the crustacean isopod Idotea balthica basteri Audouin, 1826. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 361:124897. [PMID: 39243934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a notable environmental issue, being plastic widespread and characterized by long lifetime. Serious environmental problems are caused by the improper management of plastic end-of-life. In fact, plastic litter is currently detected in any environment. Biodegradable Polymers (BPs) are promising materials if correctly applied and managed at their end of life, to minimize environmental problems. However, poor data on the fate and toxicity of BPs on marine organisms still limit their applicability. In this work we tested the effects of five biodegradable polymers (polybutylene succinate, PBS; polybutylene succinate-co-butylene adipate, PBSA; polycaprolactone, PCL; poly (3-hydroxybutyrates, PHB; polylactic acid, PLA) widely used for several purposes. Adult individuals of the isopod Idotea balthica basteri were fed on these polymers for twenty-seven days by adding biodegradable microplastic polymers (BMPs) to formulated feeds at two concentrations, viz. 0.84 and 8.4 g/kg feed. The plastic fragments affected the mortality rates of the isopods, as well as the expression levels of eighteen genes (tested by Real Time qPCR) involved in stress response and detoxification processes. Our findings confirmed that I. balthica basteri is a convenient model organism to study the response to environmental pollution and emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment, and highlighted the need for the correct use of BMPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Amato
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton 55, 80133, Naples, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Esposito
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton 55, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Thomas Viel
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton 55, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Glaviano
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Ischia Marine Centre, 80077, Ischia, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Loredana Manfra
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton 55, 80133, Naples, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton 55, 80133, Naples, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Somma
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Ischia Marine Centre, 80077, Ischia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Lorenti
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, 80077 Ischia, Italy
| | - Maria Costantini
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton 55, 80133, Naples, Italy.
| | - Valerio Zupo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Ischia Marine Centre, 80077, Ischia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kukkola A, Chetwynd AJ, Krause S, Lynch I. Beyond microbeads: Examining the role of cosmetics in microplastic pollution and spotlighting unanswered questions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135053. [PMID: 38976961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135053] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products (C&PCPs) has been increasingly in the public eye since the early 2010s. Despite increasing research into the potential environmental and health effects of microplastics, most research to date on microplastics in C&PCPs has investigated "rinse-off" products, while the potential impacts of "leave-on" C&PCPs have been largely neglected, despite these products being purchased in greater volumes and often having two or more microplastic ingredients in their formulations(CosmeticsEurope, 2018b). This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge of microplastic in C&PCPs, assessing the potential environmental and human health impacts of C&PCPs and discussing the regulatory implications. The lack of studies on leave-on C&PCPs is significant, suggesting a severe knowledge gap regarding microplastic presence in, and emissions from, C&PCPs. There is a noticeable lack of studies on the (eco)toxicological consequences of microplastic exposure from C&PCPs. As a result, significant aspects of microplastic contamination may be overlooked in the microplastic legislations emerging globally (including from the European Commission), which intend to restrict microplastic use in C&PCPs but focus on rinse-off C&PCPs only. This review highlights the potential consequences of microplastics in leave-on C&PCPs for regulatory decision-making, particularly as alternatives to microplastics are considered during the phase-out periods and spotlights the need for sufficient monitoring and research on these alternatives, to avoid unforeseen consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kukkola
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew J Chetwynd
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; LEHNA, Laboratoire d'ecologie des hydrosystemes naturels et anthropises, University of Lyon, 3-6 Rue Raphaël Dubois, Villeurbanne 69622, France; Institute of Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SA, United Kingdom
| | - Iseult Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Institute of Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SA, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Green-Ojo B, Tan H, Botelho MT, Obanya H, Grinsted L, Parker MO, Ford AT. The effects of plastic additives on swimming activity and startle response in marine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170793. [PMID: 38336051 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170793] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastic additives are widely used in plastic production and are found in the environment owing to their widespread applications. Among these additives, N-butyl benzenesulfonamide (NBBS) and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) are under international watchlist for evaluation, with limited studies on amphipods. Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are banned in some countries and categorised as substances of very high concern. This study aimed to investigate the effects of NBBS, TPHP, DEHP and DBP on the swimming activity of a coastal intertidal marine amphipod, Echinogammarus marinus. Furthermore, this study is the first to quantify startle response in E. marinus in response to light stimuli. Amphipods were exposed to 0, 0.5, 5, 50 and 500 μg/l concentrations of all test compounds. Swimming activity and startle responses were assessed by video tracking and analysis using an 8-min alternating dark and light protocol after exposure on days 7 and 14. We observed an overall compound and light effect on the swimming activity of E. marinus. A significant decrease in swimming distance was found in 500 μg/l NBBS and TPHP. We observed that the startle response in E. marinus had a latency period of >2 s and animals were assessed at 1 s and the sum of the first 5 s. There was a clear startle response in E. marinus during dark to light transition, evident with increased swimming distance. NBBS exposure significantly increased startle response at environmental concentrations, while significant effects were only seen in 500 μg/l TPHP at 5 s. We found no significant effects of DEHP and DBP on swimming behaviour at the concentrations assessed. The findings of this study affirm the necessity for a continuous review of plastic additives to combat adverse behavioural effects that may be transferable to the population levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bidemi Green-Ojo
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, UK.
| | - Hung Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marina Tenório Botelho
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, UK; Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henry Obanya
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Lena Grinsted
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, King Henry Building, King Henry 1 Street, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Mathew O Parker
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Science, White Swan Road, St. Michael's Building, Portsmouth, UK; Surrey Sleep Research Centre, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Alex T Ford
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luangrath A, Na J, Kalimuthu P, Song J, Kim C, Jung J. Ecotoxicity of polylactic acid microplastic fragments to Daphnia magna and the effect of ultraviolet weathering. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115974. [PMID: 38266357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are widely used as alternatives to non-BPs due to their inherent ability to undergo facile degradation. However, the ecotoxicological impact of biodegradable microplastics (MPs) rarely remains scientific documented especially to aquatic ecosystem and organisms compared to conventional microplastics. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ecotoxicity of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MPs to Daphnia magna with that of conventional polyethylene (PE) MPs with and without ultraviolet (UV) treatment (4 weeks). The acute toxicity (48 h) of PLA MPs was significantly higher than that of PE MPs, potentially attributable to their elevated bioconcentration resulting from their higher density. UV treatment notably reduced the particle size of PLA MPs and induced new hydrophilic functional groups containing oxygen. Thus, the acute lethal toxicity of PLA MPs exhibited noteworthy increase, compared to before UV treatment after UV treatment, which was greater than that of UV-PE MPs. In addition, UV-PLA MPs showed markedly elevated reactive oxygen species concentration in D. magna compared to positive control. However, there was no significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation, possibly due to successful defense by antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase). These findings highlight the ecotoxicological risks of biodegradable MPs to aquatic organisms, which require comprehensive long-term studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Luangrath
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea
| | - Joorim Na
- OJeong Resilience Institute, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Pandi Kalimuthu
- BK21 FOUR R&E Center Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Song
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea
| | - Changhae Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rajewicz W, Romano D, Schmickl T, Thenius R. Daphnia's phototaxis as an indicator in ecotoxicological studies: A review. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 265:106762. [PMID: 38000135 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Animal-based sensors have been increasingly applied to many water monitoring systems and ecological studies. One of the staple organisms used as living sensors for such systems is Daphnia. This organism has been extensively studied and, with time, used in many toxicological and pharmaceutical bioassays, often used for exploring the ecology of freshwater communities. One of its behaviours used for evaluating the state of the aquatic environment is phototaxis. A disruption in the predicted behaviour is interpreted as a sign of stress and forms the basis for further investigation. However, phototaxis is a result of complex processes counteracting and interacting with each other. Predator presence, food quality, body pigmentation and other factors can greatly affect the predicted phototactic response, hampering its reliability as a bioindicator. Therefore, a holistic approach and meticulous documentation of the methods are needed for the correct interpretation of this behavioural indicator. In this review, we present the current methods used for studying phototaxis, the factors affecting it and proposed ways to optimise the reliability of the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Donato Romano
- BioRobotics Institute, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, 56025, Italy; Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Piazza Martiri della Libertá 33, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| | - Thomas Schmickl
- University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Ronald Thenius
- University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, Graz, 8010, Austria
| |
Collapse
|