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Cui B, Rong H, Tian T, Guo D, Duan L, Nkinahamira F, Ndagijimana P, Yan W, Naidu R. Chemical methods to remove microplastics from wastewater: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118416. [PMID: 38316391 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (Mps) have emerged as a pervasive environmental concern, with their presence detected not only in freshwater ecosystems but also in drinking and bottled water sources. While extensive research has centered on understanding the origins, migration patterns, detection techniques, and ecotoxicological impacts of these contaminants, there remains a notable research gap about the strategies for Mps removal. This study reviews existing literature on chemical approaches for mitigating microplastic contamination within wastewater systems, focusing on coagulation precipitation, electrocoagulation, and advanced oxidation methods. Each approach is systematically explored, encompassing their respective mechanisms and operational dynamics. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of these three techniques elucidates their strengths and limitations in the context of MPs removal. By shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying these removal methods, this review contributes to the theoretical foundation of microplastic elimination from wastewater and identifies future research trajectories and potential challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Guangdong, 518107, China; School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hongwei Rong
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Tingting Tian
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Dabin Guo
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Luchun Duan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (crcCARE), University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | | | | | - Wangwang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Guangdong, 518107, China.
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (crcCARE), University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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Yang L, Kang S, Luo X, Wang Z. Microplastics in drinking water: A review on methods, occurrence, sources, and potential risks assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123857. [PMID: 38537794 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics in drinking water captured widespread attention following reports of widespread detection around the world. Concerns have been raised about the potential adverse effects of microplastics in drinking water on human health. Given the widespread interest in this research topic, there is an urgent need to compile existing data and assess current knowledge. This paper provides a systematic review of studies on microplastics in drinking water, their evidence, key findings, knowledge gaps, and research needs. The data collected show that microplastics are widespread in drinking water, with large variations in reported concentrations. Standardized methodologies of sampling and analysis are urgently needed. There were more fibrous and fragmented microplastics, with the majority being <10 μm in size and composed of polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Little attention has been paid to the color of microplastics. More research is needed to understand the occurrence and transfer of microplastics throughout the water supply chain and the treatment efficiency of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Methods capable of analyzing microplastics <10 μm and nanoplastics are urgently needed. Potential ecological assessment models for microplastics currently in use need to be improved to take into account the complexity and specificity of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhaoqing Wang
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
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Han Z, Jiang J, Xia J, Yan C, Cui C. Occurrence and fate of microplastics from a water source to two different drinking water treatment plants in a megacity in eastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123546. [PMID: 38369092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in drinking water has raised concerns regarding water safety and public health. In this study, a micro-Raman spectrometer was used to trace the occurrence of MP transport from a water source to a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP)1 with an advanced treatment process and DWTP2 with a conventional treatment process and the contributions of different processes to the risk reduction of MPs were explored. Six types of MPs were detected: polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride. 2-5 μm (35.8-41.2%) and polyethylene terephthalate (27.1-29.9%) were the most frequently detected MP sizes and types of water source samples, respectively. The abundance of MPs in treated water decreased by 72.7-83.0% compared to raw water. Ozonation and granular activated carbon (52.7%), and sand filtration (47.5%) were the most effective processes for removing MPs from DWTP1 and DWTP2, respectively. Both DWTPs showed significant removal effects on polyethylene terephthalate, with 80.0-88.1% removal rates. The concentrations of polystyrene increase by 30.0-53.4% after chlorination. The dominant components in the treated water of DWTP1 and DWTP2 were polypropylene (24.7%) and polyethylene 27.7%, respectively, and MPs of 2-5 μm had the highest proportion (55.3-64.3%). Pollution load index and potential ecological risk index of raw water treated by DWTPs were reduced by 48.0-58.7% and 94.5-94.7%, respectively. The estimated daily intake of MPs in treated water for infants was 45.5-75.0 items/kg/d, respectively, approximately twice that of adults. This study contributes to the knowledge gap regarding MP pollution in drinking water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jiali Jiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jing Xia
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Chicheng Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Changzheng Cui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Jo HH, Yuk H, Kim YU, Jin D, Jeong SG, Kim S. Evaluation of particle generation due to deterioration of flooring in schools. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123340. [PMID: 38224763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123340] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Particulate matter is harmful to humans. An important indoor source of such particles is the deterioration of floor materials brought about by occupants walking. Accordingly, an experiment was conducted to simulate the deterioration of floor material spacing. Considering a school schedule with repeated semesters and vacations, the experiment was conducted by repeating heat-and-rest cycles. Similar results were obtained for particle emission rates under each condition during the first and second deterioration periods. The PVC tiles generated more particles under aged conditions than under non-aged conditions, whereas the wood generated fewer particles under aged conditions. In addition to the quantitative results, a study was conducted on the characteristics of the generated particles, and the particulate matter found in plastic was confirmed in the PVC tiles. Schools where children are present for more than 6 h a day may be exposed to more particulate matter. Therefore, replacing plastic-based materials with eco-friendly building materials is expected to have long-term health benefits for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Hyeon Jo
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonseong Yuk
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Uk Kim
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongchan Jin
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Gwang Jeong
- Department of Architectural Engineering, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumin Kim
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Halfar J, Čabanová K, Vávra K, Delongová P, Motyka O, Špaček R, Kukutschová J, Šimetka O, Heviánková S. Microplastics and additives in patients with preterm birth: The first evidence of their presence in both human amniotic fluid and placenta. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140301. [PMID: 37769922 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Considering the well documented, almost ubiquitous nature of microplastics in different environments, the exposure of pregnant women to microplastics may pose risks to the unborn children. The study focused on investigating the presence of microplastics in amniotic fluid and placenta, and brings the first evidence of the simultaneous presence of microplastics and additives in both human amniotic fluid and placentas. In total, 20 samples of amniotic fluid and placenta from 10 patients were analyzed for the presence of microplastics and plastic additives by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy - attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) after alkaline digestion with KOH. In 9 out of 10 patients, microplastics or additives were found in amniotic fluid, placenta, or both. Specifically, 44 particles of microplastics and polymer additives were identified in all samples. Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) and Calcium zinc PVC Stabilizer with particle sizes between 10 and 50 μm prevailed. Although all women involved in this study, who provided placenta and amniotic fluid samples, experienced physiological, singleton pregnancies complicated with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), it is too early to draw any conclusions and more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Halfar
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, Poruba, 708 33, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristina Čabanová
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, Poruba, 708 33, Czech Republic; Centre for Advanced Innovation Technologies, Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, Poruba, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Vávra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 1790/5, 70852, Ostrava, Poruba, Czech Republic; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, 703 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Patricie Delongová
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 1790/5, 70852, Ostrava, Poruba, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Pathology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, 703 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Motyka
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, Poruba, 708 33, Czech Republic; Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, Poruba, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Špaček
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 1790/5, 70852, Ostrava, Poruba, Czech Republic; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, 703 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kukutschová
- Centre for Advanced Innovation Technologies, Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, Poruba, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Šimetka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 1790/5, 70852, Ostrava, Poruba, Czech Republic; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, 703 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Heviánková
- Faculty of Mining and Geology, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, Poruba, 708 33, Czech Republic
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Di Fiore C, Carriera F, Russo MV, Avino P. Are Microplastics a Macro Issue? A Review on the Sources of Contamination, Analytical Challenges and Impact on Human Health of Microplastics in Food. Foods 2023; 12:3915. [PMID: 37959034 PMCID: PMC10647536 DOI: 10.3390/foods12213915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, human populations' exposure to microplastics via foods is becoming a topic of concern. Although microplastics have been defined as "emerging contaminants", their occurrence in the environment and food is quite dated. This systematic review aims to investigate the discrepancies which are characterizing the research in the microplastics field in foods, with particular regard to sample preparations, microplastics' concentrations and their effect on humans. For the selection of papers, the PRISMA methodology was followed. Discrepancies in the methodological approaches emerged and in the expression of the results as well, underlying the urgency in the harmonization of the methodological approaches. Uncertainties are still present regarding the adverse effects of microplastics on the human body. The scientific evidence obtained thus far is, in fact, not sufficient to demonstrate a concrete negative effect. This review has clearly underlined the need to standardise laboratory approaches to obtain useful results for better food safety management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Di Fiore
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.R.); (P.A.)
| | - Fabiana Carriera
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.R.); (P.A.)
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Mario Vincenzo Russo
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.R.); (P.A.)
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.R.); (P.A.)
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Division of Rome, c/o Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, 00147 Rome, Italy
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