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Xiong W, Hu M, He S, Ye Y, Xiang Y, Peng H, Chen Z, Xu Z, Zhang H, Li W, Peng S. Microplastics enhance the adsorption capacity of zinc oxide nanoparticles: Interactive mechanisms and influence factors. J Environ Sci (China) 2025; 147:665-676. [PMID: 39003081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.12.017] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are of particular concern due to their ubiquitous occurrence and propensity to interact and concentrate various waterborne contaminants from aqueous surroundings. Studies on the interaction and joint toxicity of MPs on engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are exhaustive, but limited research on the effect of MPs on the properties of ENPs in multi-solute systems. Here, the effect of MPs on adsorption ability of ENPs to antibiotics was investigated for the first time. The results demonstrated that MPs enhanced the adsorption affinity of ENPs to antibiotics and MPs before and after aging showed different effects on ENPs. Aged polyamide prevented aggregation of ZnONPs by introducing negative charges, whereas virgin polyamide affected ZnONPs with the help of electrostatic attraction. FT-IR and XPS analyses were used to probe the physicochemical interactions between ENPs and MPs. The results showed no chemical interaction and electrostatic interaction was the dominant force between them. Furthermore, the adsorption rate of antibiotics positively correlated with pH and humic acid but exhibited a negative correlation with ionic strength. Our study highlights that ENPs are highly capable of accumulating and transporting antibiotics in the presence of MPs, which could result in a widespread distribution of antibiotics and an expansion of their environmental risks and toxic effects on biota. It also improves our understanding of the mutual interaction of various co-existing contaminants in aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China; Hunan Boke Environmental Engineering Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421099, China.
| | - Min Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Siying He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yuhang Ye
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yinping Xiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Haihao Peng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhaomeng Chen
- Hunan Boke Environmental Engineering Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421099, China; College of Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhengyong Xu
- Hunan Modern Environmental Technology Co. Ltd., Changsha 410004, China
| | - Honglin Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Weixiang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Shudian Peng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
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Wang Z, Liu L, Zhou G, Yu H, Hrynsphan D, Tatsiana S, Robles-Iglesias R, Chen J. Impact of microplastics on microbial community structure in the Qiantang river: A potential source of N 2O emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124755. [PMID: 39151781 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution of microplastics (MPs) and the features of the bacterial community in the Qiantang River urban river. Surface water samples from the Qiantang River were analyzed for this purpose. The results of the 16S high-throughput sequencing indicated that the microbial community diversity of MPs was significantly lower than in natural water but higher than in natural substrates. The biofilm of MPs was mainly composed of Enterobacteriaceae (28.00%), Bacillaceae (16.25%), and Phormidiaceae (6.75%). The biodiversity on MPs, natural water, and natural substrates varied significantly and was influenced by seasonal factors. In addition, the presence of MPs hindered the denitrification process in the aquatic environment and intensified N2O emission when the nitrate concentration was higher than normal. In particular, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) exhibited a 12% residue of NO3--N and a 4.2% accumulation of N2O after a duration of 48 h. Further findings on gene abundance and cell viability provided further confirmation that PET had a considerable impact on reducing the expression of nirS (by 0.34-fold) and nosZ (by 0.53-fold), hence impeding the generation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) (by 0.79-fold). Notably, all MPs demonstrated higher the nirK gene abundances than the nirS gene, which could account for the significant accumulation of N2O. The results suggest that MPs can serve as a novel carrier substrate for microbial communities and as a potential promoter of N2O emission in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Lingxiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China; College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Hui Yu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Dzmitry Hrynsphan
- Research Institute of Physical and Chemical Problems, Belarusian State University, Minsk, 220030, Belarus
| | - Savitskaya Tatsiana
- Research Institute of Physical and Chemical Problems, Belarusian State University, Minsk, 220030, Belarus
| | - Raúl Robles-Iglesias
- Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Center for Advanced Scientific Research/Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), BIOENGIN Group, University of La Coruña, La Coruña, 15008, Spain
| | - Jun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
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Martínez Rodríguez A, Kratina P, Jones JI. Microplastic pollution and nutrient enrichment shift the diet of freshwater macroinvertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124540. [PMID: 39004208 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124540] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution poses a global threat to freshwater ecosystems, with laboratory experiments indicating potential toxic impacts through chemical toxicity, physical abrasion, and false satiation. Bioplastics have emerged as a potential greener alternative to traditional oil-based plastics. Yet, their environmental effects remain unclear, particularly at scales relevant to the natural environment. Additionally, the interactive impacts of microplastics with other environmental stressors, such as nutrient enrichment, are poorly understood and rarely studied. Under natural conditions organisms might be able to mitigate the toxic effects of microplastics by shifting their diet, but this ability may be compromised by other stressors. This study combines an outdoor mesocosm experiment and stable isotope analysis to determine changes in the trophic niches of three freshwater invertebrate species exposed to conventional (HDPE) and bio-based biodegradable (PLA) microplastics at two concentrations, both independently and combined with nutrient enrichment. Exposure to microplastics altered the isotopic niches of two of the invertebrate species, with nutrient enrichment mediating this effect. Moreover, the effects of microplastics were consistent regardless of their type or concentration. Under enriched conditions, two of the species exposed to microplastics shifted to a specialised diet compared with controls, whereas little difference was observed between the isotopic niches of those exposed to microplastic and controls under ambient nutrient conditions. Additionally, PLA was estimated to support 24 % of the diet of one species, highlighting the potential assimilation of bioplastics by biota and possible implications. Overall, these findings suggest that the toxic effects of microplastics suggested from laboratory studies might not manifest under real-world conditions. However, this study does demonstrate that subtle sublethal effects occur even at environmentally realistic microplastic concentrations. The crucial role of nutrient enrichment in mediating microplastic effects underscores the importance of considering microplastic pollution in the context of other environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez Rodríguez
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Pavel Kratina
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - J Iwan Jones
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
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4
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Du L, Liu Q, Wang L, Lyu H, Tang J. Microplastics enhanced the allelopathy of pyrogallol on toxic Microcystis with additional risks: Microcystins release and greenhouse gases emissions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173864. [PMID: 38879032 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria blooms (CBs) caused by eutrophication pose a global concern, especially Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa), which could release harmful microcystins (MCs). The impact of microplastics (MPs) on allelopathy in freshwater environments is not well understood. This study examined the joint effect of adding polystyrene (PS-MPs) as representative MPs and two concentrations (2 and 8 mg/L) of pyrogallol (PYR) on the allelopathy of M. aeruginosa. The results showed that the addition of PS-MPs intensified the inhibitory effect of 8 mg/L PYR on the growth and photosynthesis of M. aeruginosa. After a 7-day incubation period, the cell density decreased to 69.7 %, and the chl-a content decreased to 48 % compared to the condition without PS-MPs (p < 0.05). Although the growth and photosynthesis of toxic Microcystis decreased with the addition of PS-MPs, the addition of PS-MPs significantly resulted in a 3.49-fold increase in intracellular MCs and a 1.10-fold increase in extracellular MCs (p < 0.05). Additionally, the emission rates of greenhouse gases (GHGs) (carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane) increased by 2.66, 2.23 and 2.17-fold, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, transcriptomic analysis showed that the addition of PS-MPs led to the dysregulation of gene expression related to DNA synthesis, membrane function, enzyme activity, stimulus detection, MCs release and GHGs emissions in M. aeruginosa. PYR and PS-MPs triggered ROS-induced membrane damage and disrupted photosynthesis in algae, leading to increased MCs and GHG emissions. PS-MPs accumulation exacerbated this issue by impeding light absorption and membrane function, further heightening the release of MCs and GHGs emissions. Therefore, PS-MPs exhibited a synergistic effect with PYR in inhibiting the growth and photosynthesis of M. aeruginosa, resulting in additional risks such as MCs release and GHGs emissions. These results provide valuable insights for the ecological risk assessment and control of algae bloom in freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqing Du
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qinglong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Honghong Lyu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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5
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Battulga B, Munkhbat D, Matsueda M, Atarashi-Andoh M, Oyuntsetseg B, Koarashi J, Kawahigashi M. Uncovering the characteristics of plastic-associated biofilm from the inland river system of Mongolia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124427. [PMID: 38914199 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124427] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence and characteristics of plastic debris in aquatic and terrestrial environments have been extensively studied. However, limited information exists on the properties and dynamic behavior of plastic-associated biofilms in the environment. In this study, we collected plastic samples from an inland river system in Mongolia and extracted biofilms to uncover their characteristics using spectroscopic, isotopic, and thermogravimetric techniques. Mixtures of organic and mineral particles were detected in the extracted biofilms, revealing plastic as a carrier for exogenous substances, including contaminants, in the river ecosystem. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the predominant contribution of minerals primarily comprising aluminosilicate and calcite, representing approximately 80 wt% of the biofilms. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry operated at 25°C-600 °C enabled the detection of gaseous decomposition products, such as CO2, H2O, CO, and functional groups (O-H, C-H, C-O, CO, CC, and C-C), released from biopolymers in the extracted biofilms. Dehydration, dehydroxylation, and decarboxylation reactions explain the thermal properties of biofilms. The stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios of the biofilms demonstrated variable signatures ranging from -24.1‰ to -27.0‰ and 3.1‰-12.3‰, respectively. A significant difference in the δ13C value (p < 0.05) among the upstream, middle, and downstream research sites could be characterized by available organic carbon sources in the river environment, depending on the research sites. This study provides insights into the characteristics and environmental behavior of biofilms which are useful to elucidate the impact of plastic-associated biofilms on organic matter and material cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batdulam Battulga
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan; Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan.
| | - Dolgormaa Munkhbat
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsueda
- Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Fukushima, 963-7700, Japan
| | - Mariko Atarashi-Andoh
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Mongolia, Ikh Surguuliin Gudamj-1, Ulaanbaatar, 14201, Mongolia
| | - Jun Koarashi
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kawahigashi
- Department of Geography, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
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6
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Wang C, He M. Enhancing aggregation of microalgae on polystyrene microplastics by high light: Processes, drivers, and environmental risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135062. [PMID: 38959831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants, causing potential threats to aquatic ecosystems and serious concern in aggregating with microalgae (critical primary producers). When entering water bodies, MPs are expected to sink below the water surface and disperse into varying water compartments with different light intensities. However, how light influences the aggregation processes of algal cells onto MPs and the associated molecular coupling mechanisms and derivative risks remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the aggregation behavior between polystyrene microplastics (mPS, 10 µm) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa under low (LL, 15 μmol·m-2·s-1), normal (NL, 55 μmol·m-2·s-1), and high light (HL, 150 μmol·m-2·s-1) conditions from integrated in vivo and in silico assays. The results indicated that under LL, the mPS particles primarily existed independently, whereas under NL and HL, C. pyrenoidosa tightly bounded to mPS by secreting more protein-rich extracellular polymeric substances. Infrared spectroscopy analysis and density functional theory calculation revealed that the aggregation formation was driven by non-covalent interaction involving van der Waals force and hydrogen bond. These processes subsequently enhanced the deposition and adherence capacity of mPS and relieved its phytotoxicity. Overall, our findings advance the practical and theoretical understanding of the ecological impacts of MPs in complex aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Changhai Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Co-Innovation Center for Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Lianyungang 222005, China.
| | - Meilin He
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Liu S, Han J, Yao L, Li H, Xin G, Ho SH, Huang X. Integrated multilevel investigation of photosynthesis revealed the algal response distinction to differentially charged nanoplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134815. [PMID: 38885582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134815] [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: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs), especially those with different charges, as one of emerging contaminants pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Although differentially charged NPs could induce distinct biological effects, mechanistic understanding of the critical physiological processes of aquatic organisms from an integrated multilevel perspective on aquatic organisms is still uncertain. Herein, multi-effects of differentially charged nanosized polystyrene (nPS) including neutral nPS, nPS-COOH, and nPS-NH2 on the photosynthesis-related physiological processes of algae were explored at the population, individual, subcellular, protein, and transcriptional levels. Results demonstrated that both nPS and nPS-COOH exhibited hormesis to algal photosynthesis but nPS-NH2 triggered severe inhibition. As for nPS-NH2, the integrity of algal subcellular structure, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and expression of photosynthesis-related proteins and genes were interfered. Intracellular NPs' content in nPS treatment was 25.64 % higher than in nPS-COOH treatment, and the content of chloroplasts in PS and nPS-COOH treatment were 3.09 % and 4.56 % higher than control, respectively. Furthermore, at the molecular levels, more photosynthesis-related proteins and genes were regulated under nPS-COOH exposure than those exposed to nPS. Light-harvesting complex II could be recognized as an underlying explanation for different effects between nPS and nPS-COOH. This study first provides a novel approach to assess the ecological risks of NPs at an integrated multilevel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saibo Liu
- State Key Lab of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Jingheng Han
- State Key Lab of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Linjie Yao
- State Key Lab of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Huijun Li
- State Key Lab of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Guorong Xin
- State Key Lab of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China.
| | - Shih-Hsin Ho
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Huanghe Road 73, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Xiaochen Huang
- State Key Lab of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China.
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Wu K, Ouyang S, Tao Z, Hu X, Zhou Q. Algal extracellular polymeric substance compositions drive the binding characteristics, affinity, and phytotoxicity of graphene oxide in water. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 260:121908. [PMID: 38878307 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121908] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO, a popular 2D nanomaterial) poses great potential in water treatment arousing considerable attention regarding its fate and risk in aquatic environments. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) exist widely in water and play critical roles in biogeochemical processes. However, the influences of complex EPS fractions on the fate and risk of GO remain unknown in water. This study integrates fluorescence excitation-emission matrix-parallel factor, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy, and biolayer interferometry studies on the binding characteristics and affinity between EPS fractions and GO. The results revealed the preferential binding of fluorescent aromatic protein-like component, fulvic-like component, and non-fluorescent polysaccharide in soluble EPS (S-EPS) and bound EPS (B-EPS) on GO via π-π stacking and electrostatic interaction that contributed to a higher adsorption capacity of S-EPS on GO and weaker affinity than of B-EPS. Moreover, the EPS fractions drive the morphological and structural alterations, and the attenuated colloid stability of GO in water. Notably, GO-EPS induced stronger phytotoxicity (e.g., photosynthetic damage, and membrane lipid remodeling) compared to pristine GO. Metabolic and functional lipid analysis further elucidated the regulation of amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism contributed to the persistent phytotoxicity. This work provides insights into the roles and mechanisms of EPS fractions composition in regulating the environmental fate and risk of GO in natural water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Carbon Neutrality Science Center, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Shaohu Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Carbon Neutrality Science Center, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Zongxin Tao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Carbon Neutrality Science Center, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiangang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Carbon Neutrality Science Center, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qixing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Carbon Neutrality Science Center, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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9
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Wang H, Zhou Q. Bioelectrochemical anaerobic digestion mitigates microplastic pollution and promotes methane recovery of wastewater treatment in biofilm system. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134488. [PMID: 38703685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134488] [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: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) offer significant potential for treating refractory waste and recovering bioenergy. However, their ability to mitigate microplastic pollution in wastewater remains unexplored. This study showed that BES facilitated the treatment of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Mix (PE+PVC) microplastic wastewater and the methane recovery (40.61%, 20.02%, 21.19%, respectively). The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), cytochrome c, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH/NAD+) ratios were elevated with electrical stimulation. Moreover, the applied voltage improved the polysaccharides content of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the PE-BES but decreased in PVC-BES, while the proteins showed the opposite trend. Metatranscriptomic sequencing showed that the abundance of fermentation bacteria, acetogens, electrogens, and methanogens was greatly enhanced by applying voltage, especially at the anode. Methane metabolism was dominated by the acetoclastic methanogenic pathway, with the applied voltage promoting the enrichment of Methanothrix, resulting in the direct conversion of acetate to acetyl-CoA via acetate-CoA ligase (EC: 6.2.1.1), and increased metabolic activity in the anode. Moreover, applied voltage greatly boosted the function genes expression level related to energy metabolism, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, electron transport, and transporters on the anode biofilm. Overall, these results demonstrate that BES can mitigate microplastic pollution during wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qixing Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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10
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Li L, Liu Q, Li B, Zhao Y. The Effecting Mechanisms of 100 nm Sized Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Typical Coastal Alexandrium tamarense. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7297. [PMID: 39000403 PMCID: PMC11242399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the increase in nanoplastics (NPs) abundance in aquatic environments, their effects on phytoplankton have aroused large research attention. In this study, 100 nm sized polystyrene NPs were chosen to investigate their effecting performance and mechanisms on a typical dinoflagellates Alexandrium tamarense. The results indicated the population growth and photosynthetic efficiencies of A. tamarense were significantly inhibited by NPs exposure, as well as the increase in cellular total carotenoids and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs). Meanwhile, the cellar ROS levels increased, corresponding to the increased activities or contents of multiple antioxidant components, including SOD, CAT, GPX, GR, GSH and GSSG. The transcriptional results support the physiological-biochemical results and further revealed the down-regulation of genes encoding the light reaction centers (PSI and PSII) and up-regulation of genes encoding the antioxidant components. Up-regulation of genes encoding key enzymes of the Calvin cycle and glycolytic pathway together with the TCA cycle could accelerate organic carbon and ATP production for A. tamarense cells resistant to NPs stress. Finally, more Glu and acetyl-CoA produced by the enhanced GSH cycle and the glycolytic pathway, respectively, accompanied by the up-regulation of Glu and Arg biosynthesis genes supported the increase in the PST contents under NPs exposure. This study established a data set involving physiological-biochemical changes and gene information about marine dinoflagellates responding to NPs, providing a data basis for further evaluating the ecological risk of NPs in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luying Li
- Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China;
- Department of Marine Ecology, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China;
| | - Qian Liu
- Marine Science Research Institute of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266104, China;
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Coastal Ecological Restoration and Security, Qingdao 266104, China
| | - Bo Li
- Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China;
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Marine Ecology, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China;
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11
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Hu L, He L, Cai L, Wang Y, Wu G, Zhang D, Pan X, Wang YZ. Deterioration of single-use biodegradable plastics in high-humidity air and freshwaters over one year: Significant disparities in surface physicochemical characteristics and degradation rates. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133170. [PMID: 38064942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
More single-use plastics are accumulating in the environment, and likewise biodegradable plastics (BPs), which are being vigorously promoted, cannot escape the fate. Currently, studies on the actual degradation of BPs in open-air and freshwaters are underrepresented despite they are potentially headmost leakage and contamination sites for disposable BPs. Herein, we compared the degradation behavior of six BP materials and non-degradable polypropylene (PP) plastics over a 1-year in situ suspension in the high-humidity air, a eutrophic river, and an oligotrophic lake. Moreover, a 3-months laboratory incubation was performed to detect the release of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from BPs. In both air and freshwaters, poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) degraded significantly while PP and polylactic acid (PLA) showed no signs of degradation. The average degradation rates of three poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-based films varied: 100% in river, 55% in lake, and 10% in air. In addition to PLA, surface chemical groups, hydrophilicity, and thermal stability of BPs changed, and microplastics were found on their surfaces. Correspondingly, BPs with faster degradation rates released relatively higher amounts of DOC. Environmental microbial and chemical characteristics may contribute to differences in BP degradation besides polymer specificity. Altogether, our results indicate the need for appropriate monitoring of BPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Hu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; Shaoxing Research Institute, Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Linlin He
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Li Cai
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Gang Wu
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Yu-Zhong Wang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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12
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Li X, Guo S, Shen D, Shentu J, Lv L, Qi S, Zhu M, Long Y. Microplastic release and sulfate reduction response in the early stage of a simulated landfill. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 175:22-29. [PMID: 38150952 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.12.037] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Landfills are essential facilities for treating and disposing municipal solid waste. They emit sulfur-containing odors and serve as an important sink for a new type of pollutant called microplastics (MPs). This study focused on the initial stage of anaerobic degradation to establish the relationship between the release of MPs and odor generation. Our findings show the rapid release of MPs into the leachate in the early stage of landfill and their predominant accumulation in the leachate sediment. The circulating leachate contained 1.45 times higher concentrations of MPs than the noncirculating leachate, with a peak concentration of 39 items·L-1. In addition, fragmentation of MPs occurred. The percentage of MPs with particle sizes of 2.5-5 mm decreased from 66.70 % to 22.32 %, while those measuring 0.1-0.5 mm increased by 33.12 %. A positive correlation was observed between MP release and sulfate reduction. Although leachate circulation increased the release of MPs, it also reduced the overall release time and total amount of MPs exported from the landfill. Compared with the initial landfill waste, the leachate operation mode, regardless of circulation, resulted in a 6.15-8.93-fold increase in MP release. These findings provide a valuable foundation for the simultaneous regulation of traditional pollutant odor and new pollutants (MPs) in landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghang Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Shuli Guo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Dongsheng Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Jiali Shentu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Li Lv
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Shengqi Qi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Yuyang Long
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China.
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13
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Ding S, Gu X, Sun S, He S. Optimization of microplastic removal based on the complementarity of constructed wetland and microalgal-based system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169081. [PMID: 38104829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169081] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
As one of the emblematic emerging contaminants, microplastics (MPs) have aroused great public concern. Nevertheless, the global community still insufficiently acknowledges the ecological health risks and resolution strategies of MP pollution. As the nature-based biotechnologies, the constructed wetland (CW) and microalgal-based system (MBS) have been applied in exploring the removal of MPs recently. This review separately presents the removal research (mechanism, interactions, implications, and technical defects) of MPs by a single method of CWs or MBS. But one thing with certitude is that the exclusive usage of these techniques to combat MPs has non-negligible and formidable challenges. The negative impacts of MP accumulation on CWs involve toxicity to macrophytes, substrates blocking, and nitrogen-removing performance inhibition. While MPs restrict MBS practical application by making troubles for separation difficulties of microalgal-based aggregations from effluent. Hence the combined strategy of microalgal-assisted CWs is proposed based on the complementarity of biotechnologies, in an attempt to expand the removing size range of MPs, create more biodegradable conditions and improve the effluent quality. Our work evaluates and forecasts the potential of integrating combination for strengthening micro-polluted wastewater treatment, completing the synergistic removal of MP-based co-pollutants and achieving long-term stability and sustainability, which is expected to provide new insights into MP pollution regulation and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxuan Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Xushun Gu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shengbing He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Landscape Water Environment, Shanghai 200031, PR China.
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14
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Zhao Y, Tao S, Liu S, Hu T, Zheng K, Shen M, Meng G. Research advances on impacts micro/nanoplastics and their carried pollutants on algae in aquatic ecosystems: A review. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 264:106725. [PMID: 37806023 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106725] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The widespread presence of micro/nanoplastics in aquatic ecosystems has certainly affected ecosystem functions and food chains/webs. The impact is worsened by the accumulation of different pollutants and microorganisms on the surface of microplastics. At the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels, micro/nanoplastics and the contaminants they carry can cause damage to aquatic organisms. Problematically, the toxic mechanism of micro/nanoplastics and contaminants on aquatic organisms is still not fully understood. Algae are key organisms in the aquatic ecosystem, serving as primary producers. The investigation of the toxic effects and mechanisms of micro/nanoparticles and pollutants on algae can contribute to understanding the impact on the aquatic ecosystem. Micro/nanoplastics inhibit algal growth, reduce chlorophyll and photosynthesis, induce ultrastructural changes, and affect gene expression in algae. The effects of energy flow can alter the productivity of aquatic organisms. The type, particle size, and concentration of micro/nanoparticles can influence their toxic effects on algae. Although there has been some research on the toxic effects of algae, the limited information has led to a significant lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the interactions between micro/nanoplastics, pollutants, and algae. The effects of various factors on algal toxicity are also analyzed. In addition, this article discusses the combined effects of microplastics, global warming, and oil pollution on algae and aquatic ecosystems in the context of global change. This research is of great importance for predicting future environmental changes. This review offers a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between microplastics/nanoplastics and algae, as well as their impact on the carbon cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Tong Hu
- Department of Environment Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Kaixuan Zheng
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Guanhua Meng
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
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15
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Na J, Song J, Jung J. Elevated temperature enhanced lethal and sublethal acute toxicity of polyethylene microplastic fragments in Daphnia magna. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 102:104212. [PMID: 37429449 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104212] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a growing concern in freshwater ecosystems, which are further threatened by global warming. Thus, this study investigated the effect of elevated temperature (25 °C) on acute toxicity of polyethylene MP fragments to Daphnia magna over a 48 h period. At the reference temperature (20 °C), MP fragments (41.88 ± 5.71 µm) induced over 70 times higher lethal toxicity than that induced by MP beads (44.50 ± 2.50 µm), with median effective concentrations (EC50) of 3.89 and 275.89 mg L-1, respectively. Elevated temperature significantly increased (p < 0.05) the lethal (EC50 = 1.88 mg L-1) and sublethal (lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity) toxicity in D. magna exposed to MP fragments compared to those at the reference temperature. Additionally, the elevated temperature led to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the bioconcentration of MP fragments in D. magna. Overall, the present study increases understanding for the ecological risk assessment of microplastics under global warming, highlights that elevated temperature can be seriously increased bioconcentration of MP fragments, leading to increased acute toxicity in D. magna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joorim Na
- O-Jeong Eco-Resilience Institute (OJERI), Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Song
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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