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Du J, Tao T, Gao M, Zhang X, Wang X, Zhang Q, Xu Y, Jin B, Wang L, Cao X. Response of a simulated aquatic fungal community to nanoplastics exposure and functional consequence on leaf decomposition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124342. [PMID: 38851376 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics pose a potential threat to a wide variety of aquatic organisms. Despite the awareness of this existing hazard, the impact of nanoplastics on natural fungal communities remains a research gap. In this study, five dominant fungi species, isolated from a stream ecosystem, were used to explore the effects of different nano-polystyrene (nano-PS) particles concentrations on a simulated fungal community. Specifically, the evaluation was conducted regarding the fungal growth, reproductivity, structural composition, and ecological function in leaf litter decomposition. A 15-day exposure experiment showed that 100 μg/L nano-PS significantly reduced the microcosm pH. The extracellular enzyme activities of β-glucosidase, leucine-aminopeptidase, and peroxidase were significantly promoted by nano-PS exposure for 5 days or 15 days. Total sporulation rate significantly decreased after the 15-day exposure to 1 and 100 μg/L nano-PS and significantly increased under 10 μg/L nano-PS. In contrast, nano-PS concentrations had no effects on fungal biomass. In addition, the reduced relative abundance of Geotrichum candidum lowered its contribution to leaf decomposition, resulting in a decreased litter decomposition rate of a 24.5-27.9 % after exposure. This suggests that 1-100 μg/L nano-PS inhibited leaf decomposition by inhibiting fungal reproduction and reducing the contribution of specific fungal species. In addition, the findings highlight the importance of exploring the potential mechanisms of the interaction between nanoplastics and fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Du
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Environmental Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Henan Province, China.
| | - Tianying Tao
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengxi Gao
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xueting Zhang
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xilin Wang
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanqian Xu
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Environmental Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Henan Province, China
| | - Baodan Jin
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Environmental Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Henan Province, China
| | - Lan Wang
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Environmental Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Henan Province, China
| | - Xia Cao
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Environmental Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Henan Province, China
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Barros J, Kumar S, Seena S. Does functionalised nanoplastics modulate the cellular and physiological responses of aquatic fungi to metals? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122549. [PMID: 37730145 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122549] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Co-contamination of freshwaters by nanoplastics (NPs; ≤ 1 μm) and metals is an emerging concern. Aquatic hyphomycetes play a crucial role as primary decomposers in these ecosystems. However, concurrent impacts of NPs and metals on the cellular and physiological activities of these fungi remain poorly understood. Here, the effects of environmentally realistic concentrations of two types of polystyrene (PS) NPs (bare and -COOH; up to 25 μg L-1) and copper (Cu; up to 50 μg L-1) individually and all possible combinations (NPs types and Cu) on Articulospora tetracladia, a prevalent aquatic hyphomycete, were investigated. Endpoints measured were intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, plasma membrane disruption and fungal growth. The results suggest that functionalised (-COOH) NPs enhance Cu adsorption, as revealed by spectroscopic analyses. Notably, NPs, Cu and their co-exposure to A. tetracladia can lead to ROS accumulation and plasma membrane disruption. In most cases, exposure to treatments containing -COOH NPs with Cu showed greater cellular response and suppressed fungal growth. By contrast, exposure to Cu individually showed stimulatory effects on fungal growth. Overall, this study provides novel insight that functionalisation of NPs facilitates metal adsorption, thus modulating the impacts of metals on aquatic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Barros
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE)/Rede de Investigação Aquática (ARNET), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, South Korea; Department of Chemistry, School of Basic & Applied Sciences, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur 208002 Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sahadevan Seena
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE)/Rede de Investigação Aquática (ARNET), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
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3
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Qv W, Wang X, Li N, Du J, Pu G, Zhang H. How do the Growth and Metabolic Activity of Aquatic fungi Geotrichum Candidum and Aspergillus Niger Respond to Nanoplastics? BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 109:1043-1050. [PMID: 36239766 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03625-0] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, exposure experiments were conducted to assess the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS) and amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (APS) at environmental concentrations (1, 10, and 100 µg L- 1) on two fungal species (Geotrichum candidum and Aspergillus niger), isolated from leaf litter in streams, concerning their growth and metabolic activity. Results showed that PS at 1 and 10 µg L- 1 have hormesis effects on G. candidum growth. Compared with G. candidum, A. niger had higher sensitivity to nanoplastic exposure. Besides, the peroxidase and cellobiohydrolase activities of A. niger were significantly inhibited by nanoplastics (except 1 µg L- 1 PS), which would weaken its metabolic activity in carbon cycling. These results provided a new thought on how the growth and functions of aquatic fungi cope with the stress induced by nanoplastics. Overall, the study provided evidence for the different responses of aquatic fungi to nanoplastics in streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Qv
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Restoration Ecology in Karst Terrain, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, 541006, Guilin, China
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, 450001, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xilin Wang
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, 450001, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningyun Li
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, 450001, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Du
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Restoration Ecology in Karst Terrain, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, 541006, Guilin, China.
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, 450001, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Environmental Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - Gaozhong Pu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Restoration Ecology in Karst Terrain, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, 541006, Guilin, China
| | - Hongzhong Zhang
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, 450001, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Environmental Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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4
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From microbes to ecosystems: a review of the ecological effects of biodegradable plastics. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:423-433. [PMID: 36069649 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as a potential solution to plastic pollution, as they can be biodegraded into their elemental components by microbial action. However, the degradation rate of biodegradable plastics is highly variable across environments, leading to the potential for accumulation of plastic particles, chemical co-contaminants and/or degradation products. This paper reviews the toxicological effects of biodegradable plastics on species and ecosystems, and contextualises these impacts with those previously reported for conventional polymers. While the impacts of biodegradable plastics and their co-contaminants across levels of biological organisation are poorly researched compared with conventional plastics, evidence suggests that individual-level effects could be broadly similar. Where differences in the associated toxicity may arise is due to the chemical structure of biodegradable polymers which should facilitate enzymatic depolymerisation and the utilisation of the polymer carbon by the microbial community. The input of carbon can alter microbial composition, causing an enrichment of carbon-degrading bacteria and fungi, which can have wider implications for carbon and nitrogen dynamics. Furthermore, there is the potential for toxic degradation products to form during biodegradation, however understanding the environmental concentration and effects of degradation products are lacking. As global production of biodegradable polymers continues to increase, further evaluation of their ecotoxicological effects on organisms and ecosystem function are required.
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Soares DMM, Procópio DP, Zamuner CK, Nóbrega BB, Bettim MR, de Rezende G, Lopes PM, Pereira ABD, Bechara EJH, Oliveira AG, Freire RS, Stevani CV. Fungal bioassays for environmental monitoring. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:954579. [PMID: 36091455 PMCID: PMC9452622 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.954579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollutants are today a major concern and an intensely discussed topic on the global agenda for sustainable development. They include a wide range of organic compounds, such as pharmaceutical waste, pesticides, plastics, and volatile organic compounds that can be found in air, soil, water bodies, sewage, and industrial wastewater. In addition to impacting fauna, flora, and fungi, skin absorption, inhalation, and ingestion of some pollutants can also negatively affect human health. Fungi play a crucial role in the decomposition and cycle of natural and synthetic substances. They exhibit a variety of growth, metabolic, morphological, and reproductive strategies and can be found in association with animals, plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. There are fungal strains that occur naturally in soil, sediment, and water that have inherent abilities to survive with contaminants, making the organism important for bioassay applications. In this context, we reviewed the applications of fungal-based bioassays as a versatile tool for environmental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas M. M. Soares
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dielle P. Procópio
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RGCI-POLI-USP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caio K. Zamuner
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca B. Nóbrega
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monalisa R. Bettim
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo de Rezende
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro M. Lopes
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arthur B. D. Pereira
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Etelvino J. H. Bechara
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anderson G. Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Renato S. Freire
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RGCI-POLI-USP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cassius V. Stevani
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RGCI-POLI-USP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Cassius V. Stevani,
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Batista D, Pradhan A, Pascoal C, Cássio F. Evidence of micro and macroplastic toxicity along a stream detrital food-chain. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129064. [PMID: 35580497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are subjected to plastic extensive pollution because they are the direct link between plastic wastes and marine ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of different sizes of polyethylene plastics (micro: µPs and macroplastics: PBs) on freshwater decomposers of plant litter. We exposed leaf associated microbial assemblages to µPs (0.5 or 1.5 g L-1) and discs of PBs as follows: green plastic bags (PB-G) alone or in mixtures with transparent plastic bags (PB-Mix). Then, we conducted a feeding preference experiment with the invertebrate shredder Limnephilus sp. to assess their capacity to distinguish leaf discs from PB discs of the same size (12 mm). Leaf decomposition, activities of fungal enzymes and sporulation were inhibited by µPs and PB-Mix, and shifts in fungal community composition were observed. The invertebrate shredders preferred to feed on leaves treated with µPs avoiding those exposed to PB-G/PB-Mix. Our results demonstrated that plastics can have a direct effect on stream-dwelling microbial decomposers and an indirect effect on higher trophic levels (shredders), highlighting that trophic transfer is a route of plastic exposure. The plastic properties (size, concentration, colour) appear to influence plastic toxicity to microbes and shredders, indicating the importance of considering physicochemical properties when assessing their risks to freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Batista
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Arunava Pradhan
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Pascoal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Cássio
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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7
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Ockenden A, Northcott GL, Tremblay LA, Simon KS. Disentangling the influence of microplastics and their chemical additives on a model detritivore system. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119558. [PMID: 35654254 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can negatively impact freshwater organisms via physical effects of the polymer itself and/or exposure to chemicals added to plastic during production to achieve desired characteristics. Effects on organisms may result from direct exposure to plastic particles and/or chemical additives or effects may manifest as indirect effects through ecological interactions between organisms (e.g., reduced food availability that impairs a consumer). To disentangle these issues, we used a simplified freshwater food web interaction comprising microbes and macroinvertebrate detritivores to evaluate the toxicity of 1) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs without added chemicals (virgin), 2) the common chemical additive dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and 3) PVC MPs with incorporated DBP. Exposure to virgin PVC MPs (0.33 and 3.3 mg/L) caused negligible ecological effect with the exception of reduced macroinvertebrate feeding rates at 3.3 mg/L. Exposure to DBP (1 mg/L) both individually and when incorporated into the PVC MPs negatively impacted all tested endpoints, including microbial and macroinvertebrate respiration, feeding rate and assimilation efficiency. DBP leached rapidly from the MPs into the water, and also accumulated in macroinvertebrates and their food, providing multiple routes of exposure. Our findings suggest that additives which are intentionally incorporated into MPs could play a key role in MP toxicity and contribute to the disruption of key ecological interactions underpinning ecosystem processes, such as leaf litter decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ockenden
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Science Centre, Building 302, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Grant L Northcott
- Northcott Research Consultants Limited, 20 River Oaks Place, Hamilton, 3200, New Zealand.
| | - Louis A Tremblay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Building 110, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand; Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street, The Wood, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand.
| | - Kevin S Simon
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Science Centre, Building 302, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
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Trabulo J, Pradhan A, Pascoal C, Cássio F. Can microplastics from personal care products affect stream microbial decomposers in the presence of silver nanoparticles? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155038. [PMID: 35390375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of great concern due to their abundance and persistence over time in aquatic environments. However, studies on their impacts on freshwater organisms are scarce. In resemblance, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are incorporated into textiles and personal care products and are also classified as emerging contaminants. We used the leaf litter decomposition model system to investigate the effects of MPs from a commercially used personal care product, alone or in mixture with Ag-NPs, on the diversity and activities of freshwater microbial decomposers. We exposed stream microbial communities associated with leaf litter to increasing concentrations of MPs (polyethylene extracted from a personal care product; 100 μg L-1 up to 1 g L-1 5 concentrations plus 1 control) for 27 days in the absence or presence of Ag-NPs (0.1 mg L-1 and 1 mg L-1). The exposure to MPs, alone or in mixture with Ag-NPs, negatively affected fungal diversity and sporulation, with a reduction in leaf litter decomposition (Cohen's d > 1.5; r> 0.8; Bonferroni, P < 0.01). Shifts in community structure of sporulating fungi were observed, and effects were more pronounced in mixtures with Ag-NPs at the highest concentration. Mixtures of MPs with Ag-NPs (at the higher concentration) had the strongest impacts on extracellular enzymatic (β-glucosidase, Cohen's d > 1; r > 0.5; phenol oxidase, Cohen's d > 1; r > 0.4) activities (ANOVAs, P < 0.05). Apart from sporulation rates, observed toxicity in mixtures was lower than that expected based on individual toxicity effects, mainly for higher concentrations (Bonferroni, P < 0.05). Our study provided evidence of the potential harmful effects of MPs, alone or in mixtures with Ag-NPs, on the activities of aquatic fungi and on a key ecosystem process, determinant to organic matter turnover in streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Trabulo
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Biology Department, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Arunava Pradhan
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Biology Department, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Pascoal
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Biology Department, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Cássio
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Biology Department, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Cássio F, Batista D, Pradhan A. Plastic Interactions with Pollutants and Consequences to Aquatic Ecosystems: What We Know and What We Do Not Know. Biomolecules 2022; 12:798. [PMID: 35740921 PMCID: PMC9221377 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastics are a group of synthetic materials made of organic polymers and some additives with special characteristics. Plastics have become part of our daily life due to their many applications and uses. However, inappropriately managed plastic waste has raised concern regarding their ecotoxicological and human health risks in the long term. Due to the non-biodegradable nature of plastics, their waste may take several thousands of years to partially degrade in natural environments. Plastic fragments/particles can be very minute in size and are mistaken easily for prey or food by aquatic organisms (e.g., invertebrates, fishes). The surface properties of plastic particles, including large surface area, functional groups, surface topography, point zero charge, influence the sorption of various contaminants, including heavy metals, oil spills, PAHs, PCBs and DDT. Despite the fact that the number of studies on the biological effects of plastic particles on biota and humans has been increasing in recent years, studies on mixtures of plastics and other chemical contaminants in the aquatic environment are still limited. This review aims to gather information about the main characteristics of plastic particles that allow different types of contaminants to adsorb on their surfaces, the consequences of this adsorption, and the interactions of plastic particles with aquatic biota. Additionally, some missing links and potential solutions are presented to boost more research on this topic and achieve a holistic view on the effects of micro- and nanoplastics to biological systems in aquatic environments. It is urgent to implement measures to deal with plastic pollution that include improving waste management, monitoring key plastic particles, their hotspots, and developing their assessment techniques, using alternative products, determining concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics and the contaminants in freshwater and marine food-species consumed by humans, applying clean-up and remediation strategies, and biodegradation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Cássio
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus of Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.B.); (A.P.)
- Institute for Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus of Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Daniela Batista
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus of Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.B.); (A.P.)
- Institute for Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus of Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Arunava Pradhan
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus of Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (D.B.); (A.P.)
- Institute for Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus of Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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10
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Seena S, Gutiérrez IB, Barros J, Nunes C, Marques JC, Kumar S, Gonçalves AMM. Impacts of low concentrations of nanoplastics on leaf litter decomposition and food quality for detritivores in streams. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128320. [PMID: 35114454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In forested streams, leaf litter decomposition is a vital ecosystem process, governed primarily by aquatic hyphomycetes. These fungi are crucial mediators of nutrients and energy to invertebrates and higher trophic levels. Very little information is available on the impact of low concentrations of different sizes of nanoplastic particles (NPPs) on leaf litter decomposition and aquatic hyphomycetes communities. Besides, NPPs impact on leaf litter nutritional quality and invertebrate feeding behaviour is unknown. We conducted a microcosm assay with varying concentrations (0-25 μg L-1) of small (100 nm; SNPPs) and large (1000 nm; LNPPs) plastic particles to assess their impact on leaf litter decomposition, sporulation rates and community structure of aquatic hyphomycetes. Furthermore, leaf litter was retrieved and fed to invertebrates to assess feeding rates. Our results indicated that leaf litter decomposition, fungal sporulation and abundance were significantly affected by NPPs concentrations and sizes. By contrast, leaf litter nutritional quality was impacted only by sizes. The NPPs, particularly SNPPs, augmented leaf litter polyunsaturated fatty acids (18-31%), consequently improving food quality; however, invertebrates' feeding rates were not impacted. Overall, our study provides novel insights on the risks posed by NPPs with pronounced impact at the basal trophic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahadevan Seena
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal.
| | - Irene B Gutiérrez
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal
| | - Juliana Barros
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Nunes
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Marques
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, South Korea
| | - Ana M M Gonçalves
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal; Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
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Du J, Qv W, Niu Y, Qv M, Jin K, Xie J, Li Z. Nanoplastic pollution inhibits stream leaf decomposition through modulating microbial metabolic activity and fungal community structure. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127392. [PMID: 34879582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127392] [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: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have proved the impacts of nanoplastic pollution in freshwaters on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. To explore toxic mechanisms of nanoplastics on stream functioning, we conducted a microcosm experiment to investigate the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs, 1-100 μg L-1) on the process of leaf litter decomposition mediated by the microbial community. The chronic exposure to PS NPs at 1 and 100 μg L-1 caused significant decreases in leaf litter decomposition and nutrient (carbon and nitrogen) releases. During the ecological process, some extracellular enzymes (i.e., β-glucosidase, glycine-aminopeptidase, and phenol oxidase) rather than fungal biomass were suppressed. Besides, decreases in the relative abundance of Anguillospora and Setophaeosphaeria weakened their functions in leaf litter decomposition. Thus, the microcosm experiment showed that PS NPs inhibited stream leaf decomposition by modulating the microbial metabolic activity and fungal community structure. Overall, the results of this study provide evidence for the consequences of nanoplastic pollution on freshwater microbial community and stream ecosystem functioning, which is conducive to evaluate the potential risks of nanoplastics in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Du
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Treatment and Resource, China National Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Environmental Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Henan Province, China.
| | - Wenrui Qv
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yulong Niu
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingxiang Qv
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kai Jin
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinyou Xie
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zehong Li
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
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Agathokleous E, Iavicoli I, Barceló D, Calabrese EJ. Ecological risks in a 'plastic' world: A threat to biological diversity? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126035. [PMID: 33992919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is predicted to increase in the coming decades, raising concerns about its effects on living organisms. Although the effects of microplastics on individual organisms have been extensively studied, the effects on communities, biological diversity, and ecosystems remain underexplored. This paper reviews the published literature concerning how microplastics affect communities, biological diversity, and ecosystem processes. Microplastics increase the abundance of some taxa but decrease the abundance of some other taxa, indicating trade-offs among taxa and altered microbial community composition in both the natural environment and animals' gut. The alteration of community composition by microplastics is highly conserved across taxonomic ranks, while the alpha diversity of microbiota is often reduced or increased, depending on the microplastics dose and environmental conditions, suggesting potential threats to biodiversity. Biogeochemical cycles, greenhouse gas fluxes, and atmospheric chemistry, can also be altered by microplastics pollution. These findings suggest that microplastics may impact the U.N. Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) to improve atmospheric, soil, and water quality and sustaining biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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López-Rojo N, Pérez J, Alonso A, Correa-Araneda F, Boyero L. Microplastics have lethal and sublethal effects on stream invertebrates and affect stream ecosystem functioning. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 259:113898. [PMID: 31927275 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of increasing concern due to their abundance, ubiquity and persistence over time. However, knowledge about MP distribution in fresh waters and their effects on freshwater organisms is still scarce, and there is virtually no information about their potential influence on ecosystem functioning. We used a microcosm experiment to examine the effects of MPs (fluorescent, 10-μm polystyrene microspheres) at different concentrations (from 0 to 103 particles mL-1) on leaf litter decomposition (a key process in stream ecosystems) and associated organisms (the caddisfly detritivore Sericostoma pyrenaicum), and the extent to which MPs were attached to leaf litter and ingested and egested by detritivores, thus assessing mechanisms of MP trophic transfer. We found that MPs caused detritivore mortality (which increased 9-fold at the highest concentration) but did not affect their growth. Analysis of fluorescence in samples suggested that MPs were rapidly ingested (most likely through ingestion of particles attached to leaf litter) and egested. Leaf litter decomposition was reduced as a result of increasing MP concentrations; the relationship was significant only in the presence of detritivores, but microbially-mediated decomposition showed a similar trend. Our findings provide novel evidence of harmful effects of MPs on aquatic insects and stream ecosystem functioning, and highlight the need for the standardization of methods in future experiments with MPs in order to allow comparisons and generalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara López-Rojo
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain.
| | - Javier Pérez
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - Alberto Alonso
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - Francisco Correa-Araneda
- Unidad de Cambio Climático y Medio Ambiente, Instituto de Estudios del Hábitat, Facultad de Arquitectura y Construcción, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Luz Boyero
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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Seena S, Kumar S. Short-term exposure to low concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles can negatively impact the ecological performance of a cosmopolitan freshwater fungus. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:2001-2007. [PMID: 31720620 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00361d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, the use of nano-based products has been expanding, subsequently increasing the risk of aquatic contamination by nanoparticles (NPs). Consequently, it is important to assess the potential risks of environmentally realistic concentrations of NPs. Leaf litter decomposition, a fundamental ecological process in headwater streams, is governed mainly by fungi. In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesised, and the influence of short term exposure to low concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles on leaf litter decomposition and fungal reproduction (sporulation) was assessed. A cosmopolitan aquatic fungal decomposer species Articulospora tetracladia was used to assess litter decomposition upon exposure to CuO NPs (0.00, 0.04, 0.08 and 0.12 mg L-1) for a short time period (1, 2, 3 and 4 days). Concentrations and exposure time of NPs affected both leaf litter decomposition and sporulation. A significant difference in leaf litter decomposition and fungal sporulation was observed between the control (0.0 mg L-1) and all concentrations tested but not between 0.04, 0.08 and 0.12 mg L-1 of NPs. All the exposure time points (1, 2, 3 and 4 days) had a significant impact on sporulation; however a significant difference in leaf litter mass loss was seen between all time points except for between 2 and 3 days. Overall, our study provides a novel insight into the potential risk of short-term exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations of CuO NPs on the ecological performance of a cosmopolitan freshwater fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahadevan Seena
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-517, Portugal.
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