1
|
Du L, Liu Q, Wang L, Lyu H, Tang J. Microplastics enhanced the allelopathy of pyrogallol on toxic Microcystis with additional risks: Microcystins release and greenhouse gases emissions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173864. [PMID: 38879032 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173864] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria blooms (CBs) caused by eutrophication pose a global concern, especially Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa), which could release harmful microcystins (MCs). The impact of microplastics (MPs) on allelopathy in freshwater environments is not well understood. This study examined the joint effect of adding polystyrene (PS-MPs) as representative MPs and two concentrations (2 and 8 mg/L) of pyrogallol (PYR) on the allelopathy of M. aeruginosa. The results showed that the addition of PS-MPs intensified the inhibitory effect of 8 mg/L PYR on the growth and photosynthesis of M. aeruginosa. After a 7-day incubation period, the cell density decreased to 69.7 %, and the chl-a content decreased to 48 % compared to the condition without PS-MPs (p < 0.05). Although the growth and photosynthesis of toxic Microcystis decreased with the addition of PS-MPs, the addition of PS-MPs significantly resulted in a 3.49-fold increase in intracellular MCs and a 1.10-fold increase in extracellular MCs (p < 0.05). Additionally, the emission rates of greenhouse gases (GHGs) (carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane) increased by 2.66, 2.23 and 2.17-fold, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, transcriptomic analysis showed that the addition of PS-MPs led to the dysregulation of gene expression related to DNA synthesis, membrane function, enzyme activity, stimulus detection, MCs release and GHGs emissions in M. aeruginosa. PYR and PS-MPs triggered ROS-induced membrane damage and disrupted photosynthesis in algae, leading to increased MCs and GHG emissions. PS-MPs accumulation exacerbated this issue by impeding light absorption and membrane function, further heightening the release of MCs and GHGs emissions. Therefore, PS-MPs exhibited a synergistic effect with PYR in inhibiting the growth and photosynthesis of M. aeruginosa, resulting in additional risks such as MCs release and GHGs emissions. These results provide valuable insights for the ecological risk assessment and control of algae bloom in freshwater ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linqing Du
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qinglong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Honghong Lyu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang J, Gu P, Cao X, Miao H, Wang Z. Mechanistic study on the increase of Microcystin-LR synthesis and release in Microcystis aeruginosa by amino-modified nano-plastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134767. [PMID: 38820757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134767] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Ecological risk of micro/nano-plastics (MPs/NPs) has become an important environmental issue. Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) produced by Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) is the most common and toxic secondary metabolites (SM). However, the influencing mechanism of MPs and NPs exposure on MC-LR synthesis and release have still not been clearly evaluated. In this work, under both acute (4d) and long-term exposure (10d), only high-concentration (10 mg/L) exposure of amino-modified polystyrene NPs (PS-NH2-NPs) promoted MC-LR synthesis (32.94 % and 42.42 %) and release (27.35 % and 31.52 %), respectively. Mechanistically, PS-NH2-NPs inhibited algae cell density, interrupted pigment synthesis, weakened photosynthesis efficiency, and induced oxidative stress, with subsequent enhancing the MC-LR synthesis. Additionally, PS-NH2-NPs exposure up-regulated MC-LR synthesis pathway genes (mcyA, mcyB, mcyD, and mcyG) combined with significantly increased metabolomics (Leucine and Arginine), thereby enhancing MC-LR synthesis. PS-NH2-NPs exposure enhanced the MC-LR release from M. aeruginosa via up-regulated MC-LR transport pathway genes (mcyH) and the shrinkage of plasma membrane. Our results provide new insights into the long-time coexistence of NPs with algae in freshwater systems might pose a potential threat to aquatic environments and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinjie Huang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Peng Gu
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Taihu Water Environment Research Center, Changzhou 213169, PR China
| | - Xuesong Cao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Hengfeng Miao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, PR China.
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo Z, Li J, Zhang Z. Meta-analysis for systematic review of global micro/nano-plastics contamination versus various freshwater microalgae: Toxicological effect patterns, taxon-specific response, and potential eco-risks. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121706. [PMID: 38761590 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121706] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nano-plastics (MNPs), as emerging persistent pollutants, are threatening freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Microalgae are important primary producers at the base of trophic level and susceptible to MNPs contamination, possibly resulting in further contamination in higher trophic levels and water quality. This study conducted a systematic review of 1071 observations from 63 publications, utilizing meta-analysis and subgroup analysis to investigate the toxicological effect patterns of MNPs parameters (size, concentration, and type) on microalgae. We also explored the potential eco-risks of certain specific MNPs parameters and subtle variations in the response of various microalgae taxa to MNPs. Results suggested that microplastics significantly inhibited microalgal photosynthesis, while nano-plastics induced more severe cell membrane damage and promoted toxin-release. Within a certain range of concentrations (0∼50 mg/L), rising MNPs concentration progressively inhibited microalgal growth and chlorophyll-a content, and progressively enhanced toxin-release. Among MNPs types, polyamide caused higher growth inhibition and more severe lipid peroxidation, and polystyrene induced more toxin-release, whereas polyethylene terephthalate and polymethyl methacrylate posed minimal effects on microalgae. Moreover, Bacillariophyta growth was inhibited most significantly, while Chlorophyta displayed strong tolerance and Cyanophyta possessed strong adaptive and exceptional resilience. Particularly, Komvophoron, Microcystis, Nostoc, Scenedesmus, and Gomphonema were more tolerant and might dominate freshwater microalgal communities under MNPs contamination. These results are crucial for acquiring the fate of freshwater microalgae under various MNPs contamination, identifying dominant microalgae, and reasonably assessing and managing involved eco-risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Guo
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jieming Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Ziqing Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu SY, Mo YH, Liu YJ, Wang X, Li HY, Yang WD. Physiological and genetic responses of the benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima to polystyrene microplastics. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 136:102652. [PMID: 38876530 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2024.102652] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are well known as contaminants in marine environments. With the development of biofilms, most microplastics will eventually sink and deposit in benthic environment. However, little research has been done on benthic toxic dinoflagellates, and the effects of microplastics on benthic dinoflagellates are unknown. Prorocentrum lima is a cosmopolitan toxic benthic dinoflagellate, which can produce a range of polyether metabolites, such as diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins. In order to explore the impact of microplastics on marine benthic dinoflagellates, in this paper, we studied the effects of polystyrene (PS) on the growth and toxin production of P. lima. The molecular response of P. lima to microplastic stress was analyzed by transcriptomics. We selected 100 nm, 10 μm and 100 μm PS, and set three concentrations of 1 mg L-1, 10 mg L-1 and 100 mg L-1. The results showed that PS exposure had limited effects on cell growth, but increased the OA and extracellular polysaccharide content at high concentrations. After exposure to PS MPs, genes associated with DSP toxins synthesis, carbohydrate synthesis and energy metabolism, such as glycolysis, TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism, were significantly up-regulated. We speculated that after exposure to microplastics, P. lima may increase the synthesis of DSP toxins and extracellular polysaccharides, improve the level of energy metabolism and gene expression of ABC transporter, thereby protecting algal cells from damage. Our findings provide new insights into the effects of microplastics on toxic benthic dinoflagellates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yan-Hang Mo
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yu-Jie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Hong-Ye Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Wei-Dong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang ZH, Zheng JW, Liu SF, Hao TB, Yang WD, Li HY, Wang X. Impact of butylparaben on growth dynamics and microcystin-LR production in Microcystis aeruginosa. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119291. [PMID: 38823607 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The presence of butylparaben (BP), a prevalent pharmaceutical and personal care product, in surface waters has raised concerns regarding its impact on aquatic ecosystems. Despite its frequent detection, the toxicity of BP to the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa remains poorly understood. This study investigates the influence of BP on the growth and physiological responses of M. aeruginosa. Results indicate that low concentrations of BP (below 2.5 mg/L) have negligible effects on M. aeruginosa growth, whereas higher concentrations (5 mg/L and 10 mg/L) lead to significant growth inhibition. This inhibition is attributed to the severe disruption of photosynthesis, evidenced by decreased Fv/Fm values and chlorophyll a content. BP exposure also triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes. Excessive ROS generation stimulates the production of microcystin-LR (MC-LR). Furthermore, lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage indicate that high BP concentrations cause cell membrane rupture, facilitating the release of MC-LR into the environment. Transcriptome analysis reveals that BP disrupts energy metabolic processes, particularly affecting genes associated with photosynthesis, carbon fixation, electron transport, glycolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These findings underscore the profound physiological impact of BP on M. aeruginosa and highlight its role in stimulating the production and release of MC-LR, thereby amplifying environmental risks in aquatic systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jian-Wei Zheng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Si-Fen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ting-Bin Hao
- College of Synthetic Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Wei-Dong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hong-Ye Li
- Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo Z, He H, Yang G, Liu K, Xi Y, Li Z, Luo Y, Liao Z, Dao G, Ren X, Huang B, Pan X. The environmental risks of antiviral drug arbidol in eutrophic lake: Interactions with Microcystis aeruginosa. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133609. [PMID: 38310846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133609] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The environmental risks resulting from the increasing antivirals in water are largely unknown, especially in eutrophic lakes, where the complex interactions between algae and drugs would alter hazards. Herein, the environmental risks of the antiviral drug arbidol towards the growth and metabolism of Microcystis aeruginosa were comprehensively investigated, as well as its biotransformation mechanism by algae. The results indicated that arbidol was toxic to Microcystis aeruginosa within 48 h, which decreased the cell density, chlorophyll-a, and ATP content. The activation of oxidative stress increased the levels of reactive oxygen species, which caused lipid peroxidation and membrane damage. Additionally, the synthesis and release of microcystins were promoted by arbidol. Fortunately, arbidol can be effectively removed by Microcystis aeruginosa mainly through biodegradation (50.5% at 48 h for 1.0 mg/L arbidol), whereas the roles of bioadsorption and bioaccumulation were limited. The biodegradation of arbidol was dominated by algal intracellular P450 enzymes via loss of thiophenol and oxidation, and a higher arbidol concentration facilitated the degradation rate. Interestingly, the toxicity of arbidol was reduced after algal biodegradation, and most of the degradation products exhibited lower toxicity than arbidol. This study revealed the environmental risks and transformation behavior of arbidol in algal bloom waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Guo
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Huan He
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Gui Yang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Kunqian Liu
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yanting Xi
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zihui Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yu Luo
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhicheng Liao
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Guohua Dao
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xiaomin Ren
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Xuejun Pan
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ren X, Mao M, Feng M, Peng T, Long X, Yang F. Fate, abundance and ecological risks of microcystins in aquatic environment: The implication of microplastics. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 251:121121. [PMID: 38277829 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121121] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Microcystins are highly toxic cyanotoxins and have been produced worldwide with the global expansion of harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HABs), posing serious threats to human health and ecosystem safety. Yet little knowledge is available on the underlying process occurring in the aquatic environment with microcystins. Microplastics as vectors for pollutants has received growing attention and are widely found co-existing with microcystins. On the one hand, microplastics could react with microcystins by adsorption, altering their environmental behavior and ecological risks. On the other hand, particular attention should be given to microplastics due to their implications on the outbreak of HABs and the generation and release of microcystins. However, limited reviews have been undertaken to link the co-existing microcystins and microplastics in natural water. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding on the environmental relevance of microcystins and microplastics and their potential interactions, with particular emphasis on the adsorption, transport, sources, ecotoxicity and environmental transformation of microcystins affected by microplastics. In addition, current knowledge gaps and future research directions on the microcystins and microplastics are presented. Overall, this review will provide novel insights into the ecological risk of microcystins associated with microplastics in real water environment and lay foundation for the effective management of HABs and microplastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Ren
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Meiyi Mao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Mengqi Feng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Tangjian Peng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xizi Long
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Xiang Ya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kim JY, Kim KY, Jung WS, Kim HS, Oh B, Park J, Choi YE. Effects of micro-sized biodegradable plastics on Microcystis aeruginosa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169044. [PMID: 38061645 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169044] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Plethora of plastics are being used in current society, generating huge amounts of plastic waste. Non-biodegradability of conventional plastics is one of the main challenges to treat plastic waste. In an effort to increase the efficiency of plastic waste treatment, biodegradable plastics have gained attention. Although the use of biodegradable plastics has been increased, their potential effects on the environments are not fully elucidated yet. In this study, the impacts of micro-sized non-biodegradable plastic (i.e., polystyrene (PS)) and micro-sized biodegradable plastics (i.e., polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA)) on Microcystis aeruginosa were investigated. Regardless of microplastic (MP) types, MP treatments inhibited the growth of M. aeruginosa at the beginning (4 days) while significant dose-dependent effect was not observed in the range of 0.1 to 10 mg/L. However, after long-term exposure (12 days), micro-sized biodegradable plastics stimulated the growth of M. aeruginosa (up to 73 % increase compared to the control). The photosynthetic activity showed a similar trend to the cell growth. The MP treatments induced the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Indeed, micro-sized PCL and PLA stimulated the production of protein compounds in EPS. These might have affected the releases of chemicals from PCL and PLA, suggesting that the chemicals in biodegradable plastic leachates would promote the growth of M. aeruginosa in long-term exposure. The MP treatments also induced cyanotoxin (microcystin-LR) productions. Our results give a new insight into the cyanobacterial blooming and suggest a novel relationship between harmful algal blooms (HABs) and biodegradable plastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jee Young Kim
- Institute of Life Science and Natural Resources, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ka Young Kim
- Institute of Life Science and Natural Resources, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Shik Jung
- Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01890, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeolnim Oh
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01890, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Konkuk University, Chungcheongbuk-do 27478, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoon-E Choi
- Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang X, Wei J, Zhang X, Chen Q, Lakshmikandan M, Li M. Comparing the removal efficiency of diisobutyl phthalate by Bacillariophyta, Cyanophyta and Chlorophyta. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169507. [PMID: 38142000 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169507] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The utilization of microalgae for both removing phthalate esters (PAEs) from wastewater and producing bioenergy has become a popular research topic. However, there is a lack of studies comparing the effectiveness of different types of microalgae in removing these harmful compounds. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficiency of various processes, such as hydrolysis, photolysis, adsorption, and biodegradation, in removing diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) using six different species of microalgae. The study indicated that the average removal efficiency of DiBP (initial concentrations of 5, 0.5, and 0.05 mg L-1) by all six microalgae (initial cell density of 1 × 106 cells mL-1) was in the order of Scenedesmus obliquus (95.39 %) > Chlorella vulgaris (94.78 %) > Chroococcus sp. (91.16 %) > Cyclotella sp. (89.32 %) > Nitzschia sp. (88.38 %) > Nostoc sp. (84.33 %). The results of both hydrolysis and photolysis experiments revealed that the removal of DiBP had minimal impact, with respective removal efficiencies of only 0.89 % and 1.82 %. The adsorption efficiency of all six microalgae decreased significantly with increasing initial DiBP concentrations, while the biodegradation efficiency was elevated. Chlorella vulgaris and Chroococcus sp. demonstrated the highest adsorption and biodegradation efficiencies among the microalgae tested. Scenedesmus obliquus was chosen for the analysis of the degradation products of DiBP due to its exceptional ability to remove DiBP. The analysis yielded valuable results, identifying monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), phthalic acid (PA), and salicylic acid (SA) as the possible degradation products of DiBP. The possible degradation pathways mainly included dealkylation, the addition of hydroxyl groups, and decarboxylation. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the elimination of PAEs in the aquatic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Jianan Wei
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Qiaoshen Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Manogaran Lakshmikandan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu Z, Wang G, Sheng C, Zheng Y, Tang D, Zhang Y, Hou X, Yao M, Zong Q, Zhou Z. Intracellular Protein Adsorption Behavior and Biological Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in THP-1 Cells. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2652-2661. [PMID: 38294362 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants that can adsorb pollutants in the environment and biological molecules and ultimately affect human health. However, the aspects of adsorption of intracellular proteins onto MNPs and its biological effects in cells have not been investigated to date. The present study revealed that 100 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (NPs) could be internalized by THP-1 cells and specifically adsorbed intracellular proteins. In total, 773 proteins adsorbed onto NPs with high reliability were identified using the proteomics approach and analyzed via bioinformatics to predict the route and distribution of NPs following cellular internalization. The representative proteins identified via the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were further investigated to characterize protein adsorption onto NPs and its biological effects. The analysis revealed that NPs affect glycolysis through pyruvate kinase M (PKM) adsorption, trigger the unfolded protein response through the adsorption of ribophorin 1 (RPN1) and heat shock 70 protein 8 (HSPA8), and are chiefly internalized into cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis with concomitant clathrin heavy chain (CLTC) adsorption. Therefore, this work provides new insights and research strategies for the study of the biological effects caused by NPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijia Liu
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Guozhen Wang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
- Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Chao Sheng
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yuchen Zheng
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Duo Tang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xiaonan Hou
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Mengfei Yao
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Qi Zong
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zhixiang Zhou
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang Y, Ju J, Long X, Zhu M, Jiang Y, Yang H. Length-dependent toxic effects of microplastic fibers on Chlorella pyrenoidosa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123037. [PMID: 38030106 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123037] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), a pervasive pollutant in aquatic environments, are increasingly recognized for their detrimental effects on aquatic organisms. However, the present understanding of their impact on phytoplankton, particularly freshwater microalgae, remains limited. Furthermore, previous studies have predominantly focused on MP particles, largely overlooking the most prevalent form of MPs in aquatic settings-fibers. In this study, we scrutinized the toxicological implications of microplastic fibers (MFs) spanning four distinct lengths (50 μm, 100 μm, 150 μm, and 200 μm) on the protein-nucleated algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa over a six-day period. The study unequivocally demonstrated that MFs markedly impeded C. pyrenoidosa growth, diminished photosynthetic pigment content, and induced oxidative stress, with all observed effects exhibiting a length-dependent correlation. Electron microscopy further revealed notable damage to algal cell membranes. Cell membrane shrinkage, cytoplasm outflow, and abnormalities in cell division were observed in the 150 μm and 200 μm groups. Furthermore, C. pyrenoidosa clustered around the 200 μm MF were notably denser compared to other groups. The present study demonstrated that MFs had length-dependent toxic effects on C. pyrenoidosa. These findings offer novel insights into the deleterious impact of MFs on aquatic organisms, underscoring the pivotal role of length in influencing their toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Jian Ju
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Xiaodong Long
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Mingzhen Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yinan Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Hui Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Meng F, Tan L, Cai P, Wang J. Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on growth and hemolysin production of microalgae Karlodinium veneficum. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 266:106810. [PMID: 38134819 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106810] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
There are few studies on the effects of nanoplastics on growth and hemolysin production of harmful algal bloom species at present. In this study, Karlodinium veneficum was exposed to different concentrations (0, 5, 25, 50, 75 mg/L) of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 100 nm) for 96 h. The effects of PS-NPs on growth of K. veneficum were investigated by measuring algal cell abundance, growth inhibition rate (IR), total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reductase (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ATPase activity (Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase). Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (SEM and TEM) images of microalgae with or without nanoplastics were also observed. The effects of PS-NPs on hemolysin production of K. veneficum were studied by measuring the changes of hemolytic toxin production of K. veneficum exposed to PS-NPs on 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. High concentrations (50 and 75 mg/L) of PS-NPs seriously affected the growth of K. veneficum and different degrees of damage to cell morphology and ultrastructure were found. Excessive free radicals and other oxidants were produced in the cells, which disrupted the intracellular redox balance state and caused oxidative damage to the cells, and the basic activities such as photosynthesis and energy metabolism were weakened. The athletic ability of K. veneficum was decreased, but the ability to produce hemolysin was enhanced. It was suggested that the presence of nanoplastics in seawater may strengthen the threat of harmful algal bloom species to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanmeng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, No.238, Songling Road, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Liju Tan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, No.238, Songling Road, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Peining Cai
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, No.238, Songling Road, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiangtao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, No.238, Songling Road, Qingdao 266100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li J, Zheng X, Liu X, Zhang L, Zhang S, Li Y, Zhang W, Li Q, Zhao Y, Chen X, Wang X, Huang H, Fan Z. Effect and mechanism of microplastics exposure against microalgae: Photosynthesis and oxidative stress. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167017. [PMID: 37717764 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) within aquatic ecosystems attracts a major environmental concern. It was demonstrated MPs could cause various ecotoxicological effects on microalgae. However, existing data on the effects of MPs on microalgae showed great variability among studies. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of the latest studies on the effects of MPs on photosynthesis and oxidative stress in microalgae. A total of 835 biological endpoints were investigated from 55 studies extracted, and 37 % of them were significantly affected by MPs. In this study, the impact of MPs against microalgae was concentration-dependent and size-dependent, and microalgae were more susceptible to MPs stress in freshwater than marine. Additionally, we summarized the biological functions of microalgae that are primarily affected by MPs. Under MPs exposure, the content of chlorophyll a (Chl-a) was reduced and electron transfer in the photosynthetic system was hindered, causing electron accumulation and oxidative stress damage, which may also affect biological processes such as energy production, carbon fixation, lipid metabolism, and nucleic acid metabolism. Finally, our findings provide important insights into the effects of MPs stress on photosynthesis and oxidative stress in microalga and enhance the current understanding of the potential risk of MPs pollution on aquatic organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jue Li
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianglin Liu
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| | - Yanyao Li
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
| | - Qihui Li
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
| | - Yuqiang Zhao
- Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Xunfeng Chen
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240 Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangrong Wang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| | - Honghui Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510300, China.
| | - Zhengqiu Fan
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sansing J, Karapetrova A, Gan J. A multi-factor analysis evaluating the toxicity of microplastics on algal growth. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166140. [PMID: 37562627 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine and freshwater bodies are the primary destinations of microplastics (MPs), where MPs can interact closely with algae. Here, we synthesized existing literature on the effect of MPs on algal growth. Studies examining the effects of MPs on algal growth have yielded conflicting results. Some studies reported growth inhibition, whereas others showed no significant effect or even growth enhancement. Data from 71 studies in the subject area were evaluated using cross-tables, scatterplots, and chi-square tests of independence, and four factors (polymer type, algal type, MP size, MP concentration) likely influencing the observations were identified. Experiments using certain polymers of plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride, and algal phyla, such as Chlorophyta, were more likely to show growth inhibition. Higher MP concentrations were more likely to reduce algal growth, which was further amplified by exposure time. However, MP size appeared to exhibit a nonlinear relationship with algal growth inhibition, suggesting that different MP sizes may elicit different effects. Finally, this review highlights the need for more standardized data collection and analysis methods as well as future research focused on exploring the possible mechanisms of growth hindrance and algae exposure to environmentally relevant conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sansing
- Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | | | - Jay Gan
- Department of Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nguyen MK, Lin C, Nguyen HL, Le VG, Haddout S, Um MJ, Chang SW, Nguyen DD. Ecotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics on aquatic algae: Facts, challenges, and future opportunities. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 346:118982. [PMID: 37741192 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118982] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The production of plastic has exponentially increased in recent years, leading to the release of millions of tons of plastic waste into the environment annually. This waste can break down into smaller micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) that are toxic and reactive to life forms, including humans. MNPs are particularly concerning for marine biologists and environmental scientists due to their toxic impacts on aquatic organisms, including algae, which are the foundation of the food chain. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the (eco)toxicity assessment of MNPs on aquatic algal communities, highlighting the novel insights gained into the ecotoxicity of various MNPs on algae and the associated health risks for aquatic ecosystems, food chains, and humans. This article also discusses current challenges and future research opportunities to address these challenges, making it a valuable contribution to the field of environmental science. Overall, this work is one of the first efforts to comprehensively assess the effects of MNPs on aquatic algae, emphasizing the significant risks that MNPs pose to essential ecosystems and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Hoang-Lam Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Van-Giang Le
- Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 111000, Viet Nam
| | - S Haddout
- Department of Physics, Ibn Tofail University, Morocco
| | - Myoung-Jin Um
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, 442-760, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon W Chang
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, 442-760, Republic of Korea
| | - D Duc Nguyen
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, 442-760, Republic of Korea; Faculty of Environmental and Food Engineering, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, HCM City 755414, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ren Y, Jia Z, Liu Y, Liang C, Zhang X, Xu D, Ye N. Elevated pCO 2 alleviates the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on the marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:164985. [PMID: 37364831 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about the environmental effects of nanoplastics on marine ecosystems are increasing. Ocean acidification (OA) has also become a global environmental problem. Plastic pollution occurs concomitantly with anthropogenic climate stressors such as OA. However, the combined effects of NP and OA on marine phytoplankton are still not well understood. Therefore, we have investigated the behavior of ammonia (NH2) polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NP) in f/2 medium under 1000 μatm pCO2 and discussed the toxicity of PS NP (100 nm; 0.5 and 1.5 mg/L) on Nannochloropsis oceanica under long and short-term acidification (LA and SA; pCO2 ~ 1000 μatm). We observed PS NP suspended in pCO2 1000 μatm f/2 medium aggregated to a size greater than nanoscale (1339.00 ± 76.10 nm). In addition, we found that PS NP significantly inhibited the growth of N. oceanica at two concentrations, which also produced oxidative stress. Whereas, the growth of algal cells under the coupling of acidification and PS NP was significantly better than that of single PS NP exposure. This indicated that acidification significantly alleviated the toxic effects of PS NP on N. oceanica, and long-term acidification can even promote the growth of N. oceanica under low-density NP. To further understand the mechanism, we analyzed a comparative transcriptome. The results showed that PS NP exposure inhibited the expression of genes involved in the TCA cycle. The acidification was possibly reflected in ribosomes and corresponding processes, which alleviated the negative effects of PS NP on N. oceanica by promoting the synthesis of related enzymes and proteins. This study provided a theoretical basis for assessing the damage of NP to marine phytoplankton under OA. We propose that future studies evaluating the toxicology of NP to marine ecology should consider the changing ocean climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Ren
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhihua Jia
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengwei Liang
- College of Marine Science and Biological Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Naihao Ye
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gopalakrishnan KK, Kashian DR. Complex interactions among temperature, microplastics and cyanobacteria may facilitate cyanobacteria proliferation and microplastic deposition. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115259. [PMID: 37473702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial blooms are a global concern prone to causing environmental and economic damages and are tightly linked to anthropogenic nutrient inputs. Likewise, microplastic pollution has also become globally ubiquitous inevitably co-occurring with blooms. However, little is known on how microplastics influence cyanobacterial physiologically and how potential physiological changes can affect their buoyancy, ultimately impacting their fate, and transport, including deposition during bloom events. Interactions of environmental relevant concentrations of high-density polyethylene microplastics (MPs) (0-0.4 mg/mL) and temperatures (2.5-32.5 °C) were evaluated to assess the effects of MPs on interactions of cyanobacteria Anabaena variabilis's growth, total organic carbon concentrations, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production, and MP deposition. Microplastics both stimulated and inhibited A. variabilis growth depending on the concentration. Lower MPs concentrations (0.1-0.2 mg/L) increased A. variabilis growth while higher MP concentrations (>0.3 mg/mL) impeded it across all temperatures studied. Carbon sources leached from MPs may have been a contributing factor to the increased growth at lower MPs concentration, while higher MPs concentration potentially shaded A. variabilis inhibiting its growth. Shading may have induced stress which corresponded with an observed increase in EPS production by A. variabilis when exposed to MP. Extracellular polymeric substances generation activated under adverse circumstances (MPs 0.4 mg/mL) enhanced MP deposition. Overall, our findings indicate that MPs play an important role in cyanobacterial blooms, and that these blooms may enhance MPs deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Donna R Kashian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ta M, Wei J, Ye S, Zhang J, Song T, Li M. Investigation of dissolved organic matter's influence on the toxicity of cadmium to the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa by biochemical and molecular assays. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:94790-94802. [PMID: 37540421 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29000-y] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Rapid economic development has increased the accumulation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and heavy metals in aquatic environments. In addition, Microcystis aeruginosa can cause the outbreak of cyanobacteria bloom and can produce microcystin, which poses a threat to human water safety. Therefore, this study analyzed the biochemical and molecular assays of DOM (0, 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 mg C L-1) extracted from four different sources on the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) to M. aeruginosa. The results showed that the addition of different concentrations of DOM from sediment, biochar, and humic acid alleviated the toxicity of Cd to M. aeruginosa. But the addition of rice hulls DOM at high concentrations (8 and 10 mg L-1) significantly reduced the normal growth and metabolic activities of M. aeruginosa. DOM from four different sources promoted the expression level of microcystin-related gene mcyA and the production of microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR), and mcyA was positively correlated with MC-LR. DOM from biochar, sediment, and humic acid were able to bind Cd through complexation. The results will help to understand the toxic effects of heavy metals on toxic-producing cyanobacteria in the presence of DOM, and provide certain reference for the evaluation of water environmental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiang Ta
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Wuxi Environment Monitoring Center, Wuxi, 214121, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianan Wei
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Sisi Ye
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyi Zhang
- Wuxi Environment Monitoring Center, Wuxi, 214121, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Song
- Wuxi Environment Monitoring Center, Wuxi, 214121, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pencik O, Durdakova M, Molnarova K, Kucsera A, Klofac D, Kolackova M, Adam V, Huska D. Microplastics and nanoplastics toxicity assays: A revision towards to environmental-relevance in water environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131476. [PMID: 37172431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution poses a serious risk to the oceans, freshwater ecosystems, and land-based agricultural production. Most plastic waste enters rivers and then reaches the oceans, where its fragmentation process begins and the forming of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). These particles increase their toxicity by the exposition to external factors and binding environmental pollutants, including toxins, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), halogenated hydrocarbons (HHCs), and other chemicals, which further and cumulatively increase the toxicity of these particles. A major disadvantage of many MNPs in vitro studies is that they do not use environmentally relevant microorganisms, which play a vital role in geobiochemical cycles. In addition, factors such as the polymer type, shapes, and sizes of the MPs and NPs, their exposure times and concentrations must be taken into account in in vitro experiments. Last but not least, it is important to ask whether to use aged particles with bound pollutants. All these factors affect the predicted effects of these particles on living systems, which may not be realistic if they are insufficiently considered. In this article, we summarize the latest findings on MNPs in the environment and propose some recommendations for future in vitro experiments on bacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae in water ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Pencik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Durdakova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Molnarova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Attila Kucsera
- Department of Molecular Biology and Radiobiology, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Klofac
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Kolackova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Huska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fan L, Mohseni A, Schmidt J, Evans B, Murdoch B, Gao L. Efficiency of lagoon-based municipal wastewater treatment in removing microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162714. [PMID: 36907421 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162714] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater treatment plants act as a sink, but also are a source of microplastics in the environment. A conventional wastewater lagoon system and an activated sludge (AS)-lagoon system in Victoria (Australia) were investigated through a two-year sampling program to understand the fate and transport of MP in such treatment processes. The abundance (>25 μm) and characteristics (size, shape, and colour) of the microplastics present in the various wastewater streams were determined. The mean values of MP in the influent of the two plants were 55.3 ± 38.4 and 42.5 ± 20.1 MP/L, respectively. The dominant MP size of influent and final effluent was <500 μm, with 25-200 μm accounting for >65 % of the total MP; synthetic fibres were the dominant MP in all wastewater streams. Influent MP concentration was significantly higher in summer than in other seasons for both systems, which was related to the lower plant inflow due to less stormwater entering the sewer during summer. The promising MP removal capability of the lagoon system (97 %) was attributed to its lengthy wastewater detention time (total HRT >250 days, including the storage lagoons) that would allow effective separation of MP from the water column via various physical and biological pathways. For the AS-lagoon system, the high MP reduction efficiency (98.4 %) was attributed to the post-secondary treatment of the wastewater with the lagoon system, in which MP was further removed during the month-long detention in the lagoons. The results indicated the potential of such low-energy and low-cost wastewater treatment systems for MP control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linhua Fan
- School of Engineering and WETT Research Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.
| | - Arash Mohseni
- School of Engineering and WETT Research Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Jonathan Schmidt
- South East Water Corporation, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia
| | - Ben Evans
- South East Water Corporation, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia
| | - Ben Murdoch
- South East Water Corporation, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia
| | - Li Gao
- South East Water Corporation, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang Q, Liu W, Zeb A, Lian Y, Shi R, Li J, Zheng Z. Toxicity effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and arsenite on Microcystis aeruginosa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162496. [PMID: 36863597 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162496] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite the increasing research on the fate of nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) in freshwater systems, little is known about the joint toxic effects of metal(loid)s and NPs modified with different functional groups on microalgae. Here, we explored the joint toxic effects of two types of polystyrene NPs [one modified with a sulfonic acid group (PSNPs-SO3H), and one without this functional group (PSNPs)] and arsenic (As) on the microalgae Microcystis aeruginosa. The results highlighted that PSNPs-SO3H showed a smaller hydrodynamic diameter and greater potential to adsorb positively charged ions than PSNPs, contributing to the more severe growth inhibition, while both of them produced oxidative stress. Metabolomics further revealed that the fatty acid metabolism of the microalgae was significantly up-regulated under both NPs exposure, while PSNPs-SO3H down-regulated the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) of the microalgae. As uptake by algae was significantly reduced by 82.58 % and 59.65 % in the presence of 100 mg/L PSNPs and PSNPs-SO3H, respectively. The independent action model showed that the joint toxicity of both NPs with As was assessed as antagonistic. In addition, PSNPs and PSNPs-SO3H had dissimilar effects on the composition of the microalgae extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), resulting in different uptake and adsorption of As, thereby affecting the physiology and biochemistry of algae. Overall, our findings propose that the specific properties of NPs should be considered in future environmental risk assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Urban Ecology Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Urban Ecology Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Aurang Zeb
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Urban Ecology Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuhang Lian
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Urban Ecology Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Urban Ecology Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Urban Ecology Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zeqi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Urban Ecology Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Shen M, Liu S, Hu T, Zheng K, Wang Y, Long H. Recent advances in the research on effects of micro/nanoplastics on carbon conversion and carbon cycle: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 334:117529. [PMID: 36801693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Massive production and spread application of plastics have led to the accumulation of numerous plastics in the global environment so that the proportion of carbon storage in these polymers also increases. Carbon cycle is of fundamental significance to global climate change and human survival and development. With the continuous increase of microplastics, undoubtedly, there carbons will continue to be introduced into the global carbon cycle. In this paper, the impact of microplastics on microorganisms involved in carbon transformation is reviewed. Micro/nanoplastics affect carbon conversion and carbon cycle by interfering with biological fixation of CO2, microbial structure and community, functional enzymes activity, the expression of related genes, and the change of local environment. Micro/nanoplastic abundance, concentration and size could significantly lead to difference in carbon conversion. In addition, plastic pollution can further affect the blue carbon ecosystem reduce its ability to store CO2 and marine carbon fixation capacity. Nevertheless, problematically, limited information is seriously insufficient in understanding the relevant mechanisms. Accordingly, it is required to further explore the effect of micro/nanoplastics and derived organic carbon on carbon cycle under multiple impacts. Under the influence of global change, migration and transformation of these carbon substances may cause new ecological and environmental problems. Additionally, the relationship between plastic pollution and blue carbon ecosystem and global climate change should be timely established. This work provides a better perspective for the follow-up study of the impact of micro/nanoplastics on carbon cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, PR China.
| | - Shiwei Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, PR China; School of Metallurgical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, PR China
| | - Tong Hu
- Department of Environment Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Kaixuan Zheng
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Yulai Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, PR China
| | - Hongming Long
- School of Metallurgical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui, 243002, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yu J, Zhu H, Wang H, Shutes B, Niu T. Effect of butachlor on Microcystis aeruginosa: Cellular and molecular mechanisms of toxicity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 449:131042. [PMID: 36827725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131042] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of agriculture increases the release of butachlor into aquatic environments. As a dominant species causing cyanobacterial blooms, Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) can produce microcystin and poses threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. However, the impact of butachlor on M. aeruginosa remains unclarified. Therefore, the physiochemical responses of M. aeruginosa to butachlor were investigated, and the relevant underlying molecular mechanism was highlighted. There were no significant changes (P > 0.05) in the growth and physiology of M. aeruginosa at the low concentrations of butachlor (0-0.1 mg/L), which evidenced a high level of butachlor tolerance in Microcystis aeruginosa. For the high concentrations of butachlor (4-30 mg/L), the inhibition of photosynthetic activity, disruption of cell ultrastructure, and oxidative stress were dominant toxic effects on M. aeruginosa. Additionally, the impaired cellular integrity and lipid peroxidation may be attributed to the substantial elevations of extracellular microcystin-LR concentration. Downregulation of genes associated with photosynthesis, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress was inferred to be responsible for the growth suppression of M. aeruginosa in 30 mg/L butachlor treatment. The upregulation of gene sets involved in nitrogen metabolism may illustrate the specific effort to sustain the steady concentration of intracellular microcystin-LR. These findings dissect the response mechanism of M. aeruginosa to butachlor toxicity and provide valuable reference for the evaluation of potential risk caused by butachlor in aquatic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.
| | - Heli Wang
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China
| | - Brian Shutes
- Department of Natural Sciences, Middlesex University, Hendon, London NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Tingting Niu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhao Z, Zheng X, Han Z, Yang S, Zhang H, Lin T, Zhou C. Response mechanisms of Chlorella sorokiniana to microplastics and PFOA stress: Photosynthesis, oxidative stress, extracellular polymeric substances and antioxidant system. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 323:138256. [PMID: 36858114 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Co-pollution of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is prevailing in the aquatic environment. However, the risks of coexisting microplastics and PFAS on organisms remain unknown. This study investigated the response mechanisms of Chlorella sorokiniana (C. sorokiniana) under polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) stress, including toxicity and defense mechanisms. C. sorokiniana was exposed to PS-MPs (10 mg/L) and PFOA (0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/L) and their mixtures for 96 h, respectively. We found that the dominant toxicity mechanism of PFOA and PS-MPs to C. sorokiniana was dissimilar. PS-MPs mainly inhibited photosynthesis through shading effect, while PFOA mainly induced oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species. The co-exposure of PFOA and PS-MPs aggravated biotoxicity (maximum inhibition rate: 27.27 ± 2.44%), such as photosynthesis inhibition, physical damage, and oxidative stress, compared with individuals. To alleviate toxicity, C. sorokiniana activated defense mechanisms. Extracellular polymeric substances were the first barrier to protect cells, the effect on its secretion was ordered PS-MPs+5PFOA > PS-MPs > 5PFOA, and IBRv2 values were 2.37, 1.35, 1.11, respectively. Antioxidant system was thought of second defense pathway, the influence order of treatment groups was PS-MPs+5PFOA > 5PFOA > PS-MPs, and its IBRv2 values were 2.89, 1.69, 0.25, respectively. Our findings provide valuable information on the complex impacts of PFOA and PS-MPs, which facilitate the ecological risk assessment of multiple pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Zhao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Xiaoying Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Zongshuo Han
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Guo Y, Zhao X, Yao Z, Qian Z, Wang Y, Xian Q. The effects of exogenous amino acids on production of microcystin variants in Microcystis aeruginosa. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 259:106525. [PMID: 37087861 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Dissolved free amino acids are a significant component of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in natural waterbodies. The effects of four amino acids (glutamic acid, phenylalanine, leucine, and arginine) on the growth and microcystins (MCs) production of Microcystis aeruginosa were studied in batch culture. The profiles of five MCs variants and the expression levels of target genes involved in MCs biosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism were measured. When amino acids were used as the sole nitrogen source instead of nitrate at different levels (0.5, 2.0 and 8.0 mg/L based on N) in BG-11 medium, algal cell growth and intracellular MCs quotas were inhibited slightly by the treatments with glutamic acid and arginine. The treatments with phenylalanine and leucine, on the other hand, had a strong inhibitory effect on algal cell growth and MCs production. Moreover, the concentrations of Chlorophyll a, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin in cells cultured in glutamic acid, leucine and phenylalanine were lower than those in the control group with nitrate as nitrogen source. The existence of leucine or phenylalanine can lead to a significant increase in the relative abundance of MCs variants structured with the corresponding amino acids. The expression of microcystin-producing gene mcyD was downregulated while the gene pipX associated with nitrogen metabolism was upregulated during the cultivation of M. aeruginosa with amino acids as sole nitrogen source. M. aeruginosa undergoes significant alterations due to exogenous amino acids and exhibits advanced strategies for MCs production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiating Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zongcheng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zongyao Qian
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Karst Ecological Processes and Services, Huanjiang Observation and Research Station for Karst Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huanjiang 547100, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qiming Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li N, Zeng Z, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Tang N, Guo Y, Lu L, Li X, Zhu Z, Gao X, Liang J. Higher toxicity induced by co-exposure of polystyrene microplastics and chloramphenicol to Microcystis aeruginosa: Experimental study and molecular dynamics simulation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161375. [PMID: 36621494 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161375] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs) inevitably coexist in natural waters, but their combined effect on aquatic organisms is still ambiguous. This study investigated the individual and combined toxicity of chloramphenicol (CAP) and micro-polystyrene (mPS) particles to Microcystis aeruginosa by physiological biomarkers, related gene expression, and molecular dynamics simulation. The results indicated that both individual and joint treatments threatened algal growth, while combined toxicity was higher than the former. Photosynthetic pigments and gene expression were inhibited by single CAP and mPS exposure, but CAP dominated and aggravated photosynthetic toxicity in combined exposure. Additionally, mPS damaged cell membranes and induced oxidative stress, which might further facilitate the entry of CAP into cells during co-exposure. The synergistic effect of CAP and mPS might be explained by the common photosynthetic toxicity target of CAP and mPS as well as oxidative stress. Furthermore, the molecular dynamics simulation revealed that CAP altered conformations of photosynthetic assembly protein YCF48 and SOD enzyme, and competed for functional sites of SOD, thus disturbing photosynthesis and antioxidant systems. These findings provide useful insights into the combined toxicity mechanism of antibiotics and MPs as well as highlight the importance of co-pollutant toxicity in the aquatic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Ning Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yihui Guo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Lan Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Ziqian Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiang Gao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ni Z, Tan L, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhang N, Meng F, Wang J. Toxic effects of pristine and aged polystyrene and their leachate on marine microalgae Skeletonema costatum. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159614. [PMID: 36283517 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The acute toxic effects of pristine and aged polystyrene (P-PS and A-PS) and their leaching solutions (L-PS) on microalgae Skeletonema costatum were investigated by measuring algal density and growth inhibition rate (IR), chlorophyll concentration and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) over 96 h. Total protein (TP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to analyze the oxidative damage to microalgae by microplastics and their leachates. Hydrodynamic diameter of microplastics in seawater, FITR and SEM images were used to study the changes of polystyrene during aging. The interaction of algae cell with microplastics and the cellular ultrastructure changes of cells were analyzed combined with electron microscopy for a comprehensive and systematic understanding on the mechanisms of microplastic toxicity to microalgae. Both high concentration and small size of PS had significant inhibitory effect on the growth of microalgae, and the inhibitory effect was greater with increasing exposure time. The inhibition effect of aged microplastics was more obvious, which was speculated to be caused by the synergistic effect of aged PS itself and leaching solution. The negative effect of leaching solution on microalgae was due to the release of some additives during the aging process. The content of MDA reached the highest value of 54.41 nmol/mgprot in 1.0 μm 50 mg/L A-PS treatment group, and A-PS were found to be more prone to heterogeneous aggregation with algae cells by SEM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Ni
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Liju Tan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiayin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yanshan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Fanmeng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiangtao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zheng X, Zhang L, Jiang C, Li J, Li Y, Liu X, Li C, Wang Z, Zheng N, Fan Z. Acute effects of three surface-modified nanoplastics against Microcystis aeruginosa: Growth, microcystin production, and mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158906. [PMID: 36150599 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As plastic pollution continues to increase and plastic waste is shredded to form smaller plastic particles, there is growing concern about the potential impact of nanoplastics (NPs) on freshwater ecosystems. In this work, the effects of three surface-modified NPs, including polystyrene (PS), PS-NH2, and PS-COOH, on the growth, photosynthetic activity, oxidative damage, and microcystins (MCs) production/release of Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) were investigated. Results indicated that all three NPs significantly inhibited the growth of M. aeruginosa after a 96 h exposure, and the growth inhibition followed the order of PS-NH2 > PS > PS-COOH (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, all three NPs at the concentration of 100 mg/L significantly increased the content of intra-MCs (115 %, 147 %, and 121 % higher than the control, respectively) and extra-MCs (142 %, 175 %, and 151 % higher than the control, respectively) after a 96 h exposure (p < 0.05). Moreover, our findings also suggested that the potential mechanisms of surface-modified PS NPs on M. aeruginosa growth and MCs production/release were associated with physical constraints, photosynthetic activity obstruct, and oxidative damage. Our findings provided direct evidence for different kinds of surface modifications of PS NPs on freshwater algae and improve the understanding of the potential risk of NPs in aquatic ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jue Li
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanyao Li
- Laboratory of Industrial Water and Ecotechnology, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Xianglin Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chengwei Li
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zeming Wang
- Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Zhengqiu Fan
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Song Y, Zhang B, Si M, Chen Z, Geng J, Liang F, Xi M, Liu X, Wang R. Roles of extracellular polymeric substances on Microcystis aeruginosa exposed to different sizes of polystyrene microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137225. [PMID: 36375605 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are important shields for microalgae when confronting with external stresses. However, the underlying roles of EPS in the interactions between microplastics (MPs) and microalgae remain poorly understood. In this study, three sizes of polystyrene (PS) MPs (20 nm, 100 nm, and 1 μm) were chosen for evaluating the compositions of EPS, secreted by Microcystis aeruginosa during exposure. The results indicated that the EPS compositions were different when M. aeruginosa was exposed to PS MPs of different sizes. The presence of EPS is helpful for alleviating the adverse effects of PS MPs on M. aeruginosa cell growth, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress. With the exception of the shading effect, insufficient EPS cause direct adsorption of unstable 1 μm PS MPs to the algal surface, which could destroy the cell wall. In contrast, aromatic proteins and fulvic acids are representative EPS components stimulated by 100 nm PS MPs, contributing to the self-aggregation and encapsulation of algal cells and availability of nutrients for algal growth, respectively. High amounts of polysaccharides were secreted by M. aeruginosa along with humic acids during exposure to 20 nm PS MPs, both of which are crucial in the homo-aggregation of 20 nm PS MPs toward minimize its adverse effects on M. aeruginosa. Together, these findings revealed the differences in EPS under the stimulation of PS MPs of different sizes and clarified the roles of different EPS components in resisting the adverse effects of PS MPs on M. aeruginosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Song
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China.
| | - Baoxin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Mengying Si
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Zixuan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Jinyu Geng
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Fei Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Muchen Xi
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Renjun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hataley EK, Shahmohamadloo RS, Almirall XO, Harrison AL, Rochman CM, Zou S, Orihel DM. Experimental Evidence from the Field that Naturally Weathered Microplastics Accumulate Cyanobacterial Toxins in Eutrophic Lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:3017-3028. [PMID: 36148929 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems with recurring harmful algal blooms can also be polluted with plastics. Thus the two environmental problems may interact. To test whether microplastics influence the partitioning of microcystins in freshwater lakes, we examined the sorption of four microcystin congeners to different polymers of commercially available plastics (low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene). We conducted three experiments: a batch sorption experiment in the laboratory with pristine microplastics of four different polymers, a second batch sorption experiment in the laboratory to compare pristine and naturally weathered microplastics of a single polymer, and a 2-month sorption experiment in the field with three different polymers experiencing natural weathering in a eutrophic lake. This series of experiments led to a surprising result: microcystins sorbed poorly to all polymers tested under laboratory conditions (<0.01% of the initial amount added), irrespective of weathering, yet in the field experiment, all polymers accumulated microcystins under ambient conditions in a eutrophic lake (range: 0-84.1 ng/g). Furthermore, we found that the sorption capacity for microcystins differed among polymers in the laboratory experiment yet were largely the same in the field. We also found that the affinity for plastic varied among microcystin congeners, namely, more polar congeners demonstrated a greater affinity for plastic than less polar congeners. Our study improves our understanding of the role of polymer and congener type in microplastic-microcystin sorption and provides novel evidence from the field, showing that naturally weathered microplastics in freshwater lakes can accumulate microcystins. Consequently, we caution that microplastics may alter the persistence, transport, and bioavailability of microcystins in freshwaters, which could have implications for human and wildlife health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:3017-3028. © 2022 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eden K Hataley
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - René S Shahmohamadloo
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Vancouver, Washington, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xavier Ortiz Almirall
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences, IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna L Harrison
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, UMR 5563, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, St. George Campus, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shan Zou
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diane M Orihel
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cao Q, Sun W, Yang T, Zhu Z, Jiang Y, Hu W, Wei W, Zhang Y, Yang H. The toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on freshwater algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa depends on the different size of polystyrene microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136135. [PMID: 36007743 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are persistent environmental contaminants. The toxic effects of MPs on aquatic organisms have raised increasing concerns, but their toxic effects on aquatic phytoplankton has not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, the toxic effects of two sizes MPs (1 μm and 5 μm) on Chlorella pyrenoidosa at 2, 10, 50 mg/L were explored for 1, 5, 10 days. The growth ratio, photosynthetic pigments content, extracellular polymeric substances content, soluble protein content, MDA content and relative expression of genes related to photosynthesis and energy metabolism were measured. These results indicated that 1 μm MP could significantly inhibit the growth of C. pyrenoidosa. Compared with the control group, 1 μm MP significantly reduced the photosynthetic pigment content, induced oxidative stress and disrupted the cell membrane integrity of C. pyrenoidosa. At the molecular level, 1 μm MP altered the transcript levels of genes related to photosynthesis and energy metabolism. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent images showed that MPs aggregation with C. pyrenoidosa may be the main reason for the toxic effects of MPs. These results will provide new insight into the toxicity of different MPs on aquatic phytoplankton, and evaluate the risks caused by MPs in aquatic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingsheng Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Wenbo Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Tian Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yinan Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Wenlong Hu
- School of Internet of Things, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Wenzhi Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Hui Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Effects of Polyester Microfibers on the Growth and Toxicity Production of Bloom-Forming Cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14152422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The global pollution of microplastics (MPs) has attracted wide attention, and many studies have been conducted on the effects of MP qualities or types and particle sizes on aquatic organisms. However, few studies on the impact of polyethylene terephthalate microplastic (mPET) with different colors on phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems have been carried out. In this study, mPET of three common colors (green, black, and white) in different concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L) were selected to explore effects on a bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. The growth, photosynthesis, the number and size of colony, and MC-LR production of M. aeruginosa were studied within a 25-days exposure experiment. The results showed that colors of mPET had significant effects on the growth and photosynthesis of this species but the concentration of mPET had no significant effect. The low concentration of green mPET group promoted algal growth, photosynthesis, and the M. aeruginosa exposed to it was easier to agglomerate into colonies. Moreover, both mPET colors and concentrations have a significant impact on the microcystin production of M. aeruginosa. The low concentration of the green mPET group significantly inhibited the production throughout the experiment, while the white and black mPET significantly increased the concentration of extracellular microcystin (MC-LR). Our results provided new insights into the effects of MPs with different colors and concentrations on the growth and physiology of cyanobacteria and provide basic data for the ecological risk assessment and pollution prevention of MPs.
Collapse
|
34
|
Cen C, Zhang K, Fu J, Wu X, Wu J, Zheng Y, Zhang Y. Odor-producing response pattern by four typical freshwater algae under stress: Acute microplastic exposure as an example. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153350. [PMID: 35077797 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Algae-induced odor problems in water have been repeatedly occurred concerns for drinking water quality. However, present researches mostly focus on the odor-producing pattern of algae in normal growth, and there is scarce discussion on those under stress. Microplastics (MPs) pollution have been global concern for their negative ecological impacts and frequently co-occurs with odor-producing algal bloom in freshwaters. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of MPs as an environmental stress on algal odorant production for good illustration of odor-producing response pattern under stress. Variation in MP size (polystyrene microspheres; 100 nm, 1000 nm and 10 μm) had significant effects on odorant formation (β-cycloidal, 2-methylisopropanol, 2,4-heptandienal and 2,4-decadienal) by four freshwater algae (Microcystis aeruginosa, Pseudanabaena sp., Cyclotella meneghiniana and Melosira varians). The size ratio of MPs over cells (SRMC) was proposed to categorize the size-ratio dependent effects on the algal odorant production. Interestingly, when SRMC was in the range of 0.1-1, there were always promoting effects; when SRMC < 0.1 or SRMC > 1, there exhibited inhibiting effects, and the inhibiting effects of SRMC < 0.1 were far more severe than those of SRMC > 1. The promotion on odorant production in the SRMC range of 0.1-1 was mainly attributed to the increase in cellular yield, which was related to the increased odorant precursors derived from the oxidation products of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Alternatively, the inhibition of odorant production caused by MPs with SRMC < 0.1 was the results of simultaneously inhibiting cellular density and cellular yield, which might be attributed to the cellular internalization of MPs, inducing the extensive toxic effects. This study illustrated the possibilities of MPs in impairing the esthetics of the source water and provided guidance for the future algal odor issues under stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Cen
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Jie Fu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaogang Wu
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiajia Wu
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yingying Zheng
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Xian X, Li X, Ye C, Wan K, Feng M, Luo C, Yu X. Higher sensitivity to Cu 2+ exposure of Microcystis aeruginosa in late lag phase is beneficial to its control. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 214:118207. [PMID: 35217491 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial blooms are always treated in exponential phase, which demands high dosages of algicides (e.g., CuSO4). Actually, cyanobacterial blooms in late lag phase exhibit low cell-density and specific physiological/biochemical characteristics, implying the possibility of controlling blooms in a more efficient and economical way with CuSO4 treatment if cyanobacterial cells in late lag phase can be treated. In this study, the outbreakof a Microcystis bloom was simulated, and Microcystis samples in late lag and exponential phases were treated with CuSO4. The results showed that M. aeruginosa in late lag phase had a higher ratio of dividing-cells, Fv/Fm and intracellular total organic carbon content (TOC) than that in exponential phase, indicating that its metabolic activity was vigorous. M. aeruginosa in late lag phase could more easily be blocked, since a higher decrease in chlorophyll-a, Fv/Fm and membrane integrity occurred under the same dosages of CuSO4 exposure compared to M. aeruginosa in exponential phase. Meanwhile, microcystin release in late lag phase was less than that in exponential phase. Moreover, higher sensitivity in late lag phase was confirmed at the individual level, as the photosynthesis related genes psaB and rbcL were more down-regulated than those in exponential phase. In general, cyanobacteria in late lag phase exhibited higher sensitivity to CuSO4, indicating that CuSO4 treatments in late lag phase can achieve a higher control efficiency and fewer release of microcystin with low-dosages algicide. Hence, it is a more environmentally friendly strategy to control cyanobacterial blooms than the traditional strategy applied in exponential phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanxuan Xian
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xi Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Chengsong Ye
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Kun Wan
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Mingbao Feng
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chen Luo
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xin Yu
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hitchcock JN. Microplastics can alter phytoplankton community composition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:153074. [PMID: 35038524 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a growing concern globally due to the risks they may pose to ecological communities. Phytoplankton are key ecological community in aquatic ecosystems providing both energy to food webs and have critical roles in ecosystem functions such as carbon cycling. To date studies on how microplastics effect phytoplankton have largely been limited to laboratory exposure studies using monocultures of algae. It remains unknown how the structure of phytoplankton communities will be influenced by growing microplastic pollution. The aim of this study was to determine how different concentrations microplastic fibers influence phytoplankton community structure. Two six-day microcosm studies were conducted testing the response of the phytoplankton community to low, medium, and high microplastics concentrations on the Georges River, Australia. The results showed the highest concentrations of microplastics significantly altered the structure phytoplankton community. These differences were largely driven by increased abundances of cyanobacteria taxa Aphanocapsa and Pseudanabaena, and to a lesser extent reduced abundances of taxa including Crucigenia and Chlamydmonas. There were no significant differences between controls and the low and medium treatments in either experiment. The high concentrations used in this experiment whilst likely rare in the environment are environmentally relevant and equivalent to some of more polluted ecosystems. The results highlight the potential risk to food webs and ecosystem functioning through altering the dynamics of primary production and provide evidence for further study examining the response of ecological communities to microplastics in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James N Hitchcock
- University of Canberra, Institute for Applied Ecology, Centre for Applied Water Science, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wan X, Guo Q, Li X, Wang G, Zhao Y. Synergistic toxicity to the toxigenic Microcystis and enhanced microcystin release exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures. Toxicon 2022; 210:49-57. [PMID: 35217023 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
With the continued influx and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in eutrophic waters, the effects of PAHs on cyanobacteria bloom need to be clarified. PAHs usually existed as mixtures in aquatic environments, but the combined toxicity of PAH mixtures to toxigenic cyanobacteria remained unknown. This study investigated the effects of phenanthrene (Phe) and benzo [a]pyrene (BaP), alone or in combination, on the growth and physiology of Microcystis aeruginosa. The results showed that a hormesis effect on growth at low doses of the single Phe (≤1 mg/L) or PAH mixtures (≤0.279 mg/L) was observed, whereas the single BaP induced significant growth inhibitions at all concentrations (≥0.2 mg/L). The median effective concentrations (96 h) for Phe, BaP and their mixtures were 4.29, 1.29 and 1.07 mg/L, respectively. Mixture toxicity models showed that Phe and BaP elicited a synergistic interaction on M. aeruginosa. The synergy may be ascribed to the excessive oxidative stress induced by PAH mixtures, which further led to membrane structure damages, photosynthesis inhibitions and decreased metabolic activity. Moreover, the microcystins (MCs) release significantly increased by 25.3% and 31.9% upon exposure to 0.558 and 1.116 mg/L of PAH mixtures. In all, this study suggested that the enhanced release of MCs by PAH mixtures might exacerbate potential risks to the aquatic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wan
- School of Geography, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China; Key Laboratory of Virtual Geographic Environment (Nanjing Normal University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qingchun Guo
- School of Geography, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiaojun Li
- School of Geography, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guoxiang Wang
- School of Geography, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Virtual Geographic Environment (Nanjing Normal University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Feng W, Liu Y, Gao L. Stormwater treatment for reuse: Current practice and future development - A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113830. [PMID: 34600425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Stormwater harvesting is an effective measure to mitigate flooding risk and pollutant migration in our urban environment with the continuously increasing impermeable faction. Treatment of harvested stormwater also provides the fit-for-purpose water sources as an alternative to potable water supply ensuring the reliability and sustainability of the water management in the living complex. In order to provide the water management decision-maker with a broad range of related technology database and to facilitate the implementation of stormwater harvesting in the future, a comprehensive review was undertaken to understand the corresponding treatment performance, the applicable circumstances of current stormwater treatment and harvesting technologies. Technologies with promising potential for stormwater treatment were also reviewed to investigate the feasibility of being used in an integrated process. The raw stormwater quality and the required quality for different levels of stormwater reuses (irrigation, recreational, and potable) were reviewed and compared. The required level of treatment is defined for different 'fit-for-purpose' uses of harvested stormwater. Stormwater biofilter and constructed wetland as the two most advanced and widely used stormwater harvesting and treatment technologies, their main functionality, treatment performance and adequate scale of the application were reviewed based on published peer-reviewed articles and case studies. Excessive microbial effluent that exists in stormwater treated using these two technologies has restricted the stormwater reuse in most cases. Water disinfection technologies developed for wastewater and surface water treatment but with high potential to be used for stormwater treatment have been reviewed. Their feasibility and limitation for stormwater treatment are presented with respect to different levels of fit-for-purpose reuses. Implications for future implementation of stormwater treatment are made on proposing treatment trains that are suitable for different fit-for-purpose stormwater reuses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Feng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Li Gao
- Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, Victoria, 8001, Australia; South East Water Corporation, Seaford, VIC, 3198 Australia.
| |
Collapse
|