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Vasantha Raman N, Gebreyohanes Belay BM, South J, Botha TL, Pegg J, Khosa D, Mofu L, Walsh G, Jordaan MS, Koelmans AA, Teurlincx S, Helmsing NR, de Jong N, van Donk E, Lürling M, Wepener V, Fernandes TV, de Senerpont Domis LN. Effect of an antidepressant on aquatic ecosystems in the presence of microplastics: A mesocosm study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124439. [PMID: 38942279 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124439] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Emerging pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics have become a pressing concern due to their widespread presence and potential impacts on ecological systems. To assess the ecosystem-level effects of these pollutants within a multi-stressor context, we simulated real-world conditions by exposing a near-natural multi-trophic aquatic food web to a gradient of environmentally relevant concentrations of fluoxetine and microplastics in large mesocosms over a period of more than three months. We measured the biomass and abundance of different trophic groups, as well as ecological functions such as nutrient availability and decomposition rate. To explore the mechanisms underlying potential community and ecosystem-level effects, we also performed behavioral assays focusing on locomotion parameters as a response variable in three species: Daphnia magna (zooplankton prey), Chaoborus flavicans larvae (invertebrate pelagic predator of zooplankton) and Asellus aquaticus (benthic macroinvertebrate), using water from the mesocosms. Our mesocosm results demonstrate that presence of microplastics governs the response in phytoplankton biomass, with a weak non-monotonic dose-response relationship due to the interaction between microplastics and fluoxetine. However, exposure to fluoxetine evoked a strong non-monotonic dose-response in zooplankton abundance and microbial decomposition rate of plant material. In the behavioral assays, the locomotion of zooplankton prey D. magna showed a similar non-monotonic response primarily induced by fluoxetine. Its predator C. flavicans, however, showed a significant non-monotonic response governed by both microplastics and fluoxetine. The behavior of the decomposer A. aquaticus significantly decreased at higher fluoxetine concentrations, potentially leading to reduced decomposition rates near the sediment. Our study demonstrates that effects observed upon short-term exposure result in more pronounced ecosystem-level effects following chronic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Vasantha Raman
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Berte M Gebreyohanes Belay
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Josie South
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Makhanda, 6140, South Africa
| | - Tarryn L Botha
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa
| | - Josephine Pegg
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, EC, South Africa; South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Makhanda, 6140, South Africa
| | - Dumisani Khosa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Makhanda, 6140, South Africa; Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa
| | - Lubabalo Mofu
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Makhanda, 6140, South Africa
| | - Gina Walsh
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, 2050, South Africa
| | - Martine S Jordaan
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Makhanda, 6140, South Africa; CapeNature Scientific Services, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sven Teurlincx
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nico R Helmsing
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nina de Jong
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen van Donk
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Ecology and Biodiversity Research Group, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Miquel Lürling
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Victor Wepener
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Tânia V Fernandes
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette N de Senerpont Domis
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Department of Pervasive Systems, EEMCS, University of Twente & Department of Water Resources, ITC, University of Twente, the Netherlands
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Song X, Zou H, Zhang Y, Yang J, Ding J. Microplastics alter the microbiota-mediated phosphorus profiles at sediment-water interface: Distinct microbial effects between sediment and plastisphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173048. [PMID: 38740204 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173048] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in freshwater sediments, raising concern about their potential impacts on ecosystem services. However, the specific impacts of microbiota mediated by MPs in sediment and plastisphere compartments on P availability remain elusive. This investigation conducted a series of microcosm experiments utilizing eutrophic lake sediment amended with fuel-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) MPs, and a natural cobblestone substrate to unravel their effects. The findings highlighted that MPs induced alterations in bacterial communities in both sediment and plastisphere, consequently modifying P availabilities at the sediment-water interface (SWI). In comparison to non-biodegradable PET, biodegradable PLA MPs presented higher proportions of specific bacteria and functional genes associated with P profiles, such as Firmicutes, Ignavibacteriota, and P mineralizing genes in the sediment and plastisphere. This, in turn, elevated the levels of soluble reactive P in the porewater by 54.19 % (0-1 cm), 55.81 % (1-3 cm), and 18.24 % (3-5 cm), respectively. Additionally, PLA obviously altered P immobilization capacity and bioavailability, increasing the organic P fraction. Whereas, inert cobblestone exhibited negligible influence on P biogeochemical processes during the incubation. Moreover, the biofilm communities and those in the surrounding sediment specifically contributed to the changes in P profiles at the SWI. The functional genes associated with P profiles in the sediment mainly concentrate on P mineralization and P uptake/transport. In the plastisphere, P activation genes are obviously affected under MP exposure. This study fills the knowledge gap concerning the repercussions of MPs on ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Song
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hua Zou
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Yunbo Zhang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiannan Ding
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi 214122, China.
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3
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Bauri S, Shekhar H, Sahoo H, Mishra M. Investigation of the effects of nanoplastic polyethylene terephthalate on environmental toxicology using model Drosophila melanogaster. Nanotoxicology 2024; 18:354-372. [PMID: 38958196 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2024.2368004] [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] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern, and various plastic polymers are used daily. A study was conducted to examine the toxic effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics (NPLs) on Drosophila melanogaster. We have successfully synthesized PET NPLs and characterized using DLS, Zeta potential, TEM, HRTEM, SAED, XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy to gain crucial insights into the structure and properties. We fed PET NPLs to Drosophila to assess toxicity. ROS was quantified using DCFH-DA and NBT, and the nuclear degradation was checked by DAPI staining. Quantification of protein and activity of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase depicted the adverse consequences of PET NPLs exposure. The dorsal side of the abdomens, eyes, and wings were also defective when phenotypically analyzed. These results substantiate the genotoxic and cytotoxic impact of nanoplastics. Notably, behavioral observations encompassing larval crawling and climbing of adults exhibit normal patterns, excluding the presence of neurotoxicity. Adult Drosophila showed decreased survivability, and fat accumulation enhanced body weight. These findings contribute to unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying nanoplastic toxicity and emphasize its potential repercussions for organismal health and ecological equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Bauri
- Department of Life Science, Neural Developmental Biology Lab, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Himanshu Shekhar
- Department of Chemistry, Biophysical and Protein Chemistry Lab, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Harekrushna Sahoo
- Department of Chemistry, Biophysical and Protein Chemistry Lab, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Monalisa Mishra
- Department of Life Science, Neural Developmental Biology Lab, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
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4
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Miller C, Neidhart A, Hess K, Ali AMS, Benavidez A, Spilde M, Peterson E, Brearley A, Wang X, Dhanapala BD, Cerrato JM, Gonzalez-Estrella J, El Hayek E. Uranium accumulation in environmentally relevant microplastics and agricultural soil at acidic and circumneutral pH. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171834. [PMID: 38521258 PMCID: PMC11141427 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) with potentially toxic metals in the environment stresses the need to address their physicochemical interactions and the potential ecological and human health implications. Here, we investigated the reaction of aqueous U with agricultural soil and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) through the integration of batch experiments, microscopy, and spectroscopy. The aqueous initial concentration of U (100 μM) decreased between 98.6 and 99.2 % at pH 5 and between 86.2 and 98.9 % at pH 7.5 following the first half hour of reaction with 10 g of soil. In similar experimental conditions but with added HDPE, aqueous U decreased between 98.6 and 99.7 % at pH 5 and between 76.1 and 95.2 % at pH 7.5, suggesting that HDPE modified the accumulation of U in soil as a function of pH. Uranium-bearing precipitates on the cracked surface of HDPE were identified by SEM/EDS after two weeks of agitation in water at both pH 5 and 7.5. Accumulation of U on the near-surface region of reacted HDPE was confirmed by XPS. Our findings suggest that the precipitation of U was facilitated by the weathering of the surface of HDPE. These results provide insights about surface-mediated reactions of aqueous metals with MPs, contributing relevant information about the mobility of metals and MPs at co-contaminated agricultural sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Miller
- Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Andrew Neidhart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Kendra Hess
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EN0059, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Angelica Benavidez
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Michael Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Eric Peterson
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Adrian Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Xuewen Wang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EN0059, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - B Dulani Dhanapala
- College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - José M Cerrato
- Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EN0059, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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5
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Wilkens JL, Calomeni-Eck AJ, Boyda J, Kennedy A, McQueen AD. Microplastic in Dredged Sediments: From Databases to Strategic Responses. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 112:72. [PMID: 38689078 PMCID: PMC11061003 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-024-03878-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) accumulate in sediments, yet guidelines for evaluating MP risks in dredged sediments are lacking. The objective of this study was to review existing literature on MPs in sediments to improve fundamental knowledge of MP exposures and develop a publicly available database of MPs in sediments. Twelve percent of the reviewed papers (nine studies) included sediment core samples with MP concentrations generally decreasing with depth, peaking in the top 15 cm. The remaining papers evaluated surficial grab samples (0 to 15 cm depth) from various water bodies with MPs detected in almost every sample. Median MP concentrations (items/kg dry sediment) increased in this order: lakes and reservoirs (184), estuarine (263), Great Lakes nearshore areas and tributaries (290), riverine (410), nearshore marine areas (487), dredge activities (817), and harbors (948). Dredging of recurrent shoaling sediments could be expected to contain MPs at various depths with concentrations influenced by the time elapsed since the last dredging event. These results offer key insights into the presence and variability of MPs in dredged sediments, informing environmental monitoring and risk assessment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Wilkens
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA.
| | - A J Calomeni-Eck
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA
| | - J Boyda
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA
| | - A Kennedy
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA
| | - A D McQueen
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, USA
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Redondo-Hasselerharm PE, Rico A, Huerta Lwanga E, van Gestel CAM, Koelmans AA. Source-specific probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics in soils applying quality criteria and data alignment methods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133732. [PMID: 38350316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The risk characterization of microplastics (MP) in soil is challenging due to the non-alignment of existing exposure and effect data. Therefore, we applied data alignment methods to assess the risks of MP in soils subject to different sources of MP pollution. Our findings reveal variations in MP characteristics among sources, emphasizing the need for source-specific alignments. To assess the reliability of the data, we applied Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) screening tools. Risk assessment was carried out probabilistically, considering uncertainties in data alignments and effect thresholds. The Hazardous Concentrations for 5% (HC5) of the species were significantly higher compared to earlier studies and ranged between 4.0 × 107 and 2.3 × 108 particles (1-5000 µm)/kg of dry soil for different MP sources and ecologically relevant metrics. The highest risk was calculated for soils with MP entering via diffuse and unspecified local sources, i.e., "background pollution". However, the source with the highest proportion of high-risk values was sewage, followed by background pollution and mulching. Notably, locations exceeding the risk threshold obtained low scores in the QA/QC assessment. No risks were observed for soils with compost. To improve future risk assessments, we advise to primarily test environmentally relevant MP mixtures and adhere to strict quality criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula E Redondo-Hasselerharm
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081H Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
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7
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Nam SH, Kim D, Lee TY, An YJ. Analyzing species sensitivity distribution of evidently edible microplastics for freshwater biota. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133520. [PMID: 38232553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Assessing the ecological risks of microplastics is difficult because of the limited availability of reliable ecotoxicity data. Although freshwater is a valuable sink for microplastics, the current framework for ecological risk assessment using traditional toxicity data is not applicable to freshwater ecosystems. Herein, species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves were compared for edible and all microplastics exposed to aquatic organisms based on traditional endpoint-based and all-endpoint-based databases. Freshwater toxicity data for microplastics were screened after verifying microplastic presence in test species (56 toxicity datapoints for one microalga, three water fleas, one fish, and one crab; 0.02-100 µm-sized microplastics). SSD and curve parameters were compared with or without non-traditional toxicity endpoints. The HC50 in all endpoint databases was more sensitive than that in the traditional endpoint database and showed a good fit. SSD curves derived from the database for all microplastics were compared and analyzed with edible microplastics. HCx increased for edible microplastics (0.02-100 µm-sized) than for all microplastics (0.02-200 µm-sized), and the size of edible microplastics was lower than of all microplastics. Thus, using non-traditional toxicity data, the SSD approach compensates for the limited ecotoxicity data on microplastics while considering the internalization of microplastics in biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Hwa Nam
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dokyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Yang Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Bhutto SUA, Akram M, You XY. Probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics in Tai Lake, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169965. [PMID: 38211859 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169965] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are a global environmental concern, especially in freshwater ecosystems. Despite the studies in specific regions of Tai lake, a gap persists in understanding the comprehensive risk of MPs across the entire watershed. Therefore, this study offers an overview of MPs abundance and assesses ecotoxicological risk by employing acute and chronic species sensitivity distributions, which consider the effects triggered by MPs. The concentrations of MPs ranged from 0 to 18.6 particles/L within the lake, 1.56 to 1.42 × 102 particles/L in the rivers, and 0.16 to 0.7 particles/L in the estuaries. Certain areas, particularly the northwest and southeast regions, exhibit higher concentrations. Using existing toxicity data, this study calculated predicted no effect concentrations for acute and chronic exposure of MPs to freshwater species, resulting in values of 11.5 and 31.72 particles/L, respectively. The probabilistic risk assessment indicates that the average risk possibility of MPs in Tai lake was 16 %. Moreover, the risk characterization ratio indicated that 22 % of the locations in Tai lake showed an acute ecological risk, while 7.4 % exhibit a chronic ecological risk. The assessment concluded that MPs reported in the literature could pose a considerable risk to Tai lake biota. However, the risk associated with MPs followed descending order: river >lake > estuary waters. Our research supplies valuable insights for the assessment of ecological risks associated with MPs on a whole watershed scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seerat Ul Ain Bhutto
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Muhammad Akram
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Xue-Yi You
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China.
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9
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Wang S, Mintenig SM, Cheng C, Wu J, Koelmans AA. Extent and risks of microplastic pollution in the Yangtze River. State of the science. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168538. [PMID: 37984663 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The Yangtze River (YR) is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, and is recognized as one of the most microplastic-polluted rivers globally. However, to date, no consistent and systematic risk assessment has been conducted for the YR basin or other rivers in China. Previous assessments of microplastic occurrence, distribution, or risks in the YR basin did not take into account the sometimes-limited quality of the data or compared incomparable data, which can lead to biased assessments. The actual prospective ecological risks of microplastic pollution in the YR basin are therefore unknown. In this review, we analyze data from 21 microplastic studies to assess the occurrence and distribution of microplastics and their characteristics. We also evaluate the quality of the studies using updated quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) criteria. Although we observe an upward trend in QA/QC scores, indicating improved data quality, no study received positive scores on all critical criteria. The microplastic exposure data from the YR basin is among the highest reported for rivers and other aquatic systems worldwide, exceeding effect thresholds in some parts of the river. We recommend generating comprehensive monitoring data of higher quality, with a greater emphasis on smaller-size microplastics, so that future risk assessments can be performed with less reliance on data alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Wang
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, the Netherlands; Research Center of Environmental Technology in Water Pollution Source Identification and Precise Supervision, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Research and Development Center of Advanced Environmental Supervision Technology and Instrument, Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou) Tsinghua, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Svenja M Mintenig
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, the Netherlands
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Research Center of Environmental Technology in Water Pollution Source Identification and Precise Supervision, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Research Center of Environmental Technology in Water Pollution Source Identification and Precise Supervision, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Research and Development Center of Advanced Environmental Supervision Technology and Instrument, Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou) Tsinghua, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, the Netherlands.
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Zhao W, Li J, Liu M, Wang R, Zhang B, Meng XZ, Zhang S. Seasonal variations of microplastics in surface water and sediment in an inland river drinking water source in southern China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168241. [PMID: 37914114 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine microplastic (size distribution of 0.05-5 mm) occurrence and distribution in drinking water source of XJ River during both flooding and dry periods. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from the CS City section of the river in August and December 2020. During the flooding period, microplastic abundances were observed at 0.72-18.6 (7.32 ± 2.36) items L-1 in surface water and 26.3-302 (150 ± 75.6) items kg-1 dry weight (dw) in sediment. In the dry period, abundances were slightly higher at 2.88-17.7 (11.0 ± 3.08) items L-1 and 27.0-651 (249 ± 182) items kg-1 dw, respectively. Microplastics were found in higher concentrations in urban areas and downstream of wastewater treatment plants, suggesting anthropogenic sources. The diversity in shapes, colors, and types of microplastics in surface waters and sediments indicates specialized enrichment processes and persistent sources of microplastic pollution. Approximately 60 % of the microplastic particles identified fall within the 50-100 μm range. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between these smaller-sized particles and the overall prevalence of microplastics. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy indicated that the microplastics had been subjected to weathering in the environment, contributing to the production of oxygen-containing functional groups and surface cleavage features. The utilization of energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed the presence of microplastics associated with various heavy metals, highlighting the intricate nature of microplastic pollution. Moreover, the high abundance of microplastics may pose a potential ecological risk to the aquatic environment of the XJ River. The results of this study demonstrate concerning levels of microplastics in the XJ River, despite its status as a high-quality water source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Zhao
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114,China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Mengyue Liu
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114,China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Boxuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiang-Zhou Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shengwei Zhang
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114,China; State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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11
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Jain R, Gaur A, Suravajhala R, Chauhan U, Pant M, Tripathi V, Pant G. Microplastic pollution: Understanding microbial degradation and strategies for pollutant reduction. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167098. [PMID: 37717754 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental pollutants with the potential for adverse impacts on ecosystems and human health. These particles originate from the fragmentation of larger plastic items, shedding from synthetic fibers, tire abrasions, and direct release from personal care products and industrial processes. Once released into the environment, microplastics can disrupt ecosystems, accumulate in organisms, cause physical harm, and carry chemical pollutants that pose risks to both wildlife and human health. There is an urgent need to comprehensively explore the multifaceted issue of microplastic pollution and understand microbial degradation to reduce environmental pollution caused by microplastics. This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of microplastics, including their types, composition, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as the journey and evolution of microplastic pollution. The impact of microplastics on the microbiome and microbial communities is elucidated, highlighting the intricate interactions between microplastics and microbial ecosystems. Furthermore, the microbial degradation of microplastics is discussed, including the identification, characterization, and culturing methods of microplastic-degrading microorganisms. Mechanisms of microplastic degradation and the involvement of microbial enzymes are elucidated to shed light on potential biotechnological applications. Strategies for reducing microplastic pollution are presented, encompassing policy recommendations and the importance of enhanced waste management practices. Finally, the paper addresses future challenges and prospects in the field, emphasizing the need for international collaboration, research advancements, and public engagement. Overall, this study underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate microplastic pollution and offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in environmental preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajul Jain
- Bioclues.org, India, Vivekananda Nagar, Kukatpally, 500072 Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Ashish Gaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Renuka Suravajhala
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, 690525, Kerala, India.
| | - Uttra Chauhan
- Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun 248002, India
| | - Manu Pant
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vishal Tripathi
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Gaurav Pant
- Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun 248002, India.
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12
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Tan Y, Dai J, Xiao S, Tang Z, Zhang J, Wu S, Wu X, Deng Y. Occurrence of microplastic pollution in rivers globally: Driving factors of distribution and ecological risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:165979. [PMID: 37543313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165979] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as global emerging pollutants, have received significant attention worldwide due to their ubiquitous presence in the rivers. However, there is still a lack of clarity on the occurrence, driving factors, and ecological risks of microplastics in rivers worldwide. In this study, a global microplastic dataset based on 862 water samples and 445 sediment samples obtained from 63 articles was constructed, which revealed the temporal and spatial distribution of abundance and morphological characteristics of microplastics in rivers across the globe. In global rivers, the abundance of MPs in both water and sediment spans across 10 and 4 orders of magnitude, respectively. The MP comprehensive diversity index based on the physical morphological characteristics of MPs indicated a significant positive correlation between the pollution sources of MPs in different environmental media. Based on the data was aligned to the full-scale MPs, a novel framework was provided to evaluate the ecological risk of MPs and the interaction effects between the influencing factors driving the distribution characteristics of MPs in rivers around the world. The results obtained demonstrated a wide variation in the key driving factors affecting the distribution of microplastics in different environmental media (water and sediment) in rivers globally. The diversity indices of the morphological characteristics of MPs in densely populated areas of lower-middle income countries in Asia were significantly higher, implying that the sources of microplastics in these regions are more complex and extensive. More than half of the rivers are exposed to potential ecological risks of MPs; however, microplastics may pose only immediate risks to aquatic species in Burigang River, Bangladesh. This can provide valuable insights for formulating more effective scientific strategies for the management of MP pollution in rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Tan
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jiangyu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Shuwen Xiao
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tang
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Shiqiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiufeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yu Deng
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625000, China.
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13
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de Ruijter VN, Hof M, Kotorou P, van Leeuwen J, van den Heuvel-Greve MJ, Roessink I, Koelmans AA. Microplastic Effect Tests Should Use a Standard Heterogeneous Mixture: Multifarious Impacts among 16 Benthic Invertebrate Species Detected under Ecologically Relevant Test Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19430-19441. [PMID: 37992256 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06829] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics require a risk assessment framework that takes their multidimensionality into account while exclusively considering robust data. Therefore, effect tests should use a diverse, environmentally relevant microplastic (ERMP) standard material that adheres to high-quality requirements. In this study, we provide chronic dose-effect relationships and effect thresholds for 16 benthic species exposed to ERMP. The ERMP was created from plastic items collected from natural sources and cryogenically milled to represent the diversity of microplastics. The test design met 20 previously published quality assurance and quality control criteria. Adverse effect thresholds (EC10) were determined at ERMP concentrations of 0.11 ± 0.17% sediment dry weight (Gammarus pulex, growth), 0.49 ± 0.68% sediment dry weight (Lumbriculus variegatus, growth), and 1.90 ± 1.08% sediment dry weight (L. variegatus, reproduction). A positive effect of microplastics, such as decreased mortality, was observed for Cerastoderma edule (EC10 = 0.021 ± 0.027% sediment dry weight) and Sphaerium corneum (EC10 = 7.67 ± 3.41% sediment dry weight), respectively. Several of these laboratory-based single-species effect thresholds for ERMP occurred at concentrations lower than those found in the environment. For other species, no significant effects were detected up to an ERMP dose of 10% dry weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera N de Ruijter
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Matthias Hof
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Petranta Kotorou
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jesse van Leeuwen
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, Post Office Box 77, 4400 AB Yerseke, Netherlands
| | | | - Ivo Roessink
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Post Office Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands
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14
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Szafranski GT, Granek EF. Contamination in mangrove ecosystems: A synthesis of literature reviews across multiple contaminant categories. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115595. [PMID: 37852064 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115595] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Mangrove forests are exposed to diverse ocean-sourced and land-based contaminants, yet mangrove contamination research lags. We synthesize existing data and identify major gaps in research on five classes of mangrove contaminants: trace metals, persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Research is concentrated in Asia, neglected in Africa and the Americas; higher concentrations are correlated with waste water treatment plants, industry, and urbanized landscapes. Trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, frequently at concentrations below regulatory thresholds, may bioconcentrate in fauna, whereas persistent organic pollutants were at levels potentially harmful to biota through short- or long-term exposure. Microplastics were at variable levels, yet lack regulatory and ecotoxicological thresholds. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products received minimal research despite biological activity at small concentrations. Given potential synergistic effects, multi-contaminant research, increased monitoring of multiple contaminant classes, and increased public outreach and involvement are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey T Szafranski
- Environmental Science & Management, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Elise F Granek
- Environmental Science & Management, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America.
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15
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D'Avignon G, Hsu SSH, Gregory-Eaves I, Ricciardi A. Feeding behavior and species interactions increase the bioavailability of microplastics to benthic food webs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165261. [PMID: 37400036 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are pervasive in aquatic ecosystems, in which they circulate in the water column, accumulate in sediments, and are taken up, retained, and exchanged with their biotic environment via trophic and non-trophic activities. Identifying and comparing organismal interactions are a necessary step to improve monitoring and risk assessments of microplastics. We use a community module to test how abiotic and biotic interactions determine the fate of microplastics in a benthic food web. Using single-exposure trials on a trio of interacting freshwater animals (the quagga mussel Dreissena bugensis, a filter feeder; the gammarid amphipod Gammarus fasciatus, a deposit feeder; and the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, a benthivorous fish), we quantify the (1) uptake of microplastics from environmental routes (water, sediment) under six exposure concentrations, (2) the depuration capacities over 72 h, and (3) the transfer of microbeads via trophic (predator-prey) and behavioral interactions (commensalism, intraspecific facilitation). Under 24 h exposures, each animal of our module acquired beads from both environmental routes. The body burden of filter-feeders was higher when they were exposed to particles in suspension, whereas detritivores had similar uptake from either route. Mussels transferred microbeads to amphipods, and both invertebrates transferred beads to their mutual predator, the round goby. Round gobies generally displayed low contamination from all routes (suspension, sedimented, trophic transfer) with a higher microbead load from preying on contaminated mussels. Higher mussel abundance (10-15 mussel per aquaria, i.e., ~200-300 mussels·m2) did not increase individual mussel burdens during exposure, and neither did it increase the transfer of beads from mussels to gammarids via biodeposition. Our community module approach revealed that the feeding behavior of animals allows microplastic uptake from multiple environmental routes, whereas trophic and non-trophic species interactions increased their burden within their food web community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève D'Avignon
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Ave., Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1, Canada; Redpath Museum, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C4, Canada; Group for Interuniversity Research in Limnology (GRIL), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Sophia S H Hsu
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Ave., Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1, Canada; Redpath Museum, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C4, Canada.
| | - Irene Gregory-Eaves
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Ave., Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1, Canada; Group for Interuniversity Research in Limnology (GRIL), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Anthony Ricciardi
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C4, Canada; Bieler School of Environment, McGill University, 3534 University, Montréal, Québec H3A 2A7, Canada; Group for Interuniversity Research in Limnology (GRIL), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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16
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Nam SH, Lee TY, Kim SA, An YJ. Non-traditional species sensitivity distribution approaches to analyze hazardous concentrations of microplastics in marine water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132174. [PMID: 37531763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132174] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their ubiquitous nature, microplastics are a major environmental concern. This study reviewed the toxicity data of microplastics in marine water, and analyzed their species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves and hazardous concentrations (HCs). Toxicity database of no-observed effect concentration (NOEC), 50% effect concentration (EC50), and highest observed no-effect concentration (HONEC), and lethal, developing, reproductive, biochemical, and behavioral toxicity endpoints was used. Using 169 chronic NOEC databases, all non-traditional toxicity endpoint databases showed stronger HC values, better fit, and more variable toxicity sensitivity than those derived from traditional values. Moreover, using 426 chronic NOEC, EC50, and HONEC data points, HC values calculated from traditional plus HONEC toxicity values showed weaker HC values, slightly better fit, and more variable toxicity sensitivity than those derived from traditional toxicity values. The SSD approach using non-traditional toxicity and marine water toxicity data can expand the marine water toxicity database, including information on SSD curves and HCs of diverse microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Hwa Nam
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Yang Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang A Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Yang H, Sun F, Liao H, Guo Y, Pan T, Wu F. The pollution of microplastics in sediments of the Yangtze River Basin: Occurrence, distribution characteristics, and basin-scale multilevel ecological risk assessment. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120322. [PMID: 37451127 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120322] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) of China has grown to be a serious issue, yet there is a lack of understanding of the environmental risks of MPs in the sediment of the entire basin. This work revealed the spatial distribution characteristics of MPs in YRB sediments, and it methodically assessed the ecological risks of MPs by taking into consideration their abundance, toxic effects, and polymer types. The results showed a high heterogeneity in the abundance of MPs in YRB sediments, with an average of 611 particles/kg dry weight (DW) sediment. Small-sized MPs (<1 mm), fibrous, transparent-colored and polypropylene (PP) accounted for the majority with 71.6%, 68%, 37% and 30.8%, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated significant influences of human activities such as population, industrial structure, and urban wastewater discharge on the abundance and morphological types of MPs in sediments. Based on chronic toxicity data exposed to sediments, a predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of 539 particles/kg DW was calculated using the species susceptibility distribution (SSD). Multiple deterministic risk assessment indices indicated that MPs in YRB sediments exhibited primarily low pollution load levels, moderate-to-low potential ecological risk levels, and high levels of polymer pollution. However, probabilistic risk assessment revealed an overall low risk of MPs in YRB sediments. Monte Carlo simulation results demonstrated that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polycarbonate (PC) made a great contribution to ecological risk and should be considered as priority control pollutants in MPs. In addition, various assessments showed that the ecological risk of MPs in river sediments was higher than that in lake reservoir sediments. This is the first study to comprehensively assess the ecological risk of MPs in sediments of the YRB, which improves the understanding of the basin-wide occurrence characteristics and environmental risks of MPs in freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Fuhong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| | - Haiqing Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| | - Yiding Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Ting Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
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18
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Mohamed Nor NH, Niu Z, Hennebelle M, Koelmans AA. How Digestive Processes Can Affect the Bioavailability of PCBs Associated with Microplastics: A Modeling Study Supported by Empirical Data. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11452-11464. [PMID: 37504896 PMCID: PMC10413949 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The transfer kinetics of plastic-associated chemicals during intestinal digestive processes is unknown. Here, we assessed whether digestive processes affect chemical exchange kinetics on microplastics, using an in vitro gut fluid digestive model mimicking the human upper intestinal tract. Chemical exchange kinetics of microplastics were measured for 10 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as proxies for the broad class of hydrophobic organic chemicals. Following earlier studies, olive oil was used as a proxy for digestible food, under high and low digestive enzyme activities. The micelle-water and oil-water partition coefficients of the 10 PCBs were also determined to evaluate the relative contribution of each gut component to sorb PCBs. A new biphasic and reversible chemical exchange model, which included the digestion process, fitted well to the empirical data. We demonstrate that the digestive processes that break down contaminated food can lead to a substantial increase in chemical concentration in microplastics by a factor of 10-20, thereby reducing the overall chemical bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract when compared to a scenario without microplastics. Higher enzyme activities result in more chemicals being released by the digested food, thereby resulting in higher chemical concentrations in the microplastics. While the model-calibrated kinetic parameters are specific to the studied scenario, we argue that the mechanism of the reduced bioavailability of chemicals and the modeling tool developed have generic relevance. These digestive processes should be considered when assessing the risks of microplastics to humans and also biomagnification in aquatic food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Zhiyue Niu
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Hennebelle
- Food
Chemistry Group, Wageningen University &
Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700
AA Wageningen, The
Netherlands
| | - Albert A. Koelmans
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
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19
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Qiu Y, Zhou S, Zhang C, Qin W, Lv C. A framework for systematic microplastic ecological risk assessment at a national scale. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121631. [PMID: 37058862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is widespread in terrestrial and aquatic environments; however, a systematic assessment of the ecological risks of microplastics is lacking. This study collected research studies on microplastics in soil, aquatic and sediment environments, and screened 128 articles including 3459 sites to assess the ecological risks posed by microplastics in China following a literature quality assessment. We developed a systematic ecological risk assessment framework for microplastics in terms of spatial characterization, biotoxicity and anthropogenic impacts. The results of the pollution load index indicated that 74% and 47% of the soil and aquatic environments studied, respectively, faced a medium or higher level of pollution. Comparing predicted no effect concentrations (PNEC) and measured environmental concentrations (MECs), revealed that soil (97.70%) and aquatic (50.77%) environmental studies were at serious ecological risk from microplastics. The results of the pressure-state-response model showed that the microplastic pollution in Pearl River Delta was in a high-risk state. In addition, we found that ultraviolet radiation and rainfall exacerbate soil microplastic pollution, and higher river runoff may carry large amounts of microplastic from the source. The framework developed in this study will help assess the ecological risks of microplastics in the region to promote the mitigation of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Qiu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China.
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Wendong Qin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Chengxiang Lv
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
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20
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Koelmans AA, Redondo-Hasselerharm PE, Mohamed Nor NH, Gouin T. On the probability of ecological risks from microplastics in the Laurentian Great lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 325:121445. [PMID: 36924914 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Laurentian Great Lakes represent important and iconic ecosystems. Microplastic pollution has become a major problem among other anthropogenic stressors in these lakes. There is a need for policy development, however, assessing the risks of microplastics is complicated due to the uncertainty and poor quality of the data and incompatibility of exposure and effect data for microplastics with different properties. Here we provide a prospective probabilistic risk assessment for Great Lakes sediments and surface waters that corrects for the misalignment between exposure and effect data, accounts for variability due to sample volume when using trawl samples, for the random spatiotemporal variability of exposure data, for uncertainty in data quality (QA/QC), in the slope of the power law used to rescale the data, and in the HC5 threshold effect concentration obtained from Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs). We rank the lakes in order of the increasing likelihood of risks from microplastics, for pelagic and benthic exposures. A lake-wide risk, i.e. where each location exceeds the risk limit, is not found for any of the lakes. However, the probability of a risk from food dilution occurring in parts of the lakes is 13-15% of the benthic exposures in Lakes Erie and Huron, and 8.3-10.3% of the pelagic exposures in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie, and 24% of the pelagic exposures in Lake Ontario. To reduce the identified uncertainties, we recommend that future research focuses on characterizing and quantifying environmentally relevant microplastic (ERMP) over a wider size range (ideally 1-5000 μm) so that probability density functions (PDFs) can be better calibrated for different habitats. Toxicity effect testing should use a similarly wide range of sizes and other ERMP characteristics so that complex data alignments can be minimized and assumptions regarding ecologically relevant dose metrics (ERMs) can be validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, 6700, DD, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Paula E Redondo-Hasselerharm
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com, 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Todd Gouin
- TG Environmental Research, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
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21
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Chen Y, Tang H, Cheng Y, Huang T, Xing B. Interaction between microplastics and humic acid and its effect on their properties as revealed by molecular dynamics simulations. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131636. [PMID: 37196445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics and fates of microplastics (MPs) and humic acid (HA) in the environment are significantly influenced by their interactions. Thus, the influence of the MP-HA interaction on their dynamic characteristics was explored. Upon MP-HA interaction, the number of hydrogen bonds established in the HA domains decreased significantly, and the water molecules bridging the hydrogen bonds shifted to the exterior regions of the MP-HA aggregates. The distribution intensity of Ca2+ located at ∼0.21 nm around HA deceased, indicating that the coordination of Ca2+ with the carboxyl on HA was impaired in the presence of MPs. Additionally, the Ca2+-HA electrostatic interaction was suppressed because of the steric hindrance of the MPs. However, the MP-HA interaction improved the distribution of water molecules and metal cations around the MPs. The diffusion coefficient of HA decreased from 0.34 × 10-5 cm2/s to 0.20-0.28 × 10-5 cm2/s in the presence of MPs, implying that the diffusion of HA was retarded. The diffusion coefficients of polyethylene and polystyrene increased from 0.29 × 10-5 cm2/s and 0.18 × 10-5 cm2/s to 0.32 × 10-5 cm2/s and 0.22 × 10-5 cm2/s, respectively, indicating that the interaction with HA accelerated the migration of polyethylene and polystyrene. These findings highlight the potential environmental hazards posed by MPs in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Huan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
| | - Ya Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Tinglin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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22
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Rico A, Redondo-Hasselerharm PE, Vighi M, Waichman AV, Nunes GSDS, de Oliveira R, Singdahl-Larsen C, Hurley R, Nizzetto L, Schell T. Large-scale monitoring and risk assessment of microplastics in the Amazon River. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 232:119707. [PMID: 36773351 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are one of the most widespread contaminants worldwide, yet their risks for freshwater ecosystems have seldom been investigated. In this study, we performed a large monitoring campaign to assess the presence and risks of MPs in Amazonian freshwater ecosystems. We investigated MP pollution in 40 samples collected along 1500 km in the Brazilian Amazon, including the Amazon River, three major tributaries, and several streams next to the most important urban areas. MPs in the 55-5000 µm size range were characterized (size, shape, color) by microscopy and identified (polymer composition) by infrared spectroscopy. Ecotoxicological risks were assessed using chronic Species Sensitivity Distributions for effects triggered by food dilution and tissue translocation using data alignment methods that correct for polydispersity of environmental MPs and bioaccessibility. This study shows that MPs are ubiquitous contaminants in Amazonian freshwater ecosystems, with measured concentrations (55-5000 µm) ranging between 5 and 152 MPs/m3 in the Amazon River and its main tributaries, and between 23 and 74,550 MPs/m3 in urban streams. The calculated Hazardous Concentration for the 5% of species (HC5) derived from the SSDs for the entire MP range (1-5000 µm) were 1.6 × 107 MPs/m3 (95% CI: 1.2 × 106 - 4.0 × 108) for food dilution, and 1.8 × 107 MPs/m3 (95% CI: 1.5 × 106 - 4.3 × 108) for translocation. Rescaled exposure concentrations (1-5000 µm) in the Amazon River and tributaries ranged between 6.0 × 103 and 1.8 × 105 MPs/m3, and were significantly lower than the calculated HC5 values. Rescaled concentrations in urban streams ranged between 1.7 × 105 and 5.7 × 108 MPs/m3, and exceeded both calculated HC5 values in 20% of the locations. This study shows that ecological impacts by MP contamination are not likely to happen in the Amazon River and its major tributaries. However, risks for freshwater organisms may be expected in near densely populated areas, such as the cities of Manaus or Belem, which have limited wastewater treatment facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreu Rico
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, c/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, Valencia 46980, Spain; IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid 28805, Spain.
| | - Paula E Redondo-Hasselerharm
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid 28805, Spain
| | - Marco Vighi
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid 28805, Spain
| | - Andrea V Waichman
- Federal University of the Amazon, Institute of Biological Sciences, Av. Rodrigo Otávio Jordao Ramos 3000, Manaus 69077-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Silva de Souza Nunes
- Federal University of Pernambuco, Department of Zoology, Av. Prof Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Rhaul de Oliveira
- University of Campinas, School of Technology, Rua Paschoal Marmo 1888 - Jd. Nova Itália, Limeira 13484-332, Brazil
| | | | - Rachel Hurley
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadelléen 21, Oslo 0349, Norway
| | - Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadelléen 21, Oslo 0349, Norway; Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Theresa Schell
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid 28805, Spain
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23
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Bashirova N, Poppitz D, Klüver N, Scholz S, Matysik J, Alia A. A mechanistic understanding of the effects of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1891. [PMID: 36732581 PMCID: PMC9894871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution, especially by nanoplastics (NPs), has become an emerging topic due to the widespread existence and accumulation in the environment. The research on bioaccumulation and toxicity mechanism of NPs from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is widely used for packaging material, have been poorly investigated. Herein, we report the first use of high-resolution magic-angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR based metabolomics in combination with toxicity assay and behavioural end points to get systems-level understanding of toxicity mechanism of PET NPs in intact zebrafish embryos. PET NPs exhibited significant alterations on hatching and survival rate. Accumulation of PET NPs in larvae were observed in liver, intestine, and kidney, which coincide with localization of reactive oxygen species in these areas. HRMAS NMR data reveal that PET NPs cause: (1) significant alteration of metabolites related to targeting of the liver and pathways associated with detoxification and oxidative stress; (2) impairment of mitochondrial membrane integrity as reflected by elevated levels of polar head groups of phospholipids; (3) cellular bioenergetics as evidenced by changes in numerous metabolites associated with interrelated pathways of energy metabolism. Taken together, this work provides for the first time a comprehensive system level understanding of toxicity mechanism of PET NPs exposure in intact larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmin Bashirova
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - David Poppitz
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nils Klüver
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Scholz
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Matysik
- Institute for Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - A Alia
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany. .,Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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24
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Yin Z, Zhao Y. Microplastics pollution in freshwater sediments: The pollution status assessment and sustainable management measures. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 314:137727. [PMID: 36603683 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137727] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in freshwater sediments has brought hidden dangers to food and drinking water supply. Implementing sustainable management measures for MPs pollution in freshwater sediments has become an inevitable trend for sustainable development of society. Existing studies still lacked sufficient discussion in sustainable management of MPs pollution in freshwater sediments. This makes it difficult to formulate sustainable management measures for MPs pollution in freshwater sediments. This study analyzed the pollution status of MPs in freshwater sediments from 84 study areas. The results showed that current studies on MPs pollution in freshwater sediments were mainly concentrated in densely populated and economically developed areas. The average abundance of MPs in freshwater sediments from collected study areas was 1290.88 items/kg, this brought a potential threat to sustainable development in surrounding areas. The pollution load level and potential ecological risk level of MPs in freshwater sediments from these study areas were low. Reducing MPs discharge and restricting the use of high-risk polymers are effective ways to prevent the deterioration of MPs pollution status in freshwater sediments. The abundance and types of MPs in freshwater sediments from these study areas were affected by human activities. Sustainable management of MPs pollution in freshwater sediments from collected study areas requires establishing a lifecycle management system for plastic products, and the industrial structures should be optimized. In addition, legislation and market regulation are effective ways to restrict the discharge of plastic wastes. Sustainable management of MPs in freshwater sediments requires the synergy of legislation and market regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhou Yin
- School of Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Huhhot 010051, China.
| | - Yi Zhao
- Wuhai Energy Investment Co. LTD, China Energy Investment Corporation, Wuhai, 016000, China
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25
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Shi Y, Chai J, Xu T, Ding L, Huang M, Gan F, Pi K, Gerson AR, Yang J. Microplastics contamination associated with low-value domestic source organic solid waste: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159679. [PMID: 36283521 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Waste activated sludge and food waste are two typical important domestic low-value organic solid wastes (LOSW). LOSW contains significant organic matter and water content resulting in the transboundary transfer of liquid-solid-gas and other multi-mediums, such that the complexity of microplastics (MPs) migration should be of greater concern. This article provides a review of the literature focusing on the separation and extraction methods of MPs from LOSW. The occurrence and source of MPs are discussed, and the output and impact of MPs on LOSW heat and biological treatments are summarized. The fate and co-effects of MPs and other pollutants in landfills and soils are reviewed. This review highlights the migration and transformation of MPs in domestic source LOSW, and future perspectives focused on the development of a unified extraction and analysis protocol. The objective of this review is to promote the technological development of decontamination of MPs in LOSW by sufficient understanding of the fate of MPs, their interaction with coexisting pollutants and the development of targeted preventive research strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Shi
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China.
| | - Jiaqi Chai
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Tao Xu
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Lihu Ding
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Meijie Huang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Fangmao Gan
- Yangtze Ecology and Environment Co., Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Kewu Pi
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Andrea R Gerson
- Blue Minerals Consultancy, Wattle Grove, Tasmania 7109, Australia
| | - Jiakuan Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
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26
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Alkema LM, Van Lissa CJ, Kooi M, Koelmans AA. Maximizing Realism: Mapping Plastic Particles at the Ocean Surface Using Mixtures of Normal Distributions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15552-15562. [PMID: 36305282 PMCID: PMC9670840 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Current methods of characterizing plastic debris use arbitrary, predetermined categorizations and assume that the properties of particles are independent. Here we introduce Gaussian mixture models (GMM), a technique suitable for describing non-normal multivariate distributions, as a method to identify mutually exclusive subsets of floating macroplastic and microplastic particles (latent class analysis) based on statistically defensible categories. Length, width, height and polymer type of 6,942 particles and items from the Atlantic Ocean were measured using infrared spectroscopy and image analysis. GMM revealed six underlying normal distributions based on length and width; two within each of the lines, films, and fragments categories. These classes differed significantly in polymer types. The results further showed that smaller films and fragments had a higher correlation between length and width, indicating that they were about the same size in two dimensions. In contrast, larger films and fragments showed low correlations of height with length and width. This demonstrates that larger particles show greater variability in shape and thus plastic fragmentation is associated with particle rounding. These results offer important opportunities for refinement of risk assessment and for modeling the fragmentation and distribution of plastic in the ocean. They further illustrate that GMM is a useful method to map ocean plastics, with advantages over approaches that use arbitrary categorizations and assume size independence or normal distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise M. Alkema
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 DDWageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Caspar J. Van Lissa
- Department
Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LETilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Merel Kooi
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 DDWageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Albert A. Koelmans
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 DDWageningen, The Netherlands
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