1
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Ma Y, Gu X, Zhang Y, Yan P, Zhang M, Sun S, Ren T, Tang L, He S. Unveiling the microplastic perturbation on surface flow constructed wetlands with macrophytes of different life forms: Responses of nitrogen removal and sensory quality. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135283. [PMID: 39053072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) discharging into constructed wetlands pose risks to these ecosystems. Nevertheless, the perturbation of MPs to different types of macrophytes, which play important roles in purifying pollutants of wetlands, has not been fully elucidated. In this study, polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) perturbation on nitrogen removal and sensory quality of surface flow constructed wetlands planted with emergent and submerged macrophytes were investigated. PS-MPs enhanced N removal efficiencies temporarily, whereas the N removal rate constants were declined as exposure time was prolonged. The NH4+-N removal rate constants declined by 25.78 % and 34.03 % in E and S groups respectively. The NO3--N removal rate constants declined by 22.13 % in the S groups. Denitrifiers including Thiobacillus, Rhodobacter, and Sulfuritalea were stressed. The sensory quality deteriorated after PS-MPs exposure, which was significantly related to changes in Chlorophyll a, particle size distribution, and colored dissolved organic matter. Turbidity in E groups and chroma in S groups were greatly affected by PS-MPs. Overall, under MPs exposure, macrophytes in E groups were more suitable for nitrogen removal, and macrophytes in S groups better purified the turbidity. The study could provide the basis for better allocation of macrophytes in CWs to reduce the purifying risk by PS-MPs disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Ma
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Xushun Gu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Pan Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Manping Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Tongtong Ren
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Li Tang
- Shanghai Gardens (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200023, PR China
| | - Shengbing He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 20092, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Landscape Water Environment, Shanghai 200031, PR China.
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2
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Debnath R, Prasad GS, Amin A, Malik MM, Ahmad I, Abubakr A, Borah S, Rather MA, Impellitteri F, Tabassum I, Piccione G, Faggio C. Understanding and addressing microplastic pollution: Impacts, mitigation, and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 266:104399. [PMID: 39033703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Improper disposal of household and industrial waste into water bodies has transformed them into de facto dumping grounds. Plastic debris, weathered on beaches degrades into micro-particles and releases chemical additives that enter the water. Microplastic contamination is documented globally in both marine and freshwater environments, posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. The small size of these particles makes them susceptible to ingestion by low trophic fauna, a trend expected to escalate. Ingestion leads to adverse effects like intestinal blockages, alterations in lipid metabolism, histopathological changes in the intestine, contributing to the extinction of vulnerable species and disrupting ecosystem balance. Notably, microplastics (MPs) can act as carriers for pathogens, potentially causing impaired reproductive activity, decreased immunity, and cancer in various organisms. Studies have identified seven principal sources of MPs, including synthetic textiles (35%) and tire abrasion (28%), highlighting the significant human contribution to this pollution. This review covers various aspects of microplastic pollution, including sources, extraction methods, and its profound impact on ecosystems. Additionally, it explores preventive measures, aiming to guide researchers in selecting techniques and inspiring further investigation into the far-reaching impacts of microplastic pollution, fostering effective solutions for this environmental challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gora Shiva Prasad
- Faculty of Fishery Science, WBUAFS, Kolkata -700094, West Bengal, India
| | - Adnan Amin
- Division of Aquatic Environmental Management, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India
| | - Monisa M Malik
- Division of Aquatic Environmental Management, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India
| | - Ishtiyaq Ahmad
- Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India.
| | - Adnan Abubakr
- Division of Aquatic Environmental Management, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India
| | - Simanku Borah
- Agricultural Research Service, ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, Assam, 781006, India
| | - Mohd Ashraf Rather
- Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India.
| | | | - Ifra Tabassum
- Division of Aquatic Environmental Management, Faculty of Fisheries Rangil, Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, India.
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.
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3
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Liu L, Liu C, Fu R, Nie F, Zuo W, Tian Y, Zhang J. Full-chain analysis on emerging contaminants in soil: Source, migration and remediation. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142854. [PMID: 39019170 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Emerging contaminants (ECs) are gaining attention due to their prevalence and potential negative impacts on the environment and human health. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the status and trends of soil pollution caused by ECs, focusing on their sources, migration pathways, and environmental implications. Significant ECs, including plastics, synthetic polymers, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, plasticizers, and flame retardants, are identified due to their widespread use and toxicity. Their presence in soil is attributed to agricultural activities, urban waste, and wastewater irrigation. The review explores both horizontal and vertical migration pathways, with factors such as soil type, organic matter content, and moisture levels influencing their distribution. Understanding the behavior of ECs in soil is critical to mitigating their long-term risks and developing effective soil remediation strategies. The paper also examines the advantages and disadvantages of in situ and ex situ treatment approaches for ECs, highlighting optimal physical, chemical, and biological treatment conditions. These findings provide a fundamental basis for addressing the challenges and governance of soil pollution induced by ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Chunrui Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - RunZe Fu
- Queen Mary School Hainan, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Lingshui Le'an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone, Hainan Province, 016000, China
| | - Fandi Nie
- Liaozhong District No. 1 Senior High School, No.139, Zhengfu Road, Liaozhong District, Shenyang, 110000, China
| | - Wei Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Yu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China.
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4
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Cholewinski A, Wortman J, Hayashida M, Anderson WA, Zhao B. 3D imaging photocatalytically degraded micro- and nanoplastics. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:395706. [PMID: 38955173 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad5dc5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics have been an emerging global concern, with hazardous effects on plant, animal, and human health. Their small size makes it easier for them to spread to various ecosystems and enter the food chain; they are already widely found in aqueous environments and within aquatic life, and have even been found within humans. Much research has gone into understanding micro-/nanoplastic sources and environmental fate, but less work has been done to understand their degradation. Photocatalytic degradation is a promising green technique that uses visible or ultraviolet light in combination with photocatalyst to degrade plastic particles. While complete degradation, reducing plastics to small molecules, is often the goal, partial degradation is more common. We examined microscale polyethylene (PE) (125-150µm in diameter) and nanoscale polystyrene (PS) (∼300 nm in diameter) spheres both before and after degradation using multiple imaging techniques, especially electron tomography in addition to conventional electron microscopy. Electron tomography is able to image the 3D exterior and interior of the nanoplastics, enabling us to observe within aggregates and inside degraded spheres, where we found potentially open interior structures after degradation. These structures may result from differences in degradation and aggregation behavior between the different plastic types, with our work finding that PE MPs typically cracked into sharp fragments, while PS nanoplastics often fragmented into smoother, more curved shapes. These and other differences, along with interior and 3D surface images, provide new details on how the structure and aggregation of PE MPs and PS nanoplastics changes when degraded, which could influence how the resulting worn particles are collected or treated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Cholewinski
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology and Institute for Polymer Research, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Joseph Wortman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology and Institute for Polymer Research, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | | - William A Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Boxin Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology and Institute for Polymer Research, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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5
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Chakraborty TK, Rahman MS, Nice MS, Netema BN, Islam KR, Debnath PC, Chowdhury P, Halder M, Zaman S, Ghosh GC, Rayhan MA, Asif SMH, Biswas A, Sarker S, Hasan MJ, Ahmmed M, Munna A. Application of machine learning and multivariate approaches for assessing microplastic pollution and its associated risks in the urban outdoor environment of Bangladesh. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134359. [PMID: 38691990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134359] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging global concern due to severe toxicological risks for ecosystems and public health. Therefore, this is the first study in Bangladesh to assess MP pollution and its associated risks for ecosystems and human health in the outdoor urban environment using machine learning and multivariate approaches. The occurrences of MPs in the urban road dust were 52.76 ± 20.24 particles/g with high diversity, where fiber shape (77%), 0.1-0.5 mm size MPs (75%), blue color (26%), and low-density polyethylene (24%) polymer was the dominating MPs category. Pollution load index value (1.28-4.42), showed severe pollution by MPs. Additionally, the contamination factor (1.00-5.02), and Nemerow pollution index (1.38-5.02), indicate moderate to severe MP pollution. The identified polymers based on calculated potential ecological risk (2248.52 ± 1792.79) and polymer hazard index (814.04 ± 346.15) showed very high and high risks, respectively. The occurrences of MPs could effectively be predicted by random forest, and support random vector machine, where EC, salinity, pH, OC, and texture classes were the influencing parameters. Considering the human health aspect, children and adults could be acutely exposed to 19259.68 and 5777.90 MP particles/ year via oral ingestion. Monte-Carlo-based polymers associated cancer risk assessment results indicate moderate risk and high risk for adults and children, respectively, where children were more vulnerable than adults for MP pollution risks. Overall assessment mentioned that Dhaka was the most polluted division among the other divisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapos Kumar Chakraborty
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Sozibur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Simoon Nice
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Baytune Nahar Netema
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Khandakar Rashedul Islam
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Partha Chandra Debnath
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Pragga Chowdhury
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Monishanker Halder
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Samina Zaman
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Gopal Chandra Ghosh
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Rayhan
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Sk Mahmudul Hasan Asif
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Aditi Biswas
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Sarajit Sarker
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jahid Hasan
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Mahfuz Ahmmed
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Asadullah Munna
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
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6
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Zheng P, Li Y, Cheng Y, Shen J. Mechanism Involved in Polyvinyl Chloride Nanoplastics Induced Anaerobic Granular Sludge Disintegration: Microbial Interaction Energy, EPS Molecular Structure, and Metabolism Functions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:11542-11553. [PMID: 38871676 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging pollutants and have been reported to cause the disintegration of anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS). However, the mechanism involved in AnGS disintegration was not clear. In this study, polyvinyl chloride nanoplastics (PVC-NPs) were chosen as target NPs and their long-term impact on AnGS structure was investigated. Results showed that increasing PVC-NPs concentration resulted in the inhibition of acetoclastic methanogens, syntrophic propionate, and butyrate degradation, as well as AnGS disintegration. At the presence of 50 μg·L-1 PVC-NPs, the hydrophobic interaction was weakened with a higher energy barrier due to the relatively higher hydrophilic functional groups in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). PVC-NPs-induced ROS inhibited quorum sensing, significantly downregulated hydrophobic amino acid synthesis, whereas it highly upregulated the genes related to the synthesis of four hydrophilic amino acids (Cys, Glu, Gly, and Lys), resulting in a higher hydrophily degree of protein secondary structure in EPS. The differential expression of genes involved in EPS biosynthesis and the resulting protein secondary structure contributed to the greater hydrophilic interaction, reducing microbial aggregation ability. The findings provided new insight into the long-term impact of PVC-NPs on AnGS when treating wastewater containing NPs and filled the knowledge gap on the mechanism involved in AnGS disintegration by PVC-NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Youpeng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Jinyou Shen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
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7
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Zeng L, Yuan C, Xiang T, Guan X, Dai L, Xu D, Yang D, Li L, Tian C. Research on the Migration and Adsorption Mechanism Applied to Microplastics in Porous Media: A Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:1060. [PMID: 38921936 PMCID: PMC11206983 DOI: 10.3390/nano14121060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a significant environmental pollutant, garnering substantial attention for their migration and transformation behaviors in natural environments. MPs frequently infiltrate natural porous media such as soil, sediment, and rock through various pathways, posing potential threats to ecological systems and human health. Consequently, the migration and adsorption mechanisms applied to MPs in porous media have been extensively studied. This paper aims to elucidate the migration mechanisms of MPs in porous media and their influencing factors through a systematic review. The review encompasses the characteristics of MPs, the physical properties of porous media, and hydrodynamic factors. Additionally, the paper further clarifies the adsorption mechanisms of MPs in porous media to provide theoretical support for understanding their environmental behavior and fate. Furthermore, the current mainstream detection techniques for MPs are reviewed, with an analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of each technique. Finally, the paper identifies the limitations and shortcomings of current research and envisions future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zeng
- School of Resources and Environment Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (L.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.T.)
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Cong Yuan
- School of Resources and Environment Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (L.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.T.)
| | - Taoyu Xiang
- College of New Students, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China;
| | - Xiangwei Guan
- China Kunlun Contracting and Engineering Corporation (CKCEC), Beijing 100044, China;
| | - Li Dai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Dingliang Xu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Danhui Yang
- School of Resources and Environment Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (L.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.T.)
| | - Long Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Chengcheng Tian
- School of Resources and Environment Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (L.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.T.)
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8
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Tulloch CL, Cotterell BM, Pântea I, Jones DL, Golyshin PN. Selective microbial attachment to LDPE plastic beads during passage through the wastewater network. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142618. [PMID: 38880260 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) represent key point-source discharges of microplastics (MP) into the environment, however, little is known about the microbial carrying capacity of plastics travelling through them. The purpose of this study was to quantify the number of cells that become associated with MP at different locations within a WWTP, and to assess differences in microbiome communities. We conducted a field experiment incubating low density polyethylene (LDPE) MP beads in WWTP influent and effluent, as well as tracking free floating beads during passage in wastewater from a large municipal hospital to an urban WWTP, where they were subsequently recovered. Using two cell counting methods - automated flow cytometric true absolute cell counts and indirect cell quantification via protein content based on a model E. coli cell - we quantified cell attachment to LDPE beads. LDPE associated counts ranged from 350 x 103 cells cm-2 after incubation in wastewater effluent, and 990 x 103 cells cm-2 after incubation in wastewater influent. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to determine the bacterial community structure of the plastic-associated microbiomes. Our results showed that distinct bacterial communities developed on the LDPE MP following exposure to each wastewater type. Influent (untreated) wastewater LDPE-associated microbiomes were dominated by Bacillota whereas the microbes that attached in wastewater effluent (tertiary treated) were dominated by Pseudomonadota. In conclusion, this study provides clear evidence that microplastics migrating through the sewer network and WWTP rapidly accumulate microbiomes with unique microbial community structures varying from sewage influent to effluent. These findings demonstrate the differential microbiological risk from MP associated with routine wastewater discharges to those released from intermittent combined sewer overflows (CSOs) during storm events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance L Tulloch
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK.
| | - Benjamin M Cotterell
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Igor Pântea
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK; Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Peter N Golyshin
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
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9
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Rahman E, BinAhmed S, Keyes P, Alberg C, Godfreey-Igwe S, Haugstad G, Xiong B. Nanoscale Abrasive Wear of Polyethylene: A Novel Approach To Probe Nanoplastic Release at the Single Asperity Level. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38874627 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing concern that nanoplastic pollution may pose planetary threats to human and ecosystem health. However, a quantitative and mechanistic understanding of nanoplastic release via nanoscale mechanical degradation of bulk plastics and its interplay with photoweathering remains elusive. We developed a lateral force microscope (LFM)-based nanoscratch method to investigate mechanisms of nanoscale abrasive wear of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) surfaces by a single sand particle (simulated by a 300 nm tip) under environmentally relevant load, sliding motion, and sand size. For virgin LDPE, we found plowing as the dominant wear mechanism (i.e., deformed material pushed around the perimeter of scratch). After UVA-weathering, the wear mechanism of LDPE distinctively shifted to cutting wear (i.e., deformed material detached and pushed to the end of scratch). The shift in the mechanism was quantitatively described by a new parameter, which can be incorporated into calculating the NP release rate. We determined a 10-fold higher wear rate due to UV weathering. We also observed an unexpected resistance to initiate wear for UV-aged LDPE, likely due to nanohardness increase induced by UV. For the first time, we report 0.4-4 × 10-3 μm3/μm sliding distance/μN applied load as an initial approximate nanoplastic release rate for LDPE. Our novel findings reveal nanoplastic release mechanisms in the environment, enabling physics-based prediction of the global environmental inventory of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsanur Rahman
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sara BinAhmed
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Phoebe Keyes
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Claire Alberg
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Stacy Godfreey-Igwe
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 33 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Greg Haugstad
- Characterization Facility, University of Minnesota, 100 Union St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Boya Xiong
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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10
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Gani A, Pathak S, Hussain A, Shukla AK, Chand S. Emerging pollutant in surface water bodies: a review on monitoring, analysis, mitigation measures and removal technologies of micro-plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:214. [PMID: 38842590 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01992-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Water bodies play a crucial role in supporting life, maintaining the environment, and preserving the ecology for the people of India. However, in recent decades, human activities have led to various alterations in aquatic environments, resulting in environmental degradation through pollution. The safety of utilizing surface water sources for drinking and other purposes has come under intense scrutiny due to rapid population growth and industrial expansion. Surface water pollution due to micro-plastics (MPs) (plastics < 5 mm in size) is one of the emerging pollutants in metropolitan cities of developing countries because of its utmost resilience and synthetic nature. Recent studies on the surface water bodies (river, pond, Lake etc.) portrait the correlation between the MPs level with different parameters of pollution such as specific conductivity, total phosphate, and biological oxygen demand. Fibers represent the predominant form of MPs discovered in surface water bodies, exhibiting fluctuations across seasons. Consequently, present study prioritizes understanding the adaptation, prevalence, attributes, fluctuations, and spatial dispersion of MPs in both sediment and surface water environments. Furthermore, the study aims to identify existing gaps in the current understanding and underscore opportunities for future investigation. From the present study, it has been reported that, the concentration of MPs in the range of 0.2-45.2 items/L at the Xisha Islands in the south China sea, whereas in India it was found in the range of 96 items/L in water samples and 259 items/kg in sediment samples. This would certainly assist the urban planners in achieving sustainable development goals to mitigate the increasing amount of emergent pollutant load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Gani
- Civil Engineering Department, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, 110073, India
| | - Shray Pathak
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, 140001, India.
| | - Athar Hussain
- Civil Engineering Department, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, 110073, India
| | - Anoop Kumar Shukla
- Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sasmita Chand
- Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
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11
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Zhang D, Zhang Z, Liu H, Zou J, Yin L, Liu X, Zhang YN, Qu J, Peijnenburg WJGM. Insights into the effect of crystallinity on the sorption of organic pollutants to microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:42202-42211. [PMID: 38862802 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The environmental behavior of microplastics (MPs) has attracted global attention. Research has confirmed that MPs can strongly absorb almost every kind of pollutant and can serve as vectors for pollutant transport. In this research, the sorption isotherms of six organic pollutants with different structure on four virgin plastic particles with different crystallinity were determined. Results indicated that the hydrophobicity (KOW) of organic pollutants and the crystallinity of MPs were the two key factors that affected the sorption process of organic pollutants on MPs. Strong correlations were observed between KOW and the partition coefficient. Hydrophobic partition was one of the major mechanisms regardless of the type of organic chemical (hydrophobic, polar, or dissociable). What is more, the influence of the crystallinity of MPs on the sorption process increased with increasing hydrophobicity of the chemical. Combining this result with analyzing the related literature on the effect of crystallinity, it was concluded that the effect of crystallinity on the sorption of chemicals with strong hydrophobicity was obvious, whereas this effect was negligible for chemicals with weak hydrophobicity. The influence of the crystallinity of MPs on sorption could even exceed the influence of MPs type, so crystallinity should be considered carefully when discussing the sorption capacity of MPs. This study enhances the understanding of the sorption of organic pollutants by MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Zining Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, China
| | - Jiying Zou
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, China
| | - Longyu Yin
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Xiuping Liu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China
| | - Jiao Qu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin, China.
| | - Willie J G M Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Center for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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12
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Liu Y, Cao Y, Li H, Liu H, Bi L, Chen Q, Peng R. A systematic review of microplastics emissions in kitchens: Understanding the links with diseases in daily life. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108740. [PMID: 38749117 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108740] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The intensification of microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a formidable environmental challenge, with profound global implications. The pervasive presence of MPs across a multitude of environmental mediums, such as the atmosphere, soil, and oceans, extends to commonplace items, culminating in widespread human ingestion and accumulation via channels like food, water, and air. In the domestic realm, kitchens have become significant epicenters for MPs pollution. A plethora of kitchen utensils, encompassing coated non-stick pans, plastic cutting boards, and disposable utensils, are known to release substantial quantities of MPs particles in everyday use, which can then be ingested alongside food. This paper conducts a thorough examination of contemporary research addressing the release of MPs from kitchen utensils during usage and focuses on the health risks associated with MPs ingestion, as well as the myriad factors influencing the release of MPs in kitchen utensils. Leveraging the insights derived from this analysis, this paper proposes a series of strategic recommendations and measures targeted at mitigating the production of MPs in kitchen settings. These initiatives are designed not solely to diminish the release of MPs but also to enhance public awareness regarding this pressing environmental concern. By adopting more informed practices in kitchens, we can significantly contribute to the reduction of the environmental burden of MPs pollution, thus safeguarding both human health and the ecological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinai Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Huiqi Li
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Huanpeng Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Liuliu Bi
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Renyi Peng
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Key Lab of Biohealth Materials and Chemistry of Wenzhou, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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13
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Zafar R, Lee YK, Li X, Hur J. Environmental condition-dependent effects of aquatic humic substances on the distribution of phenanthrene in microplastic-contaminated aquatic systems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123809. [PMID: 38493869 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123809] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have focused on the interaction between microplastics (MPs) and phenanthrene (PHE) in aquatic environments. However, the intricate roles of aquatic humic substances (HS), which vary with environmental conditions, in influencing PHE-MP interactions are not yet fully understood. This study investigates the variable and environmentally sensitive roles of HS in modifying the interactions between PHE and polyethylene (PE) MPs under laboratory-simulated aquatic conditions with varying solution chemistry, including pH, HS types, HS concentrations, and ionic strength. Our findings show that the presence of HS significantly reduces the adsorption of PHE onto both pristine and aged PE MPs, with a more pronounced reduction observed in aged PEs. This effect is highlighted by a notable decrease in the partitioning coefficient (Kd) of PHE, which falls from 2.60 × 104 to 1.30 × 104 L/kg on MPs in the presence of HS. The study also demonstrates that alterations in the net charge of HS solutions are crucial in modifying PHE distribution onto PEs. An initial decrease in Kd values at higher pH levels is reversed when HS is introduced. Furthermore, an increase in HS concentrations is associated with lower Kd values. In conditions of higher ionic strength, the retention of PHE by HS is intensified, likely due to an enhanced salting-out effect. This research highlights the significant role of aquatic HS in modulating the distribution of PHE in MP-polluted waters, which is highly influenced by various solution chemistry factors. The findings are vital for understanding the fate of PHE in MP-contaminated aquatic environments and can contribute to refining predictive models that consider diverse solution chemistry scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Zafar
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Lee
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaowei Li
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Jin Hur
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Chokejaroenrat C, Watcharatharapong T, T-Thienprasert J, Angkaew A, Poompoung T, Chinwong C, Chirasatienpon T, Sakulthaew C. Decomposition of microplastics using copper oxide/bismuth vanadate-based photocatalysts: Insight mechanisms and environmental impacts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116205. [PMID: 38452629 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116205] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
To mitigate marine pollution, we improved the photo-Fenton reaction of modified nanoscale CuO/BiVO4 photocatalysts to resolve the challenge of efficient microplastic degradation in wastewater treatment. Material property analysis and computational results revealed that deposition of CuO onto BiVO4 nanocomposites improved photocatalytic activity by promoting an excess of electrons in CuO and surface charge transfer, resulting in an increased production of e--h+ for ROS generation via H2O2 activation. 1O2 was dominated and identified through quenching experiments, XPS analysis, and EPR. ROS generation increased via H2O2 activation, causing major surface abrasion and increased carbonyl and vinyl indices in microplastics. Treated water had minimal impact on Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. seedling growth but caused considerable mortality in cell lines and Moina macrocopa mortality at greater dosages due to their sensitivity to ions and H2O2 residuals. Overall, this treatment can effectively degrade microplastics, but the dilution of treated water is still needed before being discharged.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chokejaroenrat
- Department of Environmental Technology and Management, Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - T Watcharatharapong
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - J T-Thienprasert
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - A Angkaew
- Department of Environmental Technology and Management, Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - T Poompoung
- Department of Veterinary Nursing, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - C Chinwong
- Department of Environmental Technology and Management, Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - T Chirasatienpon
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - C Sakulthaew
- Department of Veterinary Nursing, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
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15
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Wohlleben W, Bossa N, Mitrano DM, Scott K. Everything falls apart: How solids degrade and release nanomaterials, composite fragments, and microplastics. NANOIMPACT 2024; 34:100510. [PMID: 38759729 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100510] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
To ensure the safe use of materials, one must assess the identity and quantity of exposure. Solid materials, such as plastics, metals, coatings and cements, degrade to some extent during their life cycle, and releases can occur during manufacturing, use and end-of-life. Releases (e.g., what is released, how does release happen, and how much material is released) depend on the composition and internal (nano)structures of the material as well as the applied stresses during the lifecycle. We consider, in some depth, releases from mechanical, weathering and thermal stresses and specifically address the use cases of fused-filament 3D printing, dermal contact, food contact and textile washing. Solid materials can release embedded nanomaterials, composite fragments, or micro- and nanoplastics, as well as volatile organics, ions and dissolved organics. The identity of the release is often a heterogenous mixture and requires adapted strategies for sampling and analysis, with suitable quality control measures. Control materials enhance robustness by enabling comparative testing, but reference materials are not always available as yet. The quantity of releases is typically described by time-dependent rates that are modulated by the nature and intensity of the applied stress, the chemical identity of the polymer or other solid matrix, and the chemical identity and compatibility of embedded engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) or other additives. Standardization of methods and the documentation of metadata, including all the above descriptors of the tested material, applied stresses, sampling and analytics, are identified as important needs to advance the field and to generate robust, comparable assessments. In this regard, there are strong methodological synergies between the study of all solid materials, including the study of micro- and nanoplastics. From an outlook perspective, we review the hazard of the released entities, and show how this informs risk assessment. We also address the transfer of methods to related issues such as tyre wear, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing, biodegradable polymers, and non-solid matrices. As the consideration of released entities will become more routine in industry via lifecycle assessment in Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design practices, release assessments will require careful design of the study with quality controls, the use of agreed-on test materials and standardized methods where these exist and the adoption of clearly defined data reporting practices that enable data reuse, meta-analyses, and comparative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendel Wohlleben
- BASF SE, Dept. of Analytical and Materials Science, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany.
| | - Nathan Bossa
- TEMAS Solutions GmbH, Lätterweg 5, 5212 Hausen, Switzerland; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Denise M Mitrano
- Environmental Systems Science Department, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Keana Scott
- Materials Measurement Science Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS-8372, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
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16
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Wang Y, Zhao J, Fu Z, Guan D, Zhang D, Zhang H, Zhang Q, Xie J, Sun Y, Wang D. Innovative overview of the occurrence, aging characteristics, and ecological toxicity of microplastics in environmental media. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123623. [PMID: 38387545 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123623] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), pollutants detected at high frequency in the environment, can be served as carriers of many kinds of pollutants and have typical characteristics of environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. The potential risks of MPs ecological environment and health have been widely concerned by scholars and engineering practitioners. Previous reviews mostly focused on the pollution characteristics and ecological toxicity of MPs, but there were few reviews on MPs analysis methods, aging mechanisms and removal strategies. To address this issue, this review first summarizes the contamination characteristics of MPs in different environmental media, and then focuses on analyzing the detection methods and analyzing the aging mechanisms of MPs, which include physical aging and chemical aging. Further, the ecotoxicity of MPs to different organisms and the associated enhanced removal strategies are outlined. Finally, some unresolved research questions related to MPs are prospected. This review focuses on the ageing and ecotoxic behaviour of MPs and provides some theoretical references for the potential environmental risks of MPs and their deep control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Jianwei Zhao
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China.
| | - Zhou Fu
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Dezheng Guan
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Qingdao Jiebao Ecological Technology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, 266000, PR China
| | - Jingliang Xie
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
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17
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Skawina A, Dąbrowska A, Bonk A, Paterczyk B, Nowakowska J. Tracking the micro- and nanoplastics in the terrestrial-freshwater food webs. Bivalves as sentinel species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170468. [PMID: 38296093 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170468] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are currently ubiquitous in the ecosystems, and freshwater biota is still insufficiently studied to understand the global fate, transport paths, and consequences of their presence. Thus, in this study, we investigated the role of bivalves and a trophic transfer of MPs and NPs in an experimental food chain. The food chain consisted of terrestrial non-selective detritivore Dendrobaena (Eisenia) sp., freshwater benthic filter feeder Unio tumidus, and freshwater benthic detritivore-collectors Asellus aquaticus or Gammarus sp. Animals were exposed to different fluorescently labeled micro- and nanoplastics (PMMA 20 μm, nanoPS 15-18 nm, and 100 nm, PS 1 μm and 20 μm, PE from cosmetics) as well as to the faeces of animals exposed to plastics to assess their influence on the environmental transportation, availability to biota, and bioaccumulation of supplied particles. Damaged and intact fluorescent particles were observed in the faeces of terrestrial detritivores and in the droppings of aquatic filter feeders, respectively. They were also present in the guts of bivalves and of crustaceans which were fed with bivalve droppings. Bivalves (Unio tumidus, and additionally Unio pictorum, and Sphaerium corneum) produced droppings containing micro- and nanoparticles filtered from suspension and deposited them onto the tank bottom, making them available for broader feeding guilds of animals (e.g. collectors, like crustaceans). Finally, the natural ageing of PS and its morphological changes, leakage of the fluorescent labelling, and agglomeration of particles were demonstrated. That supports our hypothesis of the crucial role of the characterization of physical and chemical materials in adequately understanding the mechanisms of their interaction with biota. Microscopical methods (confocal, fluorescent, scanning electron) and Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to track the particles' passage in a food web and monitor structural changes of the MPs' and NPs' surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Skawina
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Żwirki i Wigury 101 Str., 02-089 Warsaw, Poland; University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Miecznikowa 1 Str., 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Dąbrowska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Laboratory of Spectroscopy and Intermolecular Interactions, Pasteura 1 Str., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Agata Bonk
- University of Bremen, Faculty 2 Biology, Chemistry Leobener Str., 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Bohdan Paterczyk
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Imaging Laboratory, Miecznikowa 1 Str., 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Julita Nowakowska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Imaging Laboratory, Miecznikowa 1 Str., 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
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18
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De Boever S, Devisscher L, Vinken M. Unraveling the micro- and nanoplastic predicament: A human-centric insight. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170262. [PMID: 38253106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170262] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics are vast anthropogenic pollutants in our direct surroundings with a robust environmental stability and a potential for a long-lasting and increasing global circulation. This has raised concerns among the public and policy makers for human health upon exposure to these particles. The micro- and nanoplastic burden on humans is currently under debate, along with criticism on the experimental approaches used in hazard assessment. The present review presents an overview of the human-relevant aspects associated with the current micro-and nanoplastic burden. We focus on environmental circulation and the estimation of exposure quantities to humans, along with a state-of-the-art overview of particle accumulation in over 15 human organs and other specimen. Additionally, data regarding particle characteristics used in toxicity testing was extracted from 91 studies and discussed considering their environmental and human relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybren De Boever
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Centre Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiteit Gent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Talukdar A, Kundu P, Bhattacharya S, Dutta N. Microplastic contamination in wastewater: Sources, distribution, detection and remediation through physical and chemical-biological methods. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170254. [PMID: 38253100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170254] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. that have been widely detected in the environment, including in wastewater. They originate from various sources including breakdown of larger plastic debris, release of plastic fibres from textiles, and microbeads commonly used in personal care products. In wastewater, microplastics can pass through the treatment process and enter the environment, causing harm to biodiversity by potentially entering the food chain. Additionally, microplastics can act as a vector for harmful pollutants, increasing their transport and distribution in the environment. To address this issue, there is a growing need for effective wastewater treatment methods that can effectively remove microplastics. Currently, several physical and chemical methods are available, including filtration, sedimentation, and chemical degradation. However, these methods are costly, low efficiency and generate secondary pollutants. Furthermore, lack of standardization in the measurement and reporting of microplastics in wastewater, makes it difficult to accurately assess microplastic impact on the environment. In order to effectively manage these issues, further research and development of effective and efficient methods for removing microplastics from wastewater, as well as standardization in measurement and reporting, are necessary to effectively manage these detrimental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishek Talukdar
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritha Kundu
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharya
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India.
| | - Nalok Dutta
- Biochemical Engineering Department, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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20
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Shafi M, Lodh A, Khajuria M, Ranjan VP, Gani KM, Chowdhury S, Goel S. Are we underestimating stormwater? Stormwater as a significant source of microplastics in surface waters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133445. [PMID: 38198866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Stormwater represent a critical pathway for transporting microplastics (MPs) to surface waters. Due to complex dynamics of MPs in stormwater, its dispersion, weathering, risk, and transport are poorly understood. This review bridges those gaps by summarizing the latest findings on sources, abundance, characteristics, and dynamics involved in stormwater MP pollution. Weathering starts before or after MPs enter stormwater and is more pronounced on land due to continuous heat and mechanical stress. Land use patterns, rainfall intensity, MPs size and density, and drainage characteristics influence the transport of MPs in stormwater. Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs), littering, and road dust are major sources of MPs in stormwater. The concentrations of MPs varies from 0.38-197,000 particles/L globally. Further MP concentrations showed regional variations, highlighting the importance of local monitoring efforts needed to understand local pollution sources. We observed unique signatures associated with the shape and color of MPs. Fibers and fragments were widely reported, with transparent and black being the predominant colors. We conclude that the contribution of stormwater to MP pollution in surface waters is significantly greater than wastewater treatment plant effluents and demands immediate attention. Field and lab scale studies are needed to understand its behavior in stormwater and the risk posed to the downstream water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozim Shafi
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Ayan Lodh
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Medha Khajuria
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Ved Prakash Ranjan
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, India
| | - Khalid Muzamil Gani
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Shamik Chowdhury
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Sudha Goel
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
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21
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Lv S, Cui K, Zhao S, Li Y, Liu R, Hu R, Zhi B, Gu L, Wang L, Wang Q, Shao Z. Continuous generation and release of microplastics and nanoplastics from polystyrene by plastic-degrading marine bacteria. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133339. [PMID: 38150757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste released into the environments breaks down into microplastics due to weathering, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mechanical abrasion, and animal grazing. However, little is known about the plastic fragmentation mediated by microbial degradation. Marine plastic-degrading bacteria may have a double-edged effect in removing plastics. In this study, two ubiquitous marine bacteria, Alcanivorax xenomutans and Halomonas titanicae, were confirmed to degrade polystyrene (PS) and lead to microplastic and nanoplastic generation. Biodegradation occurred during bacterial growth with PS as the sole energy source, and the formation of carboxyl and carboxylic acid groups, decreased heat resistance, generation of PS metabolic intermediates in cultures, and plastic weight loss were observed. The generation of microplastics was dynamic alongside PS biodegradation. The size of the released microplastics gradually changed from microsized plastics on the first day (1344 nm and 1480 nm, respectively) to nanoplastics on the 30th day (614 nm and 496 nm, respectively) by the two tested strains. The peak release from PS films reached 6.29 × 106 particles/L and 7.64 × 106 particles/L from degradation by A. xenomutans (Day 10) and H. titanicae (Day 5), respectively. Quantification revealed that 1.3% and 1.9% of PS was retained in the form of micro- and nanoplastics, while 4.5% and 1.9% were mineralized by A. xenomutans and H. titanicae at the end of incubation, respectively. This highlights the negative effects of microbial degradation, which results in the continuous release of numerous microplastics, especially nanoplastics, as a notable secondary pollution into marine ecosystems. Their fates in the vast aquatic system and their impact on marine lives are noted for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Lv
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Kexin Cui
- The Laboratory of Food Engineering and Nutrition, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Qingdao 266072, China
| | - Sufang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yufei Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Renju Liu
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Rongxiang Hu
- Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 15080, China
| | - Bin Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Li Gu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Quanfu Wang
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
| | - Zongze Shao
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China.
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22
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Lin B, Wang L, Chen Q, Liu Z, Liu B, Wen S, Liu F, Chen X, Zhang Z, Wu L, Wei C. Health assessment based on exposure to microplastics in tropical agricultural soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133372. [PMID: 38159519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133372] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution of agricultural soils has caused global alarm over its widespread distribution and potential risks to terrestrial ecosystems and human health. This study assessed human health based on exposure to soil MPs through a comprehensive investigation of the factors influencing their occurrence and spatial distribution on Hainan Island, South China. The results showed that the abundance of soil MPs was 1128.6 ± 391.5 items·kg-1, whereas the normalized abundance of MPs based on using a power-law function was 19,261.4 items·kg-1. Regarding the extent of population exposure to agricultural soil MPs, the average daily exposure dose (pADD) model revealed that using mass as an indicator to assess the health risks associated with MP intake is more reliable than using abundance. However, abundance-based exposure assessments are also relevant because MPs with smaller particle sizes are more harmful to human health. Moreover, for adults, the normalized pADD values based on abundance and mass were 1.68E-02 item MPs·kg BW-1·d-1 and 7.23E-02 mg MPs·kg BW-1·d-1, respectively. Although the multidimensionality of MPs should be further aligned and quantified, the preliminary findings of this study contribute to the development of human health risk assessment frameworks for soil MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bigui Lin
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China
| | - Luya Wang
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China
| | - Qiyu Chen
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Zhilei Liu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China
| | - Shaobai Wen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Tropical and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xichao Chen
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Zongyao Zhang
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China.
| | - Chaoxian Wei
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China.
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23
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Sezer M, Isgoren M, Veli S, Topkaya E, Arslan A. Removal of microplastics in food packaging industry wastewaters with electrocoagulation process: Optimization by Box-Behnken design. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141314. [PMID: 38286307 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141314] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the vast majority of studies on microplastics (MPs) focus on determining the quantity and presence of these particles in various receiving environments and their treatment in domestic wastewater treatment plants. However, little research has been conducted on the treatment of microplastics in industrial effluent. Therefore, in this study, effluent samples from the cooling water tank of a local food packaging manufacturing company were analyzed to determine the presence and quantity of MPs for the first time. MPs removal from industrial wastewater using the electrocoagulation (EC) method was optimized using the Box Behnken Design (BBD). A second-order model was developed to estimate the microplastic removal efficiency, and the R2, adjusted R2, and predicted R2 of the model were 0.9994, 0.9985, and 0.9962, respectively. The optimal reaction parameters resulting in the maximum removal rate of microplastics (99 %) were determined to be pH 6.74, current density of 3.16 mA cm-2, and duration of 13.58 min. The cost of microplastic treatment per m3 of wastewater in the EC system, operated under optimal conditions, was calculated as 0.125 $. In this study, it was concluded that the EC process is a highly efficient technique for the removal of MPs from industrial wastewater at a low cost. Determining the most favorable conditions with BBD for the EC process at the feasibility stage of treatment plants will provide economic benefits and increase treatment efficiency during the installation of large-scale plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Sezer
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kocaeli University, 41001, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Melike Isgoren
- Department of Environmental Protection, Kocaeli University, 41275, Kocaeli, Turkey.
| | - Sevil Veli
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kocaeli University, 41001, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Eylem Topkaya
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kocaeli University, 41001, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ayla Arslan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kocaeli University, 41001, Kocaeli, Turkey
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24
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Cai Z, Liu J, Zhao G, Jia B, Shang Y, Cheng P. Analysis and identification of degradation products in gas, particle, and liquid phases of polypropylene and polyethyleneterephthalate microplastics aging through non-thermal plasma simulation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:22847-22857. [PMID: 38411908 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32586-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Plastic aging can cause alterations in the physical and chemical characteristics of plastics, as well as their behavior in the environment. Due to the extremely slow natural aging process, laboratory simulated aging methods have to be used. In this study, non-thermal plasma (NTP) was adopted to investigate the aging process of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics. Various analytical instruments, including proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry and single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry, were employed to examine and identify the organic constituents of the gas, liquid, and particle phase degradation products, as well as to monitor the degradation process. The results showed that after 90 min of aging, both PP and PET surfaces showed yellowing, and the carbonyl index of PP increased while that of PET decreased, with an increase in crystallinity. The organic components of reaction products, such as ketones, esters, acids, and alcohols, increased with longer aging times. Gas products mainly contain aromatic hydrocarbons, while particles from aged PET contain compounds with benzene rings and metal elements. Liquid products from aged PP show a significant presence of branched alkanes. Based on this analysis, degradation mechanisms of PP and PET by NTP were proposed. This investigation represents the initial systematically exploration of the release of organic substances during the degradation of microplastics mediated by NTP. It provides significant insights into the detrimental organic compounds emitted during this process, thereby offering valuable information for understanding the environmental and human health implications of natural microplastic degradation. Furthermore, it addressed the requirements for increased attention to the potential environmental risks associated with these harmful components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofeng Cai
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jixing Liu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Gaosheng Zhao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Bin Jia
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yu Shang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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25
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Aristizabal M, Jiménez-Orrego KV, Caicedo-León MD, Páez-Cárdenas LS, Castellanos-García I, Villalba-Moreno DL, Ramírez-Zuluaga LV, Hsu JTS, Jaller J, Gold M. Microplastics in dermatology: Potential effects on skin homeostasis. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024; 23:766-772. [PMID: 38226412 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become a growing concern in dermatology due to their widespread presence in cosmetic formulations and the environment. These minuscule synthetic polymer particles prompt an essential exploration of their potential impact on dermatological homeostasis. AIMS This study aims to investigate the effects of MPs and NPs on the integumentary system. Specifically, it seeks to understand the potential cutaneous alterations, inflammatory responses, and disruptions to the skin's physiological functions caused by these synthetic particles. PATIENTS/METHODS The investigation involves a comprehensive analysis of emerging research on MPs and NPs. This includes their presence in cosmetic formulations and environmental pervasiveness. The study delves into their capacity to breach the cutaneous barrier, raising concerns about the implications of prolonged exposure. RESULTS Evidence suggests that MPs and NPs may indeed incite cutaneous alterations, provoke inflammatory responses, and disturb the homeostasis of the skin's physiological functions. Their small dimensions enhance their capability to breach the cutaneous barrier, further emphasizing the apprehensions associated with prolonged exposure. CONCLUSIONS While a precise understanding of the implications of MPs and NPs on dermatological health remains an ongoing scientific endeavor, this study underscores the growing significance of these synthetic particles. The findings emphasize the need for proactive measures to safeguard both individual well-being and environmental preservation in the context of dermatological health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey T S Hsu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jose Jaller
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Michael Gold
- Gold Skin Care Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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26
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La Pietra A, Fasciolo G, Lucariello D, Motta CM, Venditti P, Ferrandino I. Polystyrene microplastics effects on zebrafish embryological development: Comparison of two different sizes. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 106:104371. [PMID: 38244881 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104371] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have become a great worldwide problem and it's therefore important to study their possible effects on human and environmental health. In this study, zebrafish embryos were used to compare two different sizes of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), 1 µm and 3 µm respectively, at 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mgL-1, and were monitored up to 72 h. Toxicity tests demonstrated that neither of the PS-MPs altered the embryos' survival and the normal hatching process. Instead, higher concentrations of both sizes caused an increase of the heart rate and phenotypic changes. The PS-MPs of both sizes entered and accumulated in the larvae at the concentration of 10.0 mgL-1 and the same concentration caused an increase of apoptotic processes correlated to redox homeostasis changes. The reported results give a realistic view of the negative effects of exposure to PS-MPs and provide new information on their toxicity, also considering their sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gianluca Fasciolo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Venditti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Ferrandino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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27
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Haleem N, Kumar P, Zhang C, Jamal Y, Hua G, Yao B, Yang X. Microplastics and associated chemicals in drinking water: A review of their occurrence and human health implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169594. [PMID: 38154642 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have entered drinking water (DW) via various pathways, raising concerns about their potential health impacts. This study provides a comprehensive review of MP-associated chemicals, such as oligomers, plasticizers, stabilizers, and ultraviolet (UV) filters that can be leached out during DW treatment and distribution. The leaching of these chemicals is influenced by various environmental and operating factors, with three major ones identified: MP concentration and polymer type, pH, and contact time. The leaching process is substantially enhanced during the disinfection step of DW treatment, due to ultraviolet light and/or disinfectant-triggered reactions. The study also reviewed human exposure to MPs and associated chemicals in DW, as well as their health impacts on the human nervous, digestive, reproductive, and hepatic systems, especially the neuroendocrine toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. An overview of MPs in DW, including tap water and bottled water, was also presented to enable a background understanding of MPs-associated chemicals. In short, certain chemicals leached from MPs in DW can have significant implications for human health and demand further research on their long-term health impacts, mitigation strategies, and interactions with other pollutants such as disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This study is anticipated to facilitate the research and management of MPs in DW and beverages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Haleem
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA; Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Yousuf Jamal
- Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Guanghui Hua
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Bin Yao
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Xufei Yang
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
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28
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Hashemihedeshi M, Haywood E, Gatch DC, Jantunen L, Helm PA, Diamond ML, Dorman FL, Cahill LS, Jobst KJ. Size-Resolved Identification and Quantification of Micro/Nanoplastics in Indoor Air Using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2024; 35:275-284. [PMID: 38239096 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to differing levels of micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) through inhalation, but few studies have attempted to measure <1 μm MNPs in air, in part due to a paucity of analytical methods. We developed an approach to identify and quantify MNPs in indoor air using a novel pyrolysis gas chromatographic cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometer (pyr-GCxcIMS). Four common plastic types were targeted for identification, namely, (polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The method was applied to size-resolved particulate (56 nm to 18 μm) collected from two different indoor environments using a Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactors (MOUDI) model 110 cascade impactor. Comprehensive two-dimensional separation by GCxcIMS also enabled the retrospective analysis of other polymers and plastic additives. The mean concentrations of MNP particles with diameters of <10 μm and <2.5 μm in the laboratory were estimated to be 47 ± 5 and 27 ± 4 μg/m3, respectively. In the private residence, the estimated concentrations were 24 ± 3 and 16 ± 2 μg/m3. PS was the most abundant MNP type in both locations. Nontargeted screening revealed the presence of plastic additives, such as TDCPP (tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate) whose abundance correlated with that of polyurethane (PU). This is consistent with their use as flame retardants in PU-based upholstered furniture and building insulation. This study provides evidence of indoor exposure to MNPs and underlines the need for further study of this route of exposure to MNPs and the plastic additives carried with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Hashemihedeshi
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 45 Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Ethan Haywood
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 45 Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Daniel C Gatch
- Gerstel, 701 Digital Drive, Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090, United States
| | - Liisa Jantunen
- Environment & Climate Change Canada, 6248 8th Line, Egbert, ON L0L 1N0, Canada
| | - Paul A Helm
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Road, Etobicoke, ON M9P 3V6, Canada
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences and School of the Environment, University of Toronto, 22 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Frank L Dorman
- Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Massachusetts 01757, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hannover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 45 Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Karl J Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 45 Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
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29
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Zhai Y, Guo W, Li D, Chen B, Xu X, Cao X, Zhao L. Size-dependent influences of nanoplastics on microbial consortium differentially inhibiting 2, 4-dichlorophenol biodegradation. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:121004. [PMID: 38101052 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121004] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs), as a type of newly emerging pollutant, are ubiquitous in various environmental systems, one of which is coexistence with organic pollutants in wastewater, potentially influencing the pollutants' biodegradation. A knowledge gap exists regarding the influence of microbial consortium and NPs interactions on biodegradation efficiency. In this work, a 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) biodegradation experiment with presence of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) with particle sizes of 100 nm (PS100) or 20 nm (PS20) was conducted to verify that PS-NPs had noticeable inhibitory effect on DCP biodegradation in a size-dependent manner. PS100 at 10 mg/L and 100 mg/L both prolonged the microbial stagnation compared to the control without PS-NPs; PS20 exacerbated greater, with PS20 at 100 mg/L causing a noticeable 6-day lag before the start-up of rapid DCP reduction. The ROS level increased to 1.4-fold and 1.8-fold under PS100 and PS20 exposure, respectively, while the elevated LDH under PS20 exposure indicated the mechanical damage to cell membrane by smaller NPs. PS-NPs exposure also resulted in a decrease in microbial diversity and altered the niches of microbial species, e.g., they decreased the abundance of some functional bacteria such as Brevundimonas and Comamonas, while facilitated some minor members to obtain more proliferation. A microbial network with higher complexity and less competition was induced to mediate PS-NPs stress. Functional metabolism responded differentially to PS100 and PS20 exposure. Specifically, PS100 downregulated amino acid metabolism, while PS20 stimulated certain pathways in response to more severe oxidative stress. Our findings give insights into PS-NPs environmental effects concerning microflora and biological degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wenbo Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Deping Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bo Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyun Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xinde Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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30
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Eydi Gabrabad M, Yari M, Bonyadi Z. Using Spirulina platensis as a natural biocoagulant for polystyrene removal from aqueous medium: performance, optimization, and modeling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2506. [PMID: 38291171 PMCID: PMC10828415 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53123-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are newly recognized contaminants that result from the breakdown of plastics released into aquatic environments. This study focuses on the elimination of polystyrene (PS) using S. platensis, a natural biocoagulant, from aqueous solutions. The research investigated several crucial variables, including the initial level of PS ranging from 100 to 900 mg L-1, pH levels from 4 to 10, the contact time of 20-40 min, and doses of S. platensis ranging from 50 to 250 mg L-1. The analysis of the data revealed that the quadratic model offered the best fit for the experimental results. In the present study, we utilized S. platensis as a novel natural biocoagulant to effectively eliminate PS from aqueous solutions. Process optimization was performed using a Box-Behnken design (BBD). The best-fitting model for the data was the quadratic model. The results displayed that the highest elimination of PS (81%) was occurred at a pH of 4, with a contact time of 30 min, a dose of S. platensis at 250 mg L-1, and a PS concentration of 500 mg L-1. These findings show that S. platensis has a significant effect on removing PS from the aquatic environment. Algae can serve as a convenient and eco-friendly method, replacing chemical coagulants, to effectively remove MPs from the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddeseh Eydi Gabrabad
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Yari
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ziaeddin Bonyadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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31
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Xu Y, Ou Q, van der Hoek JP, Liu G, Lompe KM. Photo-oxidation of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Effects in Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:991-1009. [PMID: 38166393 PMCID: PMC10795193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are attracting increasing attention due to their persistence and potential ecological risks. This review critically summarizes the effects of photo-oxidation on the physical, chemical, and biological behaviors of MNPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The core of this paper explores how photo-oxidation-induced surface property changes in MNPs affect their adsorption toward contaminants, the stability and mobility of MNPs in water and porous media, as well as the transport of pollutants such as organic pollutants (OPs) and heavy metals (HMs). It then reviews the photochemical processes of MNPs with coexisting constituents, highlighting critical factors affecting the photo-oxidation of MNPs, and the contribution of MNPs to the phototransformation of other contaminants. The distinct biological effects and mechanism of aged MNPs are pointed out, in terms of the toxicity to aquatic organisms, biofilm formation, planktonic microbial growth, and soil and sediment microbial community and function. Furthermore, the research gaps and perspectives are put forward, regarding the underlying interaction mechanisms of MNPs with coexisting natural constituents and pollutants under photo-oxidation conditions, the combined effects of photo-oxidation and natural constituents on the fate of MNPs, and the microbiological effect of photoaged MNPs, especially the biotransformation of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghui Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- Waternet,
Department Research & Innovation,
P.O. Box 94370, 1090 GJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Kim Maren Lompe
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
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32
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Cheng J, Wang P, Ghiglione JF, Liu L, Cai Z, Zhou J, Zhu X. Bacterial pathogens associated with the plastisphere of surgical face masks and their dispersion potential in the coastal marine environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132741. [PMID: 37827107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132741] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Huge numbers of face masks (FMs) were discharged into the ocean during the coronavirus pandemic. These polymer-based artificial surfaces can support the growth of specific bacterial assemblages, pathogens being of particular concern. However, the potential risks from FM-associated pathogens in the marine environment remain poorly understood. Here, FMs were deployed in coastal seawater for two months. PacBio circular consensus sequencing of the full-length 16S rRNA was used for pathogen identification, providing enhanced taxonomic resolution. Selective enrichment of putative pathogens (e.g., Ralstonia pickettii) was found on FMs, which provided a new niche for these pathogens rarely detected in the surrounding seawater or the stone controls. The total relative abundance of the putative pathogens in FMs was higher than in seawater but lower than in the stone controls. FM exposure during the two months resulted in 3% weight loss and the release of considerable amounts of microfibers. The ecological assembly process of the putative FM-associated pathogens was less impacted by the dispersal limitation, indicating that FM-derived microplastics can serve as vectors of most pathogens for their regional transport. Our results indicate a possible ecological risk of FMs for marine organisms or humans in the coastal and potentially in the open ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingguang Cheng
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Pu Wang
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jean-François Ghiglione
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne (LOMIC), Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, Banyuls sur mer 66650, France
| | - Lu Liu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Zhonghua Cai
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China.
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33
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Tang CH, Lin CY, Li HH, Kuo FW. Microplastics elicit an immune-agitative state in coral. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168406. [PMID: 37939952 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168406] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in the ocean is a major problem, as its pervasiveness elicits concerns the health impacts microplastics may have on marine life (such as reef-building corals). As a primary endpoint, the organismal lipidome can define the weakening of fitness and reveal the physiological context of adverse health effects in organisms. To gain insight into the effects of microplastics on coral health, lipid profiling was performed via an untargeted lipidomic approach on the coral Turbinaria mesenterina exposed to ~10 μm polystyrene microparticles for 10 days. Considerable microplastic accumulation and obvious effects relating with immune activation were observed in the coral treated with a near environmentally relevant concentration of microplastics (10 μg/L); however, these effects were not evident in the high level (100 μg/L) treatment group. In particular, increased levels of membrane lipids with 20:4 and 22:6 fatty acid chains reallocated from the triacylglycerol pool were observed in coral host cells and symbiotic algae, respectively, which could upregulate immune activity and realign symbiotic communication in coral. High levels of polyunsaturation can sensitize the coral cell membrane to lipid peroxidation and increase cell death, which is of greater concern; additionally, the photoprotective capacity of symbiotic algae was compromised. As a result, coral physiological functions were altered. These results show that, realistic levels of microplastic pollution can affect coral health and should be a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Ho Tang
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan; Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Yu Lin
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Hui Li
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan; Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Wen Kuo
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan
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34
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Zhang Z, Zou S, Li P. Aging of plastics in aquatic environments: Pathways, environmental behavior, ecological impacts, analyses and quantifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122926. [PMID: 37963513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastics in our environment has brought about pressing concerns, with their aging processes, photo-oxidation, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation, being at the forefront. Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from plastic degradation or direct anthropogenic sources, further complicate this landscape. This review delves into the intricate aging dynamics of plastics in aquatic environments under various influential factors. We discuss the physicochemical changes that occur in aged plastics and the release of oxidation products during their degradation. Particular attention is given to their evolving environmental interactions and the resulting ecotoxicological implications. A rigorous evaluation is also conducted for methodologies in the analysis and quantification of plastics aging, identifying their merits and limitations and suggesting potential avenues for future research. This comprehensive review is able to illuminate the complexities of plastics aging, charting a path for future research and aiding in the formulation of informed policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Shichun Zou
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Pu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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Zeb A, Liu W, Ali N, Shi R, Wang Q, Wang J, Li J, Yin C, Liu J, Yu M, Liu J. Microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems: Global implications and sustainable solutions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132636. [PMID: 37778309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution has become a global environmental concern with significant impacts on ecosystems and human health. Although MPs have been widely detected in aquatic environments, their presence in terrestrial ecosystems remains largely unexplored. This review examines the multifaceted issues of MPs pollution in terrestrial ecosystem, covering various aspects from additives in plastics to global legislation and sustainable solutions. The study explores the widespread distribution of MPs worldwide and their potential antagonistic interactions with co-occurring contaminants, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of their environmental implications. The influence of MPs on soil and plants is discussed, shedding light on the potential consequences for terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural productivity. The aging mechanisms of MPs, including photo and thermal aging, are elucidated, along with the factors influencing their aging process. Furthermore, the review provides an overview of global legislation addressing plastic waste, including bans on specific plastic items and levies on single-use plastics. Sustainable solutions for MPs pollution are proposed, encompassing upstream approaches such as bioplastics, improved waste management practices, and wastewater treatment technologies, as well as downstream methods like physical and biological removal of MPs. The importance of international collaboration, comprehensive legislation, and global agreements is underscored as crucial in tackling this pervasive environmental challenge. This review may serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, providing a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact and potential risks associated with MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Nouman Ali
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianling Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chuan Yin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinzheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Miao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianv Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
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36
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Li Z, Liu W, Rahaman MH, Chen Z, Yan J, Zhai J. Polystyrene microplastics accumulation in lab-scale vertical flow constructed wetlands: impacts and fate. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132576. [PMID: 37738848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132576] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants that significantly threaten organisms and ecosystems. Constructed wetlands (CWs), a nature-based treatment technology, can effectively remove MPs from wastewater. However, the responses of CWs when exposed to MPs remain unclear. In this study, lab-scale vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) were installed for receiving polystyrene (PS) MPs at concentrations of 100 μg/L and 1000 μg/L. The results showed that exposure to PS-MPs has no effects on COD and TP removal in VFCWs, but TN removal decreased by 3.69-5.37 %. Further investigation revealed that PS-MPs significantly impacted microbial communities and metabolic functions. The abundances of predominant nitrifiers (Nitrospira and Nitrosomonas) and denitrifiers (Nakamurella, Bradyrhizobium, and Bacillus) in VFCWs were significantly reduced, aligning with the responses of key enzymes. The presence of PS-MPs also decreased nitrogen removal by plant uptake, leading to decreased plant biomass and chlorophyll by 39.32-48.75 % and 5.92-32.19 %, respectively. Notably, > 90 % removal rates were observed for PS-MPs within VFCWs. In addition to PS-MPs interception by VFCWs substrate, the increase of released benzenes indicated that the PS-MPs biodegradation occurred. Such insights are vital for developing sustainable solutions to mitigate MPs' adverse effects on ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchen Li
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Institute for Smart City of Chongqing University in Liyang, Chongqing University, Jiangsu 213300, China
| | - Md Hasibur Rahaman
- Institute for Smart City of Chongqing University in Liyang, Chongqing University, Jiangsu 213300, China
| | - Zhongbing Chen
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, Praha-Suchdol 16500, Czech Republic
| | - Jixia Yan
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Jun Zhai
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China; Institute for Smart City of Chongqing University in Liyang, Chongqing University, Jiangsu 213300, China.
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37
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Sharara A, Samy M, Mossad M, Gar Alalm M. Photodegradation of polyethylene debris in water by sulfur-doped TiO 2: system optimization, degradation mechanism, and reusability. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:3951-3963. [PMID: 38097836 PMCID: PMC10794281 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Given the immense threats of microplastics, we herein investigate photodegrading the debris of polyethylene bags (PBs) by sulfur-doped titanium dioxide. The optimization of operating parameters showed that controlling the water pH at 3 and introducing PBs by 0.10 g/L under a catalyst dose of 1.25 g/L reduced the polyethylene mass by 3.10% in 7 h, whereas raising the catalyst dose to 3 g/L improved the mass reduction to 4.72%. The extension of degradation time to 100 h at pH 3, catalyst dosage of 3 g/L, and PBs concentration of 0.10 g/L increased the mass loss ratio to 21.74%. Scanning electron microscopy of PBs after 100 h of photodegradation showed cracks on the surface accompanied by the increase of carbonyl index from 0.52 to 1.41 confirming the breakdown of the polymeric chain. Total organic carbon increased from 0.80 to 7.76 mg/L in the first 10 h of photodegradation, then decreased to 1 mg/L after extending the reaction time to 100 h due to the mineralization of organic intermediates generated from the photodegradation of PBs. Trapping tests exhibited the major role of hydroxyl radicals in the degradation system, and the catalyst showed high stability under five repetitive runs. This study proposes an efficient treatment system that can be implemented on a wider scale utilizing the synthesized catalyst to degrade plastics efficiently before their release to water streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Sharara
- Public Works Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Samy
- Public Works Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Mossad
- Public Works Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Gar Alalm
- Public Works Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
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38
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Chen R, Zhao X, Wu X, Wang J, Wang X, Liang W. Research progress on occurrence characteristics and source analysis of microfibers in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115834. [PMID: 38061148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115834] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic microfiber pollution is a growing concern in the marine environment. However, critical issues associated with microfiber origins in marine environments have not been resolved. Herein, the potential sources of marine microfibers are systematically reviewed. The obtained results indicate that surface runoffs are primary contributors that transport land-based microfibers to oceans, and the breakdown of larger fiber plastic waste due to weathering processes is also a notable secondary source of marine microfibers. Additionally, there are three main approaches for marine microplastic source apportionment, namely, anthropogenic source classification, statistical analysis, and numerical simulations based on the Lagrangian particle tracking method. These methods establish the connections between characteristics, transport pathways and sources of microplastics, which provides new insights to further conduct microfiber source apportionment. This study helps to better understand sources analysis and transport pathways of microfibers into oceans and presents a scientific basis to further control microfiber pollution in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
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39
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Wang Y, Wang J, Cong J, Zhang H, Gong Z, Sun H, Wang L, Duan Z. Nanoplastics induce neuroexcitatory symptoms in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae through a manner contrary to Parkinsonian's way in proteomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166898. [PMID: 37683849 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166898] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Although nanoplastics (NPs) can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain, the neurotoxicity of these particles and the mechanisms associated with their unique physio-chemical properties have yet to be sufficiently ascertained. In this study, we assessed the neuroexcitatory symptoms of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae treated with polystyrene (PS) NPs based on an examination of locomotory behaviour, dopamine levels, and acetylcholinesterase activity. We found that PS NPs caused oxidative stress and inhibited atoh1a expression in the cerebellum of Tg(atoh1a:dTomato) transgenic zebrafish larvae, thereby indicating damage to the central nervous system. In contrast to the Parkinson's disease (PD) like effects induced by most types of nanoparticles, such as graphene oxide, we established that PS NPs influenced the neuronal proteomic profiles of zebrafish larvae in a manner contrary to the molecular pathways characteristic of PD-like effects, which could be explained by the molecular dynamic simulation. Unlike graphene oxide nanoparticles that promote significant change in the internal structure of neuroproteins, the complex macromolecular polymers of PS NPs promoted the coalescence and increased expression of neuroproteins, thereby plausibly contributing to the neuroexcitatory symptoms observed in treated zebrafish larvae. Consequently, compared with traditional nanoparticles, we believe that the unique physio-chemical properties of NPs could be a potential factor contributing to their toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudi Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Jiaoyue Cong
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Haihong Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lei Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhenghua Duan
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China.
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40
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Osman DM, Yuan W, Shabaka S, Nyaga MP, Geng J, Yu Y, Yang Y. The threat of micro/nanoplastic to aquatic plants: current knowledge, gaps, and future perspectives. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 265:106771. [PMID: 38000132 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106771] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have been recognized as an emerging pollutant and have raised global concerns due to their widespread distribution in the environment and potential harm to living systems. However, research on the threat of micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) to the unique group of aquatic plants is far behind, necessitating a comprehensive review to summarize current research progress and identify future research needs. This review explores the sources and distribution patterns of MPs/NPs in aquatic environments, highlighting their uptake by aquatic plants through roots and leaves, and subsequent translocation via the vascular system facilitated by the transpiration stream. Exposure to MPs/NPs elicits diverse effects on the growth, physiology, and ecological interactions of aquatic plants, with variations influenced by plastic properties, plant species, and experimental conditions. Furthermore, the presence of MPs/NPs can impact the toxicity and bioavailability of other associated toxicants to aquatic plants. This review shows critical knowledge gaps and emphasizes the need for future research to bridge the current understanding of the limitations and challenges posed by MPs/NPs in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donia M Osman
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenke Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt
| | - Muthii Patrick Nyaga
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun Geng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongxiang Yu
- Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Luo H, Tu C, He D, Zhang A, Sun J, Li J, Xu J, Pan X. Interactions between microplastics and contaminants: A review focusing on the effect of aging process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165615. [PMID: 37481081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the environment are a major global concern due to their persistent nature and wide distribution. The aging of MPs is influenced by several processes including photodegradation, thermal degradation, biodegradation and mechanical fragmentation, which affect their interaction with contaminants. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the aging process of MPs and the factors that impact their aging, and to discuss the effects of aging on the interaction of MPs with contaminants. A range of characterization methods that can effectively elucidate the mechanistic processes of these interactions are outlined. The rate and extent of MPs aging are influenced by their physicochemical properties and other environmental factors, which ultimately affect the adsorption and aggregation of aged MPs with environmental contaminants. Pollutants such as heavy metals, organic matter and microorganisms have a tendency to accumulate on MPs through adsorption and the interactions between them impact their environmental behavior. Aging enhances the specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups of MPs, thereby affecting the mechanism of interaction between MPs and contaminants. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how aging affects the interactions, this review also provides an overview of the mechanisms by which MPs interact with contaminants. In the future, there should be further in-depth studies of the potential hazards of aged MPs in different environments e.g., soil, sediment, aquatic environment, and effects of their interaction with environmental pollutants on human health and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Chaolin Tu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Anping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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42
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Monira S, Roychand R, Bhuiyan MA, Pramanik BK. Role of water shear force for microplastics fragmentation into nanoplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116916. [PMID: 37597832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are major recipients of microplastics (MPs) that break down into nanoplastics (NPs) during wastewater treatment through physical, chemical, and biological processes. In particular, mechanical stress induced by the mixing process commonly used in WWTPs is thought to play a crucial role in the production of secondary MPs/NPs, which are then discharged into the open water environment through the WWTP effluent. This study investigated the fragmentation of 250 and 106 μm-sized pristine and weathered polystyrene (PS) particles using a four-blade mechanical impeller. At an energy density level of 100 kJ/L, the 250 and 106 μm-sized pristine PS particles were broken down into mean sizes of 120.6 ± 19.1 and 95.6 ± 16.8 nm, respectively. The smallest sizes were found to be 90.9 ± 17.8 and 72.4 ± 19.6 nm due to the breakdown of 250 and 106 μm-sized weathered PS particles, respectively. The morphology of the PS particles after fragmentation also demonstrated the initiation of surface damage, such as cracks, pores and rough structures. This surface crack propagation, caused by mechanically induced water shear force, was identified as the primary mechanism of MP fragmentation into NPs. It was also found that NP levels significantly increased after 40 min of mixing, with at least a 28-fold increase in water solution at an energy density of 32 kJ/L. These results clearly show that the breakdown of MPs into NPs is a continuous process during wastewater treatment, posing a significant threat to the water environment through NP release by WWTP effluents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirajum Monira
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Rajeev Roychand
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
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Argun BR, Statt A. Influence of shape on heteroaggregation of model microplastics: a simulation study. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:8081-8090. [PMID: 37817642 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01014g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a growing threat, especially in aqueous habitats. For assessing the influence on the ecosystem and possible solution strategies, it is necessary to investigate the "fate" of microplastics in the environment. Microplastics are typically surrounded by natural organic matter, which can cause aggregation via favorable interactions. However, the effect of shape and flow conditions on heteroaggregation is not well understood. We perform molecular dynamics simulations of different microplastic particle shapes with smaller spherical organic matter. We find that mostly smooth particles formed compact structures with large number of neighbors with weak connection strength and higher fractal dimension. Microplastics with sharper edges and corners aggregated into more fractal structures with fewer neighbors, but with stronger connections. We investigated the behavior of aggregates under shear flow. The critical shear rate at which the aggregates break up is much larger for spherical and rounded cube microplastics, the compact aggregate structure outweighs their weaker connection strength. The rounded cube aggregate exhibited unexpectedly high resistance against breakup under shear. We attribute this to being fairly compact due to weaker, flexible neighbor connections, which are still strong enough to prevent particles to break off during shear flow. Irrespective of stronger connections between neighbouring microplastics, fractal aggregates of cubes break up at lower shear rates. We find that cube aggregates reduced their radius of gyration significantly, indicating restructuring during shear, while most neighbor connections were kept intact. Sphere aggregates, however, kept their overall size while undergoing local rearrangements, breaking a significant portion of their neighbor interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ruşen Argun
- Mechanical Engineering, Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 61801, IL, USA
| | - Antonia Statt
- Materials Science and Engineering, Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 61801, IL, USA.
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44
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Szafranski GT, Granek EF. Contamination in mangrove ecosystems: A synthesis of literature reviews across multiple contaminant categories. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115595. [PMID: 37852064 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115595] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Mangrove forests are exposed to diverse ocean-sourced and land-based contaminants, yet mangrove contamination research lags. We synthesize existing data and identify major gaps in research on five classes of mangrove contaminants: trace metals, persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Research is concentrated in Asia, neglected in Africa and the Americas; higher concentrations are correlated with waste water treatment plants, industry, and urbanized landscapes. Trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, frequently at concentrations below regulatory thresholds, may bioconcentrate in fauna, whereas persistent organic pollutants were at levels potentially harmful to biota through short- or long-term exposure. Microplastics were at variable levels, yet lack regulatory and ecotoxicological thresholds. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products received minimal research despite biological activity at small concentrations. Given potential synergistic effects, multi-contaminant research, increased monitoring of multiple contaminant classes, and increased public outreach and involvement are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey T Szafranski
- Environmental Science & Management, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Elise F Granek
- Environmental Science & Management, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America.
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45
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Johnson J, Peer N, Sershen, Rajkaran A. Microplastic abundance in urban vs. peri-urban mangroves: The feasibility of using invertebrates as biomonitors of microplastic pollution in two mangrove dominated estuaries of southern Africa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115657. [PMID: 37864863 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115657] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) prevalence has been well documented, however, knowledge gaps exist for African mangrove forests. This research is the first to compare MP pollution (using FT-IR analysis) in an urban (Durban Bay) and peri-urban (Mngazana Estuary) mangrove forest in South Africa, across different compartments. MP pollution (typology, abundance, and distribution) was quantified in estuarine surface water, sediment and the soft tissue of three keystone species (Austruca occidentalis, Chiromantes eulimene and Cerithidea decollata) in relation to disturbances acting on these systems. MP averages ranged from 99 to 82 MPs/kg sediment, 177 to 76 MPs/L water and 82 to 59 MP/g-1 DW in biota. Overall fibres were the dominant MP type across all compartments. The three invertebrate species exhibited MP bioaccumulation, however, significant differences were observed between MP concentrations in the soft body tissue of invertebrates and abiotic compartments, providing evidence that they are not effective biomonitors of MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Johnson
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Way, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa.
| | - Nasreen Peer
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Natural Sciences Building, Merriman Avenue, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Sershen
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Way, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa
| | - Anusha Rajkaran
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Way, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa; South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
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46
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Wang Z, Wang Y, Lu X, Zhang H, Jia Z. Generation of Simulated "Natural" Nanoplastics from Polypropylene Food Packaging as the Experimental Standard. Molecules 2023; 28:7254. [PMID: 37959673 PMCID: PMC10648906 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217254] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Current toxicology research on nanoplastics (NPs) generally uses commercial spherical NPs. However, the physicochemical characteristics of commercial NPs are significantly different from those of NPs formed under natural conditions, possibly affecting the validity of the results. In analytical chemistry, a reference sample is selected such that its physicochemical properties are as similar as possible to the target. Therefore, a simulated "natural" NP synthesized in the laboratory that closely resembles naturally derived NPs would be used as an authentic standard. Here, we established the assay of scanning electron microscope (SEM)-particle size distribution analyzer (PSDA)-surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to detect NPs and prepared simulated "natural" NPs from polypropylene food packaging material using a method that mimics natural conditions. Nanofiltration was used to isolate three sets of simulated NPs with particle sizes ranging from 50-100 nm, 100-200 nm, and 200-400 nm. These simulated "natural" NPs were more similar to naturally occurring counterparts when compared with commercial NPs. These new standard NPs, which should be scalable for large-scale use, will improve the accuracy, reliability, and translatability of toxicological studies of NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhenzhen Jia
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety of Shandong Normal University, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China (H.Z.)
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Liu M, Yu X, Yang M, Shu W, Cao F, Liu Q, Wang J, Jiang Y. The co-presence of polystyrene nanoplastics and ofloxacin demonstrates combined effects on the structure, assembly, and metabolic activities of marine microbial community. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132315. [PMID: 37604038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132315] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastic is increasing in environments and can address toxic effects on various organisms. Particle size, concentration, and surface functionalization most influence nanoplastic toxicity. Besides, nanoplastic can adsorb other contaminants (e.g., antibiotics) to aggravate its adverse effects. The combined effects of nanoplastics and antibiotics on planktonic/benthic microbial communities, however, are still largely unknown. In this study, the combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastic and ofloxacin on the structure, assembly, and metabolic activities of marine microbial communities were investigated based on amplicon sequencing data. The results mainly demonstrate that: (1) nanoplastic and ofloxacin have greater impacts on prokaryotic communities than eukaryotic ones; (2) niche breadths of planktonic prokaryotes and benthic eukaryotes were shrank with both high nanoplastic and ofloxacin concentrations; (3) increased ofloxacin mainly reduces nodes/edges of co-occurrence networks, while nanoplastic centralizes network modularity; (4) increased nanoplastic under high ofloxacin concentration induces more differential prokaryotic pathways in planktonic communities, while benthic communities are less influenced. The present work indicates that co-presence of nanoplastics and ofloxacin has synergistic combined effects on community structure shifts, niche breadth shrinking, network simplifying, and differential prokaryotic pathways inducing in marine microbial communities, suggesting nanoplastics and its combined impacts with other pollutions should be paid with more concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjian Liu
- MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaowen Yu
- MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Mengyao Yang
- MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wangxinze Shu
- MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Furong Cao
- MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qian Liu
- MoE Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266101, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Yong Jiang
- MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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48
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Devi K, Singh AD, Dhiman S, Kour J, Bhardwaj T, Sharma N, Madaan I, Khanna K, Ohri P, Singh AP, Sirhindi G, Bhardwaj R, Kumar V. Current studies on the degradation of microplastics in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:102010-102026. [PMID: 37670091 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Soil and water are two important basic ecosystems for the survival of different organisms. The excessive microplastic pollutants in soil have been directly discharged into the terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastic pollutants (MPs) constitute a ubiquitous global menace due to their durability, flexibility, and tough nature. MPs posed threat to the sustainability of the ecosystem due to their small size and easy transportation via ecological series resulting in the accumulation of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. After being emitted into the terrestrial ecosystem, the MPs might be aged by oxidative degeneration (photo/thermal), reprecipitation (bioturbation), and hetero-accumulation. The mechanism of adsorption, degradation, and breakdown of MPs into unaffected plastic debris is accomplished by using several biological, physical, and chemical strategies. This review presents the importance of ecosystems, occurrence and sources of MPs, its toxicity, and the alteration in the ecology of the ecosystems. The inhibitory impact of MPs on the ecosystems also documents to unveil the ecological hazards of MPs. Further research is required to study the immobilization and recovery efficiency of MPs on a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamini Devi
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Arun Dev Singh
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Shalini Dhiman
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Jaspreet Kour
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Tamanna Bhardwaj
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Neerja Sharma
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Isha Madaan
- Government College of Education, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144001, India
- Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
| | - Kanika Khanna
- Department of Botany, D.A.V. University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144001, India
| | - Puja Ohri
- Department of Zoology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Amrit Pal Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Geetika Sirhindi
- Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
| | - Renu Bhardwaj
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Botany, Government Degree College, Jammu and Kashmir, Ramban, India.
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49
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Yu Y, Craig N, Su L. A Hidden Pathway for Human Exposure to Micro- and Nanoplastics-The Mechanical Fragmentation of Plastic Products during Daily Use. TOXICS 2023; 11:774. [PMID: 37755784 PMCID: PMC10538053 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In numerous environmental compartments around the world, the existence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment has been verified. A growing number of studies have looked at the interaction between MNPs and human activities due to the risks they may pose to humans. Exposure pathways are key factors in measuring MNPs risks. However, current research largely ignores the contribution of mechanical fragmentation pathways to MNPs exposure during the daily use of plastic products. Our critical review demonstrated the research gap between MNP fragmentation and risk assessments via a network analysis. The release of fragmented MNPs and their properties were also described at various scales, with emphasis on environmental stressors and mechanical fragmentation. In the scenarios of daily use, plastic products such as food packaging and clothing provide acute pathways of MNPs exposure. The release tendency of those products (up to 102 mg MNPs) are several orders of magnitude higher than MNPs abundances in natural compartments. Despite the limited evidence available, waste recycling, landfill and municipal activities represented long-term pathways for MNPs fragmentation and point sources of MNPs pollution in environmental media. Assessing the health effects of the fragmentation process, unfortunately, is further hampered by the current absence of human exposure impact assessments for secondary MNPs. We proposed that future studies should integrate aging evaluation into risk assessment frameworks and establish early warning signs of MNPs released from plastic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Nicholas Craig
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lei Su
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of River and Lake Biochain Construction and Resource Utilization, Shanghai 201702, China
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50
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Pereira LG, Ferreira GVB, Justino AKS, de Oliveira KMT, de Queiroz MT, Schmidt N, Fauvelle V, Carvalho VL, Lucena-Frédou F. Exploring microplastic contamination in Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis): Insights into plastic pollution in the southwestern tropical Atlantic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115407. [PMID: 37611337 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115407] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are considered sentinel species and may act as indicators of ocean health. Plastic residues are widely distributed in the oceans and are recognised as hazardous contaminants, and once ingested can cause several adverse effects on wildlife. This study aimed to identify and characterise plastic ingestion in the Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic by evaluating the stomach contents of stranded individuals through KOH digestion and identification of subsample of particles by LDIR Chemical Imaging System. Most of the individuals were contaminated, and the most common polymers identified were PU, PET and EVA. Microplastics were more prevalent than larger plastic particles (meso- and macroplastics). Smaller particles were detected during the rainy seasons. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the stomach content mass and the number of microplastics, suggesting contamination through trophic transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Gonçalves Pereira
- Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos - Aquasis, Programa de Mamíferos Marinhos, Rua Pintor João Figueiredo, s/n, Iparana, Caucaia, CE 61627-250, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade - Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme V B Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Anne K S Justino
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Kelen Melo Tavares de Oliveira
- Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos - Aquasis, Programa de Mamíferos Marinhos, Rua Pintor João Figueiredo, s/n, Iparana, Caucaia, CE 61627-250, Brazil
| | - Monique Torres de Queiroz
- Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos - Aquasis, Programa de Mamíferos Marinhos, Rua Pintor João Figueiredo, s/n, Iparana, Caucaia, CE 61627-250, Brazil; Instituto Oceanográfico - Universidade de São Paulo, Praça Oceanográfico, 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Natascha Schmidt
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Vincent Fauvelle
- Université de Toulouse, LEGOS (CNES/CNRS/IRD/UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Vitor Luz Carvalho
- Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos - Aquasis, Programa de Mamíferos Marinhos, Rua Pintor João Figueiredo, s/n, Iparana, Caucaia, CE 61627-250, Brazil
| | - Flávia Lucena-Frédou
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade - Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
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