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Kang A, Luo Y, Luo Q, Li S, Tang Y, Yi F, Zhang H, Chen Y, Jia M, Xiong W, Yang Z, Xu H. An investigation into the aging mechanism of disposable face masks and the interaction between different influencing factors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135308. [PMID: 39053070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135308] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
In the natural environment, a symphony of environmental factors including sunlight exposure, current fluctuations, sodium chloride concentrations, and sediment dynamics intertwine, potentially magnifying the impacts on the aging process of disposable face masks (DFMs), thus escalating environmental risks. Employing Regular Two-Level Factorial Design, the study scrutinized interactive impacts of ultraviolet radiation, sand abrasion, acetic acid exposure, sodium chloride levels, and mechanical agitation on mask aging. Aging mechanisms and environmental risks linked with DFMs were elucidated through two-dimensional correlation analyses and risk index method. Following a simulated aging duration of three months, a single mask exhibited the propensity to release a substantial quantity of microplastics, ranging from 38,800 ± 360 to 938,400 ± 529 particles, and heavy metals, with concentrations from 0.06 ± 0.02 μg/g (Pb) to 29.01 ± 1.83 μg/g (Zn). Besides, specific contaminants such as zinc ions (24.24 μg/g), chromium (VI) (4.20 μg/g), thallium (I) (0.92 μg/g), tetracycline (0.51 μg/g), and acenaphthene (1.73 μg/g) can be adsorbed significantly by aged masks. The study elucidates pivotal role of interactions between ultraviolet radiation and acetic acid exposure in exacerbating the environmental risks associated with masks, while emphasizing the pronounced influence of many other interactions. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate aging processes and ensuing environmental risks posed by DFMs, offering valuable insights essential for developing sustainable management strategies in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Kang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yuanling Luo
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Changsha Environmental Protection College, Changsha 410004, China.
| | - Qiao Luo
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yi Tang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Fan Yi
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Honglin Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yalin Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Meiying Jia
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhaohui Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Haiyin Xu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China.
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Jin T, Liu Y, Lyu H, He Y, Sun H, Tang J, Xing B. Plastic takeaway food containers may cause human intestinal damage in routine life usage: Microplastics formation and cytotoxic effect. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134866. [PMID: 38870856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The microplastics and organic additives formed in routine use of plastic takeaway food containers may pose significant health risks. Thus, we collected plastic containers made of polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid and simulated two thermal usages, including hot water (I) and microwave treatments (M). Nile Red fluorescence staining was developed to improve accurate counting of microplastics with the aid of TEM and DLS analysis. The quantity of MPs released from thermal treatments was determined ranging from 285.7 thousand items/cm2 to 681.5 thousand items/cm2 in containers loaded with hot water with the following order: IPS>IPP>IPET>IPLA, while microwave treatment showed lower values ranging from 171.9 thousand items/cm2 to 301.6 thousand items/cm2. In vitro toxicity test using human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells indicated decrease of cell viability in raw leachate, resuspended MPs and supernatants, which might further lead to cell membrane rupture, ROS production, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, the leachate inhibited the expression of key genes in the electron transport chain (ETC) process, disrupted energy metabolism. For the first time, we isolate the actually released microplastics and organic substances for in vitro toxicity testing, and demonstrate their potential impacts to human intestine. SYNOPSIS: Plastic take-out containers may release microplastics and organic substances during daily usage, both of which can cause individual and combined cytotoxic effects on human colon adenocarcinoma cells Caco-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyue Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yaxuan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Honghong Lyu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Imasha HUE, Babel S. Unveiling the abundance and potential impacts of microplastic contamination in commercial organic fertilizers/compost produced from different solid waste. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34554-6. [PMID: 39102146 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34554-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
This study comprehensively investigated the abundance, morphologies, and polymer types of plastics, larger (1-5 mm) and smaller (< 1 mm) microplastics (MPs), in organic fertilizers using spectroscopic and microscopic methods. MPs abundance varied depending on the type of waste employed. MPs were detected in 80% of the investigated compost samples, while macro/meso plastics were found in only four samples. Compost from mixed municipal solid waste exhibited the highest MPs contamination (23100 ± 3615 items/kg dry weight), whereas compost produced from canteen waste had the lowest contamination (100 ± 65 items/kg dry weight). Smaller MPs were dominant in all samples. The estimated loads of MPs introduced into agricultural soil exceeded the previous studies. Common morphologies observed were sheet, film, fragment, and fiber, while dominant polymer types were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Heavy metals, including Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb, were identified in association with MPs. Results indicate that the utilization of appropriate waste for composting and upgrading fertilizer regulations is crucial to protect the environment and human health from smaller MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hewawasam Udumullage Erangi Imasha
- School of Biochemical Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, P.O. Box 22, Pathum Thani, 12121, Thailand
| | - Sandhya Babel
- School of Biochemical Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, P.O. Box 22, Pathum Thani, 12121, Thailand.
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4
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Yadav DK, Samantaray BP, Kumar R. Effect of alternative natural diet on microplastic ingestion, functional responses and trophic transfer in a tri-trophic coastal pelagic food web. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:174999. [PMID: 39097011 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
The patchy distribution of microplastics (MP) and their size range similar to planktonic organisms, are likely to have major ecological consequences, through MP ingestion, food dilution, and transfer across trophic levels. Our study applied a community module using tritrophic food chain with zooplankton as prey, and a planktivorous seabass fry as predator. We conducted a series of feeding experiments and recorded the direct uptake of MP under six different concentrations ranging from 25 to 800 particles L-1. We also estimated the indirect transfer of MP via trophic link. The ingestion rates for Brachionus plicatilis, Mesocyclops isabellae, and Lates calcarifer, were 3.7 ± 0.3 MP ind-1 min-1, 1.69 ± 0.1 MP ind-1 min-1, and 3.51 ± 0.52 MP ind-1 h-1, respectively. In the presence of a natural diet, rotifers and copepods ingested significantly lower number, whereas, fish fry ingested a higher number of MP, suggesting further vulnerability to the consumers of MP-contaminated fish and potential biomagnification at higher trophic levels. Overall, the MP uptake rate increased with increasing concentration, and finally leveled off, indicating a type II functional response to MP concentration. The presence of natural diet led to a lower Km value. In the indirect transfer experiment, 74 % of B. plicatilis and 78 % of M. isabellae individuals were contaminated with MP, when offered as prey. Brachionid mastax and MP particles were observed in the gut of copepods. The fish fry gut content also recorded brachionid mastax, MP-contaminated copepods, and MP particles, showing direct evidence of trophic transfer pointing to a cascading effect on higher trophic levels including humans via piscivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devesh Kumar Yadav
- Ecosystem Ecology Research Unit, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, NH-120, Gaya-Panchanpur Rd, Fatehpur, Gaya, Bihar 824326, India.
| | - Banaja Prakashini Samantaray
- Ecosystem Ecology Research Unit, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, NH-120, Gaya-Panchanpur Rd, Fatehpur, Gaya, Bihar 824326, India.
| | - Ram Kumar
- Ecosystem Ecology Research Unit, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, NH-120, Gaya-Panchanpur Rd, Fatehpur, Gaya, Bihar 824326, India.
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5
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Abimbola I, McAfee M, Creedon L, Gharbia S. In-situ detection of microplastics in the aquatic environment: A systematic literature review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173111. [PMID: 38740219 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173111] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and have emerged as a significant environmental issue due to their potential impacts on human health and the ecosystem. Current laboratory-based microplastic detection methods suffer from various drawbacks, including a lack of standardisation, limited spatial and temporal coverage, high costs, and time-consuming procedures. Consequently, there is a need for the development of in-situ techniques to detect and monitor microplastics to effectively identify and understand their sources, pathways, and behaviours. Herein, we adopt a systematic literature review method to assess the development and application of experimental and field technologies designed for the in-situ detection and monitoring of aquatic microplastics, without the need for sample preparation. Four scientific databases were searched in March 2023, resulting in a review of 62 relevant studies. These studies were classified into seven sensor categories and their working principles were discussed. The sensor classes include optical devices, digital holography, Raman spectroscopy, other spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, remote sensing, and other methods. We also looked at how data from these technologies are integrated with machine learning models to develop classifiers capable of accurately characterising the physical and chemical properties of microplastics and discriminating them from other particles. This review concluded that in-situ detection of microplastics in aquatic environments is feasible and can be achieved with high accuracy, even though the methods are still in the early stages of development. Nonetheless, further research is still needed to enhance the in-situ detection of microplastics. This includes exploring the possibility of combining various detection methods and developing robust machine-learning classifiers. Additionally, there is a recommendation for in-situ implementation of the reviewed methods to assess their effectiveness in detecting microplastics and identify their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismaila Abimbola
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland.
| | - Marion McAfee
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Leo Creedon
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Salem Gharbia
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
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6
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Gray A, Mayer K, Gore B, Gaesser M, Ferguson N. Microplastic burden in native (Cambarus appalachiensis) and non-native (Faxonius cristavarius) crayfish along semi-rural and urban streams in southwest Virginia, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 258:119494. [PMID: 38936498 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Our comparative assessment is the first study to investigate microplastic body burden in native (Cambarus appalachiensis) and non-native (Faxonius cristavarius) crayfish along a semi-rural and urban stream across different seasons. Crayfish, sediment, and surface water were collected, processed, and characterized using μRaman spectroscopy to compare microplastic polymer types and shapes across compartments. Average surface water concentrations were significantly higher in our urban stream compared to our semi-rural stream (17.3 ± 2.4 particles/L and 9.9 ± 1.3 particles/L, respectively; P = 0.015). Average sediment concentrations were similar between urban and semi-rural streams (140 ± 14.5 particles/kg and 139 ± 22.5 particles/kg, respectively; P = 0.957). Our findings showed a significant interactive effect of season, site, and nativity (i.e., species) regarding microplastic body burden in crayfish (P = 0.004). The smaller, non-native crayfish amassed more microplastic particles than the native crayfish (0.4-2.0 particles/g versus 0.4-0.8 particles/g, respectively). Fibers and fragments were the most common polymer shapes across compartments, with white and black being the dominant particle colors. Our study identified 13 plastic polymer types in crayfish and three in surface water and sediment; polypropylene was the most common polymer across compartments. This study provides evidence that crayfish body burden of microplastics can differ across species, seasons, and locations, highlighting the need for future studies to consider that sublethal impacts associated with microplastic body burden may vary by region and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Gray
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.
| | - Kathleen Mayer
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Beija Gore
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Megan Gaesser
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Nathan Ferguson
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 926 W Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA; Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Cheatham Hall, RM 101 (MC0321) 310 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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7
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Mao M, Ahrens L, Luka J, Contreras F, Kurkina T, Bienstein M, Sárria Pereira de Passos M, Schirinzi G, Mehn D, Valsesia A, Desmet C, Serra MÁ, Gilliland D, Schwaneberg U. Material-specific binding peptides empower sustainable innovations in plant health, biocatalysis, medicine and microplastic quantification. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:6445-6510. [PMID: 38747901 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00991a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Material-binding peptides (MBPs) have emerged as a diverse and innovation-enabling class of peptides in applications such as plant-/human health, immobilization of catalysts, bioactive coatings, accelerated polymer degradation and analytics for micro-/nanoplastics quantification. Progress has been fuelled by recent advancements in protein engineering methodologies and advances in computational and analytical methodologies, which allow the design of, for instance, material-specific MBPs with fine-tuned binding strength for numerous demands in material science applications. A genetic or chemical conjugation of second (biological, chemical or physical property-changing) functionality to MBPs empowers the design of advanced (hybrid) materials, bioactive coatings and analytical tools. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview comprising naturally occurring MBPs and their function in nature, binding properties of short man-made MBPs (<20 amino acids) mainly obtained from phage-display libraries, and medium-sized binding peptides (20-100 amino acids) that have been reported to bind to metals, polymers or other industrially produced materials. The goal of this review is to provide an in-depth understanding of molecular interactions between materials and material-specific binding peptides, and thereby empower the use of MBPs in material science applications. Protein engineering methodologies and selected examples to tailor MBPs toward applications in agriculture with a focus on plant health, biocatalysis, medicine and environmental monitoring serve as examples of the transformative power of MBPs for various industrial applications. An emphasis will be given to MBPs' role in detecting and quantifying microplastics in high throughput, distinguishing microplastics from other environmental particles, and thereby assisting to close an analytical gap in food safety and monitoring of environmental plastic pollution. In essence, this review aims to provide an overview among researchers from diverse disciplines in respect to material-(specific) binding of MBPs, protein engineering methodologies to tailor their properties to application demands, re-engineering for material science applications using MBPs, and thereby inspire researchers to employ MBPs in their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maochao Mao
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Leon Ahrens
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Julian Luka
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Francisca Contreras
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Tetiana Kurkina
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Marian Bienstein
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | | | | | - Dora Mehn
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Andrea Valsesia
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Cloé Desmet
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | | | - Ulrich Schwaneberg
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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8
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Soliz DL, Paniagua González G, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Bravo-Yagüe JC, Fernández Hernando P, Garcinuño Martínez RM. Identification and morphological characterization of different types of plastic microparticles. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30749. [PMID: 38867989 PMCID: PMC11167249 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The knowledge of the polymeric composition of microplastics (MPs) is interesting because offers useful information on the resistance, durability, and degradability of these materials, also allowing progress in the control of this contamination. However, there is currently a lack of reliable standardized methods for the identification, and characterization of the plastic microparticles. This work uses different techniques in a complementary manner for the identification, and characterization of MPs that more frequently are found in the environment. A total of 10 types of plastics were collected (polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polyethylene (PE), high- and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE, respectively), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyamide (PA, Nylon 6,6) and poly-carbonate (PC)) and their chemical identification were analyzed by reflectance-attenuated infrared (FTIR-ATR). Furthermore, the samples were observed using light microscopy, and scan-ning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, staining with 12 different dyes was performed to improve the identification of microplastics. The results of this study revealed that PETE, PE, HDPE and LDPE, whose SEM images exhibited smoothness and flat uniformity of their surface, were not (or less) susceptible to adsorb staining solutions while PP, PA, PVC, and PTFE, were capable of adsorbing the dye solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce L. Soliz
- Researcher in Training at the International Doctoral School of UNED, in the Doctoral Program in Sciences, Spain
| | - Gema Paniagua González
- Department of Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, National University of Distance Education, UNED, Las Rozas, 28232, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Muñoz-Arnanz
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG, CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, Madrid, 28006, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Bravo-Yagüe
- Department of Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, National University of Distance Education, UNED, Las Rozas, 28232, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Fernández Hernando
- Department of Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, National University of Distance Education, UNED, Las Rozas, 28232, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa María Garcinuño Martínez
- Department of Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, National University of Distance Education, UNED, Las Rozas, 28232, Madrid, Spain
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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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10
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Choi B, Gil D, Lee JJ, Kim C. Selective visual staining of polyurethane microplastics by novel colorimetric and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye: Application to environmental water and natural soil samples. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134332. [PMID: 38643578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics can cause environmental pollution and ecosystem destruction as well as human health problems. Among the types of microplastics, polyurethane (PU) is particularly resistant to heat and difficult to decompose, causing disposal problems, and is evaluated as one of the most hazardous polymers. We present a novel colorimetric and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence dye, (E)-N-(2-((4-(diphenylamino)benzylidene)amino)phenyl)- 7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-amine (DPNA), designed for selective visual PU microplastic staining. The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) properties of DPNA are demonstrated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations along with solvatochromic shift. DPNA exhibits red color and red fluorescence emission, showing promising potential as a staining dye. To achieve selective PU microplastic staining, we establish an optimized experimental procedure with the staining dye DPNA by evaluating the staining efficiency under different staining solvent compositions and staining times. DPNA can distinguish PU by both red fluorescence signal and red coloration among different types of microplastics. In addition, DPNA well stain fresh PUs with diverse sizes and at various pH range of 5-9, and the aged PUs can also be dyed as effectively as the fresh PU. Most importantly, DPNA selectively stains PU among 11 types of microplastics and 5 types of natural particles in environmental water and soil with and without any pre-treatments. The adsorption mechanism of DPNA on PU microplastic is demonstrated through field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and non-covalent interaction (NCI)-reduced density gradient (RDG) analyses, and proposed that intermolecular hydrogen bonding has a significant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boeun Choi
- Department of Fine Chemistry, Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SNUT), Seoul 01811, South Korea
| | - Dongkyun Gil
- Department of Fine Chemistry, Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SNUT), Seoul 01811, South Korea
| | - Jae Jun Lee
- Department of Fine Chemistry, Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SNUT), Seoul 01811, South Korea
| | - Cheal Kim
- Department of Fine Chemistry, Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SNUT), Seoul 01811, South Korea.
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11
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Liu J, You X, Wang L, Zeng J, Huang H, Wu J. ROS-Responsive and Self-Tumor Curing Methionine Polymer Library Based Nanoparticles with Self-Accelerated Drug Release and Hydrophobicity/Hydrophilicity Switching Capability for Enhanced Cancer Therapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401438. [PMID: 38693084 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The applications of amino acid-based polymers are impeded by their limited structure and functions. Herein, a small library of methionine-based polymers (Met-P) with programmed structure and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive properties is developed for tumor therapy. The Met-P can self-assemble into sub-100 nm nanoparticles (NPs) and effectively load anticancer drugs (such as paclitaxel (PTX) (P@Met-P NPs)) via the nanoprecipitation method. The screened NPs with superior stability and high drug loading are further evaluated in vitro and in vivo. When encountering with ROS, the Met-P polymers will be oxidized and then switch from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic state, triggering the rapid and self-accelerated release of PTX. The in vivo results indicated that the screened P@2Met10 NPs possessed significant anticancer performance and effectively alleviated the side effects of PTX. More interestingly, the blank 2Met10 NPs displayed an obvious self-tumor inhibiting efficacy. Furthermore, the other Met-P NPs (such as 2Met8, 4Met8, and 4Met10) are also found to exhibit varied self-anti-cancer capabilities. Overall, this ROS-responsive Met-P library is a rare anticancer platform with hydrophobic/hydrophilic switching, controlled drug release, and self-anticancer therapy capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Xinru You
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Liying Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jianwen Zeng
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Continence and Reproductive Medicine, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, China
| | - Hai Huang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, China
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, China
- Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Nansha, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511400, China
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hongkong SAR, 999077, China
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12
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Kauts S, Mishra Y, Singh MP. Impact of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics on Drosophila melanogaster Biological Profiles and Heat Shock Protein Levels. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:293. [PMID: 38785774 PMCID: PMC11118830 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics are abundant in the environment. Further research is necessary to examine the consequences of microplastic contamination on living species, given its widespread presence. In our research, we determined the toxic effects of PET microplastics on Drosophila melanogaster at the cellular and genetic levels. Our study revealed severe cytotoxicity in the midgut of larvae and the induction of oxidative stress after 24 and 48 h of treatment, as indicated by the total protein, Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, and MDA contents. For the first time, cell damage in the reproductive parts of the ovaries of female flies, as well as in the accessory glands and testes of male flies, has been observed. Furthermore, a decline in reproductive health was noted, resulting in decreased fertility among the flies. By analyzing stress-related genes such as hsp83, hsp70, hsp60, and hsp26, we detected elevated expression of hsp83 and hsp70. Our study identified hsp83 as a specific biomarker for detecting early redox changes in cells caused by PET microplastics in all the treated groups, helping to elucidate the primary defense mechanism against PET microplastic toxicity. This study offers foundational insights into the emerging environmental threats posed by microplastics, revealing discernible alterations at the genetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kauts
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 14411, India; (S.K.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 14411, India; (S.K.); (Y.M.)
| | - Mahendra P. Singh
- Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
- Centre of Genomics and Bioinformatics (CGB), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
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13
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Faramarzi P, Jang W, Oh D, Kim B, Kim JH, You JB. Microfluidic Detection and Analysis of Microplastics Using Surface Nanodroplets. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1489-1498. [PMID: 38440995 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Detection of microplastics from water is crucial for various reasons, such as food safety monitoring, monitoring of the fate and transport of microplastics, and development of preventive measures for their occurrence. Currently, microplastics are detected by isolating them using filtration, separation by centrifugation, or membrane filtration, subsequently followed by analysis using well-established analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy. However, due to their variability in shape, color, size, and density, isolation using the conventional methods mentioned above is cumbersome and time-consuming. In this work, we show a surface-nanodroplet-decorated microfluidic device for isolation and analysis of small microplastics (diameter of 10 μm) from water. Surface nanodroplets are able to capture nearby microplastics as water flows through the microfluidic device. Using a model microplastic solution, we show that microplastics of various sizes and types can be captured and visualized by using optical and fluorescence microscopy. More importantly, as the surface nanodroplets are pinned on the microfluidic channel, the captured microplastics can also be analyzed using a Raman spectroscope, which enables both physical (i.e., size and shape) and chemical (i.e., type) characterization of microplastics at a single-particle level. The technique shown here can be used as a simple, fast, and economical detection method for small microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paniz Faramarzi
- Department of Energy Convergence and Climate Change, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonik Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyeon Oh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeunggon Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyeon Kim
- Interface Materials and Chemical Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Bem You
- Department of Energy Convergence and Climate Change, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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14
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Lv S, Cui K, Zhao S, Li Y, Liu R, Hu R, Zhi B, Gu L, Wang L, Wang Q, Shao Z. Continuous generation and release of microplastics and nanoplastics from polystyrene by plastic-degrading marine bacteria. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133339. [PMID: 38150757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste released into the environments breaks down into microplastics due to weathering, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mechanical abrasion, and animal grazing. However, little is known about the plastic fragmentation mediated by microbial degradation. Marine plastic-degrading bacteria may have a double-edged effect in removing plastics. In this study, two ubiquitous marine bacteria, Alcanivorax xenomutans and Halomonas titanicae, were confirmed to degrade polystyrene (PS) and lead to microplastic and nanoplastic generation. Biodegradation occurred during bacterial growth with PS as the sole energy source, and the formation of carboxyl and carboxylic acid groups, decreased heat resistance, generation of PS metabolic intermediates in cultures, and plastic weight loss were observed. The generation of microplastics was dynamic alongside PS biodegradation. The size of the released microplastics gradually changed from microsized plastics on the first day (1344 nm and 1480 nm, respectively) to nanoplastics on the 30th day (614 nm and 496 nm, respectively) by the two tested strains. The peak release from PS films reached 6.29 × 106 particles/L and 7.64 × 106 particles/L from degradation by A. xenomutans (Day 10) and H. titanicae (Day 5), respectively. Quantification revealed that 1.3% and 1.9% of PS was retained in the form of micro- and nanoplastics, while 4.5% and 1.9% were mineralized by A. xenomutans and H. titanicae at the end of incubation, respectively. This highlights the negative effects of microbial degradation, which results in the continuous release of numerous microplastics, especially nanoplastics, as a notable secondary pollution into marine ecosystems. Their fates in the vast aquatic system and their impact on marine lives are noted for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Lv
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Kexin Cui
- The Laboratory of Food Engineering and Nutrition, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Qingdao 266072, China
| | - Sufang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yufei Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Renju Liu
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Rongxiang Hu
- Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 15080, China
| | - Bin Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Li Gu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Quanfu Wang
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
| | - Zongze Shao
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China.
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15
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Lee JJ, Kang J, Kim C. A low-cost TICT-based staining agent for identification of microplastics: Theoretical studies and simple, cost-effective smartphone-based fluorescence microscope application. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133168. [PMID: 38104521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
A novel staining agent, (5-(4-(diethylamino)benzylidene)- 1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1 H,3 H,5 H)-trione) (DDB) was developed for the effective detection of environmentally harmful microplastics. DDB has competitive cost advantages, namely its facile synthesis and high yield, over Nile Red (NR), which is commonly used for microplastic staining. The unique photophysical properties of DDB, including emissive twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE), were corroborated via spectroscopic investigations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Notably, DDB demonstrated superior selectivity for staining microplastics (polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) over non-plastic materials in water. Furthermore, modulation of the solvent environment during the staining process yielded distinct fluorescence in both the green and red channels for specific types of plastic with the interplay between locally excited (LE) and TICT states. Treatment with 5% ethanol results in the selective staining of PE and PET with the emission of red fluorescence, whereas treatment with 30% ethanol facilitates the selective staining of PU, PVC, and PET with the emission of green fluorescence. Additionally, DDB could selectively stain microplastics in spiked soil and river water samples. Furthermore, a smartphone-based fluorescence microscope was developed at a cost below $100, validating the effective detection of microplastics stained with the newly synthesized DDB. The outcomes of this research demonstrate the potential of DDB as an economical and efficient agent for selective microplastic detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Jun Lee
- Department of Fine Chemistry, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, South Korea
| | - Jiyun Kang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, South Korea
| | - Cheal Kim
- Department of Fine Chemistry, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, South Korea.
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16
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Canga EM, Gowen A, Xu JL. Assessing the inconsistency of microplastic measurements in foods and beverages. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13315. [PMID: 38462817 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13315] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The widespread occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the food chain has gained substantial recognition as a pressing concern, highlighting the inevitability of human exposure through ingestion of foodborne MPs, coupled with the release of MPs from plastic packaging. However, there are notable disparities in the reported numbers of MPs in foods and beverages, warranting a thorough investigation into the factors contributing to these discrepancies. Table salt is one of the major sources of MPs, and there was an approximately hundred-fold difference between the reviewed studies that reported the highest and lowest number of MPs. In addition, more noticeable discrepancies were discovered between studies on MPs released from teabags. One study reported that approximately 15 billion MPs were released into a cup of tea from a single teabag, whereas another research paper found only approximately 106.3 ± 14.6 MP/teabag after brewing. This comprehensive review focuses on the inconsistencies observed across studies examining MPs, shedding light on the plausible factors underlying these variations. Furthermore, the review outlines areas in analytical procedures that require enhancement and offers recommendations to promote accuracy and standardization in future research efforts, such as employing analytical methods capable of confirming the presence of MPs, using appropriate filter sizes, considering representative sample sizes when extrapolation is involved, and so on. By pinpointing the detection processes leading to the inconsistent results observed in MP studies, this comparative analysis will contribute to the development of reliable analytic methods for understanding the extent of microplastic contamination in the human food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Merve Canga
- UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife Gowen
- UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jun-Li Xu
- UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Bhatia SK, Kumar G, Yang YH. Understanding microplastic pollution: Tracing the footprints and eco-friendly solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169926. [PMID: 38199349 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health. These are plastic particles measuring <5 mm and are categorized as primary and secondary based on their origin. Primary MPs are used in various products like cosmetics, scrubs, body wash, and toothpaste, while secondary MPs are generated through the degradation of plastic products. These have been detected in seas, rivers, snow, indoor air, and seafood, posing potential risks to human health through the food chain. Detecting and quantifying MPs are essential to understand their distribution and abundance in the environment. Various microscopic (fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy) and spectroscopy techniques (FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) have been reported to analyse MPs. Despite the challenges in scalable removal methods, biological systems have emerged as promising options for eco-friendly MPs remediation. Algae, bacteria, and fungi have shown the potential to adsorb and degrade MPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) offering hope for mitigating this global crisis. This review examines the sources, impacts, detection, and biological removal of MPs, highlighting future directions in this crucial field of environmental conservation. By fostering global collaboration and innovative research a path towards a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations can be promised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Kant Bhatia
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Applications, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Institute of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Box 8600 Forus, 4036 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Yung-Hun Yang
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Applications, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Liza AA, Ashrafy A, Islam MN, Billah MM, Arafat ST, Rahman MM, Karim MR, Hasan MM, Promie AR, Rahman SM. Microplastic pollution: a review of techniques to identify microplastics and their threats to the aquatic ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:285. [PMID: 38374279 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12441-4] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), small synthetic particles, have emerged as perilous chemical pollutants in aquatic habitats, causing grave concerns about their disruptive effects on ecosystems. The fauna and flora inhabiting these specific environments consume these MPs, unwittingly introducing them into the intricate web of the food chain. In this comprehensive evaluation, the current methods of identifying MPs are amalgamated and their profound impacts on marine and freshwater ecosystems are discussed. There are many potential risks associated with MPs, including the dangers of ingestion and entanglement, as well as internal injuries and digestive obstructions, both marine and freshwater organisms. In this review, the merits and limitations of diverse identification techniques are discussed, including spanning chemical analysis, thermal identification, and spectroscopic imaging such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescent microscopy. Additionally, it discusses the prevalence of MPs, the factors that affect their release into aquatic ecosystems, as well as their plausible impact on various aquatic ecosystems. Considering these disconcerting findings, it is imperative that appropriate measures should be taken to assess the potential risks of MP pollution, protect aquatic life and human health, and foster sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroza Akter Liza
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources and International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Asifa Ashrafy
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nazrul Islam
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Morsaline Billah
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Shaikh Tareq Arafat
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-847, Japan
| | - Md Moshiur Rahman
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
- Fish Conservation and Culture Lab, Biological & Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mehedi Hasan
- Global Sanitation Graduate School, Institute of Disaster Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sheikh Mustafizur Rahman
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
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19
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Kaushik A, Gupta P, Kumar A, Saha M, Varghese E, Shukla G, Suresh K, Gunthe SS. Identification and physico-chemical characterization of microplastics in marine aerosols over the northeast Arabian Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168705. [PMID: 38000750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere can undergo long-range transport from emission regions to pristine terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. Due to their inherent toxic and hazardous characteristics, MPs pose serious risks to both human well-being and the equilibrium of ecosystem. The present study outlines the comprehensive characterization, spanning physical and chemical attributes of MPs associated with atmospheric aerosols. Total suspended particulates (TSPs) were collected on a quartz fibre filter by operating a high-volume sampler for 24 h during distinct years (March, 2016 and November, 2020) at a coastal location in the northeast Arabian Sea. Subsequent to the sampling, a series of techniques were applied including density separation. The assessment and scrutiny of the MPs was carried out using stereo-zoom microscopy with supplementary validation using advanced fluorescence microscopy for enhanced precision in identification. Our comparative assessment suggests peroxide treatment followed by density separation could be a robust procedure for the definitive identification and characterization of MPs in the atmosphere. Average total abundance of MPs was found to be 1.30 ± 0.14 n/m3 in 2016 and 1.46 ± 0.12 n/m3 in 2020 with fibres, fragments and films having similar relative contributions (41 %, 31 %, 28 % in 2016 and 40 %, 35 %, 25 % in 2020). Fibres were found to be dominant morphotype followed by fragments and films over the coastal region of the Arabian Sea. In order to unravel the detailed chemical nature of these MPs, spectral analysis using μ-FTIR was carried out. The outcome of the analysis showed prevailing polymers as polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate (50545 %) as dominant polymers followed by polyester (15 %), styrene butyl methacrylate (11 %), and polyacetal (9 %). MPs present in the vicinity of the Arabian Sea have potential to supply nutrients and toxicants, consequently can contribute to the modulation of the surface water biogeochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Kaushik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India
| | - Priyansha Gupta
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ashwini Kumar
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Emil Varghese
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Garima Shukla
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - K Suresh
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India; Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, India
| | - Sachin S Gunthe
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
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20
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Li T, Xu B, Chen H, Shi Y, Li J, Yu M, Xia S, Wu S. Gut toxicity of polystyrene microplastics and polychlorinated biphenyls to Eisenia fetida: Single and co-exposure effects with a focus on links between gut bacteria and bacterial translocation stemming from gut barrier damage. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168254. [PMID: 37923278 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics' (MPs) ability to sorb and transport polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil ecosystems warrants significant attention. Although organisms mainly encounter pollutants through the gut, the combined pollution impact of MPs and PCBs on soil fauna gut toxicity remains incompletely understood. Consequently, this study examined the gut toxicity of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) and PCB126 on Eisenia fetida, emphasizing the links between gut bacteria and bacterial translocation instigated by gut barrier impairment. Our findings underscored that E. fetida could ingest PS-MPs, which mitigated the PCB126 accumulation in E. fetida by 9.43 %. Exposure to PCB126 inhibited the expression of gut tight junction (TJ) protein genes. Although the presence of PS-MPs attenuated this suppression, it didn't alleviate gut barrier damage and bacterial translocation in the co-exposure group. This group demonstrated a significantly increased level of gut bacterial load (BLT, ANOVA, p = 0.005 vs control group) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP, ANOVA, all p < 0.001 vs control, PCB, and PS groups), both of which displayed significant positive correlations with antibacterial defense. Furthermore, exposure to PS-MPs and PCB126, particularly within the co-exposure group, results in a marked decline in the dispersal ability of gut bacteria. This leads to dysbiosis (Adonis, R2 = 0.294, p = 0.001), with remarkable signature taxa such as Janthinobacterium, Microbacterium and Pseudomonas, being implicated in gut barrier dysfunction. This research illuminates the mechanism of gut toxicity induced by PS-MPs and PCB126 combined pollution in earthworms, providing novel insights for the ecological risk assessment of soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Li
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Baohua Xu
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Functional Food, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Mengwei Yu
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shaohui Xia
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shijin Wu
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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21
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Liu Y, Li J, Parakhonskiy BV, Hoogenboom R, Skirtach A, De Neve S. Labelling of micro- and nanoplastics for environmental studies: state-of-the-art and future challenges. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132785. [PMID: 37856963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Studying microplastics and nanoplastics (MNP) in environmental matrices is extremely challenging, and recent developments in labelling techniques may hold much promise to further our knowledge in this field. Here, we reviewed MNP labelling techniques and applications to provide the first systematic and in-depth insight into MNP labelling. We classified all labelling techniques for MNP into four main types (fluorescent, metal, stable isotope and radioisotope) and discussed per type the synthesis methods, detection methods, influencing factors, and the current and future applications and challenges. Direct labelling of environmental MNP with fluorescent dyes and metals enables simple visualisation and selective detection of MNP to improve detection efficiency. However, it is still an open question how to avoid co-labelling of non-plastic (i.e. non-target, matrix) materials. Labelling of MNP that are intentionally added in the environment may allow semi-automatic detection of MNP particles with high accuracy and sensitivity during studies on e.g. transport and degradation. The detection limit of labelled MNP largely depends on particle size and the type of matrix. Fluorescent labelling allows efficient detection of microplastics, whereas metal labelling is preferred for nanoplastics research due to a potentially higher sensitivity. A major challenge for fluorescent and metal labelling is to develop techniques that do not alter the inherent MNP properties or only do so minimally, in particular the surface properties. Stable and radioactive isotope labelling (13C and 14C, but also 15N, 2H) of the polymer itself allows to preserve inherent MNP properties, but have been largely ignored. Overall, labelling of MNP holds great promise for advancing our fundamental understanding of the behaviour of plastics, notably the smallest fractions, in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liu
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Bogdan V Parakhonskiy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Andre Skirtach
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Neve
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Sadia MR, Hasan M, Islam ARMT, Jion MMMF, Masud MAA, Rahman MN, Peu SD, Das A, Bari ABMM, Islam MS, Pal SC, Rakib MRJ, Senapathi V, Idris AM, Malafaia G. A review of microplastic threat mitigation in Asian lentic environments. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 260:104284. [PMID: 38101231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has evolved into a significant worldwide environmental concern due to its widespread sources, enduring presence, and adverse effects on lentic ecosystems and human well-being. The growing awareness of the hidden threat posed by MPs in lentic ecosystems has emphasized the need for more in-depth research. Unlike marine environments, there remain unanswered questions about MP hotspots, ecotoxic effects, transport mechanisms, and fragmentation in lentic ecosystems. The introduction of MPs represents a novel threat to long-term environmental health, posing unresolved challenges for sustainable management. While MP pollution in lentic ecosystems has garnered global attention due to its ecotoxicity, our understanding of MP hotspots in lakes from an Asian perspective remains limited. Hence, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of MP hotspots, morphological attributes, ecotoxic impacts, sustainable solutions, and future challenges across Asia. The review summarizes the methods employed in previous studies and the techniques for sampling and analyzing microplastics in lake water and sediment. Notably, most studies concerning lake microplastics tend to follow the order of China > India > Pakistan > Nepal > Turkey > Bangladesh. Additionally, this review critically addresses the analysis of microplastics in lake water and sediment, shedding light on the prevalent net-based sampling methods. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the existing research gaps and suggests new research directions, taking into account recent advancements in the study of microplastics in lentic environments. In conclusion, the review advocates for sustainable interventions to mitigate MP pollution in the future, highlighting the presence of MPs in Asian lakes, water, and sediment, and their potential ecotoxicological repercussions on both the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriom Rahman Sadia
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Md Abdullah Al Masud
- School of Architecture, Civil, Environmental, and Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Md Naimur Rahman
- Center for Archaeological Studies, University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh
| | - Susmita Datta Peu
- Department of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Arnob Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, 6 Rajshahi, 6204, Bangladesh
| | - A B M Mainul Bari
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | | | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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23
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Imbulana S, Tanaka S, Yukioka S, Oluwoye I. Occurrence and distribution of plastic particles (10-25,000 μm) and microfibers in the surface water of an urban river network in Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:92. [PMID: 38148350 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12221-6] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Urban rivers remain the key conduits conveying land-sourced plastics into the ocean. However, detailed information is limited on the concurrent evaluation over a wide array of particle size-specific abundances, characteristics, and distribution patterns of plastics in riverine environments. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of plastic pollution in an urban river network in Japan by analyzing mesoplastics (5000-25,000 μm), large microplastics (300-5000 μm), small microplastics (SMPs, 10-300 μm), and microplastic-fibers (MPFs, 10-5000 μm) concurrently, for the first time. Sampling was conducted at seven stations in the Kamo and Katsura Rivers flowing across metropolitan Kyoto City. The analytical procedures involved infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence-staining microscopy. The concentrations of plastics were moderate compared to the global reports and gradually increased along the river flow (3550-15,840 items/m3; 180-13,180 μg/m3), mostly due to urban discharges via non-point sources. The number concentrations increased with decreasing particle size, marking 99.94% of SMPs, including 50% smaller than 40 μm. Conversely, mass concentrations decreased, exhibiting 96% larger than 1000 μm (64% mesoplastics including 20% around 5000 μm), along with 2% SMPs. Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl alcohol were distinct among SMPs, with PE indicating higher susceptibility to fragmentation compared to polypropylene and other polymer types. MPF concentrations were homogeneous throughout the watershed (1470-3600 items/m3; 520-1060 μg/m3), with a higher proportion of fibers smaller than 1000 μm (86%), apparently originating from polyethylene terephthalate/nylon/acrylic-like textile fibers. The proportion of MPFs surpassed particles within 100-3000 μm and was considerably high around 300 μm (> 98%). The river network of Kyoto conveys billions of tiny microplastics to the Yodo River, the primary water resource downstream, within a dry day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachithra Imbulana
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Shuhei Tanaka
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Satoru Yukioka
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ibukun Oluwoye
- Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development Laboratory, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Curtin Corrosion Centre, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia
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24
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Parashar N, Hait S. Abundance, characterization, and removal of microplastics in different technology-based sewage treatment plants discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River, India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167099. [PMID: 37730063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are considered as a prominent source for releasing microplastics (MPs) into the riverine systems. Though MPs abundance and removal efficacy in different secondary treatment technique-based STPs have been extensively studied worldwide, such studies are scarce in Indian conditions. Herein, this study comprehensively assesses MPs abundance, characterization, and their removal in the selected secondary treatment technique-based STPs discharging into the middle stretch of the Ganga River in India. MPs concentration (n/L) in influent and effluent of the STPs varied between 42 ± 10 to 150 ± 19 and 3 ± 1 to 22 ± 5, respectively. Overall, the primary treatment stage was observed to remove MPs by 23-42 %, while the secondary treatment stage removed MPs by 67-90 %. Selected technique-based STPs exhibited varying MPs removal efficacies as follows: SBR (94 %), TF (90 %), AL (88 %), UASB (87 %), ASP (85 %), FAB (84 %), and Bio-tower (77 %). MPs ranging from 50 to 250 μm were the dominant sizes, with PP, PE, and PS being the prevalent polymers. The Ganga River receives about 3 × 108 MPs/day from STP effluents, and an estimated 4.5 × 107 MPs/day are released via the sludge. This comprehensive assessment of MPs abundance and removal from different technology-based Indian STPs will allow the comparison of the generated dataset with similar studies worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Parashar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India
| | - Subrata Hait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India.
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25
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Qi R, Tang Y, Jones DL, He W, Yan C. Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in soils from greenhouse and open-field cultivation using plastic mulch film. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166935. [PMID: 37690755 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
There is a major knowledge gap concerning the extent of microplastic pollution in agronomic regions of China, which represent a plastic use hotspot. In order to clarify the amendment of agronomic region and plastic film mulching mode to microplastics distribution, the characteristics of microplastics distributed in agricultural soils from three typical regions (Beijing (BJ), Shandong (SD), and Xinjiang (XJ)) with two plastic film mulching modes (greenhouse (G) and conventional field-based film mulching (M)) in China were investigated. Microplastics weight and their response to planting regions were also evaluated in this study. The result showed that the average abundance of microplastics in soils from BJ, SD, and XJ was 1.83 × 104 items kg-1, 4.02 × 104 items kg-1, and 3.39 × 104 items kg-1, and the estimated weight of microplastics per kg of dry soils was 3.12 mg kg-1, 5.63 mg kg-1, and 7.99 mg kg-1, respectively. Microplastics in farmland were mainly of small particle size (50 to 250 μm), with their abundance decreasing with increasing particle size. Among the microplastics detected, polyethylene and polypropylene were the two dominant types present, accounting for 50.0% and 19.7%, respectively. The standard total effect of planting regions on microplastic number and weight was 31.8% and 32.3%, and plastic film mulching modes (G vs. M) could explain 34.4% of the total variation of microplastic compositions with a contribution rate of 65.6% in this study. This research provides key data for an assessment of the environmental risk of microplastics and supports the development of guidelines for the sustainable use of agricultural plastic film. Further, it is necessary to quantify and assess the contribution of other different plastic sources to microplastics in soil. Big data technologies or isotope tracer techniques may be promising approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruimin Qi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK; SoilsWest, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Wenqing He
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changrong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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26
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Limsiriwong K, Winijkul E. Exploring Personal Exposure to Airborne Microplastics across Various Work Environments in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7162. [PMID: 38131714 PMCID: PMC10743124 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This study used personal air samplers to assess the concentration of airborne microplastics exposed by different occupational groups during their working hours. The personal air sampler was placed in the "breathing zone" of the worker during working hours to collect microplastic exposure data. Occupations examined included housekeepers, laundromat staff, office workers, van drivers, street vendors, maintenance technicians in wastewater treatment plants, and waste segregation officers in the university and market. The level of airborne microplastic exposure was found to be influenced by the daily activities and environmental conditions of the workplace. Waste segregation officers in the university and market exhibited the highest levels of exposure to airborne microplastics, at 3964 ± 2575 microplastics per cubic meter (n/m3) and 3474 ± 678 n/m3, respectively. Further analysis focused on airborne microplastics less than 10 µm in size which can be taken in through inhalation. During the 8 h working period, the waste segregation officer in the university recorded the highest 10 µm airborne microplastic intake, at 5460 pieces, followed by the waste segregation officer in the market at 3301 pieces, housekeepers at 899 pieces, van drivers at 721 pieces, maintenance technicians in WWTPs at 668 pieces, laundromat staff at 454 pieces, street vendors at 249 pieces, and office workers at 131 pieces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ekbordin Winijkul
- Environmental Engineering and Management, Asian Institute of Technology, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
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27
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Çelen Erdem İ, Ünek C, Akkuş Süt P, Karabıyık Acar Ö, Yurtsever M, Şahin F. Combined approaches for detecting polypropylene microplastics in crop plants. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 347:119258. [PMID: 37806272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119258] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in the terrestrial environment causes accumulation in crop plants. Consumption of these plants may have negative effects on human health. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze MPs accumulation in the plants. The aim of this study is to determine polypropylene (PP) particles in plants exposed to label-free PP for 75 days. In order to extract PP from organic matter, a two-step alkaline and wet peroxide oxidation chemical digestion method was applied to the roots, stems, and leaves of maize and wheat. The PP particles in the digested solutions were detected by the Nile red staining method, which has not been used previously in the detection of MPs in plants. Nile red stained PP particles mostly accumulated in the roots of wheat and the stems of maize plants. Statistical analysis revealed that the maize deposited more and larger PP particles regardless of the location. Moreover, the presence of PP particles in the digestion solutions was proved by the heating method. The PP particles on the glass slides were transformed into different shapes due to melting.
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Affiliation(s)
- İpek Çelen Erdem
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ceren Ünek
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Pınar Akkuş Süt
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Özge Karabıyık Acar
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul Okan University, 34959, Akfırat-Tuzla, Turkey.
| | - Meral Yurtsever
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Sakarya University, 54187, Sakarya, Turkey.
| | - Fikrettin Şahin
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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28
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Xing GW, Gao J, Wang H, Liu YC. New Fluorophore and Its Applications in Visualizing Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Bean Sprouts and HeLa Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:7102. [PMID: 37894580 PMCID: PMC10609485 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207102] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the domain of environmental science, pollutants of nanoscale plastic dimensions are acknowledged as subjects of intricate significance. Such entities, though minuscule, present formidable challenges to ecological systems and human health. The diminutive dimensions of these contaminants render their detection arduous, thus demanding the inception of avant-garde methodologies. The present manuscript postulates the employment of the tetraphenylethylene functional group with a fused xanthene (TPEF), a distinguished fluorophore, as an exemplary system for the discernment of nanoplastic particulates. The synthesis and characterization of TPEF have been exhaustively elucidated, revealing its paramount fluorescence attributes and inherent affinity for interaction with nanoplastics. When subjected to comparison with TPEF, nanoplastics are observed to manifest a more pronounced fluorescent luminescence than when associated with the conventional Nile Red (NR). Particularly, the TPEF has shown exceptional affinity for polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics. Further, the resilience of nanoplastics within the hypocotyl epidermis of soybeans, as well as their persistence in mung bean sprouts subsequent to rigorous rinsing protocols, has been meticulously examined. Additionally, this investigation furnishes empirical data signifying the existence of nano-dimensional plastic contaminants within HeLa cellular structures. The urgency of addressing the environmental ramifications engendered by these diminutive yet potent plastic constituents is emphatically highlighted in this manuscript. TPEF paves the way for prospective explorations, with the aspiration of devising efficacious mitigation strategies. Such strategies might encompass delineating the trajectories undertaken by nanoplastics within trophic networks or their ingress into human cellular architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Wen Xing
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
| | - Jerry Gao
- Beijing No. 80 High School, Beijing 100102, China; (J.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Heng Wang
- Beijing No. 80 High School, Beijing 100102, China; (J.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Yi-Chen Liu
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
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29
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Nacaratte F, Cuevas P, Becerra-Herrera M, Manzano CA. Early screening of suspected microplastics in bottled water in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122118. [PMID: 37414125 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Bottled water has emerged as a possible healthier alternative due to concerns about the quality of drinking water sources. However, recent studies have detected worrying concentrations of environmental contaminants in bottled water, including microplastics. Therefore, it is an emerging need to quantify their concentrations in local suppliers which could differ among countries and regions. In this work, we used fluorescence microscopy with Nile Red for the identification and quantification of potential microplastics in twelve brands of bottled water distributed in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile. The average concentration of microplastics was 391 ± 125 p L-1, while the highest concentration observed was 633 ± 33 p L-1. Microplastics between 5 and 20 μm were the major contributors, a size fraction that has been reported to be susceptible to accumulate in the digestive tract or generate potential alterations in the lymphatic and circulatory systems. The estimated daily intake value for per capita was estimated to be 229 p kg-1 year-1 for people weighing 65 kg and 198 p kg-1 year-1 for those weighing 75 kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fallon Nacaratte
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, RM, Chile.
| | - Paula Cuevas
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, RM, Chile
| | | | - Carlos A Manzano
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, RM, Chile; School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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30
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Li J, Huang F, Zhang G, Zhang Z, Zhang X. Separation and flow cytometry analysis of microplastics and nanoplastics. Front Chem 2023; 11:1201734. [PMID: 37780985 PMCID: PMC10540628 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1201734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the utilization of flow cytometry for quantitative microplastic analysis has gained prominence. However, the current methods have some drawbacks that need to be improved. The present study aims to enhance the flow cytometry detection protocols for Nile red (NR) stained microplastics, facilitating distinct microplastic and nanoplastic enumeration. By elevating dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentration to 20%-30% within the solution, NR solubility improved and agglomeration reduced. The analysis of 26 replicates of polystyrene (PS) liquid samples through four distinct dot plots highlighted the superior accuracy of dot plots integrating yellow fluorescence. Through systematic staining of varying NR concentrations across three microplastic liquid samples (polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polypropylene), the optimal staining concentration was determined to be 15-20 μg/mL. The distributions of agglomerated NR and NR stained PS under two scenarios-dissolved NR and partially agglomerated NR-were compared. Results showed their distinct distributions within the side scatter versus yellow fluorescence dot plot. Counting results from gradient-diluted PS liquid samples revealed a microplastic detection lower limit of 104 particles/mL, with an optimal concentration range of 105-106 particles/mL. Flow cytometric assessment of PS microspheres spanning 150 nm to 40 μm indicated a 150 nm particle size detection minimum. Our investigation validated the efficacy of NR staining and subsequent flow cytometry analysis across eleven types of microplastics. Separation and concentration of microplastics (1.0-50.0 μm) and nanoplastics (0.2-1.0 μm) were achieved via sequential sieving through 50, 1.0, and 0.2 μm filter membranes. We used a combination of multiple filtration steps and flow cytometry to analyze microplastics and nanoplastics in nine simulated water samples. Our results showed that the combined amount of microplastics (1.0-50.0 μm) and nanoplastics (0.2-1.0 μm) after filtration had a ratio of 0.80-1.19 compared to the total microplastic concentration before filtration. This result confirms the practicality of our approach. By enhancing flow cytometry-based microplastic and nanoplastic detection protocols, our study provides pivotal technical support for research concerning quantitative toxicity assessment of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Fuyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zixing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
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31
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Kauts S, Mishra Y, Yousuf S, Bhardwaj R, Singh SK, Alshabrmi FM, Abdurahman M, Vamanu E, Singh MP. Toxicological Profile of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Microplastic in Ingested Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon R +) and Its Adverse Effect on Behavior and Development. TOXICS 2023; 11:782. [PMID: 37755792 PMCID: PMC10537121 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are readily available in the natural environment. Due to the pervasiveness of microplastic pollution, its effects on living organisms necessitate further investigation. The size, time of exposure, and amount of microplastic particles appear to be the most essential factor in determining their toxicological effects, either organismal or sub-organismal. For our research work, we preferred to work on a terrestrial model organism Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon R+). Therefore, in the present study, we characterized 2-100 µm size PET microplastic and confirmed its accumulation in Drosophila, which allowed us to proceed further in our research work. At larger dosages, research on locomotory activities such as climbing, jumping, and crawling indicated a decline in physiological and neuromuscular functions. Our studies also determined retarded development in flies and decreased survival rate in female flies after exposure to the highest concentration of microplastics. These experimental findings provide insight into the possible potential neurotoxic effects of microplastics and their detrimental effects on the development and growth of flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kauts
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Sumaira Yousuf
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Rima Bhardwaj
- Department of Chemistry Poona College, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Sandeep K. Singh
- Indian Scientific Education and Technology Foundation, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Fahad M. Alshabrmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Abdurahman
- Department of PH, College of Medicine, Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emanuel Vamanu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mahendra P. Singh
- Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
- Centre of Genomics and Bioinformatics (CGB), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
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32
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Ritchie MW, Cheslock A, Bourdages MPT, Hamilton BM, Provencher JF, Allison JE, MacMillan HA. Quantifying microplastic ingestion, degradation and excretion in insects using fluorescent plastics. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad052. [PMID: 37588620 PMCID: PMC10425969 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a growing threat to our natural environment. Plastic waste/pollution results from high emissions of both macro (>5 mm) and microplastics (MPs; <5 mm) as well as environmental fractioning of macroplastics into MPs. MPs have been shown to have a range of negative impacts on biota. Harmonized methods to accurately measure and count MPs from animal samples are limited, but what methods exist are not ideal for a controlled laboratory environment where plastic ingestion, degradation and elimination can be quantified and related to molecular, physiological and organismal traits. Here, we propose a complete method for isolating and quantifying fluorescent MPs by combining several previously reported approaches into one comprehensive workflow. We combine tissue dissection, organic material digestion, sample filtering and automated imaging techniques to show how fluorescently labelled MPs provided to insects (e.g. in their diet) in a laboratory setting can be isolated, identified and quantified. As a proof of concept, we fed crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) a diet of 2.5% (w/w) fluorescently labelled plastics and isolated and quantified plastic particles within the gut and frass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall W Ritchie
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Alexandra Cheslock
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Madelaine P T Bourdages
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Bonnie M Hamilton
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Jane E Allison
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Heath A MacMillan
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
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Parashar N, Hait S. Recent advances on microplastics pollution and removal from wastewater systems: A critical review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 340:118014. [PMID: 37121002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) (plastic particles <5 mm) are globally acknowledged as a serious emerging micropollutant, which passes through various pathways in natural habitats and eventually ends up in our food chain. In this context, the present study critically reviews recent advances in MPs sampling and detection, occurrence, fate, and removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by delineating their characteristics that manifest toxicity in the environment via effluent discharge. While there is currently no standard protocol in place, this work examined and compared the latest approaches adopted for improved sampling, sample processing, and characterization of MPs via fluorescence imaging and certified reference materials for method validation. MPs concentration from different sources in the WWTPs varies considerably ranging between 0.28 and 18285 MPs/L (raw wastewater), 0.004-750 MPs/L (effluent), and 0.00023-10380 MPs/kg (sludge). Assessment of MPs removal efficiency across different treatment stages in various in WWTPs has been performed and elucidated their removal mechanisms. The overall MPs removal efficiency in primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment stages in WWTPs reported to be around 57-99%, 78.1-99.4%, and 90-99.2%, respectively. Moreover, the review covers advanced treatment methods for removing MPs, including membrane bioreactors, coagulation/flocculation, ultrafiltration, rapid sand filtration, ozonation, disc filtration, and reverse osmosis, which have been found to be highly effective (>99%). Membrane bioreactors have been proclaimed to be the most reliable secondary treatment technique for MPs removal. Coagulation (92.2-95.7%) followed by ozonation (99.2%) as a tertiary treatment chain has been demonstrated to be the most efficient in removing MPs from secondary-treated wastewater effluent. Further, the review delineates the effect of different treatment stages on the physical and chemical characteristics of MPs, associated toxicity, and potential impact factors that can influence the MPs removal efficiency in WWTPs. Conclusively, the merits and demerits of advanced treatment techniques to mitigate MPs pollution from the wastewater system, research gaps, and future perspectives have been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Parashar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar, 801 106, India
| | - Subrata Hait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar, 801 106, India.
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Akdemir T, Gedik K. Microplastic emission trends in Turkish primary and secondary municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents discharged into the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116188. [PMID: 37230218 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are recognized as one of the primary sources of microplastics, a class of contaminants that has lately gained attention. The quantity of MP that WWTPs release into the environment depends on several factors, including the treatment type, season, and population serviced. MP abundance and characterization were explored in 15 WWTP effluent waters, 9 discharged to the Black Sea from Türkiye and 6 to the Marmara Sea, with varying population densities and treatment methods. The mean MP abundance in primary treatment WWTPs (76.25 ± 49.20 MP L-1) was found to be substantially greater than that in secondary treatment WWTPs (20.57 ± 21.56 MP L-1) (p<0.05). MPs in WWTP effluent waters showed significant seasonal and spatial differences (Two Way ANOVA, Tukey, p<0.05). However, no positive correlation was detected between the population serviced and MP abundance in effluent waters. While the fiber was the dominant shape (49.5%) among MPs in effluent waters, ≈80% of the length was <1000 μm. MPs are classified into polymer types as follows: polyethylene terephthalate (34.9%) > polypropylene (32.4%) > polyethylene (19.9%) > polyamide (11%) > polystyrene (1.2%) > polyvinyl chloride (0.6%). With effluent waters from the WWTPs tested, we calculated that 1.24x1010 daily MPs are discharged into the Black Sea while 4.95x1010 MPs are into the Marmara Sea, for a combined annual discharge of 2.26x1013 MPs highlighting that WWTPs are key contributors of MP in Turkish coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Akdemir
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, 53100, Rize, Turkiye
| | - Kenan Gedik
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, 53100, Rize, Turkiye.
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35
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Cheng Y, Zhang J, Nakano H, Ueyama N, Arakawa H. Coumarin 6 staining method to detect microplastics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115167. [PMID: 37364336 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have contaminated the ocean in large quantities and are widely distributed throughout the world. Thus, our understanding of the concentration of microplastics in various environments should be increased. However, current methods to detect microplastics require considerable effort and expensive equipment. In this study, we developed a fluorescence staining technique using coumarin 6 and examined its effectiveness. A mixture of acetone and ethanol was used as the solvent, and 10 different types of plastics were able to be stained with coumarin 6. The fluorescence peak for coumarin 6 staining was approximately 500 nm for each plastic type. The optimal immersion time and coumarin 6 concentration for staining were determined to be 60 min and 1 mg L-1, respectively. Using this technique, we were able to stain all of the microplastics obtained from samples collected in Tokyo Bay seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Cheng
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 5-7, Konan-4, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 5-7, Konan-4, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Haruka Nakano
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 5-7, Konan-4, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Naofumi Ueyama
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 5-7, Konan-4, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Hisayuki Arakawa
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 5-7, Konan-4, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
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36
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Celik-Saglam I, Yurtsever M, Civan M, Yurdakul S, Cetin B. Evaluation of levels and sources of microplastics and phthalic acid esters and their relationships in the atmosphere of highly industrialized and urbanized Gebze, Türkiye. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163508. [PMID: 37059133 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere and their relationship with other pollutants have been gaining attention due to both their ubiquity and threatening human health. As well phthalic acid esters (PAEs) regarding as plasticizers for being added in plastic materials are key role for plastic pollution. In this study, the concentrations and sources of airborne MPs together with major PAEs and their relationships were investigated for four seasons. MP particles <20 μm, constituting the majority of the samples, were successfully revealed by NR fluorescent analysis. As a result of the μATR-FTIR analyzes, it was seen that besides different polymer derivatives, dye-pigment types, some minerals and compounds, and abundant semi-synthetic fibers and natural fibers were also present. MPs concentration were found in the range of 7207-21,042 MP/m3 in summer, 7245-32,950 MP/m3 in autumn, 4035-58,270 MP/m3 in winter and 7275-37,094 MP/m3 in spring. For the same period, the concentrations of PAEs ranged from 9.24 to 115.21 ng/m3 with an average value of 38.08 ± 7.92 ng/m3. PMF was also applied and four factors were extracted. Factor 1, accounts 52.26 % and 23.27 % of the total PAEs and MPs variances, was attributed to PVC sources. Factor 2, explaining 64.98 % of the total MPs variance had the highest loading of MPs and moderate loadings of relatively low molecular weight of PAEs, was attributed to plastics and personal care products. Factor 3, explaining the 28.31 % of the total PAEs variance was laden with BBP, DnBP, DiBP and DEP and was attributed to various plastic input during the sampling campaign coming from the industrial activities. The last factor accounts for 11.65 % of the total PAEs variance and was dominated by DMEP and it was linked to a source of the activities performed in the laboratories of the university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isıl Celik-Saglam
- Gebze Technical University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkiye
| | - Meral Yurtsever
- Sakarya University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Sakarya, Turkiye
| | - Mihriban Civan
- Kocaeli University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Kocaeli, Turkiye
| | - Sema Yurdakul
- Suleymen Demirel University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Isparta, Turkiye
| | - Banu Cetin
- Gebze Technical University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkiye.
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37
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Dalu T, Themba NN, Dondofema F, Cuthbert RN. Nowhere to go! Microplastic Abundances in Freshwater Fishes Living Near Wastewater Plants. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023:104210. [PMID: 37399852 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic presence in aquatic environments is a major problem globally. This study quantified microplastic abundances in fish species across two systems in South Africa around wastewater treatment works. Fish (n=163) were examined for microplastic on gills and in gastrointestinal tracts. Microplastic levels were generally low during the cool-dry season (mean 11.0 - 34.0 particles per fish taxon), and high during the hot-wet season (mean 10.0 - 119.0 particles per fish taxon). The microplastic concentrations per fish were similar between these systems, with downstream of wastewater treatment plants having high microplastic abundances. Although benthopelagic feeders were dominant, pelagic feeders had high microplastic abundances (range 20-119 particles), followed by benthopelagic (range 10-110 particles) and demersal (22 particles) feeders. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between fish standard length and total microplastic levels, which suggests fish consume more microplastics due to increased food demand as a result of growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Dalu
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa; Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
| | - Nombuso N Themba
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa
| | - Farai Dondofema
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, United Kingdom
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38
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Parashar N, Hait S. Plastic rain-Atmospheric microplastics deposition in urban and peri-urban areas of Patna City, Bihar, India: Distribution, characteristics, transport, and source analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131883. [PMID: 37348371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of atmospheric microplastics (MPs) deposition in India is scarce though reports of MPs pollution in other environmental media exist. Henceforth, this study for the first time examines and compares the abundance, characteristics, transport, and source analysis of atmospheric MPs in the urban and peri-urban areas of Patna city, Bihar, India. Wet atmospheric fallout samples were collected and analyzed for MPs deposition rate. The results showed that the mean MPs concentrations at each site were 1959.6 ± 205 (urban) and 1320.4 ± 126 (peri-urban) MPs/m2/day. The deposited MPs were mainly transparent fibers and fragments with a mean size of 347.9 ± 189.2 µm. Polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene were the most abundant polymer found at both sites. Morphological characteristics revealed surface degradation and deposition of metal contaminants on the identified MPs. Meteorological parameters (wind direction and rainfall intensity) were significantly associated with the distribution of atmospheric MPs in the study area. The cluster mean backward trajectory suggested vehicular emissions, construction activities, and waste mismanagement as the potential sources of MPs. Findings of the present work necessitates future studies in gaining a deeper understanding of the fate, movement, and potential health hazards associated with atmospheric MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Parashar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India
| | - Subrata Hait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar 801 106, India.
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39
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Aminah IS, Ikejima K. Potential sources of microplastic contamination in laboratory analysis and a protocol for minimising contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:808. [PMID: 37280402 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11410-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of microplastics in environmental and biological samples can be overestimated because of contaminants introduced during the analytical process. Knowledge of the potential sources and frequency of contamination during analysis is required to develop a protocol to prevent analytical errors. In this study, potential sources of contamination in the laboratory analysis of biological samples were evaluated, and reliable, inexpensive measures to prevent contamination were tested. Glass fibre filters, water samples, air samples, and chemicals [Fenton's reagent (H2O2 and FeSO4), and ZnCl2] were tested for the presence of contaminants. Particulate contamination, including microplastics, was found in all samples when tested before application of any preventative measures. The following measures were evaluated for preventing contamination: (1) filtration of the water and chemical solutions using a glass fibre filter, (2) pre-combustion of the glass fibre filters, and (3) use of a clean booth for experimental work. The preventative measures reduced the levels of microplastics in all samples by 70-100%. The dominant polymers identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose fibre (rayon), polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, and polyethylene. With the preventative measures, the number of microplastics in the laboratory blanks was low enough to set the limit of detection to < 1. This limit of detection would be suitable for examination of microplastics contamination at the individual organism level, even at trace levels. Preventative countermeasures are essential to reduce overestimation of microplastics in biological samples and can be implemented at low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Siti Aminah
- Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Monobe-Otsu, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan
- United Graduate School of Agriculture Sciences, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Kou Ikejima
- Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Monobe-Otsu, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Agriculture Sciences, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan.
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40
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Xia F, Wang Y, Wang D, Cai Y, Zhang J. Seasonal pulse effect of microplastics in the river catchment-From tributary catchment to mainstream. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 342:118316. [PMID: 37290303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rivers have received extensive attention as a major pathway for microplastics (<5000 μm) from land to ocean. This study investigated the seasonal variation of microplastic contamination in surface water of the Liangfeng River catchment, a tributary of the Li River in China, based on a fluorescence-based protocol, and further explored the migration process of microplastic in the river catchment. The abundance of microplastics (50-5000 μm) was (6.20 ± 0.57)-(41.93 ± 8.13) items/L, of which 57.89-95.12% were small-sized microplastics (<330 μm). The microplastic fluxes in the upper Liangfeng River, lower Liangfeng River, and upper Li River were (14.89 ± 1.24) × 1012, (5.71 ± 1.15) × 1012, and (1.54 ± 0.55) × 1014 items/year, respectively. The 3.70% of microplastic load in the mainstream came from the tributary input. Fluvial processes can effectively retain 61.68% of microplastics in the surface water of river catchments, especially for small-sized microplastics. The rainy season is the main period of microplastic retention (91.87%) in the tributary catchment by fluvial processes, while exporting 77.42% of one-year microplastic emissions from the tributary catchment into the mainstream. This study is the first to reveal the transport characteristics of small-sized microplastics in river catchments based on flux variation, which not only can partly explain the "missing small-sized microplastic fraction" in the ocean, but also contribute to improving microplastic model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Xia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yelin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Dunqiu Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watershed, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China.
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41
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Charlton-Howard HS, Bond AL, Rivers-Auty J, Lavers JL. 'Plasticosis': Characterising macro- and microplastic-associated fibrosis in seabird tissues. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 450:131090. [PMID: 36867907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As biota are increasingly exposed to plastic pollution, there is a need to closely examine the sub-lethal 'hidden' impacts of plastic ingestion. This emerging field of study has been limited to model species in controlled laboratory settings, with little data available for wild, free-living organisms. Highly impacted by plastic ingestion, Flesh-footed Shearwaters (Ardenna carneipes) are thus an apt species to examine these impacts in an environmentally relevant manner. A Masson's Trichrome stain was used to document any evidence of plastic-induced fibrosis, using collagen as a marker for scar tissue formation in the proventriculus (stomach) of 30 Flesh-footed Shearwater fledglings from Lord Howe Island, Australia. Plastic presence was highly associated with widespread scar tissue formation and extensive changes to, and even loss of, tissue structure within the mucosa and submucosa. Additionally, despite naturally occurring indigestible items, such as pumice, also being found in the gastrointestinal tract, this did not cause similar scarring. This highlights the unique pathological properties of plastics and raises concerns for other species impacted by plastic ingestion. Further, the extent and severity of fibrosis documented in this study gives support for a novel, plastic-induced fibrotic disease, which we define as 'Plasticosis,'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley S Charlton-Howard
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Bird Group, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Rivers-Auty
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Bird Group, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom; Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 2678, Australia; Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, 11A Shelden Road, 6450 Esperance, Western Australia, Australia.
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42
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Tang Y, Hardy TJ, Yoon JY. Receptor-based detection of microplastics and nanoplastics: Current and future. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 234:115361. [PMID: 37148803 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an emerging environmental concern, gaining significant attention worldwide. They are classified into microplastics (MP; defined from 1 μm to 5 mm) and smaller nanoplastics (NP; <1 μm). NPs may pose higher ecological risks than MPs. Various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques have been used to detect MPs, and the same methods have occasionally been used for NPs. However, they are not based on receptors, which provide high specificity in most biosensing applications. Receptor-based micro/nanoplastics (MNP) detection can provide high specificity, distinguishing MNPs from the environmental samples and, more importantly, identifying the plastic types. It can also offer a low limit of detection (LOD) required for environmental screening. Such receptors are expected to detect NPs specifically at the molecular level. This review categorizes the receptors into cells, proteins, peptides, fluorescent dyes, polymers, and micro/nanostructures. Detection techniques used with these receptors are also summarized and categorized. There is plenty of room for future research to test for broader classes of environmental samples and many plastic types, to lower the LOD, and to apply the current techniques for NPs. Portable and handheld MNP detection should also be demonstrated for field use since the current demonstrations primarily utilized laboratory instruments. Detection on microfluidic platforms will also be crucial in miniaturizing and automating the assay and, eventually, collecting an extensive database to support machine learning-based classification of MNP types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisha Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Trinity J Hardy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Jeong-Yeol Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
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Liu Y, Shi H, Chen L, Teng X, Xue C, Li Z. An overview of microplastics in oysters: Analysis, hazards, and depuration. Food Chem 2023; 422:136153. [PMID: 37130454 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has become an emergent global environmental issue because of its ubiquitous nature and everlasting ecological impacts. In marine ecosystems, microplastics can serve as carriers to absorb various contaminants and the ingestion of microplastics in oysters is of concern because they can induce several adverse effects. The analytical process of microplastics in oysters commonly consists of separation, quantification, and identification. Quantification of microplastics is difficult since information regarding the analytical methods is incoherent, therefore, standard microplastic analytical methods for shellfish should be established in the future. The depuration process can be used to reduce the level of microplastics in oysters to ensure safe consumption of oysters and longer depuration time facilitates improved depuration efficacy. In summary, this review aims to help better understand microplastic pollution in oysters and provide useful suggestions and guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No.5, Yu Shan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003, PR China
| | - Haohao Shi
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hainan University, Hainan 570228, PR China
| | - Lipin Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No.5, Yu Shan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyu Teng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No.5, Yu Shan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003, PR China
| | - Changhu Xue
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No.5, Yu Shan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China
| | - Zhaojie Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No.5, Yu Shan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China.
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Hu W, Tang R, Yuan S, Gong M, Shi P, Wang W, Hu ZH. Modification of fluorescence staining method for small-sized microplastic quantification: Focus on the interference exclusion and exposure time optimization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:56330-56342. [PMID: 36917381 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26226-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are an emerging pollutant of global concern, and fluorescence staining as an efficient method for small-sized microplastic qualification often undergoes the serious interference from external environments. The key steps affecting the accuracy of fluorescent staining and the corresponding quality assurance measures were rarely known. Therefore, this study took the Nile Red/DAPI co-staining method as an example to explore the key factors affecting its accuracy and effective measures to avoid interference. High background microplastic contamination in typical lab waters (up to 1115 MP/L), glass fiber filter membrane and glassware were identified as dominant factors affecting microplastic quantification. The background microplastics in lab waters mainly originated from the process of water production and storage. A simple filtration process removed 99% of the background microplastic in the lab waters. After burning at 500 °C for 1 h, the microplastic contamination in the filter membrane and glassware was completely eliminated. H2O2 pretreatment and exposure time caused erroneous microplastic size assessment, and were suggested to be set at 48 h and 10 ms, respectively. During the extraction process, the residue in beakers reached ~ 20% and > 50% for 5 μm and 20 μm sized microplastics, respectively, greatly contributing to the microplastic loss. The comprehensive modified measures caused microplastic concentrations in the three typical samples detected by Nile Red/DAPI co-staining method to decrease by 65.7 - 92.2% and to approach the micro-Raman results. This study clarified the reasons for interfering with quantitative microplastics by fluorescent staining and the effective measures to avoid interference, which were conducive to improving the accuracy of quantitative methods of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Hu
- School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Rural Water Environment and Resources, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Materials Protection and Advanced Materials in Electric Power, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Shoujun Yuan
- School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China.
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Rural Water Environment and Resources, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Miao Gong
- School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Rural Water Environment and Resources, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China
| | - Penghui Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Materials Protection and Advanced Materials in Electric Power, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Rural Water Environment and Resources, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Hu Hu
- School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Rural Water Environment and Resources, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People's Republic of China
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Zheng X, Feng Q, Chen J, Yan J, Li X, Guo L. Quantification analysis of microplastics released from disposable polystyrene tableware with fluorescent polymer staining. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 864:161155. [PMID: 36572298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161155] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ingesting microplastics (MPs) from plastic tableware is an important source of health risk to human bodies. However, the comprehensive information of MPs released from disposable tableware has not been explored. Herein, a new visual quantification method for polystyrene MPs is proposed with carbon nitride fluorescent polymers staining, which can overcome the disadvantages of high signal background and photobleaching derived from organic dyes staining. Combining with fluorescence microscope and ImageJ software, the quantity, shape, and size distribution of MPs carried by the brand-new disposable polystyrene tableware (DPT) samples before usage and released from the clean DPT samples in different simulated usage scenes were studied. The brand-new DPT samples were found to carry a large number of MPs particles and the clean DPT samples could release MPs during usage. Fiber and fragment are the main morphology of the detected MPs and fiber accounts for 45-52 %. The particles with size <50 μm are the majority of the detected MPs and the distribution fraction of MPs particles is gradually decreased with the raising of particle size within 50 μm. The released MPs particles are increased with the raising of contact time and temperature, and greatly boosted for the DPT samples with cracks. The DPT samples are more like to release MPs in weak acidic condition (pH 4.0) than in weak alkaline (pH 8.3) and neutral (pH 7.0) conditions. The obtained results help to assess the food safety of tack-out food and the health risk of MPs exposure to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Qiaocheng Feng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Jingru Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Jiaquan Yan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Information Processing and Intelligent Control, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350121, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- College of Environment & Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Liangqia Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China.
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Pan J, Liu H, Xia F, Zhang J, Wang D. Occurrence and fate of microplastics from wastewater treatment plants assessed by a fluorescence-based protocol. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:28690-28703. [PMID: 36401007 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24196-x] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Traditional stereomicroscopy (SM) is limited for the identification of microplastics of less than 500 µm in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Accordingly, novel methods for the accurate quantification of these microplastics are needed. In this study, we investigated the polymer type, morphology, size distribution, and abundance of microplastics in each unit of three selected WWTPs by SM and a fluorescence-based protocol (FR) combined with FTIR. Using the FR method, most microplastics detected in the three WWTPs were 50-200 µm in size. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide were the main polymer types, and the distributions of fibers, films, and debris were determined. Despite highly similar microplastic removal rates (78.6‒95.2% (SM) and 77.4‒94.2% (FR)) in the WWTPs by the two methods, the microplastic abundances obtained by FR (405‒6987 items/L) were approximately 2 orders of magnitude higher than the corresponding results by SM (1‒21 items/L). In addition, a considerable number of small-sized microplastics (< 500 µm) were detected in the effluents (405‒947 items/L) using FR. These results clearly reveal that microplastics in WWTPs have been seriously underestimated in most previous studies based on SM. Further research should focus on the environmental risks of small-sized microplastics from WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Pan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, 12 Jiangan Road, Guilin, 541004, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety Guarantee in Karst Areas, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Feiyang Xia
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, 12 Jiangan Road, Guilin, 541004, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety Guarantee in Karst Areas, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, 12 Jiangan Road, Guilin, 541004, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety Guarantee in Karst Areas, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Dunqiu Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, 12 Jiangan Road, Guilin, 541004, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety Guarantee in Karst Areas, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
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Bhangare RC, Tiwari M, Ajmal PY, Rathod TD, Sahu SK. Exudation of microplastics from commonly used face masks in COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:35258-35268. [PMID: 36527557 PMCID: PMC9758682 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24702-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic forced use of face masks up to billions of masks per day globally. Though an important and necessary measure for control of the pandemic, use of masks also poses some inherent risks. One of those risks is inhalation of microplastics released from the mask materials. Since most of the mask materials are made from plastic/polymers, they always have the potential to expose the user to fragmented microplastics. To estimate the amount of inhalable microplastic exuded from masks, an experiment simulating real-life scenario of mask usage was performed. The study included collection of microplastics oozed out from the masks on to a filter paper followed by staining and fluorescence detection of the total number of microplastics using a microscope. Both used and new masks were studied. Based on the emission wavelength, the microplastics were found to be belonging to three different categories, namely blue, green and red emitting microplastics respectively. The number of microplastic particles emitted per mask over a period of usage of 8 h was about 5000 to 9000 for new masks and about 6500 to 15,000 for used masks respectively. The estimation of polymer type of plastic in the mask fabrics was also carried out using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul C Bhangare
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Health Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Mahesh Tiwari
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Health Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Puthiyaveettilparambu Yousuf Ajmal
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Health Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Tejas D Rathod
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Health Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Sanjay K Sahu
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Health Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India.
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Akkan T, Gedik K, Mutlu T. Protracted dynamicity of microplastics in the coastal sediment of the Southeast Black Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114722. [PMID: 36860017 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114722] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study provided the first evaluation of microplastic abundance, features, risk assessment, and decade-changing status in sediment along the southeastern Black Sea coast. Sediment samples were collected from thirteen stations in the Southeast Black Sea in 2012 and 2022. >70 % of the detected microplastics had a length of up to 2.5 mm and consisted of fragments and fibers in shape. The average microplastic abundance in the sediment samples was 108 MP/kg. The composition in the sediment (particles/kg) was dominated by polyethylene (PE) (44.9 %), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (27.2 %), and polypropylene PP (15.2 %). Remarkable results for contamination factors, polymeric risk assessment and contamination risk indices. The sharp rise in MPS highlighted the heavily populated stations and stream discharge locations. The data shed light on anthropogenic and basal microplastic pollution in the Southeast Black Sea, assisting in developing effective policies for preserving and managing the Black Sea environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Akkan
- Giresun University, Arts and Science Faculty, Biology Department, Giresun, Turkiye.
| | - Kenan Gedik
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Rize, Turkiye
| | - Tanju Mutlu
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Rize, Turkiye
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Galvão LS, Ferreira RR, Fernandes EMS, Correia CA, Valera TS, Dos Santos Rosa D, Wiebeck H. Analysis of selective fluorescence for the characterization of microplastic fibers: Use of a Nile Red-based analytical method to compare between natural and synthetic fibers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130217. [PMID: 36283213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The scientific community has been focusing on studying and understanding the extent of damage caused by microplastics (MPs) to flora, fauna, and humans, including the environmental and health risks associated with them. MPs with different morphologies have been described in different environments, with fibers being the most common type regardless of the environment. Various methods have been used to analyze MPs. Analytical methodologies such as visual inspection, spectroscopic methods, and others currently used to study MPs are time-consuming, and only subjective results are obtained when these methods are used for sample analysis. Researchers have used various dyes, such as Nile Red (NR), a selective fluorescent stain, to differentiate the polymers from the other sample components and address these problems. Using such dyes helps distinguish polymer particles from other contaminants present in the samples. We aimed to study the analytical process, morphology, and wettability of synthetic (such as polyethylene and polypropylene) and natural (such as linen and cotton) fibers using NR to characterize the fibers. The fibers were fragmented manually, and the samples were prepared using a cryomicrotome. The prepared samples were subjected to different NR incubation times of 30 min, 24 h, and 168 h, and characterized under ultraviolet light using optical microscopy. We investigated the effect of NR on different fibers, and the samples selection using the fluorescence properties generated when the fibers adsorbed the NR dye. The wettabilities of the samples indicated that polyethylene and polypropylene were hydrophobic, while linen and cotton were hydrophilic. Both synthetic and natural fibers exhibited fluorescence properties in the presence of NR. This increased the complexity of executing the MP characterization process, indicating that combined methodologies and optical and chemical identification processes should be used to characterize plastic specimens efficiently. We summarize and discuss the results and findings and provide recommendations for future laboratory research on microplastic fibers focusing on (I) microplastic selection, (II) stain preparation, and (III) microplastic characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana S Galvão
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Chemistry and Manufactured Goods - Institute for Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rafaela R Ferreira
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences - CECS, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Emília M S Fernandes
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences - CECS, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Carla Almêda Correia
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ticiane S Valera
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Derval Dos Santos Rosa
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences - CECS, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil.
| | - Hélio Wiebeck
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Easy and accessible way to calibrate a fluorescence microscope and to create a microplastic identification key. MethodsX 2023; 10:102053. [PMID: 36824995 PMCID: PMC9941126 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We present here a technique for setting up detection limits on any fluorescent microscope in conjunction with the fluorophore Nile Red for microplastic identification. Our method also describes a rigorous morphology-specific identification key for microplastics to reduce subjectivity between researchers. The detection limits were established for nine common polymer types and five natural substrates which could result in false-positive signals when using Nile Red for microplastic identification. This method was then applied to real freshwater samples and identified particles were validated with micro-FTIR or Raman spectroscopy. This approach may reduce subjectivity in microplastic identification and counting and enhances transparency, repeatability and harmonization within microplastic research community.•Instructions for calibration of detection limits for microplastics on fluorescence microscope systems described•Microplastic identification key developed and tested to reduce false positive detection•Lower subjectivity for microplastic identification obtained using the detection limits & identification key.
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