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Shao Y, Li Y, Wang D. Polylactic acid microplastics cause transgenerational reproductive toxicity associated with activation of insulin and hedgehog ligands in C. elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 942:173746. [PMID: 38851356 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173746] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
As a member of biodegradable plastics, exposure risk of polylactic acid microplastic (PLA-MP) has received attention recently. Toxicity of PLA-MP at parental generation (P0-G) has been observed in some organisms; however, its possible transgenerational toxicity and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In Caenorhabditis elegans, 10 and 100 μg/L PLA-MP resulted in transgenerational inhibition in reproductive capacity and transgenerational damage on gonad development. Meanwhile, transgenerational increase in germline apoptosis was detected after PLA-MP exposure at P0-G, which was associated with transgenerational dysregulation in expressions of genes governing apoptosis (ced-3, ced-4, egl-1, and ced-9) and DNA damage related genes (cep-1, mrt-2, hus-1, and clk-2). Among secreted ligand genes, PLA-MP exposure induced transgenerational increase in expression of ins-39 and wrt-3, and RNAi of ins-39 and wrt-3 inhibited germline apoptosis in PLA-MP exposed nematodes. Additionally, PLA-MP caused transgenerational increase in expression of met-2 and set-6 encoding histone methylation transferases, and germline apoptosis induced by PLA-MP could be suppressed by RNAi of met-2 and set-6. Dysregulated expressions of some apoptosis and DNA damage related genes caused by PLA-MP were reversed by RNAi of ins-39, wrt-3, met-2, and set-6. Moreover, in PLA-MP exposed animals, expression of ins-39 and wrt-3 could be further inhibited by RNAi of met-2 and set-6. Therefore, PLA-MP potentially induced reproductive toxicity across multiple generations, which was under the control of MET-2 and SET-6 activated ligands of INS-39 and WRT-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Shao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunhui Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Dayong Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
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2
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Sun A, Wang WX. Differentiation of cellular responses to particulate and soluble constituents in sunscreen products. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134791. [PMID: 38833954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134791] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Despite the growing awareness of potential human and environmental risks associated with sunscreens, identifying the specific constituents responsible for their potential toxicity is challenging. In this study, we applied three different types of sunscreens with contrasting compositions and compared the effects of their particulate and soluble fractions based on 15 cellular biomarkers of HaCaT cells. Multilinear regression analysis revealed that the internalized soluble fractions played a primary role in the overall cytotoxicity of sunscreen mixtures, which was primarily attributed to their biotransformation, generating metabolites with higher toxicity. The presence of plastic microspheres in sunscreens either inhibited the internalization of soluble fractions or led to their redistribution toward lysosomes. Conversely, subcellular toxicity resulting from the sunscreen mixture was predominantly influenced by particulates. Bio-transformable particulates such as ZnO dissolved in the organelles and induced higher subcellular toxicity compared to bioinert particulates such as microplastics. Subcellular biomarkers including lysosomal count, lysosomal size, mitochondrial count and mitochondrial shape emerged as the potential predictors of sunscreen presence. Our study provides important understanding of sunscreen toxicity by elucidating the differential impacts of particulate and soluble fractions in mixture contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Sun
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China.
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3
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Xu Y, Peng BY, Zhang X, Xu Q, Yang L, Chen J, Zhou X, Zhang Y. The aging of microplastics exacerbates the damage to photosynthetic performance and bioenergy production in microalgae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa). WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121841. [PMID: 38820734 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121841] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The toxicity of microplastics (MPs) on freshwater plants has been widely studied, yet the influence of aged MPs remains largely unexplored. Herein, we investigated the influence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs, both before and after aging, at different environmentally relevant concentrations on Chlorella pyrenoidosa, a freshwater microalgae species widely recognized as a valuable biomass resource. During a 96-h period, both virgin and aged MPs hindered the growth of C. pyrenoidosa. The maximum growth inhibition rates were 32.40 % for virgin PVC at 250 mg/L and 44.72 % for aged PVC at 100 mg/L, respectively. Microalgae intracellular materials, i.e., protein and carbohydrate contents, consistently decreased after MP exposure, with more pronounced inhibition observed with aged PVC. Meanwhile, the MP aging significantly promoted the nitrogen uptake of C. pyrenoidosa, i.e., 1693.45 ± 42.29 mg/L (p < 0.01), contributing to the production of humic acid-like substances. Additionally, aged PVC induced lower chlorophyll a and Fv/Fm when compared to virgin PVC, suggesting a more serious inhibition of the photosynthesis process of microalgae. The toxicity of MPs to C. pyrenoidosa was strongly associated with intercellular oxidative stress levels. The results indicate that MP aging exacerbates the damage to photosynthetic performance and bioenergy production in microalgae, providing critical insights into the toxicity analysis of micro(nano)plastics on freshwater plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Bo-Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Eco-environmental Protection Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Qianfeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Libin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Jiabin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yalei Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 200092, China.
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4
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Wen L, Man X, Luan J, Zhang S, Zhao C, Bao Y, Liu C, Feng X. Early-life exposure to five biodegradable plastics impairs eye development and visually-mediated behavior through disturbing hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in zebrafish larvae. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 284:109981. [PMID: 39033795 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have been commonly developed and applied as an alternative to traditional plastics, which cause environmental plastic pollution. However, biodegradable plastics still present limitations such as stringent degradation conditions and slow degradation rate, and may cause harm to the environment and organisms. Consequently, in this study, zebrafish was used to evaluate the effects of five biodegradable microplastics (MPs), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) exposure on the early development, retina morphology, visually-mediated behavior, and thyroid signaling at concentrations of 1 mg/L and 100 mg/L. The results indicated that all MPs induced decreased survival rate, reduced body length, smaller eyes, and smaller heads, affecting the early development of zebrafish larvae. Moreover, the thickness of retinal layers, including inner plexiform layer (IPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), and retinal ganglion layer (RGL) was decreased, and the expression of key genes related to eye and retinal development was abnormally altered after all MPs exposure. Exposure to PBS and PBAT led to abnormal visually-mediated behavior, indicating likely affected the visual function. All MPs could also cause thyroid system disorders, among which alterations in the thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) genes could affect the retinal development of zebrafish larvae. In summary, biodegradable MPs exhibited eye developmental toxicity and likely impaired the visual function in zebrafish larvae. This provided new evidence for revealing the effects of biodegradable plastics on aquatic organism development and environmental risks to aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wen
- China Shenhua Coal to Liquid and Chemical CO., LTD. of China Energy, Beijing 100011, China
| | - Xiaoting Man
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jialu Luan
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuhui Zhang
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chengtian Zhao
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yehua Bao
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Congzhi Liu
- China Shenhua Coal to Liquid and Chemical CO., LTD. of China Energy, Beijing 100011, China.
| | - Xizeng Feng
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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5
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Zheng D, Duan J, Wu Y, Dong W. Mechanistic insight into the photoconversion of losartan potassium mediated by different types of microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135143. [PMID: 39018600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays the proliferation of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments and impacts on the fate of organic contaminants (OCs) has drawn sustained worldwide attention. In this study, we investigated the effects of different types and aging degrees of MPs, specifically polystyrene (PSMPs), polyethylene terephthalate (PETMPs), and polylactic acid (PLAMPs), on the photo-transformation of LSTPs. Our results revealed that the facilitation of LSTP photoconversion by PSMPs exhibited a positive linear relationship with aging degree. On the other hand, the effects of PETMPs with different oxidation levels on LSTP photoconversion were weak, while the contribution of PLAMPs decreased as aging increased. Characterizations, quenching and probing experiments showed the aging mechanisms and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) converged among various MPs. Specifically, theoretical calculations, TOC and GC-MS were conducted to verify that in the PLA0-mediated systems, it was the intermediates of PLA0 that prevailed in promoting the photoconversion of LSTP. The aged PLA own have a large propensity to consume ROS, which diminished their promotion of LSTP degradation. This differd from the reactions involving PSMPs and PETMPs, where the microplastic particles themselves were the main drivers of the photoconversion process rather than intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiehan Duan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanlin Wu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, China.
| | - Wenbo Dong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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6
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Lai Z, Wei Y, He M, Lin C, Ouyang W, Liu X. Toxicity and related molecular mechanisms of Sb(III) in the embryos and larvae of zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124551. [PMID: 39004205 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Antimony (Sb) pollution poses a severe threat to humans and ecosystems due to the extensive use of Sb in various fields. However, little is known about the toxic effects of Sb and its aquatic ecotoxicological mechanism. This study aimed to reveal the toxicity and related molecular mechanisms of trivalent Sb (Sb(III)) in zebrafish embryos/larvae. Sb(III) accumulated in larvae, which correlated with the exposure concentration. Although no significant lethal or teratogenic effects were observed, normal growth and development were affected. Exposure to 10 or 20 mg/L Sb(III) increased the levels of reactive oxygen species in the larvae while enhancing catalase activity and increasing cell apoptosis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Sb(III) promoted glutathione metabolism and the ferroptosis pathway. In addition, symptoms associated with ferroptosis, including mitochondrial damage, biochemical levels of related molecules and increased tissue iron content, were detected. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses further confirmed that Sb(III) significantly altered the transcription levels of genes related to the ferroptosis pathway by disrupting iron homeostasis. Furthermore, ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) mitigated the toxic effects induced by Sb(III) in zebrafish. Our research fills the gap in the literature on the toxicity and mechanism of Sb(III) in aquatic organisms, which is highly important for understanding the ecological risks associated with Sb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yihan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Mengchang He
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Chunye Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Wei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, China
| | - Xitao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
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7
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Zhang W, Teng M, Yan J. Combined effect and mechanism of microplastic with different particle sizes and levofloxacin on developing Rana nigromaculata: Insights from thyroid axis regulation and immune system. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 366:121833. [PMID: 39003906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) usually appear in the aquatic environment as complex pollutants with other environmental pollutants, such as levofloxacin (LVFX). After 45-day exposure to LVFX and MPs with different particle sizes at environmental levels, we measured the weight, snout-to-vent length (SVL), and development stages of Rana nigromaculata. Furthermore, we analyzed proteins and genes related to immune system and thyroid axis regulation, intestinal histological, and bioaccumulation of LVFX and MPs in the intestine and brain to further explore the toxic mechanism of co-exposure. We found MPs exacerbated the effect of LVFX on growth and development, and the order of inhibitory effects is as follows: LVFX-MP3>LVFX-MP1>LVFX-MP2. 0.1 and 1 μm MP could penetrate the blood-brain barrier, interact with LVFX in the brain, and affect growth and development by regulating thyroid axis. Besides, LVFX with MPs caused severer interference on thyroid axis compared with LVFX alone. However, 10 μm MP was prone to accumulating in the intestine, causing severe histopathological changes, interfering with the intestinal immune system and influencing growth and development through immune enzyme activity. Thus, we concluded that MPs could regulate the thyroid axis by interfering with the intestinal immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Miaomiao Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Jin Yan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
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8
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Pinaeva LG, Noskov AS. Biodegradable biopolymers: Real impact to environment pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174445. [PMID: 38981547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Biobased biodegradable polymers (BBP) derived from different renewable resources are commonly considered as attractive alternative to petroleum-based polymers, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. It is because they can address the issues of serious environmental problems resulted from accumulation of plastic wastes. In the review current methods of obtaining of most abundant BBP, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), have been studied with an emphasis on the toxicity of compounds used for their production and additives improving consumer characteristics of PLA and PHB based market products. Substantial part of additives was the same used for traditional polymers. Analysis of the data on the response of different organisms and plants on exposure to these materials and their degradation products confirmed the doubts about real safety of BBP. Studies of safer additives are scarce and are of vital importance. Meanwhile, technologies of recycling of traditional petroleum-based polymers were shown to be well-developed, which cannot be said about PLA or PHB based polymers, and their blends with petroleum-based polymers. Therefore, development of more environmentally friendly components and sustainable technologies of production are necessary before following market expansion of biobased biodegradable products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa G Pinaeva
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, Pr. Akad. Lavrentieva, 5, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Aleksandr S Noskov
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, Pr. Akad. Lavrentieva, 5, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
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Liang B, Deng Y, Zhong Y, Chen X, Huang Y, Li Z, Huang X, Yang X, Du J, Ye R, Xian H, Feng Y, Bai R, Fan B, Yang X, Huang Z. Gastrointestinal Incomplete Degradation Exacerbates Neurotoxic Effects of PLA Microplastics via Oligomer Nanoplastics Formation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401009. [PMID: 38751156 PMCID: PMC11267364 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401009] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics, hailed for their environmental friendliness, may pose unforeseen risks as they undergo gastrointestinal degradation, forming oligomer nanoplastics. Despite this, the influence of gastrointestinal degradation on the potential human toxicity of biodegradable plastics remains poorly understood. To this end, the impact of the murine in vivo digestive system is investigated on the biotransformation, biodistribution, and toxicity of PLA polymer and PLA oligomer MPs. Through a 28-day repeated oral gavage study in mice, it is revealed that PLA polymer and oligomer microplastics undergo incomplete and complete degradation, respectively, in the gastrointestinal tract. Incompletely degraded PLA polymer microplastics transform into oligomer nanoplastics, heightening bioavailability and toxicity, thereby exacerbating overall toxic effects. Conversely, complete degradation of PLA oligomer microplastics reduces bioavailability and mitigates toxicity, offering a potential avenue for toxicity reduction. Additionally, the study illuminates shared targets and toxicity mechanisms in Parkinson's disease-like neurotoxicity induced by both PLA polymer and PLA oligomer microplastics. This involves the upregulation of MICU3 in midbrains, leading to neuronal mitochondrial calcium overload. Notably, neurotoxicity is mitigated by inhibiting mitochondrial calcium influx with MCU-i4 or facilitating mitochondrial calcium efflux with DBcAMP in mice. These findings enhance the understanding of the toxicological implications of biodegradable microplastics on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxuan Liang
- The Tenth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital)Southern Medical UniversityDongguan523059China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Yizhou Zhong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Yuji Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Zhiming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Xiyun Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Jiaxin Du
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Rongyi Ye
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Hongyi Xian
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Yu Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Ruobing Bai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Bingchi Fan
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Xingfen Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchResearch Center for Food safety and HealthSchool of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510280China
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10
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Chen S, Qiu G. Physiological and multi-omics analysis reveals the influence of copper on Halophila beccarii Asch. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 212:108785. [PMID: 38824692 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
High concentrations of copper can pollute coastal waters, primarily from agricultural runoff and mining activities, which can harm marine organisms, including seagrasses. The molecular mechanism of copper toxicity to seagrass currently remains unclear. To determine the response to copper, physiological and multi-omic analyses were conducted to explore the molecular mechanism by which copper affects the global threatened seagrass Halophila beccarii Asch. Excessive copper stress causes oxidative damage and stimulates the activity of the antioxidant enzyme system to remove excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing the damage caused by copper stress. Cu increases the activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11), glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9), ascorbate oxidase (EC 1.10.3.3), glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2), and dehydroascorbate reductase (EC 1.8.5.1) and the content of malondialdehyde and reduces the activity of monodehydroascorbate reductase (EC 1.6.5.4). Under copper stress, H. beccarii upregulates the metabolic pathways of steroid biosynthesis and cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis, downregulates the metabolic pathways of arginine and proline metabolism and fructose and mannose metabolism; the levels of expression of the ribosome-related genes; upregulates the levels of expression of circadian rhythm-related proteins and downregulates the levels of glutathione metabolism and the proteins related to carbon fixation. This study provides new insights into the response of seagrass to copper stress and reports potential candidate metabolites, genes, and proteins that can be considered as biomarkers to improve the protection and management of seagrass meadows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Chen
- Guangxi Key Lab of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization, Guangxi Academy of Marine Sciences (Guangxi Mangrove Research Center), Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Beihai, Guangxi, 536007, China.
| | - Guanglong Qiu
- Guangxi Key Lab of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization, Guangxi Academy of Marine Sciences (Guangxi Mangrove Research Center), Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Beihai, Guangxi, 536007, China.
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11
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Wang D, Xiong F, Wu L, Liu Z, Xu K, Huang J, Liu J, Ding Q, Zhang J, Pu Y, Sun R. A progress update on the biological effects of biodegradable microplastics on soil and ocean environment: A perfect substitute or new threat? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118960. [PMID: 38636648 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Conventional plastics are inherently difficult to degrade, causing serious plastic pollution. With the development of society, biodegradable plastics (BPs) are considered as an alternative to traditional plastics. However, current research indicated that BPs do not undergo complete degradation in natural environments. Instead, they may convert into biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) at an accelerated rate, thereby posing a significant threat to environment. In this paper, the definition, application, distribution, degradation behaviors, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of BPs were reviewed. And the impacts of BMPs on soil and marine ecosystems, in terms of physicochemical property, nutrient cycling, microorganisms, plants and animals were comprehensively summarized. The effects of combined exposure of BMPs with other pollutants, and the mechanism of ecotoxicity induced by BMPs were also addressed. It was found that BMPs reduced pH, increased DOC content, and disrupted the nitrification of nitrogen cycle in soil ecosystem. The shoot dry weight, pod number and root growth of soil plants, and reproduction and body length of soil animals were inhibited by BMPs. Furthermore, the growth of marine plants, and locomotion, body length and survival of marine animals were suppressed by BMPs. Additionally, the ecotoxicity of combined exposure of BMPs with other pollutants has not been uniformly concluded. Exposure to BMPs induced several types of toxicity, including neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity and genotoxicity. The future calls for heightened attention towards the regulation of the degradation of BPs in the environment, and pursuit of interventions aimed at mitigating their ecotoxicity and potential health risks to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lingjie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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12
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Xu T, Chen H, Zhang L, Xie D, Tan S, Guo H, Xiang M, Yu Y. Aged polystyrene microplastics cause reproductive impairment via DNA-damage induced apoptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142519. [PMID: 38830467 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Although polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) could induce toxic effects on environmental organisms, the toxicity of aged PS-MPs with H2O2 on soil organisms remains unclear. Our study utilized Caenorhabditis elegans as model organism to examine the reproductive toxicity of pristine PS-MPs (pPS-MPs) and aged PS-MPs (aPS-MPs) at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1-100 μg/L). Acute exposure to aPS-MPs could induce greater reproductive impairment compared to pPS-MPs, as evidenced by changes in brood size and egg release. Assessment of gonad development using the number of mitotic cells, length of gonad arm, and relative area of gonad arm as parameters revealed a high reproductive toxicity caused by aPS-MPs exposure. Furthermore, aPS-MPs exposure promoted substantial germline apoptosis. Additionally, exposure to aPS-MPs (100 μg/L) markedly altered the expression of DNA damage-induced apoptosis-related genes (e.g., egl-1, cep-1, clk-2, ced-3, -4, and -9). Alterations in germline apoptosis caused by aPS-MPs were observed in mutants of cep-1, hus-1, egl-1, ced-3, -4, and -9. Consequently, the augmentation of reproductive toxicity resulting from aPS-MPs exposure was attributed to DNA damage-triggered cellular apoptosis. Additionally, the EGL-1-CEP-1-HUS-1-CED-3-CED-4-CED-9 signaling pathway was identified as a key regulator of germline apoptosis in nematodes. Our study provides insights into potential environmental risk of aPS-MPs with H2O2 on environmental organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, 710048, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Luohong Zhang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, 710048, China
| | - Dongli Xie
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404100, China
| | - Shihui Tan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Hongzhi Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, 404100, China
| | - Mingdeng Xiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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13
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Ahsan WA, Lin C, Hussain A, Sheraz M. Sustainable struggling: decoding microplastic released from bioplastics-a critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:554. [PMID: 38760486 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12721-z] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the complex issue of plastic pollution, focusing on the emergence of biodegradable plastics (BDPs) as a potential alternative to traditional plastics. While BDPs seem promising, recent findings reveal that a large number of BDPs do not fully degrade in certain natural conditions, and they often break down into microplastics (MPs) even faster than conventional plastics. Surprisingly, research suggests that biodegradable microplastics (BDMPs) could have more significant and long-lasting effects than petroleum-based MPs in certain environments. Thus, it is crucial to carefully assess the ecological consequences of BDPs before widely adopting them commercially. This review thoroughly examines the formation of MPs from prominent BDPs, their impacts on the environment, and adsorption capacities. Additionally, it explores how BDMPs affect different species, such as plants and animals within a particular ecosystem. Overall, these discussions highlight potential ecological threats posed by BDMPs and emphasize the need for further scientific investigation before considering BDPs as a perfect solution to plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wazir Aitizaz Ahsan
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan.
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan.
| | - Adnan Hussain
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan
| | - Mahshab Sheraz
- Advanced Textile R&D, Department Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
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14
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Liu S, He Y, Yin J, Zhu Q, Liao C, Jiang G. Neurotoxicities induced by micro/nanoplastics: A review focusing on the risks of neurological diseases. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134054. [PMID: 38503214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134054] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Pollution of micro/nano-plastics (MPs/NPs) is ubiquitously prevalent in the environment, leading to an unavoidable exposure of the human body. Despite the protection of the blood-brain barrier, MPs/NPs can be transferred and accumulated in the brain, which subsequently exert negative effects on the brain. Nevertheless, the potential neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerative risks of MPs/NPs remain largely unexplored. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of recent studies related to the neurotoxicity of MPs/NPs. It covers the environmental hazards and human exposure pathways, translocation and distribution into the brain, the neurotoxic effects, and the possible mechanisms of environmental MPs/NPs. MPs/NPs are widely found in different environment matrices, including air, water, soil, and human food. Ambient MPs/NPs can enter the human body by ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact, then be transferred into the brain via the blood circulation and nerve pathways. When MPs/NPs are present in the brain, they can initiate a series of molecular or cellular reactions that may harm the blood-brain barrier, cause oxidative stress, trigger inflammatory responses, affect acetylcholinesterase activity, lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, and impair autophagy. This can result in abnormal protein folding, loss of neurons, disruptions in neurotransmitters, and unusual behaviours, ultimately contributing to the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative changes and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Key challenges and further research directions are also proposed in this review as more studies are needed to focus on the potential neurotoxicity of MPs/NPs under realistic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yinling He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jia Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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15
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Piyathilake U, Lin C, Bolan N, Bundschuh J, Rinklebe J, Herath I. Exploring the hidden environmental pollution of microplastics derived from bioplastics: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141773. [PMID: 38548076 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics might be an ecofriendly alternative to traditional plastics. However, recent studies have emphasized that even bioplastics can end up becoming micro- and nano-plastics due to their degradation under ambient environmental conditions. Hence, there is an urgent need to assess the hidden environmental pollution caused by bioplastics. However, little is known about the evolutionary trends of bibliographic data, degradation pathways, formation, and toxicity of micro- and nano-scaled bioplastics originating from biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch-based plastics. Therefore, the prime objective of the current review was to investigate evolutionary trends and the latest advancements in the field of micro-bioplastic pollution. Additionally, it aims to confront the limitations of existing research on microplastic pollution derived from the degradation of bioplastic wastes, and to understand what is needed in future research. The literature survey revealed that research focusing on micro- and nano-bioplastics has begun since 2012. This review identifies novel insights into microbioplastics formation through diverse degradation pathways, including photo-oxidation, ozone-induced degradation, mechanochemical degradation, biodegradation, thermal, and catalytic degradation. Critical research gaps are identified, including defining optimal environmental conditions for complete degradation of diverse bioplastics, exploring micro- and nano-bioplastics formation in natural environments, investigating the global occurrence and distribution of these particles in diverse ecosystems, assessing toxic substances released during bioplastics degradation, and bridging the disparity between laboratory studies and real-world applications. By identifying new trends and knowledge gaps, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations and sustainable solutions in the realm of sustainable management of bioplastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udara Piyathilake
- Environmental Science Division, National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, 2000, Sri Lanka
| | - Chuxia Lin
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, The University of Southern Queensland, West Street, 4350, QLD, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Indika Herath
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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16
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Du T, Qian L, Shao S, Xing T, Li T, Wu L. Comparison of sulfide-induced transformation of biodegradable and conventional microplastics: Mechanism and environmental fate. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 253:121295. [PMID: 38354663 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have been massively produced and used as potential substitutes for conventional plastics, resulting in their inevitable entry into the environment and generation of biodegradable microplastics (MPs). The sulfidation transformation of MPs is an important process for their transformation in anoxic environments (e.g., sediments, anaerobic activated sludges) that can alter their environmental effects and risks. However, how sulfides induce the transformation of biodegradable MPs and whether they are similar to conventional MPs remains unknown. In the present study, we compared the transformation and mechanism of conventional polyethylene (PE) MPs and biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) MPs during sulfidation. The results demonstrated that sulfidation resulted in oxidation of PE MPs, whereas PBAT MPs underwent reduction and had higher physical damage, as evidenced by fragmentation, chain scission and organic compound release. Besides, reactive oxygen species and sulfide species played important roles in the sulfidation of PE and PBAT MPs, respectively. The presence of ester groups in PBAT MPs led to their hydrolysis, causing chain scission and further reduction. Furthermore, sulfidation caused a higher degree of adsorption and toxicity alterations in PBAT MPs than in PE MPs. This work uncovers critical abiotic transformation behaviors of biodegradable microplastics and highlights the necessity of considering microplastic structural features to accurately predict microplastic occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Du
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Liwen Qian
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Song Shao
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Tianran Xing
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Tong Li
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Lijun Wu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
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17
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Alaraby M, Abass D, Farre M, Hernández A, Marcos R. Are bioplastics safe? Hazardous effects of polylactic acid (PLA) nanoplastics in Drosophila. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170592. [PMID: 38354814 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The expanded uses of bioplastics require understanding the potential health risks associated with their exposure. To address this issue, Drosophila melanogaster as a versatile terrestrial in vivo model was employed, and polylactic acid nanoplastics (PLA-NPLs), as a proxy for bioplastics, were tested as a material model. Effects were determined in larvae exposed for 4 days to different concentrations (25, 100, and 400 μg/mL) of 463.9 ± 129.4 nm PLA-NPLs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) approaches permitted the detection of PLA-NPLs in the midgut lumen of Drosophila larvae, interacting with symbiotic bacteria. Enzymatic vacuoles were observed as carriers, collecting PLA-NPLs and enabling the crossing of the peritrophic membrane, finally internalizing into enterocytes. Although no toxic effects were observed in egg-to-adult survival, cell uptake of PLA-NPLs causes cytological disturbances and the formation of large vacuoles. The translocation across the intestinal barrier was demonstrated by their presence in the hemolymph. PLA-NPL exposure triggered intestinal damage, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation responses, as evaluated via a wide set of marker genes. Collectively, these structural and molecular interferences caused by PLA-NPLs generated high levels of oxidative stress and DNA damage in the hemocytes of Drosophila larvae. The observed effects point out the need for further studies aiming to deepen the health risks of bioplastics before adopting their uses as a safe plastic alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt.
| | - Doaa Abass
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt
| | - Marinella Farre
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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18
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Li Y, Wang S, Qian S, Liu Z, Weng Y, Zhang Y. Depolymerization and Re/Upcycling of Biodegradable PLA Plastics. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:13509-13521. [PMID: 38559974 PMCID: PMC10976375 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
With the escalating utilization of plastic products, global attention has been increasingly drawn to environmental pollution and recycling challenges stemming from plastic waste. Against this backdrop, biodegradable plastics have emerged as viable alternatives owing to their sustainability and capacity for biodegradation. Polylactic acid (PLA) presently commands the largest market share among biodegradable plastics, finding extensive application in products such as thin films, medical materials, and biodegradable straws. However, the widespread adoption of PLA is hindered by challenges such as high cost, low recycling rates, and complete degradation to H2O and CO2 in natural conditions. Therefore, it is imperative and time-sensitive to explore solutions for the depolymerization and re/upcycling of PLA waste plastics. This review comprehensively outlines the current landscape of PLA recycling methods, emphasizing the advantages and significance of chemical re/upcycling. The subsequent exploration encompasses recent breakthroughs and technical obstacles inherent in diverse chemical depolymerization methods. Ultimately, this review accentuates the impediments and forthcoming possibilities in the realm of PLA plastics, emphasizing the pursuit of closed-loop recycling and upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- YingChao Li
- College of Chemistry and
Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic
University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Chemistry and
Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic
University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Song Qian
- College of Chemistry and
Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic
University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Zhijie Liu
- College of Chemistry and
Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic
University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Yujing Weng
- College of Chemistry and
Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic
University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Yulong Zhang
- College of Chemistry and
Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic
University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
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19
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Tao S, Li T, Li M, Yang S, Shen M, Liu H. Research advances on the toxicity of biodegradable plastics derived micro/nanoplastics in the environment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170299. [PMID: 38272086 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170299] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of plastic and microplastic accumulation on ecosystems are widely recognized and indisputable. The emergence of biodegradable plastics (BPs) offers a practical solution to plastic pollution. Problematically, however, not all BPs can be fully degraded in the environment. On the contrary, the scientific community has demonstrated that BPs are more likely than conventional plastics (CPs) to degrade into micro/nanoplastics and release additives, which can have similar or even worse effects than microplastics. However, there is very limited information available on the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. The absence of a toxicity evaluation system and the uncertainty regarding combined toxicity with other pollutants also impede the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. Currently, research is focused on thoroughly exploring the toxic effects of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs). This paper reviews the pollution status of BMPs in the environment, the degradation behavior of BPs and the influencing factors. This paper comprehensively summarizes the ecotoxicological effects of BPs on ecosystems, considering animals, plants, and microorganisms in various environments such as water bodies, soil, and sediment. The focus is on distinguishing between BMPs and conventional microplastics (CMPs). In addition, the combined toxic effects of BMPs and other pollutants are also being investigated. The findings suggest that BMPs may have different or more severe impacts on ecosystems. The rougher and more intricate surface of BMPs increases the likelihood of causing mechanical damage to organisms and breaking down into smaller plastic particles, releasing additives that lead to a series of cascading negative effects on related organisms and ecosystems. In the case of knowledge gaps, future research is also proposed and anticipated to investigate the toxic effects of BMPs and their evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Tianhao Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shengxin Yang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
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20
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Gao Y, Huang X, Zheng X, Yan F. FoxO signaling pathway stimulation by Bacillus smithii XY1 contributes to alleviating copper-induced neurotoxicity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133345. [PMID: 38147755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133345] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly copper pollution in the environment exacerbates the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. It is necessary to look for effective targets and safe methods for protecting from copper-induced neurotoxicity. Here we firstly explored the impact of copper-exposure on expression profiles in zebrafish. Copper reduced embryo hatching, increased mortality and caused embryonic developmental abnormalities and behavioral dysfunction in juveniles. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that differential genes related to neuron were highly associated with oxidative stress especially enriched to FoxO pathway. Through further validation in Caenorhabditis elegans, copper resulted in nematode neurodegenerative movement disorders and neuronal damage, along with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as decreased expressions of antioxidant-related enzymes and downstream genes which was also involved in FoxO signaling pathway. Bacillus smithii XY1, a novel strain with an excellent antioxidative activity, showed a great alleviative effect on copper-induced neurotoxicity that was related to FoxO stimulation, being a potential candidate for copper pollution management. Overall, these results suggested that FoxO pathway activation can regard as a strategy for mitigating neurotoxicity caused by copper and B. smithii XY1 with excellent tolerance and outstanding antioxidation specially targeted for FoxO has a promising application in controlling copper contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Gao
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuedi Huang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fujie Yan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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21
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Zhang J, Xia X, Huang W, Li Y, Lin X, Li Y, Yang Z. Photoaging of biodegradable nanoplastics regulates their toxicity to aquatic insects (Chironomus kiinensis) by impairing gut and disrupting intestinal microbiota. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108483. [PMID: 38382402 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108483] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastic, a widely used ecofriendly alternative to conventional plastic, easily form nanoplastics (NPs) upon environmental weathering. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms governing the toxicity of photoaged biodegradable NPs to aquatic insects are not understood. In this study, we investigated the photoaging of polylactic acid nanoplastics (PLA-NPs, a typical biodegradable plastic) that were placed under xenon arc lamp for 50 days and 100 days and compared the toxicity of virgin and photoaged PLA-NPs to Chironomus kiinensis (a dominant aquatic insect). The results showed that photoaged PLA-NPs significantly decreased the body weight, body length and emergence rate of C. kiinensis. Additionally, photoaged PLA-NPs induced more severe gut oxidative stress, histological damage, and inflammatory responses than virgin PLA-NPs. Furthermore, the alpha diversity of gut microbiota was lower in photoaged PLA-NPs group than virgin PLA-NPs. The relative abundance of key gut bacteria related to intestinal barrier defense, immunity, and nutrient absorption was reduced more significantly in photoaged PLA-NPs group than virgin PLA, indirectly leading to stronger gut damage and growth reduction. A stronger impact of photoaged PLA-NPs on the gut and its microbiota occurred because photoaging reduced the size of NPs from 255.5 nm (virgin PLA) to 217.1 nm (PLA-50) and 182.5 nm (PLA-100), induced surface oxidation and enhancement of oxidative potential, and improved the stability of NPs, thereby exacerbating toxicity on the gut and its microbiota. This study provides insights into the effects of biodegradable NPs on aquatic insects and highlights the importance of considering biodegradable nanoplastic aging in risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xinghui Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaohan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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22
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Tang B, Zhang L, Salam M, Yang B, He Q, Yang Y, Li H. Revealing the environmental hazard posed by biodegradable microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: An investigation of polylactic acid's effects on Microcystis aeruginosa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123347. [PMID: 38215868 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123347] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The influence of petroleum-based microplastics (MPs) on phytoplankton has been extensively studied, while research on the impact of biodegradable MPs, derived from alternative plastics to contest the environmental crisis, remains limited. This study performed a 63 days co-incubation experiment to assess the effect of polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs) on the growth, physiology, and carbon utilization of M. aeruginosa and the change in PLA-MPs surface properties. The results showed that despite PLA-MPs induced oxidative stress and caused membrane damage in M. aeruginosa, the presence of PLA-MPs (10, 50, and 200 mg/L) triggered significant increases (p < 0.05) in the density of M. aeruginosa after 63 days. Specifically, the algal densities upon 50 and 200 mg/L PLA-MPs exposure were increased by 20.91% and 36.31% relative to the control, respectively. Meanhwhile, the reduced C/O ratio on PLA-MPs surface and change in PLA-MPs morphological characterization, which is responsible for substantially increase in the aquatic dissolved inorganic carbon concentration during the co-incubation, implying the degradation of PLA-MPs; thus, provided sufficient carbon resources that M. aeruginosa could assimilate. This was in line with the declined intracellular carbonic anhydrase content in M. aeruginosa. This study is the first attempt to uncover the interaction between PLA-MPs and M. aeruginosa, and the finding that their interaction promotes the degrading of PLA-MPs meanwhile favoring M. aeruginosa growth will help elucidate the potential risk of biodegradable MPs in aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingran Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China; Aquatic Ecosystems in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Chongqing Observation and Research Station, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Lixue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China; Aquatic Ecosystems in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Chongqing Observation and Research Station, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Muhammad Salam
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China; Ecological and Environment Monitoring Center of Chongqing, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China; Aquatic Ecosystems in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Chongqing Observation and Research Station, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yongchuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China; Aquatic Ecosystems in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Chongqing Observation and Research Station, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China; Aquatic Ecosystems in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Chongqing Observation and Research Station, Chongqing, 400044, China.
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23
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Nik Mut NN, Na J, Jung J. A review on fate and ecotoxicity of biodegradable microplastics in aquatic system: Are biodegradable plastics truly safe for the environment? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123399. [PMID: 38242301 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123399] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Plastic products are extensively used worldwide, but inadequate management of plastic waste results in significant plastic pollution. Biodegradable plastic (BPs) offers an alternative to traditional plastics, however, not all BPs can fully degrade under natural conditions. Instead, they may deteriorate into biodegradable microplastic (BMPs) at a faster rate than conventional plastic, thereby posing an additional hazard to aquatic environments. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the fate of BPs in aquatic systems and their eco-toxicological effects on aquatic organisms such as algae, invertebrates, and fish. The findings highlight that BMPs have comparable or heightened effects compared to conventional microplastics (MPs) which physiochemical characteristic of the polymer itself or by the chemical leached from the polymeric matrix can affect aquatic organisms. While BPs is not a flawless solution to address plastic pollution, future research should prioritize investigating their production, environmental behavior, ecological impact, and whether BMPs inflict greater harm than conventional MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nik Nurhidayu Nik Mut
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joorim Na
- OJEong Resilience Institute, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
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24
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La Pietra A, Fasciolo G, Lucariello D, Motta CM, Venditti P, Ferrandino I. Polystyrene microplastics effects on zebrafish embryological development: Comparison of two different sizes. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 106:104371. [PMID: 38244881 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have become a great worldwide problem and it's therefore important to study their possible effects on human and environmental health. In this study, zebrafish embryos were used to compare two different sizes of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), 1 µm and 3 µm respectively, at 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mgL-1, and were monitored up to 72 h. Toxicity tests demonstrated that neither of the PS-MPs altered the embryos' survival and the normal hatching process. Instead, higher concentrations of both sizes caused an increase of the heart rate and phenotypic changes. The PS-MPs of both sizes entered and accumulated in the larvae at the concentration of 10.0 mgL-1 and the same concentration caused an increase of apoptotic processes correlated to redox homeostasis changes. The reported results give a realistic view of the negative effects of exposure to PS-MPs and provide new information on their toxicity, also considering their sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gianluca Fasciolo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Venditti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Ferrandino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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25
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Zhang L, Luo Y, Zhang Z, Pan Y, Li X, Zhuang Z, Li J, Luo Q, Chen X. Enhanced reproductive toxicity of photodegraded polylactic acid microplastics in zebrafish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168742. [PMID: 38007130 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely used due to their numerous advantages. However, they can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. When microplastics enter the ocean, they can be absorbed by marine organisms, leading to toxic effects. Additionally, the transformation of microplastics during natural degradation can alter their toxicity, necessitating further investigation. Polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable plastics are commonly used, yet research on their toxicity, particularly their reproductive effects on aquatic organisms, remains limited. In this study, we conducted photodegradation of PLA using potassium persulfate as a catalyst to simulate natural degradation conditions. Our objective was to assess the reproductive toxicity of photodegraded PLA microplastics on zebrafish. The results revealed that photodegraded PLA exhibited elevated reproductive toxicity, resulting in abnormal oocyte differentiation, disruption of sexual hormone levels, and alterations in ovarian tissue metabolism. Metabolomics analysis indicated that both unphotodegraded PLA (UPLA) and photodegraded PLA (DPLA) disrupted oxidative stress homeostasis in zebrafish ovarian tissue by influencing pathways such as purine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism. Furthermore, the DPLA treatment induced abnormal biosynthesis of taurocholic acid, which was not observed in the UPLA treatment group. Importantly, the DPLA treatment group exhibited more pronounced effects on offspring development compared to the UPLA treatment group, characterized by higher mortality rates, inhibition of embryo hatching, accelerated heart rates, and reduced larval body length. These findings underscore the varying levels of toxicity to zebrafish ovaries before and after PLA photodegradation, along with evidence of intergenerational toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Zhang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Yuxuan Luo
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Yupeng Pan
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Xuewei Li
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Zile Zhuang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Qizhi Luo
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Xuncai Chen
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China.
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26
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Ding R, Chen Y, Shi X, Li Y, Yu Y, Sun Z, Duan J. Size-dependent toxicity of polystyrene microplastics on the gastrointestinal tract: Oxidative stress related-DNA damage and potential carcinogenicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169514. [PMID: 38135073 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169514] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have been generally regarded as emerging pollutants and received worldwide attention in recent years. Water and food consumption are the primary pathways for human exposure to MPs/NPs, thus gastrointestinal tracts may be susceptible to their toxicity. Although the recent report has indicated the presence of MPs/NPs in multiple human organs, little is known about their gastric effects. Therefore, this study focused on the adverse effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on gastric epithelium in vivo and in vitro. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) revealed the distribution of PS-MPs was associated with their particle sizes, and predominantly concentrated in gastric tissues. Gastric barrier injury and mitochondrial damage were observed in rats after exposure to PS-MPs. Compared with the larger ones, polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) more significantly reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes while enhancing the level of MDA, 8-OhdG and γ-H2AX. Meanwhile, PS-MPs caused upregulation of β-catenin/YAP through redox-dependent regulation of nucleoredoxin (NXN) and dishevelled (Dvl). These findings supported the size-dependent effects of PS-MPs on oxidative stress and DNA damage. Moreover, the redox-dependent activation of the β-catenin/YAP cascade suggested a novel toxic mechanism for PS-MPs and implied the potential carcinogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyang Ding
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Yueyue Chen
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Xuemin Shi
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China.
| | - Junchao Duan
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China.
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27
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Huang W, Jiang G, Xie L, Chen X, Zhang R, Fan X. Effect of oxygen-containing functional groups on the micromechanical behavior of biodegradable plastics and their formation of microplastics during aging. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132911. [PMID: 37939564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are more prone to generate harmful microplastics (MPs) in a short time, which have always been ignored. Oxygenated functional group formation is considered to be a key indicator for assessing microplastic formation, while it is difficult to characterize at a very early stage. The micromechanical properties of the aging plastic during the formation of the MPs are highly influenced by the evolution of oxygen-containing functional groups, however, their relationship has rarely been revealed. Herein, we compared changes in the physicochemical properties of BPs and non-degradable plastic bags during aging in artificial seawater, soil, and air. The results showed that the oxidation of plastics in the air was the most significant, with the most prominent oxidation in BPs. The accumulation of carbonyl groups leads to a significant increase in the micromechanical properties and surface brittleness of the plastic, further exacerbating the formation of MPs. It was also verified by the FTIR, 2D-COS, AFM, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Furthermore, the increased adhesion and roughness caused by oxygen-containing functional groups suggest that the environmental risks of BPs cannot be ignored. Our findings suggest that the testing of micromechanical properties can predicate the formation of the MPs at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guoqiang Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lidan Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Runzhe Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyun Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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28
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Luangrath A, Na J, Kalimuthu P, Song J, Kim C, Jung J. Ecotoxicity of polylactic acid microplastic fragments to Daphnia magna and the effect of ultraviolet weathering. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115974. [PMID: 38266357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are widely used as alternatives to non-BPs due to their inherent ability to undergo facile degradation. However, the ecotoxicological impact of biodegradable microplastics (MPs) rarely remains scientific documented especially to aquatic ecosystem and organisms compared to conventional microplastics. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ecotoxicity of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MPs to Daphnia magna with that of conventional polyethylene (PE) MPs with and without ultraviolet (UV) treatment (4 weeks). The acute toxicity (48 h) of PLA MPs was significantly higher than that of PE MPs, potentially attributable to their elevated bioconcentration resulting from their higher density. UV treatment notably reduced the particle size of PLA MPs and induced new hydrophilic functional groups containing oxygen. Thus, the acute lethal toxicity of PLA MPs exhibited noteworthy increase, compared to before UV treatment after UV treatment, which was greater than that of UV-PE MPs. In addition, UV-PLA MPs showed markedly elevated reactive oxygen species concentration in D. magna compared to positive control. However, there was no significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation, possibly due to successful defense by antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase). These findings highlight the ecotoxicological risks of biodegradable MPs to aquatic organisms, which require comprehensive long-term studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Luangrath
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea
| | - Joorim Na
- OJeong Resilience Institute, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Pandi Kalimuthu
- BK21 FOUR R&E Center Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Song
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea
| | - Changhae Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, the Republic of Korea.
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29
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Xu Y, Ou Q, van der Hoek JP, Liu G, Lompe KM. Photo-oxidation of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Effects in Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:991-1009. [PMID: 38166393 PMCID: PMC10795193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are attracting increasing attention due to their persistence and potential ecological risks. This review critically summarizes the effects of photo-oxidation on the physical, chemical, and biological behaviors of MNPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The core of this paper explores how photo-oxidation-induced surface property changes in MNPs affect their adsorption toward contaminants, the stability and mobility of MNPs in water and porous media, as well as the transport of pollutants such as organic pollutants (OPs) and heavy metals (HMs). It then reviews the photochemical processes of MNPs with coexisting constituents, highlighting critical factors affecting the photo-oxidation of MNPs, and the contribution of MNPs to the phototransformation of other contaminants. The distinct biological effects and mechanism of aged MNPs are pointed out, in terms of the toxicity to aquatic organisms, biofilm formation, planktonic microbial growth, and soil and sediment microbial community and function. Furthermore, the research gaps and perspectives are put forward, regarding the underlying interaction mechanisms of MNPs with coexisting natural constituents and pollutants under photo-oxidation conditions, the combined effects of photo-oxidation and natural constituents on the fate of MNPs, and the microbiological effect of photoaged MNPs, especially the biotransformation of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghui Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- Waternet,
Department Research & Innovation,
P.O. Box 94370, 1090 GJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Kim Maren Lompe
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
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30
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Chen C, Zheng N, Zhu H, An Q, Pan J, Li X, Ji Y, Li N, Sun S. Co-exposure to UV-aged microplastics and cadmium induces intestinal toxicity and metabolic responses in earthworms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132737. [PMID: 37832442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Aged microplastics (MPs) alter the interaction with heavy metals due to changes in surface properties. However, the combined toxicological effects of aged MPs on heavy metals in soil remain poorly understood. In this study, earthworms were employed as model animals to investigate the effects of aged MPs on the biotoxicity of cadmium (Cd) by simulating the exposure patterns of original and UV-aged MPs (polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene (PE)) with Cd. The results showed that UV-aging decreased the zeta potential and increased the specific surface area of the MPs, which enhanced the bioaccumulation of Cd and caused more severe oxidative stress to earthworms. Meanwhile, the earthworm intestines exhibited increased tissue damage, including chloragogenous tissue congestion lesions, and typhlosole damage. Furthermore, the combined exposure to UV-aged MPs and Cd enhanced the complexity of the microbial network in the earthworm gut and interfered with endocrine disruption, membrane structure, and energy metabolic pathways in earthworms. The results emphasized the need to consider the degradation of MPs in the environment. Hence, we recommend that future toxicological studies use aged MPs that are more representative of the actual environmental conditions, with the results being important for the risk assessment and management of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changcheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China.
| | - Huicheng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Qirui An
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Jiamin Pan
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Yining Ji
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
| | - Siyu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, China
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An G, Na J, Song J, Jung J. Chronic toxicity of biodegradable microplastic (Polylactic acid) to Daphnia magna: A comparison with polyethylene terephthalate. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 266:106790. [PMID: 38070395 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106790] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
The increase in the usage of biodegradable microplastics (MPs) as an alternative to conventional plastics has necessitated comprehensive ecotoxicity assessments of biodegradable MPs alongside conventional MPs. This study aimed to assess ecotoxicity of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MPs at concentration of 1 and 5 mgL-1 including a genetic analysis of Daphnia magna, and compared to effects of conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs. The survival rate for D. magna exposed to 5 mg L-1 of PLA-MPs declined to 52.4 %, signifying a higher rate of mortality when contrasted with PET-MPs, which exhibited 85.7 % survival rate. Chronic exposure to 1 and 5 mgL-1 PLA-MPs resulted in a decrease of offspring, while increasing the sex ratio and deformed embryo. Interestingly, down-regulation of the SOD and AK genes was observed in D. magna after exposure to 5 mgL-1 of PLA-MPs, while 1 mgL-1 of PLA-MPs up-regulated. These results means that 5 mgL-1 PLA-MP could not produce energy and cope with oxidative stress, resulting in high mortality, and 1 mgL-1 of MP was maintained survival due to energy production and antioxidant action. This study contributes to our understanding of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) toxic effects on D. magna which could be similar to conventional MPs and provide the importance of ecotoxicological data for risk assessment of BMPs in aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gersan An
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joorim Na
- OJeong Resilience Institute (OJERI), Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jinyoung Song
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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32
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Binelli A, Nigro L, Sbarberi R, Della Torre C, Magni S. To be or not to be plastics? Protein modulation and biochemical effects in zebrafish embryos exposed to three water-soluble polymers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167699. [PMID: 37832656 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are a particular category of polymers that, due to their capability to be soluble in water, come out of the classic definition of plastic and therefore also from its regulation and control, representing a possible new environmental problem considering the number of consumer products in which they are contained. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible adverse effects of three of the most used WSPs (polyacrylic acid - PAA, polyethylene glycol - PEG, polyvinylpyrrolidone - PVP), administered at relevant environmental concentrations (0.001, 0.5 and 1 mg/L) to Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos up to 120 h post fertilization. To assess the WSP toxicity at the molecular, cellular and organism level we used an integrated ecotoxicological approach of both biomarkers and high-throughput technology based on gel-free proteomics. The main results showed how all the three WSPs up-regulated many proteins (up to 74 in specimens exposed to 1 mg/L PVP) with a wide range of molecular functions and involved in numerous cellular pathways of exposed specimens. On the other hand, the measurement of biomarkers showed how PAA and PVP were able to activate the antioxidant machinery following an over-production of reactive oxygen species, while PEG produced no significant changes in the biomarkers measured. Based on the obtained results, the use and application of WSPs should be revised and regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Binelli
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Lara Nigro
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Sbarberi
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Della Torre
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Magni
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Santoro A, Marino M, Vandenberg LN, Szychlinska MA, Lamparelli EP, Scalia F, Rocca ND, D'Auria R, Giovanna Pastorino GM, Porta GD, Operto FF, Viggiano A, Cappello F, Meccariello R. PLASTAMINATION: Outcomes on the Central Nervous System and Reproduction. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1870-1898. [PMID: 38549522 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240216085947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposures to non-biodegradable and biodegradable plastics are unavoidable. Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) from the manufacturing of plastics (primary sources) and the degradation of plastic waste (secondary sources) can enter the food chain directly or indirectly and, passing biological barriers, could target both the brain and the gonads. Hence, the worldwide diffusion of environmental plastic contamination (PLASTAMINATION) in daily life may represent a possible and potentially serious risk to human health. OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of the effects of non-biodegradable and the more recently introduced biodegradable MPs and NPs on the brain and brain-dependent reproductive functions, summarizing the molecular mechanisms and outcomes on nervous and reproductive organs. Data from in vitro, ex vivo, non-mammalian and mammalian animal models and epidemiological studies have been reviewed and discussed. RESULTS MPs and NPs from non-biodegradable plastics affect organs, tissues and cells from sensitive systems such as the brain and reproductive organs. Both MPs and NPs induce oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, energy metabolism disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity, which in turn are responsible for neuroinflammation, dysregulation of synaptic functions, metabolic dysbiosis, poor gamete quality, and neuronal and reproductive toxicity. In spite of this mechanistic knowledge gained from studies of non-biodegradable plastics, relatively little is known about the adverse effects or molecular mechanisms of MPs and NPs from biodegradable plastics. CONCLUSION The neurological and reproductive health risks of MPs/NPs exposure warrant serious consideration, and further studies on biodegradable plastics are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Marianna Marino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Marta Anna Szychlinska
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria 94100 Enna (EN), Italy
| | - Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Federica Scalia
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Raffaella D'Auria
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of 84100 Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanna Della Porta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Department of Science of Health School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellness Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, 80133 Naples, Italy
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Aksun Tümerkan ET, Köse E, Aksu S, Mol O, Kantamaneni K, Başkurt S, Çınar E, Emiroğlu Ö. Beadlet anemone: A novel bio-indicator of microplastic pollution in the marine environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119538. [PMID: 37948964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Extensive usage of plastic in different industries and household usage has degraded to microplastic due to environmental conditions over the last year. While several researchers conducted the determination of microplastic (MP) bioaccumulation from rivers to stormwater, except for some filter-feeding species used as a bioindicator, to achieve a holistic approach to the fate of MPs in the marine system, sea anemone was used as an indicator. Microplastics were extracted from surface seawater, sediment, and sea anemones from the same sampling area and characterized. The extracted MPs were confirmed by confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, and the morphology of the MPs was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the accumulation of microplastics and the type of polymer, shape, colour, and size of these persistent pollutants varied in sediment, surface water, and sea anemone. The abundance of MPs was different, and grey-coloured MPs were detected at a relatively higher level in sea anemones, from 8.7 to 13.3%, and more minor MPs (less than 0.5 mm) at 43.4-56.8% were detected in sea anemones among the sampling stations. In terms of polymer type, there are relatively more types of polymers classified in sea anemones among the sampling stations (six different types of polymers). These results indicated that the utilization of sea anemones as a bioindicator for MPs could be a critical factor in a better understanding of their pathway in the marine ecosystem. This study proved that analysing sea anemones as an indicator could offer a reliable, fast, and time-saving approach for detecting microplastic accumulation in marine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Tuğçe Aksun Tümerkan
- Department of Food Processing-Food Technology, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Vocational School of Health Services, Ankara, Turkey; AYBU Central Research Laboratory, Application and Research Center, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Univer-sity, Ankara, 06010, Turkey.
| | - Esengül Köse
- Department of Environmental Protection Technologies, Eskişehir Vocational School, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Sadi Aksu
- Vocational School of Health Services, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Oğuzcan Mol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir,Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Komali Kantamaneni
- School of Engineering, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, United Kingdom.
| | - Sercan Başkurt
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir,Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Emre Çınar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir,Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Özgür Emiroğlu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir,Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
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35
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Yu J, Han T, Hou Y, Zhao J, Zhang H, Wang X, Ge S. Integrated transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analysis provides new insights into tetracycline stress tolerance in pumpkin. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122777. [PMID: 37863256 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to conduct transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analysis to provide a comprehensive view of plant response to tetracycline stress. Pumpkin seeds were cultured for 7 days without or with tetracycline at 10 mg/L. Pumpkin roots showed excessive growth inhibition, but not yet strong growth restraining in cotyledons. Tetracycline affected the abundance of metabolites related to flavonoid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. Main changes of metabolites in flavonoid biosynthesis were consistent with mRNA changes. Amino acid changes are mainly mediated by proteins or mRNAs. To be specific, tetracycline treatment increased the levels of rutin, caffeate, cinnamaldehyde, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, naringenin, apigenin, luteolin, (-)-epigallocatechin, astragalin, L-serine, and glutathione and the transcript levels related to these compounds; and decreased the levels of indole pyruvate, indole acetaldehyde, L-arginine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, L-glutamine, and gamma-glutamylcysteine and the transcript levels related to these compounds. Tetracycline treatment also increased the levels of oxoglutaric acid, L-glutamic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and gamma-glutamylalanine and enzymes involved in their production; and decreased the levels of L-isoleucine, L-valine, and L-leucine and enzymes involved in their production. We elucidated several biological processes (e.g. phenylpropanoid/flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, amino acid metabolic pathways) that were altered by tetracycline, and provided a multi-omic perspective on the mechanisms underlying the response to tetracycline stress in pumpkin roots. We provide a useful reference for the development of environmental quality management methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Tao Han
- School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yingying Hou
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China; Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine, The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Jinjin Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, 453100, China
| | - Haiguang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, 453100, China
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Shidong Ge
- College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
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36
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Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Zhu Z, Xu X, Yang H. Polyacrylonitrile microfibers pose a significant threat to the early-stage survival of zebrafish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 265:106755. [PMID: 37944326 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106755] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution, especially microfibers (MFs), presents a critical global environmental challenge in natural water bodies. Yet, research on the toxic effects of MFs, particularly during early fish development, is limited. This study aimed to investigate MFs' toxic effects and mechanisms on early-stage zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of polyacrylonitrile microfibers (PanMfs) for 7 days. Results revealed PanMfs adhering to the embryos' surface, with higher concentrations accelerating heart rate and causing pericardial edema in post-hatching larvae. Larvae ingested PanMfs, leading to their accumulation in the intestines and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial quantity. Notably, lipid metabolism and calcium ion related signaling pathways underwent significant changes. Low concentration MFs affected glycometabolism pathways, with potential roles for aldob and cacng1a, exhibiting pronounced increases in ROS levels. High concentration of MFs had the most profound impact on signal transduction-related pathways, and possibly triggering micromitophagy and apoptosis in zebrafish intestinal epithelial cells through the Kras/MAPK signaling pathway, with potential roles for kras and mapk9. Although ROS increase was somewhat alleviated, it resulted in decreased survival rates and restricted growth in high concentration of MFs group. These findings highlight the significant threat of MFs to the early survival of fish. MFs pollution prevention and control hold great significance in the conservation of fishery resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
| | - Yinan Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xinrui Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Hui Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
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37
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Mohan M, Gaonkar AA, Pandyanda Nanjappa D, K K, Vittal R, Chakraborty A, Chakraborty G. Screening for microplastics in drinking water and its toxicity profiling in zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:139882. [PMID: 37640218 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a major environmental problem in freshwater and marine environments. The effects of these polymers on aquatic life are well studied; however, there is limited knowledge of MP-associated health hazards in humans. We estimated the presence of MPs in different brands of bottled water available in India using the Nile red (NR) staining method. The FTIR examination revealed the presence of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polyamide (PA) in the bottled water samples with PE being the most prevalent one. Zebrafish embryos exposed to different concentrations of fluorescent-tagged polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) (10-150 μm) showed accumulation patterns at different time points in various organs. The exposure to PE MPs induced a concentration-dependent ROS activity. The expression of first-line antioxidative defense marker genes were significantly downregulated in embryos exposed to varying concentrations of PE-MPs, suggesting concentration and time-dependent effects on zebrafish. The results of this study suggest that the potential negative consequences on human health could be due to the oxidative stress and time-dependent toxicity of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masmarika Mohan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cancer, Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India.
| | - Anjali Arun Gaonkar
- Department of Food Safety & Nutrition, Nitte Centre for Science Education and Research, Nitte (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India.
| | - Dechamma Pandyanda Nanjappa
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cancer, Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India.
| | - Krithika K
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cancer, Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India.
| | - Rajeshwari Vittal
- Department of Food Safety & Nutrition, Nitte Centre for Science Education and Research, Nitte (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India.
| | - Anirban Chakraborty
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cancer, Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India.
| | - Gunimala Chakraborty
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cancer, Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India.
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Lamparelli EP, Marino M, Szychlinska MA, Della Rocca N, Ciardulli MC, Scala P, D’Auria R, Testa A, Viggiano A, Cappello F, Meccariello R, Della Porta G, Santoro A. The Other Side of Plastics: Bioplastic-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Systems in the Brain. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2549. [PMID: 38004530 PMCID: PMC10674524 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastics have changed human lives, finding a broad range of applications from packaging to medical devices. However, plastics can degrade into microscopic forms known as micro- and nanoplastics, which have raised concerns about their accumulation in the environment but mainly about the potential risk to human health. Recently, biodegradable plastic materials have been introduced on the market. These polymers are biodegradable but also bioresorbable and, indeed, are fundamental tools for drug formulations, thanks to their transient ability to pass through biological barriers and concentrate in specific tissues. However, this "other side" of bioplastics raises concerns about their toxic potential, in the form of micro- and nanoparticles, due to easier and faster tissue accumulation, with unknown long-term biological effects. This review aims to provide an update on bioplastic-based particles by analyzing the advantages and drawbacks of their potential use as components of innovative formulations for brain diseases. However, a critical analysis of the literature indicates the need for further studies to assess the safety of bioplastic micro- and nanoparticles despite they appear as promising tools for several nanomedicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Marianna Marino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Marta Anna Szychlinska
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, Italy;
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Camilla Ciardulli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Pasqualina Scala
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonino Testa
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Della Porta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
- Research Centre for Biomaterials BIONAM, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
- Research Centre for Biomaterials BIONAM, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
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Zhang S, Li Y, Jiang L, Han W, Zhao Y, Jiang X, Li J, Shi W, Zhang X. Organic fertilizer facilitates the soil microplastic surface degradation and enriches the diversity of bacterial biofilm. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132139. [PMID: 37517233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132139] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The land-use of organic fertilizers is considered as an important sustainable method for resource utilization, which may have an impact on the microplastic behaviors in the soil. Here, a 240-d dark culture experiment was conducted to reveal the degradation and biofilm characteristics of degradable and refractory granule microplastics in soil and soil-fertilizer systems. The results indicated that microplastics generally exhibited a weak weight loss as well as a specific etiolation on the surface after the culture, especially polyvinyl-chloride and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Increase in carbon-oxygen functional groups and the changes of oxygen/carbon ratios were noticed, which implied that oxidation and degradation occurred on the surface of microplastics during the cultural process. The changes were more intense on the degradable PHA, and the fertilized-soil treatment than those of the refractory microplastics and the pure soil. Moreover, the addition of organic fertilizers enriched the community diversity of bacterial biofilm on multiple microplastic surfaces. In this regard, the animal fertilizers provided a stronger effect than the plant fertilizers. Overall, the soil, fertilizer and microplastic types affected the community structure and diversity of bacterial biofilm. The outcomes of this study would provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of organic matters for agricultural soil applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yanxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Linshu Jiang
- Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Wei Han
- Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaoman Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenzhuo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- Beijing Soil and Fertilizer Extension Service Station, Beijing 100029, China
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40
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Wu X, Zhang X, Chen X, Ye A, Cao J, Hu X, Zhou W. The effects of polylactic acid bioplastic exposure on midgut microbiota and metabolite profiles in silkworm (Bombyx mori): An integrated multi-omics analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122210. [PMID: 37454715 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a highly common biodegradable plastic and a potential threat to health and the environment. However, limited data are available on the effects of PLA exposure in the silkworm (Bombyx mori), a model organism used in toxicity studies. In this study, silkworms with or without PLA exposure (P1: 1 mg/L, P5: 5 mg/L, P25: 25 mg/L, and P0: 0 mg/L) for the entire 5th instar period were used to investigate the impact of PLA exposure on midgut morphology, larvae growth, and survival. Mitochondrial damage was observed in the P5 and P25 groups. The weights of the P25 posterior silk gland (5th day in the 5th instar), mature larvae and pupae were all significantly lower than those of the controls (P < 0.05). Dead worm cocoon rates and larva-pupa to 5th instar larvae ratios showed a positive and negative dose-dependent manner with respect to PLA concentrations, respectively. Additionally, reactive oxygen species levels and superoxide dismutase activity of the P25 midgut were significantly higher and lower when compared with controls, respectively (P < 0.05). The molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of PLA and associated physiological responses were also investigated. In the midgut metabolome, 127 significantly different metabolites (variable importance projection >1 and P < 0.05) were identified between the P0 and P25 groups and were mainly enriched for amino acid metabolism and energy supply pathways. The 16 S rDNA data showed that PLA altered microbial richness and structural composition. Microbiota, classified into 34 genera and 63 species, were significantly altered after 25 mg/L PLA exposure (P < 0.05). Spearman's correlation results showed that Bifidobacterium catenulatum and Schaalia odontolytica played potentially vital roles during exposure, as they demonstrated stronger correlations with the significantly different metabolites than other bacterial species. In sum, PLA induced toxic effects on silkworms, especially on energy- and protein-relevant metabolism, but at high concentrations (25 mg/L). This prospective mechanistic investigation on the effects of PLA on larval toxicity provides novel insight regarding the ecological risks of biodegradable plastics in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Wu
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
| | - Xuedong Chen
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Aihong Ye
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Jinru Cao
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Xiaolong Hu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Wenlin Zhou
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China.
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41
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Ogonowski M, Wagner M, Rogell B, Haave M, Lusher A. Microplastics could be marginally more hazardous than natural suspended solids - A meta-analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115406. [PMID: 37639826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115406] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are perceived as a threat to aquatic ecosystems but bear many similarities to suspended sediments which are often considered less harmful. It is, therefore pertinent to determine if and to what extent MP are different from other particles occurring in aquatic ecosystems in terms of their adverse effects. We applied meta-regressions to toxicity data extracted from the literature and harmonized the data to construct Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs) for both types of particles. The results were largely inconclusive due to high uncertainty but the central tendencies of our estimates still indicate that MP could be marginally more hazardous compared to suspended sediments. In part, the high uncertainty stems from the general lack of comparable experimental studies and dose-dependent point estimates. We therefore argue that until more comparable data is presented, risk assessors should act precautionary and treat MP in the 1-1000 µm size range as marginally more hazardous to aquatic organisms capable of ingesting such particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ogonowski
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stångholmsvägen 2, SE-17893 Drottningholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Björn Rogell
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stångholmsvägen 2, SE-17893 Drottningholm, Sweden
| | - Marte Haave
- NORCE, Norwegian Research Centre AS, Climate & Environment, Nygårdsporten 112, NO-5008 Bergen, Norway; Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
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42
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Malafeev KV, Apicella A, Incarnato L, Scarfato P. Understanding the Impact of Biodegradable Microplastics on Living Organisms Entering the Food Chain: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3680. [PMID: 37765534 PMCID: PMC10534621 DOI: 10.3390/polym15183680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as one of the world's most serious environmental issues, with harmful consequences for ecosystems and human health. One proposed solution to their accumulation in the environment is the replacement of nondegradable plastics with biodegradable ones. However, due to the lack of true biodegradability in some ecosystems, they also give rise to biodegradable microplastics (BioMPs) that negatively impact different ecosystems and living organisms. This review summarizes the current literature on the impact of BioMPs on some organisms-higher plants and fish-relevant to the food chain. Concerning the higher plants, the adverse effects of BioMPs on seed germination, plant biomass growth, penetration of nutrients through roots, oxidative stress, and changes in soil properties, all leading to reduced agricultural yield, have been critically discussed. Concerning fish, it emerged that BioMPs are more likely to be ingested than nonbiodegradable ones and accumulate in the animal's body, leading to impaired skeletal development, oxidative stress, and behavioral changes. Therefore, based on the reviewed pioneering literature, biodegradable plastics seem to be a new threat to environmental health rather than an effective solution to counteract MP pollution, even if serious knowledge gaps in this field highlight the need for additional rigorous investigations to understand the potential risks associated to BioMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annalisa Apicella
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II n. 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (K.V.M.); (L.I.); (P.S.)
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43
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Kelpsiene E, Rydberg M, Ekvall MT, Lundqvist M, Cedervall T. Prolonged survival time of Daphnia magna exposed to polylactic acid breakdown nanoplastics. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290748. [PMID: 37669271 PMCID: PMC10479899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polylactic acid nanoparticles (PLA NPs) according to food and drug administration are biodegradable and biocompatible polymers that have received a lot of attention due to their natural degradation mechanism. Although there is already available information concerning the effects of PLA microplastic to aquatic organisms, the knowledge about PLA NPs is still vague. In the present study, we analyzed the chemical composition of engineered PLA NPs, daily used PLA items and their breakdown products. We show that PLA breakdown products are oxidized and may contain aldehydes and/or ketones. The breakdown produces nanosized particles, nanoplastics, and possibly other small molecules as lactide or cyclic oligomers. Further, we show that all PLA breakdown nanoplastics extended the survival rate in Daphnia magna in an acute toxicity assay, however, only PLA plastic cup breakdown nanoplastics showed a significant difference compared to a control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle Kelpsiene
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Melinda Rydberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mikael T. Ekvall
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Biology, Ecology Building, Aquatic Ecology Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Martin Lundqvist
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tommy Cedervall
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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44
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Li S, Yang Y, Yang S, Zheng H, Zheng Y, M J, Nagarajan D, Varjani S, Chang JS. Recent advances in biodegradation of emerging contaminants - microplastics (MPs): Feasibility, mechanism, and future prospects. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 331:138776. [PMID: 37100247 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have become an essential part of life. When it enters the environment, it migrates and breaks down to form smaller size fragments, which are called microplastics (MPs). Compared with plastics, MPs are detrimental to the environment and pose a severe threat to human health. Bioremediation is being recognized as the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective degradation technology for MPs, but knowledge about the biodegradation of MPs is limited. This review explores the various sources of MPs and their migration behavior in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Among the existing MPs removal technologies, biodegradation is considered to be the best removal strategy to alleviate MPs pollution. The biodegradation potential of MPs by bacteria, fungi and algae is discussed. Biodegradation mechanisms such as colonization, fragmentation, assimilation, and mineralization are presented. The effects of MPs characteristics, microbial activity, environmental factors and chemical reagents on biodegradation are analyzed. The susceptibility of microorganisms to MPs toxicity might lead to decreased degradation efficiency, which is also elaborated. The prospects and challenges of biodegradation technologies are discussed. Eliminating prospective bottlenecks is necessary to achieve large-scale bioremediation of MPs-polluted environment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the biodegradability of MPs, which is crucial for the prudent management of plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Yalun Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Heshan Zheng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, 161006, China.
| | - Yongjie Zheng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Jun M
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Dillirani Nagarajan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sunita Varjani
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan; Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li, Taiwan.
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45
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König Kardgar A, Ghosh D, Sturve J, Agarwal S, Carney Almroth B. Chronic poly(l-lactide) (PLA)- microplastic ingestion affects social behavior of juvenile European perch (Perca fluviatilis). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163425. [PMID: 37059150 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile perch were exposed to 2 % (w/w) poly(l-lactide) (PLA) microplastic particles (90-150 μm) in food pellets, or 2 % (w/w) kaolin particles, and a non-particle control food over 6 months. Chronic ingestion of PLA microplastics significantly affected the social behavior of juvenile perch, evident as a significantly increased reaction to the vision of conspecifics. PLA ingestion did not alter life cycle parameters, or gene expression levels. In addition to reactions to conspecifics, fish that ingested microplastic particles showed tendencies to decrease locomotion, internal schooling distance, and active predator responses. The ingestion of natural particles (kaolin) significantly downregulated the expression of genes related to oxidative stress and androgenesis in the liver of juvenile perch, and we found tendencies to downregulated expression of genes related to xenobiotic response, inflammatory response, and thyroid disruption. The present study demonstrated the importance of natural particle inclusion and the potential behavioral toxicity of one of the commercially available biobased and biodegradable polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azora König Kardgar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Dipannita Ghosh
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Joachim Sturve
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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46
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Peng BY, Sun Y, Zhang X, Sun J, Xu Y, Xiao S, Chen J, Zhou X, Zhang Y. Unveiling the residual plastics and produced toxicity during biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics by mealworms (Larvae of Tenebrio molitor). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131326. [PMID: 37027925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131326] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Evidence for plastic degradation by mealworms has been reported. However, little is known about the residual plastics derived from incomplete digestion during mealworm-mediated plastic biodegradation. We herein reveal the residual plastic particles and toxicity produced during mealworm-mediated biodegradation of the three most common microplastics, i.e., polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). All three microplastics are effectively depolymerized and biodegraded. We discover that the PVC-fed mealworms exhibit the lowest survival rate (81.3 ± 1.5%) and the highest body weight reduction (15.1 ± 1.1%) among the experimental groups by the end of the 24-day experiment. We also demonstrate that the residual PVC microplastic particles are more difficult to depurate and excrete for the mealworms compared to the residual PE and PS particles by using laser direct infrared spectrometry. The levels of oxidative stress responses, including reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation, are also highest in the PVC-fed mealworms. Sub-micron microplastics and small microplastics are found in the frass of mealworms fed with PE, PS, and PVC, with the smallest particles detected at diameters of 5.0, 4.0, and 5.9 µm, respectively. Our findings provide insights into the residual microplastics and microplastic-induced stress responses in macroinvertebrates under micro(nano)plastics exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Eco-environmental Protection Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yazhou Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Protected Agriculture, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shaoze Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiabin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yalei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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47
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Shao Y, Wang Y, Hua X, Li Y, Wang D. Polylactic acid microparticles in the range of μg/L reduce reproductive capacity by affecting the gonad development and the germline apoptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 336:139193. [PMID: 37315859 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) accounts for approximately 45% of the global market of biodegradable plastics. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model, we examined the effect of long-term exposure to PLA microplastic (MP) on reproductive capacity and the underlying mechanism. Brood size, number of fertilized eggs in uterus, and number of hatched eggs were significantly reduced by exposure to 10 and 100 μg/L PLA MP. Number of mitotic cells per gonad, area of gonad arm, and length of gonad arm were further significantly decreased by exposure to 10 and 100 μg/L PLA MP. In addition, exposure to 10 and 100 μg/L PLA MP enhanced germline apoptosis in the gonad. Accompanied with the enhancement in germline apoptosis, exposure to 10 and 100 μg/L PLA MP decreased expression of ced-9 and increased expressions of ced-3, ced-4, and egl-1. Moreover, the induction of germline apoptosis in PLA MP exposed nematodes was suppressed by RNAi of ced-3, ced-4, and egl-1, and strengthened by RNAi of ced-9. Meanwhile, we did not detect the obvious effect of leachate of 10 and 100 μg/L PLA MPs on reproductive capacity, gonad development, germline apoptosis, and expression of apoptosis related genes. Therefore, exposure to 10 and 100 μg/L PLA MPs potentially reduces the reproductive capacity by influencing the gonad development and enhancing the germline apoptosis in nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Shao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxing Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Hua
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunhui Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Dayong Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
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48
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Liu Y, Liu S, Huang J, Liu Y, Wang Q, Chen J, Sun L, Tu W. Mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic disorders induced by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance mixtures in zebrafish larvae. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 176:107977. [PMID: 37244004 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to metabolic disorders in organisms. However, few studies have considered their combined effects, which would be more representative of PFAS occurring in the environment. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to a mixture of 18 PFAS at three environmentally relevant concentrations for 5 days to assess their bioconcentration and metabolic consequences. The burdens of ∑PFAS in zebrafish larvae were 0.12, 1.58, and 9.63 mg/kg in the 0.5, 5, and 50 μg/L treatment groups, respectively. Exposure to the PFAS mixture accelerated hatching and larval heart rates, increased energy expenditure, and reduced ATP levels and glucose contents due to decreased feed intake and glucose uptake. Metabolomic analysis revealed that exposure to the PFAS mixture enhanced glycolysis but inhibited phospholipid synthesis, and significantly increased the expression of lipid metabolism related genes (srebf1, acox, and pparα), which indicated enhanced β-oxidation. The significant changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial content, and the transcription of genes involved in the mitochondrial respiratory chain (mfn2, ndufs1, atp5fa1, and mt-nd1) and mitochondrial DNA replication and transcription (18rs-rrn, and polg1) suggested that exposure to the PFAS mixture could cause mitochondrial dysfunction and further disrupt glucose and lipid metabolic pathways, ultimately causing metabolic disorders in zebrafish larvae. These findings demonstrate the importance of assessing the metabolic effects of PFAS mixtures on early development in wildlife and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Liu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; School of New Energy Science and Engineering, Xinyu University, Xinyu 338004, China; Research Institute of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Research Institute of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Basin Agricultural Resource and Ecology of Jiangxi Province, College of Land Resource and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Research Institute of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Qiyu Wang
- Research Institute of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Jinyuan Chen
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Liwei Sun
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Wenqing Tu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Basin Agricultural Resource and Ecology of Jiangxi Province, College of Land Resource and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China.
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49
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Lin WH, Wang HY, Kuo J, Lo SL. Adsorption and desorption characteristics of heavy metals onto conventional and biodegradable plastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 333:138920. [PMID: 37178936 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have been widely used to replace conventional plastics to minimize environmental impacts of plastic packaging. However, before biodegradable plastics decompose in the environment, they could pose a threat to terrestrial and aquatic creatures by acting as vectors of contaminants in the food chain. In this study, conventional plastic bags (CPBs) made of polyethylene and biodegradable plastic bags (BPBs) made of polylactic acid were examined for their heavy metal adsorption. Effects of solution pHs and temperatures on adsorption reactions were investigated. Because of a larger BET surface area, presence of oxygen-containing function groups, and smaller crystallinity, the heavy metal adsorption capacities of BPBs are significantly larger than those of CPBs. Among Cu (up to 791.48 mg⋅kg-1), Ni (up to 60.88 mg⋅kg-1), Pb (up to 1414.58 mg⋅kg-1), and Zn (up to 295.17 mg⋅kg-1), Pb and Ni show the largest and the lowest extents of adsorption onto the plastic bags, respectively. In the different waterbodies in nature, Pb adsorption on the CPBs and the BPBs were 318.08-379.91 and 528.41-764.22 mg⋅kg-1, respectively. Consequently, Pb was selected as the target contaminant in the desorption experiments. After Pb was adsorbed onto the CPBs and the BPBs, Pb could be completely desorbed and released into simulated digestive systems in 10 h. In conclusion, BPBs could be potential vectors of heavy metals, and their suitability as a substitute for CPBs must be thoroughly investigated and confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hong Lin
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71 Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei, 10673, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsi-Yen Wang
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71 Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei, 10673, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jeff Kuo
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, California State University, 800 N. State College Blvd, CA, 92831, Fullerton, United States
| | - Shang-Lien Lo
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71 Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei, 10673, Taiwan, ROC.
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50
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Carvalho Ferreira H, Lôbo-Hajdu G. Microplastics in coastal and oceanic surface waters and their role as carriers of pollutants of emerging concern in marine organisms. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 188:106021. [PMID: 37257340 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (Mps) pose a significant environmental challenge with global implications. To examine the effect of Mps on coastal and oceanic surface waters, as well as in marine organisms, 167 original research papers published between January 2013 and September 2022 were analyzed. The study revealed an unequal distribution of research efforts across the world. Fragments and fibers were the most frequently detected particles in ocean surface waters and marine biota, which mainly consisted of colored and transparent microparticles. Sampling of Mps was primarily done using collecting nets with a mesh size of 330 μm. Most articles used a stereomicroscope and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy for identification and composition determination, respectively. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most frequent polymers found, both in coastal waters and in marine organisms. The major impact observed on marine organisms was a reduction in growth rate, an increase in mortality, and reduced food consumption. The hydrophobic nature of plastics encourages the formation of biofilms called the "plastisphere," which can carry pollutants that are often toxic and can enter the food chain. To better define management measures, it is necessary to standardize investigations that assess Mp pollution, considering not only the geomorphological and oceanographic features of each region but also the urban and industrial occupation of the studied marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson Carvalho Ferreira
- Laboratory of Marine Genetics, Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, PHLC, Office 205, Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil; Graduate Program in Oceanography (PPGOCN), State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, PJLF, Bl. E, Office 4018, Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Gisele Lôbo-Hajdu
- Laboratory of Marine Genetics, Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, PHLC, Office 205, Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil.
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