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Gambardella C, Miroglio R, Costa E, Cachot J, Morin B, Clérandeau C, Rotander A, Rocco K, d'Errico G, Almeda R, Alonso O, Grau E, Piazza V, Pittura L, Benedetti M, Regoli F, Faimali M, Garaventa F. New insights into the impact of leachates from in-field collected plastics on aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124233. [PMID: 38801877 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124233] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The impact of leachates from micronized beached plastics of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean on coastal marine ecosystems was investigated by using a multidisciplinary approach. Chemical analysis and ecotoxicological tests on phylogenetically distant species were performed on leachates from the following plastic categories: bottles, pellets, hard plastic (HP) containers, fishing nets (FN) and rapido trawling rubber (RTR). The bacteria Alivibrio fischeri, the nauplii of the crustaceans Amphibalanus amphitrite and Acartia tonsa, the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, the embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the ephyrae of the jellyfish Aurelia sp. and the larvae of the medaka Oryzias latipes were exposed to different concentrations of leachates to evaluate lethal and sub-lethal effects. Thirty-one additives were identified in the plastic leachates; benzophenone, benzyl butyl phthalate and ethylparaben were present in all leachates. Ecotoxicity of leachates varied among plastic categories and areas, being RTR, HP and FN more toxic than plastic bottles and pellets to several marine invertebrates. The ecotoxicological results based on 13 endpoints were elaborated within a quantitative weight of evidence (WOE) model, providing a synthetic hazard index for each data typology, before their integrations in an environmental risk index. The WOE assigned a moderate and slight hazard to organisms exposed to leachates of FN and HP collected in the Mediterranean Sea respectively, and a moderate hazard to leachates of HP from the Atlantic Ocean. No hazard was found for pellet, bottles and RTR. These findings suggest that an integrated approach based on WOE on a large set of bioassays is recommended to get a more reliable assessment of the ecotoxicity of beached-plastic leachates. In addition, the additives leached from FN and HP should be further investigated to reduce high concentrations and additive types that could impact marine ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Gambardella
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto per lo Studio degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy.
| | - Roberta Miroglio
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto per lo Studio degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Costa
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto per lo Studio degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Jérôme Cachot
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC UMR 5805, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Bénédicte Morin
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC UMR 5805, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | | | - Anna Rotander
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Kevin Rocco
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe d'Errico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain
| | - Olalla Alonso
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain
| | - Etienne Grau
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO UMR 5629, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Veronica Piazza
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto per lo Studio degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Lucia Pittura
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maura Benedetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Regoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Faimali
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto per lo Studio degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Garaventa
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto per lo Studio degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy
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You HJ, Jo YJ, Kim G, Kwon J, Yoon SB, Youn C, Kim Y, Kang MJ, Cho WS, Kim JS. Disruption of early embryonic development in mice by polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics in an oxidative stress mechanism. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142407. [PMID: 38795919 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142407] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used in many products, such as acrylic glass, and is estimated to reach 5.7 million tons of production per year by 2028. Thus, nano-sized PMMA particles in the environment are highly likely due to the weathering process. However, information on the hazards of nanoplastics, including PMMA in mammals, especially reproductive toxicity and action mechanism, is scarce. Herein, we investigated the effect of PMMA nanoplastics on the female reproductive system of mice embryos during pre-implantation. The treated plastic particles in embryos (10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL) were endocytosed into the cytoplasm within 30 min, and the blastocyst development and indices of embryo quality were significantly decreased from at 100 μg/mL. Likewise, the transfer of nanoplastic-treated embryos at 100 μg/mL decreased the morula implantation rate on the oviduct of pseudopregnant mice by 70%, calculated by the pregnant individual, and 31.8% by the number of implanted embryos. The PMMA nanoplastics at 100 μg/mL significantly increased the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species in embryos, which was not related to the intrinsic oxidative potential of nanoplastics. This study highlights that the nanoplastics that enter systemic circulation can affect the early stage of embryos. Thus, suitable action mechanisms can be designed to address nanoplastic occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Ju You
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, 77, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Jo
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuri Kim
- Lab of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, 37, Nakdong-daero 550 beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongwoo Kwon
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Bin Yoon
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsic Youn
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Kim
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Jong Kang
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, 77, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan-Seob Cho
- Lab of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, 37, Nakdong-daero 550 beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Su Kim
- Primate Resources Center (PRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33, Neongme-gil, Ibam-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, 56216, Republic of Korea.
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Sui Q, Yang X, Sun X, Zhu L, Zhao X, Feng Z, Xia B, Qu K. Bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their human health risks depend on the characteristics of microplastics in marine organisms of Sanggou Bay, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134622. [PMID: 38795479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics pose a threat to marine environments through their physical presence and as vectors of chemical pollutants. However, the impact of microplastics on the accumulation and human health risk of chemical pollutants in marine organisms remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the microplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution in marine organisms from Sanggou Bay and analyzed their correlations. Results showed that microplastic and PAHs concentration ranged from 1.23 ± 0.23 to 5.77 ± 1.10 items/g, from 6.98 ± 0.45 to 15.07 ± 1.25 μg/kg, respectively. The microplastic abundance, particularly of fibers, transparent and color plastic debris, correlates strongly with PAH contents, indicating that microplastics increase the bioaccumulation of PAHs and microplastics with these characteristics have a significant vector effect on PAHs. Although consuming seafood from Sanggou Bay induce no carcinogenic risk from PAHs, the presence of microplastics in organisms can significantly increases incremental lifetime cancer risk of PAHs. Thus, microplastics can serve as transport vectors for PAHs with implications for the potential health risks to human through consumption. This study provides new insight into the risks of microplastics in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaobin Yang
- Weihai Changqing Ocean Science and Technology Co., Ltd, Rongcheng 264300, China
| | - Xuemei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xinguo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhihua Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Bin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Keming Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
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Zhang J, Lin Z, Ai F, Du W, Yin Y, Guo H. Effect of ultraviolet aged polytetrafluoroethylene microplastics on copper bioavailability and Microcystis aeruginosa growth. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106967. [PMID: 38833998 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106967] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, which can act as carriers to affect the bioavailability of heavy metals. The aging process in the environment changes the physicochemical properties of MPs, thereby affecting their environmental behavior and co-toxicity with other pollutants. However, relevant research is limited. In this study, we compared the properties and Cu2+ adsorption capacity of pristine and aged polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) MPs and further explored the influence on copper bioavailability and bio-effects on Microcystis aeruginosa. Aging process induced surface oxidation and cracks of PTFE MPs, and decreased the stability of MPs in water by increasing zeta potential. PTFE MPs had a strong adsorption capacity for Cu2+ and increased the bioavailability of copper to microalgae, which was not affected by the aging process. Pristine and aged PTFE MPs adhered to cyanobacterium surfaces and caused shrinkage and deformation of cells. Inhibition of cyanobacterium growth, photosynthesis and reduction of total antioxidant capacity were observed in the treatment of PTFE MPs. Combined exposure of pristine MPs and Cu2+ had stronger toxic effects to cyanobacterium, and increased Microcystin-LR release, which could cause harm to aquatic environment. Aging reduced the toxic effects of PTFE MPs on microalgae. Furthermore, soluble exopolysaccharide (EPS) content was significantly higher in co-exposure of aged MPs and Cu2+, which could reduce the toxicity to cyanobacterium cells. These results indicate that aging process alleviates the toxicity to microalgae and environmental risks caused by PTFE MPs. This study improves understanding of the combined toxicity of aged MPs and metals in freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zihan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fuxun Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenchao Du
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Ying Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Joint International Research Centre for Critical Zone Science-University of Leeds and Nanjing University, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Hongyan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Joint International Research Centre for Critical Zone Science-University of Leeds and Nanjing University, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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Karwadiya J, Lützenkirchen J, Darbha GK. Retention of ZnO nanoparticles onto polypropylene and polystyrene microplastics: Aging-associated interactions and the role of aqueous chemistry. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124097. [PMID: 38703985 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124097] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive and undergo environmental aging processes, which alters potential interaction with the co-contaminants. Hence, to assess their contaminant-carrying capacity, mimicking the weathering characteristics of secondary MPs is crucial. To this end, the present study investigated the interaction of Zinc oxide (nZnO) nanoparticles with non-irradiated (NI) and UV-irradiated (UI) forms of the most abundant MPs, such as polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), in aqueous environments. SEM images revealed mechanical abrasions on the surfaces of NI-MPs and their subsequent photoaging caused the formation of close-ended and open-ended cracks in UI-PP and UI-PS, respectively. Batch-sorption experiments elucidated nZnO uptake kinetics by PP and PS MPs, suggesting a sorption-desorption pathway due to weaker and stronger sorption sites until equilibrium was achieved. UI-PP showed higher nZnO (∼3000 mg/kg) uptake compared to NI-PP, while UI-PS showed similar or slightly decreased nZnO (∼2000 mg/kg) uptake compared to NI-PS. FTIR spectra and zeta potential measurements revealed electrostatic interaction as the dominant interaction mechanism. Higher nZnO uptake by MPs was noted between pH 6.5 and 8.5, whereas it decreased beyond this range. Despite DOM, MPs always retained ∼874 mg/kg nZnO irrespective of MPs type and extent of aging. The experimental results in river water showed higher nZnO uptake on MPs compared to DI water, attributed to mutual effect of ionic competition, DOM, and MP hydrophobicity. In the case of humic acids, complex synthetic and natural water matrices, NI-MPs retained more nZnO than UI-MPs, suggesting that photoaged MPs sorb less nZnO under environmental conditions than non-photoaged MPs. These findings enhance our understanding on interaction of the MPs with co-contaminants in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayant Karwadiya
- Environmental nanoscience laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Johannes Lützenkirchen
- Institute of Nuclear Waste Disposal (INE), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Gopala Krishna Darbha
- Environmental nanoscience laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India; Centre for Climate and Environmental Studies, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India.
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Nizzetto L, Binda G, Hurley R, Baann C, Selonen S, Velmala S, van Gestel CAM. Comments to "Degli-Innocenti, F. The pathology of hype, hyperbole and publication bias is creating an unwarranted concern towards biodegradable mulch films" [J. Hazard. Mater. 463 (2024) 132923]. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:133690. [PMID: 38336580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Some narratives present biodegradable plastic use for soil mulching practices in agriculture as "environmentally friendly" and "sustainable" alternatives to conventional plastics. To verify these narratives, environmental research recently started focusing on their potential impact on soil health, highlighting some concerns. The paper by Degli-Innocenti criticizes this unfolding knowledge arguing that it is affected by communication hypes, alarmistic writing and a focus on exposure scenarios purposedly crafted to yield negative effects. The quest of scientists for increased impact - the paper concludes - is the driver of such behavior. As scholars devoted to the safeguarding of scientific integrity, we set to verify whether this serious claim is grounded in evidence. Through a bibliometric analysis (using number of paper reads, citations and mentions on social media to measure the impact of publications) we found that: i) the papers pointed out by Degli-Innocenti as examples of biased works do not score higher than the median of similar publications; ii) the methodology used to support the conclusion is non-scientific; and iii) the paper does not fulfil the requirements concerning disclosure of conflicts of interests. We conclude that this paper represents a non-scientific opinion, potentially biased by a conflict of interest. We ask the paper to be clearly tagged as such, after the necessary corrections on the ethic section have been made. That being said, the paper does offer some useful insights for the definition of exposure scenarios in risk assessment. We comment and elaborate on these proposed models, hoping that this can help to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway; Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Gilberto Binda
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway; DISAT Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Rachel Hurley
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilie Baann
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Salla Selonen
- Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sannakajsa Velmala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Zeng Z, Jia B, Liu X, Chen L, Zhang P, Qing T, Feng B. Adsorption behavior of triazine pesticides on polystyrene microplastics aging with different processes in natural environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124319. [PMID: 38844042 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in the ecological environment, serving as carriers for other organic pollutants, has garnered widespread attention. These microplastics exposed in the environment may undergo various aging processes. However, there is still a lack of information regarding how these aged microplastics impact the environmental behavior and ecological toxicity of pollutants. In this study, we modified polystyrene microplastics by simulating the aging behavior that may occur under environmental exposure, and then explored the adsorption behavior and adsorption mechanism of microplastics before and after aging for typical triazine herbicides. It was shown that all aging treatments of polystyrene increased the adsorption of herbicides, the composite aged microplastics had the strongest adsorption capacity and the fastest adsorption rate, and of the three herbicides, metribuzin was adsorbed the most by microplastics. The interactions between microplastics and herbicides involved mechanisms such as hydrophobic interactions, surface adsorption, the effect of π-π interactions, and the formation of hydrogen bonds. Further studies confirmed that microplastics adsorbed with herbicides cause greater biotoxicity to E. coli. These findings elucidate the interactions between microplastics before and after aging and triazine herbicides. Acting as carriers, they alter the environmental behavior and ecological toxicity of organic pollutants, providing theoretical support for assessing the ecological risk of microplastics in water environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Zeng
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Bingni Jia
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Hunan Institute of Advanced Sensing and Information Technology, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Lixiang Chen
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Taiping Qing
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Feng
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China.
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Yu F, Qin Q, Zhang X, Ma J. Characteristics and adsorption behavior of typical microplastics in long-term accelerated weathering simulation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:882-890. [PMID: 38693902 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00062e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics can function as carriers in the environment, absorbing various toxins and spreading to diverse ecosystems. Toxins accumulated in microplastics have the potential to be re-released, posing a threat. In this study, two typical plastics, namely polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS), along with the degradable plastic poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), were subjected to a long-term ultraviolet alternating weathering experiment. The study investigated the variations in the weathering process and pollutant adsorption of microplastics of different particle sizes. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of microplastics for various pollutants was assessed. The findings indicate that particle size significantly influences weathering, leading to variations in adsorption capacity. The weathered PE displays a higher adsorption capacity for azo dyes. Additionally, the adsorption capacity of PBAT for neutral red is double that of antibiotics. Importantly, the maximum adsorption capacity of PBAT for pollutants after aging is approximately 10 times greater than that of PE. Consequently, degradable plastics undergoing weathering in the natural environment may pose a higher ecological risk than traditional plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, No. 999, Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, P. R. China
| | - Qiyu Qin
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, No. 999, Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, P. R. China
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, No. 999, Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, P. R. China
| | - Jie Ma
- School of Civil Engineering, Kashi University, Kashi 844000, China.
- Research Center for Environmental Functional Materials, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
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Ebbesen LG, Strange MV, Gunaalan K, Paulsen ML, Herrera A, Nielsen TG, Shashoua Y, Lindegren M, Almeda R. Do weathered microplastics impact the planktonic community? A mesocosm approach in the Baltic Sea. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121500. [PMID: 38554636 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants of increasing concern in aquatic systems. However, little is still known about the impacts of weathered MPs on plankton at the community level after long-term exposure. In this study, we investigated the effects of weathered MPs on the structure and dynamics of a Baltic Sea planktonic community during ca. 5 weeks of exposure using a mesocosm approach (2 m3) mimicking natural conditions. MPs were obtained from micronized commercial materials of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyamide (nylon) previously weathered by thermal ageing and sunlight exposure. The planktonic community was exposed to 2 μg L-1 and 2 mg L-1 of MPs corresponding to measured particle concentrations (10-120 μm) of 680 MPs L-1 and 680 MPs mL-1, respectively. The abundance and composition of all size classes and groups of plankton and chlorophyll concentrations were periodically analyzed throughout the experiment. The population dynamics of the studied groups showed some variations between treatments, with negative and positive effects of MPs exhibited depending on the group and exposure time. The abundance of heterotrophic bacteria, pico- and nanophytoplankton, cryptophytes, and ciliates was lower in the treatment with the higher MP concentration than in the control at the last weeks of the exposure. The chlorophyll concentration and the abundances of heterotrophic nanoflagellates, Astromoeba, dinoflagellate, diatom, and metazooplankton were not negatively affected by the exposure to MPs and, in some cases, some groups showed even higher abundances in the MP treatments. Despite these tendencies, statistical analyses indicate that in most cases there were no statistically significant differences between treatments over the exposure period, even at very high exposure concentrations. Our results show that weathered MPs of the studied conventional plastic materials have minimal or negligible impact on planktonic communities after long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linea Gry Ebbesen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Markus Varlund Strange
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | | | - Alicia Herrera
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Torkel Gissel Nielsen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Yvonne Shashoua
- Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Martin Lindegren
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU AQUA) Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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10
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Matijaković Mlinarić N, Marušić K, Brkić AL, Marciuš M, Fabijanić TA, Tomašić N, Selmani A, Roblegg E, Kralj D, Stanić I, Njegić Džakula B, Kontrec J. Microplastics encapsulation in aragonite: efficiency, detection and insight into potential environmental impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024. [PMID: 38623703 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00004h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems has become a significant problem especially microplastics which can encapsulate into the skeletons of organisms that produce calcium carbonates, such as foraminifera, molluscs and corals. The encapsulation of microplastics into precipitated aragonite, which in nature builds the coral skeleton, has not yet been studied. It is also not known how the dissolved organic matter, to which microplastics are constantly exposed in aquatic ecosystems, affects the encapsulation of microplastics into aragonite and how such microplastics affect the mechanical properties of aragonite. We performed aragonite precipitation experiments in artificial seawater in the presence of polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) microspheres, untreated and treated with humic acid (HA). The results showed that the efficiency of encapsulating PE and PE-HA microspheres in aragonite was higher than that for PS and PS-HA microspheres. The mechanical properties of resulting aragonite changed after the encapsulation of microplastic particles. A decrease in the hardness and indentation modulus of the aragonite samples was observed, and the most substantial effect occurred in the case of PE-HA microspheres encapsulation. These findings raise concerns about possible changes in the mechanical properties of the exoskeleton and endoskeleton of calcifying marine organisms such as corals and molluscs due to the incorporation of pristine microplastics and microplastics exposed to dissolved organic matter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarina Marušić
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Marijan Marciuš
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Tamara Aleksandrov Fabijanić
- The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nenad Tomašić
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Atiđa Selmani
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Roblegg
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Damir Kralj
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ivana Stanić
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Branka Njegić Džakula
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Jasminka Kontrec
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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11
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Jansen MAK, Andrady AL, Bornman JF, Aucamp PJ, Bais AF, Banaszak AT, Barnes PW, Bernhard GH, Bruckman LS, Busquets R, Häder DP, Hanson ML, Heikkilä AM, Hylander S, Lucas RM, Mackenzie R, Madronich S, Neale PJ, Neale RE, Olsen CM, Ossola R, Pandey KK, Petropavlovskikh I, Revell LE, Robinson SA, Robson TM, Rose KC, Solomon KR, Andersen MPS, Sulzberger B, Wallington TJ, Wang QW, Wängberg SÅ, White CC, Young AR, Zepp RG, Zhu L. Plastics in the environment in the context of UV radiation, climate change and the Montreal Protocol: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2023. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:629-650. [PMID: 38512633 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00552-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This Assessment Update by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) considers the interactive effects of solar UV radiation, global warming, and other weathering factors on plastics. The Assessment illustrates the significance of solar UV radiation in decreasing the durability of plastic materials, degradation of plastic debris, formation of micro- and nanoplastic particles and accompanying leaching of potential toxic compounds. Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in all ecosystems, the atmosphere, and in humans. While the potential biological risks are not yet well-established, the widespread and increasing occurrence of plastic pollution is reason for continuing research and monitoring. Plastic debris persists after its intended life in soils, water bodies and the atmosphere as well as in living organisms. To counteract accumulation of plastics in the environment, the lifetime of novel plastics or plastic alternatives should better match the functional life of products, with eventual breakdown releasing harmless substances to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Janet F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | | | - Alkiviadis F Bais
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastazia T Banaszak
- Unidad Académica Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Paul W Barnes
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environment Program, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Laura S Bruckman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Busquets
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kingston University London, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
| | | | - Mark L Hanson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Samuel Hylander
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Roy Mackenzie
- Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de Magallanes, Puerto Williams, Chile
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems BASE, Santiago, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center CHIC, Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Sasha Madronich
- UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Patrick J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA
| | - Rachel E Neale
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine M Olsen
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rachele Ossola
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Irina Petropavlovskikh
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Ozone and Water Vapor Division, NOAA ESRL Global Monitoring Laboratory, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Laura E Revell
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - T Matthew Robson
- UK National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria, Ambleside Campus, Ambleside, UK
- Organismal & Evolutionary Ecology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, Faculty of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kevin C Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Keith R Solomon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mads P Sulbæk Andersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barbara Sulzberger
- Retired From Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dubendorf, Switzerland
| | - Timothy J Wallington
- Center for Sustainable Systems, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qing-Wei Wang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Sten-Åke Wängberg
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Richard G Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Liping Zhu
- State Key Lab for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Shafi M, Lodh A, Khajuria M, Ranjan VP, Gani KM, Chowdhury S, Goel S. Are we underestimating stormwater? Stormwater as a significant source of microplastics in surface waters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133445. [PMID: 38198866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Stormwater represent a critical pathway for transporting microplastics (MPs) to surface waters. Due to complex dynamics of MPs in stormwater, its dispersion, weathering, risk, and transport are poorly understood. This review bridges those gaps by summarizing the latest findings on sources, abundance, characteristics, and dynamics involved in stormwater MP pollution. Weathering starts before or after MPs enter stormwater and is more pronounced on land due to continuous heat and mechanical stress. Land use patterns, rainfall intensity, MPs size and density, and drainage characteristics influence the transport of MPs in stormwater. Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs), littering, and road dust are major sources of MPs in stormwater. The concentrations of MPs varies from 0.38-197,000 particles/L globally. Further MP concentrations showed regional variations, highlighting the importance of local monitoring efforts needed to understand local pollution sources. We observed unique signatures associated with the shape and color of MPs. Fibers and fragments were widely reported, with transparent and black being the predominant colors. We conclude that the contribution of stormwater to MP pollution in surface waters is significantly greater than wastewater treatment plant effluents and demands immediate attention. Field and lab scale studies are needed to understand its behavior in stormwater and the risk posed to the downstream water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozim Shafi
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Ayan Lodh
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Medha Khajuria
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Ved Prakash Ranjan
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, India
| | - Khalid Muzamil Gani
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Shamik Chowdhury
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Sudha Goel
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
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13
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Álvarez-Fernández C, Matikainen E, McGuigan KG, Andrade JM, Marugán J. Evaluation of microplastics release from solar water disinfection poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polypropylene containers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133179. [PMID: 38101015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Public health concern associated with the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) released from water packaging materials is increasing. The use of plastic materials for solar disinfection (SODIS) containers has also raised concerns in the SODIS community due to the lack of studies evaluating the presence of MPs in the treated water. In this work, the migration of MPs from poly(ethylene terephthalate, PET) bottles and polypropylene (PP) translucent and transparent jerrycan containers (TJC) into water under natural weathering was investigated using micro-reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (µ-FTIR). Containers exposed to sunlight for three months became photodegraded, releasing micro-sized fragments identified as PET, PP and high-density polyethylene (HDPE, from the screw-caps), although with varying degrees of weathering. It is noteworthy that the presence of a clarifying additive in PP formulation did not seem to impact the release of MPs from the containers. The study showed that PP TJC containers released more MPs than PET bottles. Finally, the size of MPs was measured to determine their fate upon ingestion and highlights the need for further studies to understand the safety of these plastic containers for SODIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Álvarez-Fernández
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering Group. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elina Matikainen
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kevin G McGuigan
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jose M Andrade
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry. University of A Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Javier Marugán
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering Group. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Tecnologías para la Sostenibilidad, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Brouwer H, Porbahaie M, Boeren S, Busch M, Bouwmeester H. The in vitro gastrointestinal digestion-associated protein corona of polystyrene nano- and microplastics increases their uptake by human THP-1-derived macrophages. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:4. [PMID: 38311718 PMCID: PMC10838446 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00563-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent one of the most widespread environmental pollutants of the twenty-first century to which all humans are orally exposed. Upon ingestion, MNPs pass harsh biochemical conditions within the gastrointestinal tract, causing a unique protein corona on the MNP surface. Little is known about the digestion-associated protein corona and its impact on the cellular uptake of MNPs. Here, we systematically studied the influence of gastrointestinal digestion on the cellular uptake of neutral and charged polystyrene MNPs using THP-1-derived macrophages. RESULTS The protein corona composition was quantified using LC‒MS-MS-based proteomics, and the cellular uptake of MNPs was determined using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Gastrointestinal digestion resulted in a distinct protein corona on MNPs that was retained in serum-containing cell culture medium. Digestion increased the uptake of uncharged MNPs below 500 nm by 4.0-6.1-fold but did not affect the uptake of larger sized or charged MNPs. Forty proteins showed a good correlation between protein abundance and MNP uptake, including coagulation factors, apolipoproteins and vitronectin. CONCLUSION This study provides quantitative data on the presence of gastrointestinal proteins on MNPs and relates this to cellular uptake, underpinning the need to include the protein corona in hazard assessment of MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Brouwer
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Mojtaba Porbahaie
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Immunology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjef Boeren
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Busch
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Bouwmeester
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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15
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Hsu YJ, Huang C, Lee M. Unveiling microplastic spectral signatures under weathering and digestive environments through shortwave infrared hyperspectral sensing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123106. [PMID: 38070648 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123106] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution presents a novel challenge for marine environmental protection, necessitating comprehensive and long-term monitoring and assessment approaches. Environmental MPs can undergo weathering and microorganism-related digestive processes, altering their original surface properties and chemical structure, thus complicating their quantification and identification. This study aims to establish a comprehensive hyperspectral database for weathered and digestion-degraded MPs, using a wide variety of polymer types collected as either virgin particles or commercial products (within a size range of approximately 3 mm), and to investigate the impact of these processes on their spectral characteristics. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) MPs exhibited significant responses to weathering treatment, as indicated by the formation of new characteristic peaks or slight peak shifts around 1679-1705 nm, which can be attributed to the formation of carbonyl and vinyl functional groups through Norrish reactions. Similarly, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polystyrene (PS) MPs demonstrated notable degradation following digestive treatment, as evidenced by the emergence of new absorption peaks at approximately 1135-1165 nm, possibly associated with alterations involving carbonyl and vinyl functional groups. The results were further validated based on their comparable spectral characteristics of the resultant MPs to reference polymers and possible additives, considering a reasonably accurate match of approximately 80% for the studied MP samples. This study showcases the significant advantage of using shortwave infrared hyperspectral sensing for rapid identification of virgin and exposed MPs with a relatively large scan area after a simple sample preparation. This approach, combined with other complementary characterization techniques, shall provide highly throughput results for MPs identification. This research provides valuable insights into the features extracted from environmental MPs and establishes a foundation for improving their classification efficiency for environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jhen Hsu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chihchi Huang
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mengshan Lee
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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16
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Naidu G, Nagar N, Poluri KM. Mechanistic Insights into Cellular and Molecular Basis of Protein-Nanoplastic Interactions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305094. [PMID: 37786309 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305094] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is ubiquitously present across the world, and its nano/sub-micron analogues (plastic nanoparticles, PNPs), raise severe environmental concerns affecting organisms' health. Considering the direct and indirect toxic implications of PNPs, their biological impacts are actively being studied; lately, with special emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanistic intricacies. Combinatorial OMICS studies identified proteins as major regulators of PNP mediated cellular toxicity via activation of oxidative enzymes and generation of ROS. Alteration of protein function by PNPs results in DNA damage, organellar dysfunction, and autophagy, thus resulting in inflammation/cell death. The molecular mechanistic basis of these cellular toxic endeavors is fine-tuned at the level of structural alterations in proteins of physiological relevance. Detailed biophysical studies on such protein-PNP interactions evidenced prominent modifications in their structural architecture and conformational energy landscape. Another essential aspect of the protein-PNP interactions includes bioenzymatic plastic degradation perspective, as the interactive units of plastics are essentially nano-sized. Combining all these attributes of protein-PNP interactions, the current review comprehensively documented the contemporary understanding of the concerned interactions in the light of cellular, molecular, kinetic/thermodynamic details. Additionally, the applicatory, economical facet of these interactions, PNP biogeochemical cycle and enzymatic advances pertaining to plastic degradation has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutami Naidu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Nupur Nagar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
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17
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Xu Y, Ou Q, van der Hoek JP, Liu G, Lompe KM. Photo-oxidation of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Effects in Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:991-1009. [PMID: 38166393 PMCID: PMC10795193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are attracting increasing attention due to their persistence and potential ecological risks. This review critically summarizes the effects of photo-oxidation on the physical, chemical, and biological behaviors of MNPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The core of this paper explores how photo-oxidation-induced surface property changes in MNPs affect their adsorption toward contaminants, the stability and mobility of MNPs in water and porous media, as well as the transport of pollutants such as organic pollutants (OPs) and heavy metals (HMs). It then reviews the photochemical processes of MNPs with coexisting constituents, highlighting critical factors affecting the photo-oxidation of MNPs, and the contribution of MNPs to the phototransformation of other contaminants. The distinct biological effects and mechanism of aged MNPs are pointed out, in terms of the toxicity to aquatic organisms, biofilm formation, planktonic microbial growth, and soil and sediment microbial community and function. Furthermore, the research gaps and perspectives are put forward, regarding the underlying interaction mechanisms of MNPs with coexisting natural constituents and pollutants under photo-oxidation conditions, the combined effects of photo-oxidation and natural constituents on the fate of MNPs, and the microbiological effect of photoaged MNPs, especially the biotransformation of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghui Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- Waternet,
Department Research & Innovation,
P.O. Box 94370, 1090 GJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Kim Maren Lompe
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
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18
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Peng M, Vercauteren M, Grootaert C, Catarino AI, Everaert G, Rajkovic A, Janssen C, Asselman J. Bioenergetic effects of pristine and ultraviolet-weathered polydisperse polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene nanoplastics on human intestinal Caco-2 cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168267. [PMID: 37918727 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous human exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) increasingly raises concerns regarding impact on our health. However, little is known on the biological effects of complex mixtures of weathered NPs with heterogenous size and irregular shape present in the environment. In this study, the bioenergetic effects of four such NPs mixtures on human intestinal Caco-2 cells were investigated. To this aim, Caco-2 cells were exposed to polydisperse nanoPET (<800 nm) and nanoPS (mixture of 100 and 750 nm) samples with and without ultraviolet (UV) weathering at low concentration range (102-107 particles/mL) for 48 h. Mitochondrial respiration, glycolytic functions and ATP production rates of exposed cells were measured by Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer. Among four NPs samples, polydisperse nanoPET with irregular shapes induced significant stimulation of mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis and ATP production rates in Caco-2 cells. Spherical nanoPS caused significant stimulation on glycolytic functions of Caco-2 cells at the highest concentration used (106 particles/mL). ATR-FTIR spectra and carbonyl index indicated formation of carbonyl groups in nanoPET and nanoPS after UV weathering. UV weathering could alleviate bioenergetic stress caused by NPs in Caco-2 cells and even shifted the energy pathways from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis due to electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged UV-aged NPs and cell membranes. This research is the first to study in-vitro bioenergetic responses of NPs samples with multidimensional features (polymer type, irregular shape, heterogenous size, UV-weathering) on human health. It highlights that effects between pristine and weathered NPs are different at a bioenergetic level, which has important implications for the risk assessment of NPs on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Peng
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
| | - Maaike Vercauteren
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Grootaert
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Isabel Catarino
- Ocean and Human Health Division, Flanders Marine Institute, Jacobsenstraat 1, B-8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Gert Everaert
- Ocean and Human Health Division, Flanders Marine Institute, Jacobsenstraat 1, B-8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Colin Janssen
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
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19
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Zhang Z, Zou S, Li P. Aging of plastics in aquatic environments: Pathways, environmental behavior, ecological impacts, analyses and quantifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122926. [PMID: 37963513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastics in our environment has brought about pressing concerns, with their aging processes, photo-oxidation, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation, being at the forefront. Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from plastic degradation or direct anthropogenic sources, further complicate this landscape. This review delves into the intricate aging dynamics of plastics in aquatic environments under various influential factors. We discuss the physicochemical changes that occur in aged plastics and the release of oxidation products during their degradation. Particular attention is given to their evolving environmental interactions and the resulting ecotoxicological implications. A rigorous evaluation is also conducted for methodologies in the analysis and quantification of plastics aging, identifying their merits and limitations and suggesting potential avenues for future research. This comprehensive review is able to illuminate the complexities of plastics aging, charting a path for future research and aiding in the formulation of informed policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Shichun Zou
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Pu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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20
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Zhou J, Xu H, Xiang Y, Wu J. Effects of microplastics pollution on plant and soil phosphorus: A meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132705. [PMID: 37813034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132705] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of microplastics leads to environmental pollution, which threatens ecosystem functions (i.e., nutrient cycling). Some studies have focused on the impacts of microplastics on phosphorus from plants and soils. However, inconsistent responses of plant and soil phosphorus to microplastics have been observed. This work synthesized the results of 781 paired observations from 73 publications to explore the overall effects of microplastics on plant and soil phosphorus and whether the impacts depended on microplastics properties and experimental variables. We found the overall negative effects of microplastics on plant phosphorus and soil available phosphorus. Additionally, microplastics significantly inhibited neutral phosphatase activity but increased soil phosphorus leaching. Furthermore, the impacts of microplastics on plant and soil phosphorus varied depending on microplastics types, sizes, concentrations, and experimental durations. Soil total phosphorus and available phosphorus exhibited stronger negative responses to biodegradable than conventional microplastics. Acid phosphatase was more sensitive to biodegradable than conventional microplastics. In addition, soil total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly correlated with microplastic concentrations and exposure time. Overall, our findings suggest that microplastics potentially threaten soil fertility and plant productivity. This work provides an important reference for predicting ecosystem functions in the context of microplastics pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhou
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plant Reproductive Adaptation and Evolutionary Ecology and Institute of Biodiversity, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, PR China; Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Southwest Cross-Board Ecosecurity, Ministry of Education, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Haibian Xu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plant Reproductive Adaptation and Evolutionary Ecology and Institute of Biodiversity, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, PR China; Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Southwest Cross-Board Ecosecurity, Ministry of Education, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Yangzhou Xiang
- School of Geography and Resources, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, PR China.
| | - Jianping Wu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plant Reproductive Adaptation and Evolutionary Ecology and Institute of Biodiversity, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, PR China; Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Southwest Cross-Board Ecosecurity, Ministry of Education, Kunming 650500, PR China.
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21
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Zeb A, Liu W, Ali N, Shi R, Wang Q, Wang J, Li J, Yin C, Liu J, Yu M, Liu J. Microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems: Global implications and sustainable solutions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132636. [PMID: 37778309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution has become a global environmental concern with significant impacts on ecosystems and human health. Although MPs have been widely detected in aquatic environments, their presence in terrestrial ecosystems remains largely unexplored. This review examines the multifaceted issues of MPs pollution in terrestrial ecosystem, covering various aspects from additives in plastics to global legislation and sustainable solutions. The study explores the widespread distribution of MPs worldwide and their potential antagonistic interactions with co-occurring contaminants, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of their environmental implications. The influence of MPs on soil and plants is discussed, shedding light on the potential consequences for terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural productivity. The aging mechanisms of MPs, including photo and thermal aging, are elucidated, along with the factors influencing their aging process. Furthermore, the review provides an overview of global legislation addressing plastic waste, including bans on specific plastic items and levies on single-use plastics. Sustainable solutions for MPs pollution are proposed, encompassing upstream approaches such as bioplastics, improved waste management practices, and wastewater treatment technologies, as well as downstream methods like physical and biological removal of MPs. The importance of international collaboration, comprehensive legislation, and global agreements is underscored as crucial in tackling this pervasive environmental challenge. This review may serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, providing a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact and potential risks associated with MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Nouman Ali
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianling Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chuan Yin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinzheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Miao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianv Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
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22
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Guo S, Wu Z, Li X, Shen D, Shentu J, Lu L, Qi S, Zhu M, Long Y. Microplastic, a possible trigger of landfill sulfate reduction process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167662. [PMID: 37820800 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impact of microplastics (MPs) formed from landfill has not been gained enough attention. This research investigated the characteristics of the MPs occurrence in landfills through field sampling. It shows that the MPs abundance in the landfill surface soil and non-landfill areas can reach 3573 items·g-1 and 3041 items·g-1, respectively. The vertical abundance of MPs increases significantly with depth, ranging from 387 to 11,599 items·g-1 with small size (≤10 μm, 65.61 %) and flake or wedge shape (38.48 %). The leachate movement in a longitudinal direction enables MPs to accumulate more easily in the landfill bottom layer with high moisture abundance. The abundance of MPs are significantly correlated with SO42- and S2- content, the two typical metabolic substrate and product of sulfate reduction process. In such heterogeneous environment, this significant correlation is not a random phenomenon in terms of the MPs have known substantial impact on biogeochemical processes. Microplastic is a possible trigger of landfill odor emission related with sulfate reduction. This research could serve as a reference for MPs and odor pollution management in landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Guo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Zixiao Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xianghang Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Dongsheng Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Jiali Shentu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Li Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Shengqi Qi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Yuyang Long
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China.
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23
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Luo C, Xu R, Wu D, Zhang X, Cheng X, Wang H, Yin X, Xu J, Ma Q, Chen F. Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation process effects on tire wear particles aging and ecotoxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167497. [PMID: 37778564 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are widely distributed in natural water and pose as major pollutants in aquatic environments. In this study, heat-activated persulfate (HPT) and ultraviolet-activated persulfate treatments (UPT) were employed to investigate the influence of sulfate radical (SO4-•)-based advanced oxidation process (SAOPs) on TWP physicochemical properties and to clarify their ecotoxic effects in laboratory-level studies. Results showed that the specific surface areas of TWPs increased after UPT but decreased after HPT. In terms of chemical properties, the increase of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surfaces of TWPs was more evident in UPT than that in HPT. The atrazine (ATZ) adsorption capacity of TWPs after HPT and UPT was increased compared with the untreated TWPs. Atrazine adsorbed by TWPs was easily resolved and released in artificial intestinal fluid (1.89-2.08 mg/g) and artificial gastric fluid (1.60-2.04 mg/g) conditions. Acute toxicity experiments of Photobacterium phosphoreum and SEM-EDS detection results suggested that various heavy metals (e.g., Zn2+, Cu2+) in the TWPs would be released into the water system in SAOPs. ATZ released from TWPs that adsorbed ATZ herbicide, rather than TWPs themselves, had a negative effect on aquatic plant growth (e.g., C. vulgaris). The leaching solution of oxidized TWPs (after HPT and UPT) showed a more significant inhibition effect on the zebrafish survival compared with that of untreated TWPs, which was possibly caused by the generation of oxidation byproducts such as N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congwei Luo
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China; Resources and Environment Innovation Institute, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Ruidi Xu
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Daoji Wu
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China; Resources and Environment Innovation Institute, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China.
| | - Xiaoxiang Cheng
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Xinkun Yin
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Jingtao Xu
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China; Resources and Environment Innovation Institute, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Qiao Ma
- National Engineering Lab of Coal-Fired Pollution Emission Reduction, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, PR China
| | - Feiyong Chen
- Resources and Environment Innovation Institute, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China.
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24
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Yu Y, Yao Y, Adyel TM, Shahid Iqbal S, Wu J, Miao L, Hou J. Characterization of the dynamic aging and leached dissolved organic carbon from biodegradable and conventional plastics under photooxidation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119561. [PMID: 37980792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have been regarded as promising candidates in the struggle against plastic pollution. However, the aging and dynamic leaching process of biodegradable and conventional plastics under photooxidation is still unclear. Herein, three types of non-biodegradable plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate), and two types of biodegradable plastics (polylactic acid and cornstarch-based plastics) were treated with 21 days of photooxidation followed by 13 days of dark conditions. Scanning electron microscopy was applied to display the morphological changes. Also, the carbonyl index, oxygen-to-carbon ratio, and contact angle were utilized to characterize the aging degree of the plastic surface. Unexpectedly, biodegradable plastics did not always display a greater aging degree than non-biodegradable plastics. Moreover, the dissolved organic carbon during the leaching process was identified using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy. The findings suggested that biodegradable plastics showed the potential to release more dissolved organic carbon. Particularly, the polylactic acid plastic displayed higher concentrations and more types of dissolved organic carbon release than that of conventional plastics in our experiment. This research highlights the necessity for monitoring the aging process of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics and the non-negligible ecological risk of leached organic pollutants due to plastic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Yu Yao
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Tanveer M Adyel
- STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Sayyed Shahid Iqbal
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Lingzhan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Jun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
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25
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van der Zon AAM, Verduin J, van den Hurk RS, Gargano AFG, Pirok BWJ. Sample transformation in online separations: how chemical conversion advances analytical technology. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 60:36-50. [PMID: 38053451 PMCID: PMC10729587 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03599a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
While the advent of modern analytical technology has allowed scientists to determine the complexity of mixtures, it also spurred the demand to understand these sophisticated mixtures better. Chemical transformation can be used to provide insights into properties of complex samples such as degradation pathways or molecular heterogeneity that are otherwise unaccessible. In this article, we explore how sample transformation is exploited across different application fields to empower analytical methods. Transformation mechanisms include molecular-weight reduction, controlled degradation, and derivatization. Both offline and online transformation methods have been explored. The covered studies show that sample transformation facilitates faster reactions (e.g. several hours to minutes), reduces sample complexity, unlocks new sample dimensions (e.g. functional groups), provides correlations between multiple sample dimensions, and improves detectability. The article highlights the state-of-the-art and future prospects, focusing in particular on the characterization of protein and nucleic-acid therapeutics, nanoparticles, synthetic polymers, and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika A M van der Zon
- University of Amsterdam, van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Analytical Chemistry Group, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joshka Verduin
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rick S van den Hurk
- University of Amsterdam, van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Analytical Chemistry Group, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea F G Gargano
- University of Amsterdam, van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Analytical Chemistry Group, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bob W J Pirok
- University of Amsterdam, van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Analytical Chemistry Group, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Hoseini M, Stead J, Bond T. Ranking the accelerated weathering of plastic polymers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:2081-2091. [PMID: 37882078 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00295k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The timespans over which different plastics degrade in the environment are poorly understood. This study aimed to rank the degradation speed of five widespread plastic polymers-low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-in terms of their physicochemical properties. Five of the six samples were plastic films with identical dimensions, which allowed the influence of morphology to be excluded, with a polyethylene carrier bag (PEB) tested for comparison. An accelerated weathering chamber was used to photochemically degrade samples over 41 days, with degradation monitored via mass loss and changes to carbonyl index, crystallinity and contact angle. The mass loss ranking was PP ≫ LDPE > PEB > PS > PLA > PET. Estimates of the time needed for complete degradation ranged from 0.27 years for PP to 1179 years for PET. Therefore, mass loss in PP proceeded more rapidly than the other polymers, which was unexpected based on previous literature and is plausibly explained by the presence of an unlisted additive which accelerated degradation. Increases in carbonyl index proceeded more rapidly in PP and LDPE than the other polymers tested. However, changes in contact angle and crystallinity did not correspond to the mass loss ranking. Therefore, monitoring the carbonyl index during accelerated weathering trials can indicate which polymers will fragment more quickly. However, alternative approaches are needed to simulate conditions where photooxidation reactions are negligible, such as the ocean floor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hoseini
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jess Stead
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Tom Bond
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
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27
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Luo H, Tu C, He D, Zhang A, Sun J, Li J, Xu J, Pan X. Interactions between microplastics and contaminants: A review focusing on the effect of aging process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165615. [PMID: 37481081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the environment are a major global concern due to their persistent nature and wide distribution. The aging of MPs is influenced by several processes including photodegradation, thermal degradation, biodegradation and mechanical fragmentation, which affect their interaction with contaminants. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the aging process of MPs and the factors that impact their aging, and to discuss the effects of aging on the interaction of MPs with contaminants. A range of characterization methods that can effectively elucidate the mechanistic processes of these interactions are outlined. The rate and extent of MPs aging are influenced by their physicochemical properties and other environmental factors, which ultimately affect the adsorption and aggregation of aged MPs with environmental contaminants. Pollutants such as heavy metals, organic matter and microorganisms have a tendency to accumulate on MPs through adsorption and the interactions between them impact their environmental behavior. Aging enhances the specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups of MPs, thereby affecting the mechanism of interaction between MPs and contaminants. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how aging affects the interactions, this review also provides an overview of the mechanisms by which MPs interact with contaminants. In the future, there should be further in-depth studies of the potential hazards of aged MPs in different environments e.g., soil, sediment, aquatic environment, and effects of their interaction with environmental pollutants on human health and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Chaolin Tu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Anping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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28
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Wang R, Yue S, Huang C, Jia L, Tibihenda C, Li Z, Yu J. Visual mapping of global nanoplastics research progresses and hotspots: a scientometric assessment analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:114739-114755. [PMID: 37906331 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30597-3] [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] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Environmental plastic wastes are continuously degraded into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs); the latter are more potentially harmful to organisms and human health as their smaller size and higher surface-to-volume ratio. Previous reviews on NPs mainly concentrate on specific aspects, such as sources, environmental behavior, and toxicological effects, but few focused on NPs-related scientific publications from a global point of view. Therefore, this bibliometric study aims to summarize the research themes and trends on NPs and also propose potential directions for future inquiry. Related papers were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection database on NPs published from 2008 to 2021, and then retrieved information was analyzed using CiteSpace 6.1 R2 and VOSviewer (version 1.6.). Research on NPs mainly involved environmental behaviors, toxicological effects, identification and extraction of NPs, whereas aquatic environments, especially marine systems, attracted more attentions from these scientists compare to terrestrial environments. Furthermore, the adsorption behavior of pollutants by NPs and the toxicological effects of organisms exposed to NPs are the present hotspots, while the regulation of humic acid (HA) on NPs behaviors and the environmental behavior of NPs in freshwater, like rivers and lakes, are the frontier areas of research. This study also explored the possible opportunities and challenges that may be faced in NPs research, which provide a valuable summary and outlook for ongoing NPs-related research, which may be of intrigue and noteworthiness for relevant researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiping Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, People's Republic of China
| | - Shizhong Yue
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, People's Republic of China
| | - Caide Huang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Li Jia
- ISTO UMR7327, CNRS-Université d'Orleans-Brgm, 45071, Orléans, France
| | - Cevin Tibihenda
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenghua Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiafeng Yu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, People's Republic of China.
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29
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Abdolahpur Monikh F, Baun A, Hartmann NB, Kortet R, Akkanen J, Lee JS, Shi H, Lahive E, Uurasjärvi E, Tufenkji N, Altmann K, Wiesner Y, Grossart HP, Peijnenburg W, Kukkonen JVK. Exposure protocol for ecotoxicity testing of microplastics and nanoplastics. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:3534-3564. [PMID: 37816903 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00886-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the increasing concern about the harmful effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), there are no harmonized guidelines or protocols yet available for MNP ecotoxicity testing. Current ecotoxicity studies often use commercial spherical particles as models for MNPs, but in nature, MNPs occur in variable shapes, sizes and chemical compositions. Moreover, protocols developed for chemicals that dissolve or form stable dispersions are currently used for assessing the ecotoxicity of MNPs. Plastic particles, however, do not dissolve and also show dynamic behavior in the exposure medium, depending on, for example, MNP physicochemical properties and the medium's conditions such as pH and ionic strength. Here we describe an exposure protocol that considers the particle-specific properties of MNPs and their dynamic behavior in exposure systems. Procedure 1 describes the top-down production of more realistic MNPs as representative of MNPs in nature and particle characterization (e.g., using thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). Then, we describe exposure system development for short- and long-term toxicity tests for soil (Procedure 2) and aquatic (Procedure 3) organisms. Procedures 2 and 3 explain how to modify existing ecotoxicity guidelines for chemicals to target testing MNPs in selected exposure systems. We show some examples that were used to develop the protocol to test, for example, MNP toxicity in marine rotifers, freshwater mussels, daphnids and earthworms. The present protocol takes between 24 h and 2 months, depending on the test of interest and can be applied by students, academics, environmental risk assessors and industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazel Abdolahpur Monikh
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland.
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Anders Baun
- Department of Environmental & Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nanna B Hartmann
- Department of Environmental & Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Raine Kortet
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarkko Akkanen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Elma Lahive
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Crowmarsh Gifford, UK
| | | | - Nathalie Tufenkji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Korinna Altmann
- Federal Institute of Material Research and Testing (BAM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Yosri Wiesner
- Federal Institute of Material Research and Testing (BAM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Stechlin, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Willie Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jussi V K Kukkonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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30
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Xing Y, Li J, Yang J, Li J, Pang W, Martin FL, Xu L. Application of spectrochemical analysis with chemometrics to profile biochemical alterations in nanoplastic-exposed HepG 2 cells. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122309. [PMID: 37543068 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Humans are routinely exposed to nanoplastics (NPs) in various ways, and this exposure presents a significant health risk. Nevertheless, there remain gaps in our knowledge, particularly in the mechanisms of toxicity of NPs with different surface charges at very low environmental concentrations. Herein, a spectrochemical approach was used to profile the cytotoxicity of NPs with different surface charges in HepG2 cells. It was found that all three NPs can cause some biomolecular alterations in cells, affecting cellular lipids, proteins, amino acids, and genetic material. Of these, PS and PS-COOH led to a non-linear dose-response, which may be related to a biphasic dose-response, whereas PS-NH2 led to a linear dose-response with a gradual increase in toxicity with increasing exposure concentration. In addition, the spectroscopic results showed that surface modifications led to cellular biochemical changes and caused adverse biological effects, with PS-NH2 exhibiting higher toxicity compared to PS or PS-COOH along with an inhibition of cell proliferation. Surprisingly PS-COOH, although considered the least toxic NP, appears to cause DNA damage. Overall, the toxic effects of different surface-modified NPs in cells were detected for the first time by applying spectrochemical techniques, and these findings provide important data towards understanding the emerging widespread environmental pollution of NPs and their effects on humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xing
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Junyi Li
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, 215128, China
| | - Weiyi Pang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Francis L Martin
- Biocel Ltd, Hull, HU10 7TS, UK; Department of Cellular Pathology, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool, FY3 8NR, UK
| | - Li Xu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
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31
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Forster NA, Wilson SC, Tighe MK. Weathering alters the profile of trace metals and organic compounds in leachates and bioavailability extracts from microplastics of trail running shoes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122431. [PMID: 37633437 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) from rubber outsoles of trail running shoes may contribute significantly to contamination in protected areas. In the natural environment, weathering processes can damage MP molecular structure and alter the mobility of inorganic and organic compounds used as additives in rubber. In this study, we characterised changes in the surface morphology, functional groups, and thermal stability of MPs weathered on and below the soil surface over 12 weeks, and analysed inorganic and organic additives in leachates (0.01M CaCl2) and bioaccessibility extracts (ethyl acetate). Weathering conditions included UVC irradiation at 25 °C and 80% soil moisture. Microplastics on the soil surface exhibited cracking, fragmentation, and increased extractability of zinc, sulphur, titanium and fatty acids. Microplastics below the soil surface were not significantly physically or chemically altered, however zinc leachability increased following extended weathering by up to 155%. Bioaccessibility of thiol, aromatic and cyclic organic additives decreased from both surface and sub-surface MPs over the 12 week weathering period, but there was evidence of an increase in transformation by-products. Microplastic toxicity may be significantly altered by environmental conditions and MP weathering. It is critical ecotoxicological studies use weathered MPs to assess impacts on rare and endemic species found in protected spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola A Forster
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia.
| | - Susan C Wilson
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia.
| | - Matthew K Tighe
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia.
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32
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Liu XY, Wang N, Lv LY, Wang PF, Gao WF, Sun L, Zhang GM, Ren ZJ. Adsorption-desorption behaviors of ciprofloxacin onto aged polystyrene fragments in aquatic environments. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:139995. [PMID: 37652241 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139995] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
As two emerging pollutants of great concern, microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics inevitably cooccur in various aquatic environments and interact with each other, impacting the fate and ecological risks. Aging obviously complicates their interaction and deserves further study. Therefore, the adsorption-desorption behaviors of ciprofloxacin (CIP) onto polystyrene (PS) fragments with various aging extent were investigated, and the key physiochemical properties influencing the interaction and the interaction mechanisms were clarified by redundancy analysis, FTIR and XPS spectra. The physicochemical properties of PS MPs were significantly changed with aging time, and the morphological and chemical changes seemed to occur asynchronously. The adsorption of CIP onto the pristine PS MPs relied on physisorption, especially the ion-involving electrostatic and cation-π interaction. Due to the hydrogen bonding formed by the C-OH, CO, and O-CO groups of PS and CIP, the adsorption capacities of the aged PS MPs were greatly increased. The desorption efficiency of CIP from MPs in the gastric fluid was closely related to the solution ionic strengths, C-OH and CO groups of MPs, while that in the intestinal fluid was associated with O-CO groups of MPs. The different impact factors could be well described by the differences in the chemical components and pHs of the simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. This study gives a comprehensive understanding of the adsorption-desorption behaviors of antibiotics onto MPs at a molecular level and indicates that MPs could act as Trojan horses to transport antibiotics into aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yang Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
| | - Ning Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
| | - Long-Yi Lv
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
| | - Peng-Fei Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
| | - Wen-Fang Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
| | - Li Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
| | - Guang-Ming Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Ren
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
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Alimi OS, Claveau-Mallet D, Lapointe M, Biu T, Liu L, Hernandez LM, Bayen S, Tufenkji N. Effects of weathering on the properties and fate of secondary microplastics from a polystyrene single-use cup. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:131855. [PMID: 37478596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we probed the changes to some physicochemical properties of polystyrene microplastics generated from a disposable cup as a result of UV-weathering, using a range of spectroscopy, microscopy, and profilometry techniques. Thereafter, we aimed to understand how these physicochemical changes affect the microplastic transport potential and contaminant sorption ability in model freshwaters. Exposure to UV led to measured changes in microplastic hydrophobicity (20-23 % decrease), density (3% increase), carbonyl index (up to 746 % increase), and microscale roughness (24-86 % increase). The settling velocity of the microplastics increased by 53 % after weathering which suggests that UV aging can increase microplastic deposition to sediments. This impact of aging was greater than the effect of the water temperature. Weathered microplastics exhibited reduced sorption capacity (up to 52 % decrease) to a model hydrophobic contaminant (triclosan) compared to unaged ones. The adsorption of triclosan to both microplastics was slightly reversible with notable desorption hysteresis. These combined effects of weathering could potentially increase the transport potential while decreasing the contaminant transport abilities of microplastics. This work provides new insights on the sorption capacity and mobility of a secondary microplastic, advances our knowledge about their risks in aquatic environments, and the need to use environmentally relevant microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubukola S Alimi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C5 Canada; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 1H9 Canada.
| | - Dominique Claveau-Mallet
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C5 Canada; Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lapointe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C5 Canada; Department of Construction Engineering, École de technologie supérieure - University of Québec, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 1K3, Canada
| | - Thinh Biu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C5 Canada
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, Canada
| | - Laura M Hernandez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C5 Canada
| | - Stéphane Bayen
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nathalie Tufenkji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C5 Canada
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34
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Tan E, Ong MC, Mohd Zanuri NB. Polyethylene degradation and heavy metals leaching under realistic tropical marine climate. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106113. [PMID: 37619477 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106113] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The study examines the influence of temperature and pH on the leaching of six heavy metals (HMs) species: aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) from transparent polyethylene pellets into seawater. The idea is to understand the potential influence of intensifying global warming and ocean acidification towards microplastic toxicity in the ocean. HMs leaching was obvious by 24th hours, with most HMs concentration decreased in water by 120th and 240th hours except Al. Nevertheless, we report that temperature and pH do not influence the overall HMs leaching from PE pellets with statistical analysis showing no significance (p < 0.05) between temperature and pH toward HMs concentration. Instead, it is hypothesized that these two parameters may be crucial in promoting heavy metal adsorption onto PE pellets under tropical weathering. However, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) revealed that temperature and pH are influential in polymer aging and surficial breakdown where pellets exposed in warm, acidic waters showed the greatest extent of weathering. This study highlights that PE pellets exposed under tropical conditions may accelerate surficial degradation and possibly stimulate HMs adherence to the polymer as a pollution vector. Further consideration of metal behaviour in water and microbial activities is crucial to improve our understanding of microplastic toxicity under tropical weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evonne Tan
- Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Meng Chuan Ong
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21300, Terengganu, Malaysia; Ocean Pollution and Ecotoxicology (OPEC) Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21300, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Norlaila Binti Mohd Zanuri
- Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
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35
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Yang Z, DeLoid GM, Zarbl H, Baw J, Demokritou P. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and their potential toxicological outcomes: State of science, knowledge gaps and research needs. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100481. [PMID: 37717636 PMCID: PMC10841092 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100481] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste has been produced at a rapidly growing rate over the past several decades. The environmental impacts of plastic waste on marine and terrestrial ecosystems have been recognized for years. Recently, researchers found that micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), micron (100 nm - 5 mm) and nanometer (1 - 100 nm) scale particles and fibers produced by degradation and fragmentation of plastic waste in the environment, have become an important emerging environmental and food chain contaminant with uncertain consequences for human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent findings from studies of potential toxicity and adverse health impacts of MNPs in terrestrial mammals, including studies in both in vitro cellular and in vivo mammalian models. Also reviewed here are recently released biomonitoring studies that have characterized the bioaccumulation, biodistribution, and excretion of MNPs in humans. The majority MNPs in the environment to which humans are most likely to be exposed, are of irregular shapes, varied sizes, and mixed compositions, and are defined as secondary MNPs. However, the MNPs used in most toxicity studies to date were commercially available primary MNPs of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other polymers. The emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence reviewed here suggests that MNP toxicity and bioactivity are largely determined by MNP particle physico-chemical characteristics, including size, shape, polymer type, and surface properties. For human exposure, MNPs have been identified in human blood, urine, feces, and placenta, which pose potential health risks. The evidence to date suggests that the mechanisms underlying MNP toxicity at the cellular level are primarily driven by oxidative stress. Nonetheless, large knowledge gaps in our understanding of MNP toxicity and the potential health impacts of MNP exposures still exist and much further study is needed to bridge those gaps. This includes human population exposure studies to determine the environmentally relevant MNP polymers and exposure concentrations and durations for toxicity studies, as well as toxicity studies employing environmentally relevant MNPs, with surface chemistries and other physico-chemical properties consistent with MNP particles in the environment. It is especially important to obtain comprehensive toxicological data for these MNPs to understand the range and extent of potential adverse impacts of microplastic pollutants on humans and other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenning Yang
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Glen M DeLoid
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joshua Baw
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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36
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Vercauteren M, Semmouri I, Van Acker E, Pequeur E, Van Esch L, Uljee I, Asselman J, Janssen CR. Assessment of road run-off and domestic wastewater contribution to microplastic pollution in a densely populated area (Flanders, Belgium). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122090. [PMID: 37352959 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are omnipresent in our daily life. Unfortunately, the produced plastics will partly end up in the environment including aquatic ecosystems. People often refer to littering or illegal waste dumping as sources of plastic emission to the environment. However, daily-life sources could also, unknowingly, contribute considerably to the total microplastic pollution in the ecosystem. Hence, there is an urgent need to study these potential sources. In this research, two common sources, i.e. domestic wastewater and road run-off from tire and road wear particles, were studied in detail to quantify the relative contribution of both domestic sources towards microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems in Flanders, Belgium. This assessment shows that every person (in studied area) emits on average 1145 microplastics (25-1000 μm) daily through domestic wastewater, resulting in a yearly discharge of 418,000 microplastic particles per person. The road run-off samples contained between 0.02 and 9.2 mg tire wear particles per litre per day, which corresponds to an emission of 10.8 mg tire wear particles per driven vehicle km. The gross and net emissions of both above mentioned microplastic sources were extrapolated to the whole Flanders region using an emission model. From the yearly gross microplastic pollution in the domestic wastewater, 623 kg (20%) will be discharged in the freshwater. The highest losses originated from the households that have a private drain or are not (yet) connected to an active wastewater treatment plant. In Flanders, the yearly net microplastic emission into the aquatic environment of tire wear particles is estimated to be 246 tonnes (38%), mainly from the direct run-off from the road surface. Based on the results, specific mitigation measures can be installed to reduce the emission of microplastics towards the freshwater ecosystem. Other sources should be quantified in a similar way for a more holistic strategy to counteract plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Vercauteren
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ilias Semmouri
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Van Acker
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmy Pequeur
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leen Van Esch
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Inge Uljee
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Colin R Janssen
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000, Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
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37
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Yu Y, Craig N, Su L. A Hidden Pathway for Human Exposure to Micro- and Nanoplastics-The Mechanical Fragmentation of Plastic Products during Daily Use. TOXICS 2023; 11:774. [PMID: 37755784 PMCID: PMC10538053 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In numerous environmental compartments around the world, the existence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment has been verified. A growing number of studies have looked at the interaction between MNPs and human activities due to the risks they may pose to humans. Exposure pathways are key factors in measuring MNPs risks. However, current research largely ignores the contribution of mechanical fragmentation pathways to MNPs exposure during the daily use of plastic products. Our critical review demonstrated the research gap between MNP fragmentation and risk assessments via a network analysis. The release of fragmented MNPs and their properties were also described at various scales, with emphasis on environmental stressors and mechanical fragmentation. In the scenarios of daily use, plastic products such as food packaging and clothing provide acute pathways of MNPs exposure. The release tendency of those products (up to 102 mg MNPs) are several orders of magnitude higher than MNPs abundances in natural compartments. Despite the limited evidence available, waste recycling, landfill and municipal activities represented long-term pathways for MNPs fragmentation and point sources of MNPs pollution in environmental media. Assessing the health effects of the fragmentation process, unfortunately, is further hampered by the current absence of human exposure impact assessments for secondary MNPs. We proposed that future studies should integrate aging evaluation into risk assessment frameworks and establish early warning signs of MNPs released from plastic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Nicholas Craig
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lei Su
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of River and Lake Biochain Construction and Resource Utilization, Shanghai 201702, China
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38
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Du T, Shao S, Qian L, Meng R, Li T, Wu L, Li Y. Effects of photochlorination on the physicochemical transformation of polystyrene nanoplastics: Mechanism and environmental fate. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120367. [PMID: 37499544 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
With the increasingly severe plastic pollution, the environmental behavior and effects of nanoplastics (NPs) have attracted much attention. The transformation of NPs in natural and engineered environments (e.g., photooxidation, disinfection) can significantly alter the physicochemical properties and thus affect the fate and toxicity of NPs. However, how solar irradiation with free chlorine, an inevitable process once NPs enter the environment from wastewater treatment plants, affects the physicochemical properties of NPs is still unclear. In this study, the behavior and mechanism of polystyrene (PS) NPs transformation in the solar/chlorine process were evaluated. The results demonstrated that solar irradiation significantly enhanced the physicochemical transformation of PS NPs during chlorination, including chain scission, surface oxidation, and organic release. In addition, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and reactive species quenching experiments showed that chain scission and surface oxidation of PS NPs were primarily caused by direct oxidation of hydroxyl radicals and ozone, while reactive chlorine species played an indirect role. Moreover, photochlorination-induced changes in the properties of PS NPs enhanced the colloidal stability in synthetic wastewater solution and toxicity to Caenorhabditis elegans. These findings reveal an important transformation behavior of nanoplastics in the environment and emphasize the importance of accounting for photochlorination to accurately assess the ecological risk of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Du
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Song Shao
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Liwen Qian
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Ru Meng
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Tong Li
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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39
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Astner AF, Gillmore AB, Yu Y, Flury M, DeBruyn JM, Schaeffer SM, Hayes DG. Formation, behavior, properties and impact of micro- and nanoplastics on agricultural soil ecosystems (A Review). NANOIMPACT 2023; 31:100474. [PMID: 37419450 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Micro and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs, respectively) in agricultural soil ecosystems represent a pervasive global environmental concern, posing risks to soil biota, hence soil health and food security. This review provides a comprehensive and current summary of the literature on sources and properties of MNPs in agricultural ecosystems, methodology for the isolation and characterization of MNPs recovered from soil, MNP surrogate materials that mimic the size and properties of soil-borne MNPs, and transport of MNPs through the soil matrix. Furthermore, this review elucidates the impacts and risks of agricultural MNPs on crops and soil microorganisms and fauna. A significant source of MPs in soil is plasticulture, involving the use of mulch films and other plastic-based implements to provide several agronomic benefits for specialty crop production, while other sources of MPs include irrigation water and fertilizer. Long-term studies are needed to address current knowledge gaps of formation, soil surface and subsurface transport, and environmental impacts of MNPs, including for MNPs derived from biodegradable mulch films, which, although ultimately undergoing complete mineralization, will reside in soil for several months. Because of the complexity and variability of agricultural soil ecosystems and the difficulty in recovering MNPs from soil, a deeper understanding is needed for the fundamental relationships between MPs, NPs, soil biota and microbiota, including ecotoxicological effects of MNPs on earthworms, soil-dwelling invertebrates, and beneficial soil microorganisms, and soil geochemical attributes. In addition, the geometry, size distribution, fundamental and chemical properties, and concentration of MNPs contained in soils are required to develop surrogate MNP reference materials that can be used across laboratories for conducting fundamental laboratory studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton F Astner
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Alexis B Gillmore
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Yingxue Yu
- Department of Crops and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, and Puyallup, WA 98371, United States of America
| | - Markus Flury
- Department of Crops and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, and Puyallup, WA 98371, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M DeBruyn
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Sean M Schaeffer
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Douglas G Hayes
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America.
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40
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Chen Y, Duan M, Xu X, Wu C. Multi-biomarkers hazard assessment of microplastics with different polymers by acute embryo test and chronic larvae test with zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 260:106595. [PMID: 37269673 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics as emerging contaminants show various composition features in the environment. However, influence of polymer types on the toxicity of microplastics is still unclear, thus affecting evaluation of their toxicity and ecological risks. In this work, toxic effects of microplastics (fragment, 52-74 μm) with different polymer types including polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) to zebrafish (Danio rerio) were studied using acute embryo test and chronic larvae test. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) was used as a control representing natural particles. Results showed microplastics with different polymers had no influence on embryonic development at environmental relevant concentration (102 particles/L), but could lead to accelerated heartbeat rate and increased embryonic death when exposed to SiO2, PE and PS at higher concentrations (104 and 106 particles/L). Chronic exposure for zebrafish larvae indicated different polymers of microplastics did not affect zebrafish larvae' feeding and growth, nor induce oxidative stress. But larvae' locomotion level and AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activities could be inhibited by SiO2 and microplastics at 104 particles/L. Our study demonstrated negligible toxicity of microplastics at environmental relevant concentration, while different polymers of microplastics have similar toxic effects as SiO2 at high concentrations. We suggest that microplastic particles may have the same biological toxicity as natural particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Chen
- Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Ming Duan
- Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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41
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Wang Z, Pilechi A, Fok Cheung M, Ariya PA. In-situ and real-time nano/microplastic coatings and dynamics in water using nano-DIHM: A novel capability for the plastic life cycle research. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 235:119898. [PMID: 36989805 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119898] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
A novel nano-digital inline holographic microscope (nano-DIHM) was used to advance in-situ and real-time nano/microplastic physicochemical research, such as particle coatings and dynamic processes in water. Nano-DIHM data provided evidence of distinct coating patterns on nano/microplastic particles by oleic acid, magnetite, and phytoplankton, representing organic, inorganic, and biological coatings widely present in the natural surroundings. A high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy confirmed nano-DIHM data, demonstrating its nano/microplastic research capabilities. The sedimentation of two plastic size categories was examined: (a) ∼10 to 700 µm, and (b) ∼ 1 to 5 mm. Particle size was the primary factor affecting the sedimentation for studied (a) microplastics and (b) pellets. Two types of silicone rubbers exhibited different sedimentation processes. We also demonstrated that inorganic ions in seawater and oleic acid organic coatings altered the sedimentation velocity of studied plastics by 9 - 13% and 5 - 9%, respectively. Semi-empirical probability functions were developed and incorporated into a numerical model (CaMPSim-3D) to simulate the transport of studied microplastics and pellets in the Saint John River estuary. Water dynamics was the driving force of plastic transport, yet the accumulation of plastics was selectively dependant on particle physicochemical properties such as size and density by ∼ 7%. The usage of nano-DIHM for targeted identification of nano/microplastic hotspots and aquatic plastic wastes remediation were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | | | - Maïline Fok Cheung
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Parisa A Ariya
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada; Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B9, Canada.
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42
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He S, Sun S, Xue H, Kang C, Yu S. Polypropylene microplastics aging under natural conditions in winter and summer and its effects on the sorption and desorption of nonylphenol. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 225:115615. [PMID: 36871944 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115615] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastics in the environment undergo various aging effects. Due to the changes in physical and chemical properties, the sorption behavior of aged microplastics (MPs) for pollutants differs from that of pristine MPs. In this paper, the most common disposable polypropylene (PP) rice box was used as the source of MPs to study the sorption and desorption behavior of nonylphenol (NP) on pristine and naturally aged PPs in summer and winter. The results show that summer-aged PP has more obvious property changes than winter-aged PP. The equilibrium sorption amount of NP on PP is summer-aged PP (477.08 μg/g) > winter-aged PP (407.14 μg/g) > pristine PP (389.29 μg/g). The sorption mechanism includes the partition effect, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction, among which chemical sorption (hydrogen bonding) dominates the sorption; moreover, partition also plays an important role in this process. Aged MPs' more robust sorption capacity is attributed to the larger specific surface area, stronger polarity and more oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface that are conducive to forming hydrogen bonds with NP. Desorption of NP in the simulated intestinal fluid is significant owning to intestinal micelles' presence: summer-aged PP (300.52 μg/g) > winter-aged PP (291.08 μg/g) > pristine PP (287.12 μg/g). Hence, aged PP presents a more vital ecological risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuiyuan He
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Siyang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Honghai Xue
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130021, China; Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin Jianzhu University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Chunli Kang
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Shuyi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130021, China
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43
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Chaudhary V, Thakur N, Chaudhary S, Bangar SP. Remediation plan of nano/microplastic toxicity in food. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2023; 103:397-442. [PMID: 36863840 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.07.004] [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: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is causing a stir globally due to its persistent and ubiquitous nature. The scientific collaboration is diligently working on improved, effective, sustainable, and cleaner measures to control the nano/microplastic load in the environment especially wrecking the aquatic habitat. This chapter discusses the challenges encountered in nano/microplastic control and improved technologies like density separation, continuous flow centrifugation, oil extraction protocol, electrostatic separation to extract and quantify the same. Although it is still in the early stages of research, biobased control measures, like meal worms and microbes to degrade microplastics in the environment have been proven effective. Besides the control measures, practical alternatives to microplastics can be developed like core-shell powder, mineral powder, and biobased food packaging systems like edible films and coatings developed using various nanotechnological tools. Lastly, the existing and ideal stage of global regulations is compared, and key research areas are pinpointed. This holistic coverage would enable manufacturers and consumers to reconsider their production and purchase decisions for sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Chaudhary
- Department of Dairy Technology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Neha Thakur
- Department of Livestock Products Technology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Suman Chaudhary
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Sneh Punia Bangar
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States.
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44
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Ge J, Wang M, Liu P, Zhang Z, Peng J, Guo X. A systematic review on the aging of microplastics and the effects of typical factors in various environmental media. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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45
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Dawson AL, Santana MFM, Nelis JLD, Motti CA. Taking control of microplastics data: A comparison of control and blank data correction methods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130218. [PMID: 36367473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130218] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although significant headway has been achieved regarding method harmonisation for the analysis of microplastics, analysis and interpretation of control data has largely been overlooked. There is currently no consensus on the best method to utilise data generated from controls, and consequently many methods are arbitrarily employed. This study identified 6 commonly implemented strategies: a) No correction; b) Subtraction; c) Mean Subtraction; d) Spectral Similarity; e) Limits of detection/ limits of quantification (LOD/LOQ) or f) Statistical analysis, of which many variations are possible. Here, the 6 core methods and 45 variant methods (n = 51) thereof were used to correct a dummy dataset using control data. Most of the methods tested were too inflexible to account for the inherent variation present in microplastic data. Only 7 of the 51 methods tested (six LOD/LOQ methods and one statistical method) showed promise, removing between 96.3 % and 100 % of the contamination data from the dummy set. The remaining 44 methods resulted in deficient corrections for background contamination due to the heterogeneity of microplastics. These methods should be avoided in the future to avoid skewed results, especially in low abundance samples. Overall, LOD/LOQ methods or statistical analysis comparing means are recommended for future use in microplastic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Dawson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia.
| | - Marina F M Santana
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Joost L D Nelis
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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46
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Liu H, Zhang X, Ji B, Qiang Z, Karanfil T, Liu C. UV aging of microplastic polymers promotes their chemical transformation and byproduct formation upon chlorination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159842. [PMID: 36374755 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159842] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The presence and accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in water and wastewater is a growing concern. When released to the water bodies, microplastics can be subject to surface weathering due to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. In this study, the effects of UV aging of six MP polymers from three groups (e.g., polyamide, polyester, and polyolefin) on their chlorine reactivity, chemical transformation, and formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) were studied. Polyamide (e.g., polyamide 6) in both virgin and UV-aged forms showed significantly higher chlorine demands than other MP polymers (915.5-947.9 versus 7.0-21.1 μmol/g MP in 24 h), and polyolefins were relatively inert to chlorine. UV aging enhanced the destructions of functional groups of polyamide and polyester upon chlorination, promoting the chlorine demands and leaching of organics by up to 1.7- and 2.4-fold, respectively. Polymer monomer and oligomers of polyamide 6 and toxic or endocrine disrupting additives (e.g., dimethyl phthalate and butyl octyl phthalate) were identified in leachates from chlorinated MP polymers by mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, up to >10-fold increases in the yields of trihalomethane, haloacetic acid, haloacetaldehyde, haloacetonitrile, and haloacetamide were observed from 30-day UV-aged MP polymers as compared to their virgin counterparts. Overall, this study reveals that UV aging can promote the reactivity and chemical transformation of MP polymers during chlorination, especially for polyamide and polyester, increase the release of polymer monomers, oligomers, and additives, and aggravate the role of MP polymers as DBP precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Department of Water and Wastewater Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Bin Ji
- Department of Water and Wastewater Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Zhimin Qiang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tanju Karanfil
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625, USA
| | - Chao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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47
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The measurement of food safety and security risks associated with micro- and nanoplastic pollution. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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48
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Jansen MAK, Barnes PW, Bornman JF, Rose KC, Madronich S, White CC, Zepp RG, Andrady AL. The Montreal Protocol and the fate of environmental plastic debris. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2023:10.1007/s43630-023-00372-x. [PMID: 36705849 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00372-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging class of pollutants in air, soil and especially in all aquatic environments. Secondary MPs are generated in the environment during fragmentation of especially photo-oxidised plastic litter. Photo-oxidation is mediated primarily by solar UV radiation. The implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments, which have resulted in controlling the tropospheric UV-B (280-315 nm) radiation load, is therefore pertinent to the fate of environmental plastic debris. Due to the Montreal Protocol high amounts of solar UV-B radiation at the Earth's surface have been avoided, retarding the oxidative fragmentation of plastic debris, leading to a slower generation and accumulation of MPs in the environment. Quantifying the impact of the Montreal Protocol in reducing the abundance of MPs in the environment, however, is complicated as the role of potential mechanical fragmentation of plastics under environmental mechanical stresses is poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - P W Barnes
- Biological Sciences and Environmental Program, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - J F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - K C Rose
- Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, USA
| | - S Madronich
- Atmospheric Chemistry Observations and Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - C C White
- Exponent, Inc, Bowie, MD, 20715, USA
| | - R G Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, USA
| | - A L Andrady
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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49
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Reineccius J, Schönke M, Waniek JJ. Abiotic Long-Term Simulation of Microplastic Weathering Pathways under Different Aqueous Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:963-975. [PMID: 36584307 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are one of the most abundant and widespread anthropogenic pollutants worldwide. In addition to the global spread and threats of plastic to native species by carrying toxic substances, its slow degradation rate and resulting long retention time in the environment constitute a problem that is still poorly understood. In this study, five of the most manufactured plastic types were weathered under simulated beach conditions for 18 months in freshwater, brackish water, and seawater. Those included polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PP was the first polymer type that fragmented after 9 months of weathering and influenced the pH of the surrounding water. Molecular surface changes were detected for all polymers, just after the first week. Hydroxyl bonds were one of the first groups incorporated into the polymers, weakening 2-3 weeks later. Carbonyl groups were also measured early, but with significantly different developments with time between the polymer types. Differences in degradation rates were proven between the water media, with the fastest degradation in seawater compared to brackish water and freshwater for PE and PP. These results are consistent with previous findings on MPs aged under environmental conditions and provide initial long-term observations of MP degradation pathways under simulated environmental conditions. These findings are valuable for assessing the fate and hazards of MPs in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janika Reineccius
- Leibniz Institute of Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, Rostock 18119, Germany
| | - Mischa Schönke
- Leibniz Institute of Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, Rostock 18119, Germany
| | - Joanna J Waniek
- Leibniz Institute of Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, Rostock 18119, Germany
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50
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Wang Z, Ding J, Song X, Zheng L, Huang J, Zou H, Wang Z. Aging of poly (lactic acid)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blends under different conditions: Environmental concerns on biodegradable plastic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158921. [PMID: 36411603 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) have been used to replace conventional plastics owing to their environmental harmless and ease of degradation. However, the aging processes of BPs in different environments remain unclear. In this study, we used poly (lactic acid)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) films as model BPs and investigated the 30-d aging behavior of PLA/PBAT films under four conditions (i.e., air without ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, water without UV irradiation, air with UV irradiation, and water with UV irradiation). Our results showed that the aging of PLA/PBAT films was insignificant in all groups except the water with UV irradiation group. In the physical characterization, the PLA/PBAT films exhibited layered structures in water with UV irradiation condition, and the submicron- and nano-sized particles adhered to the bigger-sized fragments. In the chemical characterization, the carbonyl index (CI) of PLA/PBAT films in water with UV irradiation condition decreased from 3.84 to 1.36, and the oxygen-to-carbon (O/C) ratio reached a maximum of 1.78 at 20 d and declined to 0.49 at 30 d, indicating that the oxygen-containing functional groups underwent bond breaking and showed a rapid aging process. This is mainly attributed to the combined effect of hydrolysis and photolysis increases the contact area of PLA/PBAT films and accelerates the aging process. Furthermore, based on two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis, we suggest that free radicals generated in water with UV irradiation conditions also accelerate the aging process of PLA/PBAT films. This study explored the aging processes of PLA/PBAT films under different conditions, which could aid in clarifying the environmental behavior and provide further information to assess the potential risks of BPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenguo Wang
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiannan Ding
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Xiaojun Song
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Lixing Zheng
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jichao Huang
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hua Zou
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China
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