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Santos A, Oliveira M, Lopes I, Almeida M, Venâncio C. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) nanoparticles modulate metals toxicity in Hydra viridissima. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172868. [PMID: 38714257 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172868] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
The use of bioplastics (e.g., polyhydroxybutyrate) emerged as a solution to help reduce plastic pollution caused by conventional plastics. Nevertheless, bioplastics share many characteristics with their conventional counterparts, such as degradation to nano-sized particles and the ability to sorb environmental pollutants, like metals. This study aimed to assess the potential impacts of the interaction of metals (cadmium - Cd, copper - Cu, and zinc - Zn) with polyhydroxybutyrate nanoplastics (PHB-NPLs; ~200 nm) on the freshwater cnidarian Hydra viridissima in terms of mortality rates, morphological alterations, and feeding behavior. The metal concentrations selected for the combined exposures corresponded to concentrations causing 20 %, 50 %, and 80 % of mortality (LC20, LC50, and LC80, respectively) and the PHB-NPLs concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 1000 μg/L. H. viridissima sensitivity to the metals, based on the LC50's, can be ordered as: Zn < Cd < Cu. Combined exposure to metals and PHB-NPLs yielded distinct outcomes concerning mortality, morphological changes, and feeding behavior, uncovering metal- and dose-specific responses. The interaction between Cd-LCx and PHB-NPLs progressed from no effect at LC20,96h to an ameliorative effect at Cd-LC50,96h. Cu-LCx revealed potential mitigation effects (LC20,96h and LC50,96h) but at Cu-LC80,96h the response shifts to a potentiating effect. For Zn-LCx, response patterns across the combinations with PHB-NPLs were like those induced by the metal alone. PHB-NPLs emerged as a key factor capable of modulating the toxicity of metals. This study highlights the context-dependent interactions between metals and PHB-NPLs in freshwater environments while supporting the need for further investigation of the underlying mechanisms and ecological consequences in forthcoming research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santos
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mónica Almeida
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cátia Venâncio
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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2
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Sun C, Teng J, Wang D, Li J, Wang X, Zhao J, Shan E, Chen H, Wang Q. Potential threats of microplastics and pathogenic bacteria to the immune system of the mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106959. [PMID: 38768528 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106959] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
As one of the main components of marine pollution, microplastics (MPs) inevitably enter the mussel aquaculture environment. At the same time, pathogenic bacteria, especially pathogens such as Vibrio, can cause illness outbreaks, leading to large-scale death of mussels. The potential harm of MPs and pathogenic bacteria to bivalve remains unclear. This study designed two experiments (1) mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were exposed to 100 particles/L or 1,000 particles/L polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, 17.01 ± 6.74 μm) MPs and 1 × 107 CFU/mL Vibrio parahaemolyticus at the same time (14 days), and (2) mussels were exposed to 100 particles/L or 1,000 particles/L MPs for a long time (30 days) and then exposed to 1 × 107 CFU/mL V. parahaemolyticus to explore the effects of these two stresses on the mussel immune system. The results showed that after the combined exposure of V. parahaemolyticus and MPs, the lysosomal membrane stability of hemocytes decreased, lysozyme activity was inhibited, and hemocytes were induced to produce more lectins and defensins to fight pathogenic invasion. Long-term exposure to MPs caused a large amount of energy consumption in mussels, inhibited most of the functions of humoral immunity, increased the risk of mussel infection with pathogenic bacteria, and negatively affected mussel condition factor, the number of hemocytes, and the number of byssuses. Mussels may allocate more energy to deal with MPs and pathogenic bacterial infections rather than for growth. Above all, MPs exposure can affect mussel immune function or reduce its stress resistance, which in turn has an impact on mollusk farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofan Sun
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jia Teng
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Dongyu Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jiashen Li
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Encui Shan
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Hao Chen
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China.
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3
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Lee Y, Kim DH, Lee JS, Kim HS, Maszczyk P, Wang M, Yang Z, Wang DZ, Lee JS. Combined exposure to hypoxia and nanoplastics leads to negative synergistic oxidative stress-mediated effects in the water flea Daphnia magna. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116306. [PMID: 38574500 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the combined effects of hypoxia and NPs on the water flea Daphnia magna, a keystone species in freshwater environments. To measure and understand the oxidative stress responses, we used acute toxicity tests, fluorescence microscopy, enzymatic assays, Western blot analyses, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Our findings demonstrate that hypoxia and NPs exhibit a negative synergy that increases oxidative stress, as indicated by heightened levels of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzyme activity. These effects lead to more severe reproductive and growth impairments in D. magna compared to a single-stressor exposure. In this work, molecular investigations revealed complex pathway activations involving HIF-1α, NF-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, illustrating the intricate molecular dynamics that can occur in combined stress conditions. The results underscore the amplified physiological impacts of combined environmental stressors and highlight the need for integrated strategies in the management of aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoseop Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Duck-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Jin-Sol Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Hyung Sik Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Piotr Maszczyk
- Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Minghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Da-Zhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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4
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K S V, Prapanchan VN, Selvan VNI, Karmegam N, Kim W, Barcelo D, Govarthanan M. Microplastics, their abundance, and distribution in water and sediments in North Chennai, India: An assessment of pollution risk and human health impacts. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 263:104339. [PMID: 38564944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104339] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Plastic particles, measuring <5 mm in size, mainly originate from larger plastic debris undergoing degradation, fragmenting into even smaller fragments. The goal was to analyze the spatial diversity and polymer composition of microplastics (MPs) in North Chennai, South India, aiming to evaluate their prevalence and features like composition, dimensions, color, and shape. In 60 sediment samples, a combined count of 1589 particles were detected, averaging 26 particles per 5 g-1 of dry sediment. The water samples from the North Chennai vicinity encompassed a sum of 1588 particles across 71 samples, with an average of 22 items/L. The majority of MPs ranged in size from 1 mm to 500 μm. The ATR-FTIR results identified the predominant types of MPs as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene in sediment and water. The spatial variation analysis revealed high MPs concentration in landfill sites, areas with dense populations, and popular tourist destinations. The pollution load index in water demonstrated that MPs had contaminated all stations. Upon evaluating the polymeric and pollution risks, it was evident that they ranged from 5.13 to 430.15 and 2.83 to 15,963.2, which is relatively low to exceedingly high levels. As the quantity of MPs and hazardous polymers increased, the level of pollution and corresponding risks also escalated significantly. The existence of MPs in lake water, as opposed to open well water, could potentially pose a cancer risk for both children and adults who consume it. Detecting MPs in water samples highlights the significance of implementing precautionary actions to alleviate the potential health hazards they create.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh K S
- Centre for Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V N Prapanchan
- Department of Geology, Anna University, Chennai 600025, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - V N Indhiya Selvan
- Department of Geography, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natchimuthu Karmegam
- PG and Research Department of Botany, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 636007, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India; Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Muthusamy Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India.
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5
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Santos A, Oliveira M, Almeida M, Lopes I, Venâncio C. Short- and long-term toxicity of nano-sized polyhydroxybutyrate to the freshwater cnidarian Hydra viridissima. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170282. [PMID: 38272078 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170282] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of increasingly smaller plastic particles in aquatic ecosystems is a prominent environmental issue and is causing a significant impact on aquatic biota. In response to this challenge, biodegradable plastics have emerged as a potential ecological alternative. Nevertheless, despite recent progress in polymer toxicology, there is still limited understanding of the ecological implications of biodegradable plastics in freshwater ecosystems. This study evaluated the toxicity of polyhydroxybutyrate nano-sized particles (PHB-NPLs) on the freshwater cnidarian Hydra viridissima assessing individual and population-level effects. Data revealed low toxicity of PHB-NPLs to H. viridissima in the short-term, as evidenced by the absence of significant malformations and mortality after the 96-h assays. In addition, hydras exhibited rapid and complete regeneration after 96 h of exposure to PHB-NPLs. Feeding assays revealed no significant alterations in prey consumption behavior in the 96-h mortality and malformations assay and the regeneration assay. However, significantly increased feeding rates were observed after long-term exposure, across all tested concentrations of PHB-NPLs. This increase may be attributed to the organisms' heightened energetic demand, stemming from prolonged activation of detoxification mechanisms. These changes may have a cascading effect within the food web, influencing community dynamics and ecosystem stability. Furthermore, a dose-dependent response on the hydras' populational growth was found, with an estimated 20 % effect concentration (EC20,8d) on this endpoint of 10.9 mg PHB-NPLs/L that suggests potential long-term impacts on the population's reproductive output and potential depression and local extinction upon long-term exposure to PHB-NPLs on H. viridissima. The obtained data emphasizes the importance of evaluating sublethal effects and supports the adoption of long-term assays when assessing the toxicity of novel polymers, providing crucial data for informed regulation to safeguard freshwater ecosystems. Future research should aim to unravel the underlying mechanisms behind these sublethal effects, as well as the impact of the generated degradation products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santos
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Mónica Almeida
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cátia Venâncio
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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6
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Thacharodi A, Hassan S, Meenatchi R, Bhat MA, Hussain N, Arockiaraj J, Ngo HH, Sharma A, Nguyen HT, Pugazhendhi A. Mitigating microplastic pollution: A critical review on the effects, remediation, and utilization strategies of microplastics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119988. [PMID: 38181686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are found ubiquitous in the natural environment and are an increasing source of worry for global health. Rapid industrialization and inappropriate plastic waste management in our daily lives have resulted in an increase in the amount of microplastics in the ecosystem. Microplastics that are <150 μm in size could be easily ingested by living beings and cause considerable toxicity. Microplastics can aggregate in living organisms and cause acute, chronic, carcinogenic, developmental, and genotoxic damage. As a result, a sustainable approach to reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste is required to manage microplastic pollution in the environment. However, there is still a significant lack of effective methods for managing these pollutants. As a result, the purpose of this review is to convey information on microplastic toxicity and management practices that may aid in the reduction of microplastic pollution. This review further insights on how plastic trash could be converted as value-added products, reducing the load of accumulating plastic wastes in the environment, and leading to a beneficial endeavor for humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Thacharodi
- Dr. Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Saqib Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Ramu Meenatchi
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Naseer Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centre of Bioengineering, NatProLab, Plant Innovation Lab, School of Engineering and Sciences, Queretaro, 76130, Mexico
| | - H T Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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7
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Wang M, Lilly K, Martin LMA, Xu W, Tamamis P, Phillips TD. Adsorption and removal of polystyrene nanoplastics from water by green-engineered clays. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120944. [PMID: 38070346 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120944] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) commonly occurs through the consumption of contaminated drinking water. Among these, polystyrene (PS) is well-characterized and is one of the most abundant MNPs, accounting for 10 % of total plastics. Previous studies have focused on carbonaceous materials to remove MNPs by filtration, but most of the work has involved microplastics since nanoplastics (NPs) are smaller in size and more difficult to measure and remove. To address this need, green-engineered chlorophyll-amended sodium and calcium montmorillonites (SMCH and CMCH) were tested for their ability to bind and detoxify parent and fluorescently labeled PSNP using in vitro, in silico, and in vivo assays. In vitro dosimetry, isothermal analyses, thermodynamics, and adsorption/desorption kinetic models demonstrated 1) high binding capacities (173-190 g/kg), 2) high affinities (103), and 3) chemisorption as suggested by low desorption (≤42 %) and high Gibbs free energy and enthalpy (>|-20| kJ/mol) in the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models. Computational dynamics simulations for 30 and 40 monomeric units of PSNP depicted that chlorophyll amendments increased the binding percentage and contributed to the sustained binding. Also, 64 % of PSNP bind to both the head and tail of chlorophyll aggregates, rather than the head or tail only. Fluorescent PSNP at 100 nm and 30 nm that were exposed to Hydra vulgaris showed concentration-dependent toxicity at 20-100 µg/mL. Importantly, the inclusion of 0.05-0.3 % CMCH and SMCH significantly (p ≤ 0.01) and dose-dependently reduced PSNP toxicity in morphological changes and feeding rate. The bioassay validated the in vitro and in silico predictions about adsorption efficacy and mechanisms and suggested that CMCH and SMCH are efficacious binders for PSNP in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Wang
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kendall Lilly
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Leisha M A Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Phanourios Tamamis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Timothy D Phillips
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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8
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Cesarini G, Secco S, Taurozzi D, Venditti I, Battocchio C, Marcheggiani S, Mancini L, Fratoddi I, Scalici M, Puccinelli C. Teratogenic effects of environmental concentration of plastic particles on freshwater organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165564. [PMID: 37467998 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165564] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Given the widespread presence of plastics, especially in micro- and nanoscale sizes, in freshwater systems, it is crucial to identify a suitable model organism for assessing the potential toxic and teratogenic effects of exposure to plastic particles. Until now, the early life stage of freshwater organisms and the regeneration capacity in relation to plastic particles exposure is a still poorly investigated topic. In this study, we examine the teratogenic effect on diatom Cocconeis placentula and cnidarian Hydra vulgaris under controlled exposure conditions of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) (P(S-co-MMA)) particles. Significant effects were observed at the lowest concentrations (0.1 μg/L). A significant increase in the teratological frequency in C. placentula and a significant decrease in the regeneration rate in H. vulgaris were found at the lowest concentration. The delay in hydra regeneration impaired the feeding capacity and tentacles reactivity at 96 h of exposure. No effects on diatom growth were observed upon exposure to P(S-co-MMA) particles (0.1, 1, 100, 10,000 μg/L) for 28 days and these findings agree with other studies investigating algal growth. The application of the Teratogenic Risk Index, modified for diatoms, highlighted a moderate risk for the lowest concentration evaluating C. placentula and low risk at the lowest and the highest concentrations considering H. vulgaris. This study suggests the importance of testing organisms belonging to different trophic levels as diverse teratogenic effects can be found and the need to evaluate environmentally relevant concentrations of plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cesarini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Secco
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Taurozzi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Iole Venditti
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Battocchio
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Marcheggiani
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fratoddi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Camilla Puccinelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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9
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Wolff CM, Singer D, Schmidt A, Bekeschus S. Immune and inflammatory responses of human macrophages, dendritic cells, and T-cells in presence of micro- and nanoplastic of different types and sizes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132194. [PMID: 37572607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs) is a growing concern regarding their impact on aquatic and terrestrial systems and human health. Typical exposure routes of MPs are dermal contact, digestion, and inhalation. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies observed alterations in immunity after MPs exposure, but systemic studies using primary human immune cells are scarce. In our investigation, we addressed the effect of polystyrene (PS) and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) in three different sizes (50-1100 nm) as well as amino-modified PS (PS-NH2; 50 nm) on cells of the adaptive and innate immune system. T-cells isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were least affected regarding the cytotoxicity but displayed increased activation marker expression after 72 h, and strongly modulated cytokine secretion patterns. Conversely, phagocytic dendritic cells and macrophages derived from isolated monocytes were highly sensitive to pristine MPs. Their marker expression suggested a downregulation of the inflammatory phenotypes indicative of M2 macrophage induction after MPs exposure for 24 h. Our results showed that even pristine MPs affected immune cell function and inflammatory phenotype dependent on MPs polymers, size, and immune cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Wolff
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Debora Singer
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anke Schmidt
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
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10
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Zhang HJ, Zhou HR, Pan W, Wang C, Liu YY, Yang L, Tsz-Ki Tsui M, Miao AJ. Accumulation of nanoplastics in human cells as visualized and quantified by hyperspectral imaging with enhanced dark-field microscopy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108134. [PMID: 37595538 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastic (NP) pollution is receiving increasing attention regarding its potential effects on human health. The identification and quantification of intracellular NPs are prerequisites for an accurate risk assessment, but appropriate methods are lacking. Here we present a label-free technique to simultaneously visualize and quantify the bioaccumulation of NPs based on hyperspectral imaging with enhanced dark-field microscopy (HSI-DFM). Using polystyrene NPs (PS NPs) as representative particles, the construction of a hyperspectral library was optimized first with more accurate NP identification achieved when the library was based on intracellular instead of extracellular PS NPs. The PS NPs used herein were labeled with a green fluorescent dye so that the accuracy of HSI-DFM in identifying and quantifying intracellular NPs can be evaluated, by comparing the results with those obtained by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The validation of HSI-DFM for use in determinations of the NP concentration at the single-cell level allows analyses of the accumulation kinetics of NPs in single living cells. The utility of HSI-DFM in different cell lines and with NPs differing in their chemical composition was also demonstrated. HSI-DFM therefore provides a new approach to studies of the accumulation and distribution of NPs in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Hao-Ran Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China; Bureau of Hydrology, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Ministry of Water Resources of People's Republic of China, Wuhan 430010, China
| | - Wei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Yue-Yue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Liuyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- School of Life Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Ai-Jun Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China.
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11
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Cesarini G, Coppola F, Campos D, Venditti I, Battocchio C, Di Giulio A, Muzzi M, Pestana JLT, Scalici M. Nanoplastic exposure inhibits feeding and delays regeneration in a freshwater planarian. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121959. [PMID: 37271363 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of nanoplastics (NPs) is expected to increase in aquatic environments thus potentially threatening freshwater organisms through interactions with plastic particles that variously float, circulate in the water column or sink into the benthos. Studies into the mechanisms of any NP effects are still scarce, particularly with respect to the regenerative ability of biota for which there is no recognised model organism. The present study therefore aimed to investigate behavioural and regeneration responses of the freshwater planarian Girardia tigrina after 10 days exposed to along a gradient 0.01-10 mg/L of poly (styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) NPs (∼426 ± 175 nm). Exposure to NPs induced a significant reduction in planarian feeding rate even at low concentrations (LOEC of 0.01 mg/L), while head regeneration was delayed in a clear dose response way (LOEC of 0.1 mg/L for blastema length). Planaria locomotion assessed was not affected. Our results highlight the potential adverse effects of exposure to poly (styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) NPs and show that feeding behaviour and regeneration of a freshwater benthic organism can be indicators of the resulting toxicity. Planarians are becoming widely used model organisms in ecotoxicology and can help to address potential effects of plastic polymers on regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cesarini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Coppola
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diana Campos
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Iole Venditti
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Battocchio
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - João L T Pestana
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Massimiliano Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
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12
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Isa V, Becchi A, Napper IE, Ubaldi PG, Saliu F, Lavorano S, Galli P. Effects of polypropylene nanofibers on soft corals. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 327:138509. [PMID: 36996920 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Current information regarding the effects of both micro- and nano-plastic debris on coral reefs is limited; especially the toxicity onto corals from nano-plastics originating from secondary sources such as fibers from synthetic fabrics. Within this study, we exposed the alcyonacean coral Pinnigorgia flava to different concentrations of polypropylene secondary nanofibers (0.001, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg/L) and then assayed mortality, mucus production, polyps retraction, coral tissue bleaching, and swelling. The assay materials were obtained by artificially weathering non-woven fabrics retrieved from commercially available personal protective equipment. Specifically, polypropylene (PP) nanofibers displaying a hydrodynamic size of 114.7 ± 8.1 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.431 were obtained after 180 h exposition in a UV light aging chamber (340 nm at 0.76 Wˑm-2ˑnm-1). After 72 h of PP exposure no mortality was observed but there were evident stress responses from the corals tested. Specifically, the application of nanofibers at different concentrations caused significant differences in mucus production, polyps retraction and coral tissue swelling (ANOVA, p < 0.001, p = 0.015 and p = 0.015, respectively). NOEC (No Observed Effect Concentration) and LOEC (Lowest Observed Effect concentration) at 72 h resulted 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively. Overall, the study indicates that PP secondary nanofibers can cause adverse effects on corals and could potentially act as a stress factor in coral reefs. The generality of the method of producing and assaying the toxicity of secondary nanofibers from synthetic textiles is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Isa
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives; Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, GE, 16128, Italy
| | - Alessandro Becchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy
| | - Imogen Ellen Napper
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake's Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Paolo Giuseppe Ubaldi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy.
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, GE, 16128, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives; University of Dubai, Dubai, P.O. Box 14143, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Savuca A, Nicoara MN, Ciobica A, Gorgan DL, Ureche D, Balmus IM. Current Aspects on the Plastic Nano- and Microparticles Toxicity in Zebrafish-Focus on the Correlation between Oxidative Stress Responses and Neurodevelopment. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1810. [PMID: 37889690 PMCID: PMC10252065 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent reports focusing on the extent of plastic pollution have shown that many types of fibers and polymers can now be found in most marine species. The severe contamination of plastic nano-/microparticles (NPs/MPs) mainly results in immediate negative outcomes, such as organic impairments and tissue damage, as well as long-termed negative effects, such as developmental retardation and defects, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), metabolic imbalance, mutagenesis, and teratogenesis. Oxidative responses are currently considered the first line molecular signal to potential toxic stimuli exposure, as the oxidative balance in electron exchange and reactive oxygen species signaling provides efficient harmful stimuli processing. Abnormal signaling or dysregulated ROS metabolism-OS-could be an important source of cellular toxicity, the source of a vicious cycle of environmental and oxidative signaling-derived toxicity. As chemical environmental pollutants, plastic NPs/MPs can also be a cause of such toxicity. Thus, we aimed to correlate the possible toxic effects of plastic NPs/MPs in zebrafish models, by focusing on OS and developmental processes. We found that plastic NPs/MPs toxic effects could be observed during the entire developmental span of zebrafish in close correlation with OS-related changes. Excessive ROS production and decreased antioxidant enzymatic defense due to plastic NPs/MPs exposure and accumulation were frequently associated with acetylcholinesterase activity inhibition, suggesting important neurodevelopmental negative outcomes (cognitive abnormalities, neurodevelopmental retardation, behavioral impairments) and extraneuronal effects, such as impaired digestive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Savuca
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (A.S.)
- Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mircea Nicușor Nicoara
- Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700505 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700505 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, No 54, Independence Street, Sector 5, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
- Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Dragos Lucian Gorgan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Dorel Ureche
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University “Vasile Alecsandri” of Bacau, 600115 Bacau, Romania
| | - Ioana Miruna Balmus
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (A.S.)
- Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700057 Iasi, Romania
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14
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Tamayo-Belda M, Venâncio C, Fernandez-Piñas F, Rosal R, Lopes I, Oliveira M. Effects of petroleum-based and biopolymer-based nanoplastics on aquatic organisms: A case study with mechanically degraded pristine polymers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163447. [PMID: 37094675 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mismanaged plastic litter submitted to environmental conditions may breakdown into smaller fragments, eventually reaching nano-scale particles (nanoplastics, NPLs). In this study, pristine beads of four different types of polymers, three oil-based (polypropylene, PP; polystyrene, PS; and low-density polyethylene, LDPE) and one bio-based (polylactic acid, PLA) were mechanically broken down to obtain more environmentally realistic NPLs and its toxicity to two freshwater secondary consumers was assessed. Thus, effects on the cnidarian Hydra viridissima (mortality, morphology, regeneration ability, and feeding behavior) and the fish Danio rerio (mortality, morphological alterations, and swimming behavior) were tested at NPLs concentrations in the 0.001 to 100 mg/L range. Mortality and several morphological alterations were observed on hydras exposed to 10 and 100 mg/L PP and 100 mg/L LDPE, whilst regeneration capacity was overall accelerated. The locomotory activity of D. rerio larvae was affected by NPLs (decreased swimming time, distance or turning frequency) at environmentally realistic concentrations (as low as 0.001 mg/L). Overall, petroleum- and bio-based NPLs elicited pernicious effects on tested model organisms, especially PP, LDPE and PLA. Data allowed the estimation of NPLs effective concentrations and showed that biopolymers may also induce relevant toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Tamayo-Belda
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cátia Venâncio
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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15
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Gabriel A, Venâncio C, Sousa JP, Leston S, Ramos F, Soares AMVM, Lopes I. Ecotoxicity of eluates obtained from Basamid® contaminated soils is pH dependent: A study with Hydra viridissima, Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161640. [PMID: 36669666 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161640] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Agrochemicals are mostly used to deplete pests and treat diseases in terrestrial agro-ecosystems. However, their transport through the soil, by leaching and/or runoff, may cause them to reach aquatic systems. Environmental parameters, such as soil pH, can affect this transport, by influencing the magnitude of agrochemicals degradation and chemical reaction. This work aimed at investigating the influence of soil pH on the toxicity of eluates obtained from Basamid® contaminated soils to Hydra viridissima, Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio. For this, a natural soil with pH amended to 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5, was spiked with the recommended dose (RD) of Basamid® (145 mg dazomet/kg soil) and eluates (Ba-E) were prepared with the respective species culture medium. Dilutions of the eluates (0.14-100%), obtained from the three soils (Ba-E 5.5, Ba-E 6.5 and Ba-E 7.5, corresponding to soil spiked with Basamid® RD at soil pH of 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5, respectively), were used to expose the organisms. Results showed that for H. viridissima increased soil alkalinity provoked less mortality comparatively to lower soil pH [LD50,96h of Ba-E 5.5: 10.6% and LD50,96h of Ba-E 7.5: 21.2%]. As for X. laevis and D. rerio Ba-E lethal ecotoxicity was similar across soil pH (LD50,96h varied from 5.7 to 6.9% and from 2.1 to 4.3%, respectively). For malformations, 20% effect dilution (ED) in H. viridissima was significantly higher at Ba-E 7.5 (ED20,96h: 17.4%), comparatively to Ba-E 5.5 and Ba-E 6.5 (ED20,96h: 7.9% and 7.7%, respectively). From the three tested organisms and based on both lethal and sublethal effects, H. viridissima presented the highest tolerance to Basamid® eluates and soil pH was a major factor determining the fumigant toxicity, with higher soil pH levels inducing, lower toxicity. The eluates obtained from soils contaminated with RD of Basamid® induced severe effects to the three aquatic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonieta Gabriel
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cátia Venâncio
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José Paulo Sousa
- CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara Leston
- CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; REQUIMTE/LAQV - R. D. Manuel II, Apartado, 55142 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Ramos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV - R. D. Manuel II, Apartado, 55142 Porto, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes
- CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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16
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Cunningham BE, Sharpe EE, Brander SM, Landis WG, Harper SL. Critical gaps in nanoplastics research and their connection to risk assessment. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1154538. [PMID: 37168661 PMCID: PMC10164945 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1154538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Reports of plastics, at higher levels than previously thought, in the water that we drink and the air that we breathe, are generating considerable interest and concern. Plastics have been recorded in almost every environment in the world with estimates on the order of trillions of microplastic pieces. Yet, this may very well be an underestimate of plastic pollution as a whole. Once microplastics (<5 mm) break down in the environment, they nominally enter the nanoscale (<1,000 nm), where they cannot be seen by the naked eye or even with the use of a typical laboratory microscope. Thus far, research has focused on plastics in the macro- (>25 mm) and micro-size ranges, which are easier to detect and identify, leaving large knowledge gaps in our understanding of nanoplastic debris. Our ability to ask and answer questions relating to the transport, fate, and potential toxicity of these particles is disadvantaged by the detection and identification limits of current technology. Furthermore, laboratory exposures have been substantially constrained to the study of commercially available nanoplastics; i.e., polystyrene spheres, which do not adequately reflect the composition of environmental plastic debris. While a great deal of plastic-focused research has been published in recent years, the pattern of the work does not answer a number of key factors vital to calculating risk that takes into account the smallest plastic particles; namely, sources, fate and transport, exposure measures, toxicity and effects. These data are critical to inform regulatory decision making and to implement adaptive management strategies that mitigate risk to human health and the environment. This paper reviews the current state-of-the-science on nanoplastic research, highlighting areas where data are needed to establish robust risk assessments that take into account plastics pollution. Where nanoplastic-specific data are not available, suggested substitutions are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany E. Cunningham
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Emma E. Sharpe
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Susanne M. Brander
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Coastal Oregon Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Wayne G. Landis
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Stacey L. Harper
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, Corvallis, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Stacey L. Harper,
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17
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Bellingeri A, Battocchio C, Faleri C, Protano G, Venditti I, Corsi I. Sensitivity of Hydra vulgaris to Nanosilver for Environmental Applications. TOXICS 2022; 10:695. [PMID: 36422905 PMCID: PMC9695720 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nanosilver applications, including sensing and water treatment, have significantly increased in recent years, although safety for humans and the environment is still under debate. Here, we tested the environmental safety of a novel formulation of silver nanoparticles functionalized with citrate and L-cysteine (AgNPcitLcys) on freshwater cnidarian Hydra vulgaris as an emerging ecotoxicological model for the safety of engineered nanomaterials. AgNPcitLcys behavior was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), while Ag release was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). H. vulgaris (n = 12) subjects were evaluated for morphological aberration after 96 h of exposure and regeneration ability after 96 h and 7 days of exposure, after which the predatory ability was also assessed. The results show a low dissolution of AgNPcitLcys in Hydra medium (max 0.146% of nominal AgNPcitLcys concentration) and highlight a lack of ecotoxicological effects, both on morphology and regeneration, confirming the protective role of the double coating against AgNP biological effects. Predatory ability evaluation suggests a mild impairment of the entangling capacity or of the functionality of the tentacles, as the number of preys killed but not ingested was higher than the controls in all exposed animals. While their long-term sub-lethal effects still need to be further evaluated on H. vulgaris, AgNPcitLcys appears to be a promising tool for environmental applications, for instance, for water treatment and sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Bellingeri
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Battocchio
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University of Rome, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Faleri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Protano
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Iole Venditti
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University of Rome, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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18
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Mohammadi A, Malakootian M, Dobaradaran S, Hashemi M, Jaafarzadeh N. Occurrence, seasonal distribution, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics and phthalate esters in leachates of a landfill site located near the marine environment: Bushehr port, Iran as a case. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156838. [PMID: 35750192 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic wastes are produced in a large amount everywhere, and are commonly disposed in landfills. So landfill leachate seems an obvious source of microplastics (MPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs) due to a huge usage as plastic additives and plasticizers. But this issue still lacks attention and the present study provides the first information on the levels of MPs and PAEs in the fresh landfill leachate of Bushehr port during different seasons. The mean levels of MPs and PAEs in the fresh leachate in all seasons were 79.16 items/L and 3.27 mg/L, respectively. Also, the mean levels of PAEs in MPs were 48.33 μg/g. A statistically significant difference was detected in the levels of MPs and PAEs among different seasons with the highest values in summer and fall. MPs with a size of >1000 μm had the highest abundance in all seasons. The most prominent shape, color, and type of MPs in the leachate were fibers black, and nylon, respectively. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the most dominant PAEs present in the leachate samples. The results of this study revealed high hazard index (HI) and pollution load index (PLI) of MPs in all seasons. Dioctyl phthalate (DOP), DEHP, DBP, diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP) represented a high risk to the sensitive organisms. The results of this study showed that significant levels of MPs and PAEs may release into the surrounding environment from the landfill sites without sufficient protection. This issue is more critical when the landfill sites in particular are located near the marine environments like the Bushehr landfill that is located near the Persian Gulf, which can lead to serious environmental problems. Thus permanent control and monitor of landfills, especially in the coastal areas are highly needed to prevent further pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Mohammadi
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Malakootian
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Majid Hashemi
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Neemat Jaafarzadeh
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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19
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Toh W, Ang EYM, Ng TY, Lin R, Liu Z. Antifouling Bilayer Graphene Slit Membrane for Desalination of Nanoplastic-Infested Seawater: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:43965-43974. [PMID: 36099535 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
It has been shown that the nanoplastic particles present in graphene membranes have a high tendency to cause fouling in them due to the high affinity between graphene and nanoplastic molecules. This poses a significant challenge for the use of graphene membranes for desalination. In this paper, we introduce a double-layer graphene slit membrane as a viable solution to significantly reduce fouling caused by the presence of nanoplastic particles in graphene membranes. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed in this work show that when fouling occurs in a single-layer membrane, the presence of nanoplastics reduces the average permeability by close to 40%, from 1877 LMBH to 1148 LMBH, with a large standard deviation of 26% between runs. With the addition of the secondary membrane, the average permeability increases by 17%, with a significantly reduced standard deviation of 7%. These suggest that the secondary layer acts as a sacrificial shield, attracting the nanoplastic contaminants and preventing them from coming into close proximity with the primary membrane, thus preventing fouling at the primary rejection layer. Furthermore, due to the affinity of the nanoplastic particles with the secondary graphene membrane, this membrane design points toward an effective and efficient way of extracting nanoplastic particles for further analysis or processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Toh
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Elisa Yun Mei Ang
- Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, 10 Dover Drive, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Teng Yong Ng
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Rongming Lin
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Zishun Liu
- International Center for Applied Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
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20
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Venâncio C, Gabriel A, Oliveira M, Lopes I. Feeding exposure and feeding behaviour as relevant approaches in the assessment of the effects of micro(nano)plastics to early life stages of amphibians. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113476. [PMID: 35613634 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The sedimentation of micro and nanosized plastics is of considerable environmental relevance and the need to assess its sublethal effects to biota increasingly recognized. In their majority, as bottom, non-selective grazers, independent-feeding young life stages of amphibians, an already severely endangered worldwide group, may be particularly vulnerable to sedimented plastics. Alongside, they may be good model organisms for the assessment of the effects of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) through ingestion. However, to our knowledge, few studies have assessed amphibians' exposure to MNPs through contaminated food or its effects in feeding behaviour assays. The available studies reveal a lack of consistent methodology: organisms, food type, media of exposure, or exposure conditions (temperature and light) in the assessment of effects. This perspective article, will address major differences found in the available studies, identifying type, size and concentrations of the polymers tested, species, and observed effects, aiming to highlight the importance of feeding exposure assays when attempting to evaluate the effect of MNPs in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Venâncio
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antonieta Gabriel
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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21
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Tamayo-Belda M, Pulido-Reyes G, González-Pleiter M, Martín-Betancor K, Leganés F, Rosal R, Fernández-Piñas F. Identification and toxicity towards aquatic primary producers of the smallest fractions released from hydrolytic degradation of polycaprolactone microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:134966. [PMID: 35588878 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics are thought as a safe substitute of non-biodegradable polymers. However, once released in the environment, biodegradation may be very slow, and they also suffer abiotic fragmentation processes, which may give rise to different fractions of polymer sizes. We present novel data on abiotic hydrolytic degradation of polycaprolactone (PCL), tracking the presence of by-products during 132 days by combining different physicochemical techniques. During the study a considerable amount of two small size plastic fractions were found (up to ∼ 6 mg of PCL by-product/g of PCL beads after 132 days of degradation); and classified as submicron-plastics (sMPs) from 1 μm to 100 nm and nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) as well as oligomers. The potential toxicity of the smallest fractions, PCL by-products < 100 nm (PCL-NPs + PCL oligomers) and the PCL oligomers single fraction, was tested on two ecologically relevant aquatic primary producers: the heterocystous filamentous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, and the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942. Upon exposure to both, single and combined fractions, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) overproduction, intracellular pH and metabolic activity alterations were observed in both organisms, whilst membrane potential and morphological damages were only observed upon PCL-NPs + PCL oligomers exposure. Notably both PCL by-products fractions inhibited nitrogen fixation in Anabaena, which may be clearly detrimental for the aquatic trophic chain. As conclusion, fragmentation of bioplastics may render a continuous production of secondary nanoplastics as well as oligomers that might be toxic to the surrounding biota; both PCL-NPs and PCL oligomers, but largely the nanoparticulate fraction, were harmful for the two aquatic primary producers. Efforts should be made to thoroughly understand the fragmentation of bioplastics and the toxicity of the smallest fractions resulting from that degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Tamayo-Belda
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerardo Pulido-Reyes
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Keila Martín-Betancor
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Leganés
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Zaki MRM, Aris AZ. An overview of the effects of nanoplastics on marine organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154757. [PMID: 35339559 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity and detrimental effects of plastics in the environment have become global environmental concerns over the past decade. Intensive anthropogenic activities, such as urbanisation, industrialisation and increasing population density, have resulted in increased plastic pollution in the environment. Recently, nanoplastics have received increased research attention and concern because of their potential adverse effects on marine organisms. However, the potential ecological issues associated with nanoplastics are not yet fully understood because of the insufficient and limited research conducted to date on baseline data, exposure and associated risks for marine organisms. This review highlights an understanding of the nature and characteristics of nanoplastics, as well as the occurrence of nanoplastics in the marine environment. In the future, the effects of nanoplastics on marine organisms may directly or indirectly influence human health. Thus, this review also highlights the effects of nanoplastics on marine organisms. An overview and insights into the occurrence of nanoplastics in marine environments and their potential effects on marine organisms will facilitate the preventative interventions and measures of nanoplastics pollution in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rozaimi Mohd Zaki
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Zaharin Aris
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
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23
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Vimalkumar K, Sangeetha S, Felix L, Kay P, Pugazhendhi A. A systematic review on toxicity assessment of persistent emerging pollutants (EPs) and associated microplastics (MPs) in the environment using the Hydra animal model. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 256:109320. [PMID: 35227876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Emerging pollutants (EPs) are causative for teratogenic and reproductive effects. EPs are detected in all the environmental matrices at higher levels. A suitable model for aquatic toxicity assessment is Hydra, because of morphological, behavioral, reproductive (sexual and asexual), and biochemical changes. Many researchers have used Hydra for toxicity assessment of organic chemicals (BPA), heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials and microplastics. Various Hydra species were used for environmental toxicity studies; however H. magnipapillata was predominantly used due to the availability of its genome and proteome sequences. Teratogenic and reproductive changes in Hydra are species specific. Teratogenic effects were studied using sterozoom dissecting microscope, acridine orange (AO) and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DPAI) staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by EPs had been understood by the Dichlorodihydrofluorescein Diacetate (DCFDA) staining and comet assay. Multiple advanced techniques would aid to understand the effects at molecular level, such as real-time PCR, rapid amplification of cDNA end- PCR. EPs modulated the major antioxidant enzyme levels, therefore, defense mechanism was affected by the higher generation of reactive oxygen species. Genome sequencing helps to know the mode of action of pollutants, role of enzymes in detoxification, defense genes and stress responsive genes. Molecular techniques were used to obtain the information for evolutionary changes of genes and modulation of gene expression by EPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seethappan Sangeetha
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lewisoscar Felix
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Paul Kay
- School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- Emerging Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications Research Group, School of Engineering and Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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24
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Castro-Castellon AT, Horton AA, Hughes JMR, Rampley C, Jeffers ES, Bussi G, Whitehead P. Ecotoxicity of microplastics to freshwater biota: Considering exposure and hazard across trophic levels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151638. [PMID: 34774956 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to marine ecosystems, the toxicity impact of microplastics in freshwater environments is poorly understood. This contribution reviews the literature on the range of effects of microplastics across and between trophic levels within the freshwater environment, including biofilms, macrophytes, phytoplankton, invertebrates, fish and amphibians. While there is supporting evidence for toxicity in some species e.g. growth reduction for photoautotrophs, increased mortality for some invertebrates, genetic changes in amphibians, and cell internalization of microplastics and nanoplastics in fish; other studies show that it is uncertain whether microplastics can have detrimental long-term impacts on ecosystems. Some taxa have yet to be studied e.g. benthic diatoms, while only 12% of publications on microplastics in freshwater, demonstrate trophic transfer in foodwebs. The fact that just 2% of publications focus on microplastics colonized by biofilms is hugely concerning given the cascading detrimental effects this could have on freshwater ecosystem function. Multiple additional stressors including environmental change (temperature rises and invasive species) and contaminants of anthropogenic origin (antibiotics, metals, pesticides and endocrine disruptors) will likely exacerbate negative interactions between microplastics and freshwater organisms, with potentially significant damaging consequences to freshwater ecosystems and foodwebs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice A Horton
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Jocelyne M R Hughes
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Cordelia Rampley
- Oxford Molecular Biosensors, Centre for Innovation and Enterprise, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford OX5 1PF, UK
| | | | - Gianbattista Bussi
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Paul Whitehead
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
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25
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Singh S, Kumar Naik TSS, Anil AG, Dhiman J, Kumar V, Dhanjal DS, Aguilar-Marcelino L, Singh J, Ramamurthy PC. Micro (nano) plastics in wastewater: A critical review on toxicity risk assessment, behaviour, environmental impact and challenges. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 290:133169. [PMID: 34890615 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
With millions of tonnes of plastic pollution generated every year, small-sized plastic particles, including micro- and nanoplastics, end up in freshwater systems. Due to the very small size and very large specific surface area of nanoplastics, they are known to be persistent and toxic in our environment. These particles are also known to react with other water-borne contaminants and cause acute toxicity in organisms. Nanoplastics are prone to biomagnification and can be transported to humans through various pathways. This study aims to contribute towards understanding the behaviour of nanoplastics in our environment, specifically through identification of various sources, detection techniques, toxicity estimation, health risk in humans, environmental fate, recovery and reuse, and future challenges and limitations. Detailed review on the toxic effects of nanoplastics on various organisms and their degradation rates in soil and water matrices are provided. The suitability of small- and large-scale separation techniques for the removal of nanoplastics in wastewater treatment plants is also discussed. Current challenges and future perspectives in understanding the fate and transport of nanoplastics in the environment are also discussed. Research gaps, including the development of quantification techniques, estimation of degradation mechanisms, transport in marine ecosystems, and development of sensors to examine nanoplastics in the environment, are explored. Finally, we can limit the release of nanoplastics to the environment through reduction, reuse and recycling (3 Rs) of bulk plastic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simranjeet Singh
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 56001, India
| | - T S Sunil Kumar Naik
- Department of Material Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 56001, India
| | - Amith G Anil
- Department of Material Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 56001, India
| | - Jaskaran Dhiman
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Jhansi, UP, India
| | - Daljeet Singh Dhanjal
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144111, India
| | - Liliana Aguilar-Marcelino
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Jiutepec, Morelos, C.P. 62550, Mexico
| | - Joginder Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144111, India.
| | - Praveen C Ramamurthy
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 56001, India.
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26
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Venâncio C, Melnic I, Tamayo-Belda M, Oliveira M, Martins MA, Lopes I. Polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics can cause developmental malformations in early life stages of Xenopus laevis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150491. [PMID: 34844312 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) production has increased almost 20% over the last years. With its release into the aquatic environment, its breakdown or degradation to nano dimensions (nanoplastics-NPLs) due to biological and physical/mechanical action is, theoretically, anticipated. The occurrence of PMMA-NPLs in aquatic ecosystems may thus cause adverse effects particularly to early life stages of amphibians, which may be in contact with PMMA-NPLs suspended in the water column or deposited in upper layers of the sediments. Accordingly, this work aimed at assessing the effects of PMMA-NPLs to aquatic early life stages of the model anuran species Xenopus laevis. To attain this objective, two types of toxicity assays were carried out by exposing embryos [Nieuwkoop and Faber (NF) stage 8-11] or tadpoles (NF 45) to three concentrations of PMMA-NPLs (1, 100 and 1000 μg/L): i) 96-h embryo teratogenicity assay, where survival, malformation, and total body length (BL) of embryos were assessed; and ii) 48-h feeding rate assay, where survival, feeding (FR), malformations and growth rates (body weight-BW and BL) of tadpoles were evaluated. PMMA-NPLs exposure had no significant effects on mortality, malformations of X. laevis embryos but BL was lower at 1000 μg PMMA-NPLs/L. In tadpoles, no effects on survival or FR were observed after exposure to PMMA-NPLs, but significant changes occured in BW and BL. Moreover, anatomical changes in the abdominal region (externalization of the gut) were observed in 62.5% of the tadpoles exposed to 1000 μg PMMA-NPLs/L. Despite the lack of knowledge regarding the environmental levels of NPLs, it is expected that sediments constitute a sink for these contaminants, where they can become available for organisms that, like tadpoles, feed on the organic matter at the surface of sediments. Considering the continuous release and subsequent accumulation of PMMA, the malformations obtained in the feeding assays suggest that, in the future, these nano-polymers may constitute a risk for aquatic life stages of amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Venâncio
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - I Melnic
- Faculty of Biology Alexandru Ioan Cuza, University of Iași, Romania
| | - M Tamayo-Belda
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M A Martins
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - I Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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27
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Balasch JC, Brandts I, Barría C, Martins MA, Tvarijonaviciute A, Tort L, Oliveira M, Teles M. Short-term exposure to polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics alters muscle antioxidant response, development and growth in Sparus aurata. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112918. [PMID: 34526262 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plastic fragments have been found abundant in the environment, but the knowledge regarding its effects on the physiology of aquatic animals is still poorly studied. Here the short-term (96 h) effects of waterborne exposure to PMMA nanoplastics (PMMA-NPs) on the muscle of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fingerlings was evaluated at a concentration range that includes 0.001 up to 10 mg/L. The expression of key transcripts related to cell stress, tissue repair, immune response, antioxidant status and muscle development, together with several biochemical endpoints and metabolic parameters. Results indicate that exposure to PMMA-NPs elicit mildly antioxidant responses, enhanced the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and inhibited key regulators of muscle development (growth hormone receptors ghr-1/ghr-2 and myostatin, mstn-1 transcripts). However, no effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1β, il1β and tumor necrosis factor α, tnfα) expression nor on the levels of energetic substrates (glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol) were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Balasch
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Brandts
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Barría
- Programa de doctorado en Ciencias de la Acuicultura, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile; Centro de Investigación y Gestión de Recursos Naturales (CIGREN), Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - M A Martins
- Department of Physics & CICECO, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A Tvarijonaviciute
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis INTERLAB-UMU, Regional Campus of International Excellence Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - L Tort
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M Teles
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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28
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Li Y, Du X, Liu Z, Zhang M, Huang Y, Tian J, Jiang Q, Zhao Y. Two genes related to reproductive development in the juvenile prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense: Molecular characterization and transcriptional response to nanoplastic exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 281:130827. [PMID: 34015647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the form of nanoplastics poses a global threat to aquatic ecosystems and the organisms inhabiting them. However, few studies have been conducted on the effects of nanoplastic exposure on reproductive development in crustaceans. In order to address this issue, juvenile oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense) were exposed to different concentrations of 75-nm polystyrene nanoplastics (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/L) for 28 days. In order to study the regulation of reproduction-related genes in the presence of nanoplastics, the Wee1 protein kinase gene (Wee1) and OTU domain ubiquitin aldehyde binding protein gene (OTUB) were selected. In this study, for the first time, the full-length cDNA of Mn-Wee1 and Mn-OTUB were cloned from M. nipponense. Homologous alignments revealed that Mn-Wee1 had a highly conserved function-critical sequence, and that Mn-OTUB was more closely related to OTUB1 than OTUB2. With increasing concentration of nanoplastics, the expression of both genes increased initially, then decreased. The inhibition of expression of Wee1 and OTUB occurred in 40 mg/L group, respectively. Analysis of the data also indicated that nanoplastic exposure might have differing effects on gene expression in M. nipponense male and female reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xinglin Du
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Youhui Huang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jiangtao Tian
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Qichen Jiang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, 210017, China
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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K MB, Natesan U, R V, R PK, R R, S S. Spatial distribution of microplastic concentration around landfill sites and its potential risk on groundwater. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 277:130263. [PMID: 33770695 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plastic plays a major role in today's human life; moreover, it becomes a part of our life, yet it is a most challenging threat for the freshwater ecosystems in the future. The present study identifies, characterizes, and quantifies the microplastics in groundwater samples around Perungudi and Kodungaiyur municipal solid waste dumpsites in South India. To evaluate and assess the microplastic abundance, characteristics (composite, size, colour, shape, and surface morphology), detection methods of plastic particles, and potential risk factors from the absorption of microplastic in groundwater. Further, the microplastic particle classification was performed using LB-340 Zoom Stereo Microscope with LED Illumination, ATR-FTIR fitted with SEM with EDX analyzer. The groundwater samples (n = 20) were found contaminated with microplastic particles in the range of 2-80 items/L with coloured particles, white (38%), black (27%), green (8%), red (18%), blue (6%), and yellow (2%). The polymer type was found to occur in the following order: nylon (70%), pellets (18%), foam (6%), fragments (3%), fibers/PVC (2%), and polythene (1%). In both sampling sites, 90% of microplastics are derived from the buried plastics and waste fragmentation which are predominantly of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS). Micro and nano plastics abundance in groundwater is of paramount importance as it has a major impact on human health. This study throws light on the characteristics and quantification of the microplastics in groundwater that initiates further research by which microplastics enter into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manikanda Bharath K
- Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, India.
| | - Usha Natesan
- Centre for Water Resource, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, India
| | - Vaikunth R
- Department of Civil Engineering, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai, Tami Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Praveen Kumar R
- Department of Civil Engineering, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai, Tami Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Ruthra R
- Department of Civil Engineering, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai, Tami Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Srinivasalu S
- Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, India
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