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Panthi G, Bajagain R, Chaudhary DK, Kim PG, Kwon JH, Hong Y. The release, degradation, and distribution of PVC microplastic-originated phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers in sediments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134167. [PMID: 38598880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134167] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the leaching of phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers from polyvinyl chloride microplastics (MPs) into sediment and their degradation over a 30-d period via abiotic and biotic processes. The results showed that 3579% of plasticizers were released into the sediment from the MPs and > 99.9% degradation was achieved. Although a significantly higher degradation was found in plasticizer-added microcosms under biotic processes (overall, 94%), there was a noticeable abiotic loss (72%), suggesting that abiotic processes also play a role in plasticizer degradation. Interestingly, when compared with the initial sediment-water partitioning for plasticizers, the partition constants for low-molecular-weight compounds decreased in both microcosms, whereas those for high-molecular-weight compounds increased after abiotic degradation. Furthermore, changes in the bacterial community, abundance of plasticizer-degrading bacterial populations, and functional gene profiles were assessed. In all the microcosms, a decrease in bacterial community diversity and a notable shift in bacterial composition were observed. The enriched potential plasticizer-degrading bacteria were Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Desulfovibrio, Desulfuromonas, Devosia, Gordonia, Mycobacterium, and Sphingomonas, among which Bacillus was recognized as the key plasticizer degrader. Overall, these findings shed light on the factors affecting plasticizer degradation, the microbial communities potentially involved in biodegradation, and the fate of plasticizers in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Panthi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Rishikesh Bajagain
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil-Gon Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Education, Mokpo National University, Muan, Jeonnam 58554, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea.
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Lynch JM, Corniuk RN, Brignac KC, Jung MR, Sellona K, Marchiani J, Weatherford W. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): An important tool for polymer identification and characterization of plastic marine debris. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123607. [PMID: 38382730 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a routine thermoanalytical method in material science, is gaining utility in plastic pollution research to improve polymer identification. We optimized a DSC method, experimentally testing pan types, temperature ramps, number of melts, and minimum sample masses. Using the optimized method, we created an in-house thermogram library from 201 polymer reference standards. We determined peak melting temperature cutoffs for differentiating variants of PE and nylon. PE cutoffs remained stable after experimentally weathering standards outdoors or for severely weathered HDPE debris found on Hawaii's beaches. Marine debris samples, across a range of weathering severity and previously identified as either low-density or high-density polyethylene (LDPE or HDPE) based on the 1377 cm-1 peak indicating methyl groups by attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), were analyzed by DSC to confirm or challenge the ATR-FTIR PE differentiation. ATR-FTIR was correct for >80% of the HDPE samples, but <40% of those initially identified as LDPE by ATR-FTIR. Accuracy did not relate to weathering extent. Most samples mis-identified as LDPE were HDPE that had formed methyl groups likely from chain scission during photooxidation. ATR-FTIR alone is unreliable for differentiating weathered PE, DSC is required. We provide a multiple-method workflow for complete and accurate polymer identification, even for microplastics ≥0.03 mg. Applying these methods can better identify the polymer composition of marine debris, essential for sourcing and recycling efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Lynch
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 9, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA; Hawaii Pacific University, Center for Marine Debris Research, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 9, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA.
| | - Raquel N Corniuk
- Hawaii Pacific University, Center for Marine Debris Research, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 9, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA
| | - Kayla C Brignac
- Hawaii Pacific University, Center for Marine Debris Research, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 9, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA
| | - Melissa R Jung
- Hawaii Pacific University, Center for Marine Debris Research, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 9, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA
| | - Kristine Sellona
- Hawaii Pacific University, Center for Marine Debris Research, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 9, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA
| | - Joelle Marchiani
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 9, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA; Hawaii Pacific University, Center for Marine Debris Research, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 9, Waimanalo, HI, 96795, USA
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3
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Theobald B, Risani R, Donaldson L, Bridson JH, Kingsbury JM, Pantos O, Weaver L, Lear G, Pochon X, Zaiko A, Smith DA, Anderson R, Davy B, Davy S, Doake F, Masterton H, Audrezet F, Maday SDM, Wallbank JA, Barbier M, Greene AF, Parker K, Harris J, Northcott GL, Abbel R. An investigation into the stability and degradation of plastics in aquatic environments using a large-scale field-deployment study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170301. [PMID: 38272094 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The fragmentation of plastic debris is a key pathway to the formation of microplastic pollution. These disintegration processes depend on the materials' physical and chemical characteristics, but insight into these interrelationships is still limited, especially under natural conditions. Five plastics of known polymer/additive compositions and processing histories were deployed in aquatic environments and recovered after six and twelve months. The polymer types used were linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), oxo-degradable LLDPE (oxoLLDPE), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyamide-6 (PA6), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Four geographically distinct locations across Aotearoa/New Zealand were chosen: three marine sites and a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Accelerated UV-weathering under controlled laboratory conditions was also carried out to evaluate artificial ageing as a model for plastic degradation in the natural environment. The samples' physical characteristics and surface microstructures were studied for each deployment location and exposure time. The strongest effects were found for oxoLLDPE upon artificial ageing, with increased crystallinity, intense surface cracking, and substantial deterioration of its mechanical properties. However, no changes to the same extent were found after recovery of the deployed material. In the deployment environments, the chemical nature of the plastics was the most relevant factor determining their behaviours. Few significant differences between the four aquatic locations were identified, except for PA6, where indications for biological surface degradation were found only in seawater, not the WWTP. In some cases, artificial ageing reasonably mimicked the changes which some plastic properties underwent in aquatic environments, but generally, it was no reliable model for natural degradation processes. The findings from this study have implications for the understanding of the initial phases of plastic degradation in aquatic environments, eventually leading to microplastics formation. They can also guide the interpretation of accelerated laboratory ageing for the fate of aquatic plastic pollution, and for the testing of aged plastic samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James H Bridson
- Scion, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand; University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Joanne M Kingsbury
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Olga Pantos
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Louise Weaver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Gavin Lear
- University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Xavier Pochon
- University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; Cawthron Institute, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Ben Davy
- Scion, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
| | | | - Fraser Doake
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Hayden Masterton
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - François Audrezet
- University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; Cawthron Institute, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
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Li P, Liu J. Micro(nano)plastics in the Human Body: Sources, Occurrences, Fates, and Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38315819 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The increasing global attention on micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) is a result of their ubiquity in the water, air, soil, and biosphere, exposing humans to MNPs on a daily basis and threatening human health. However, crucial data on MNPs in the human body, including the sources, occurrences, behaviors, and health risks, are limited, which greatly impedes any systematic assessment of their impact on the human body. To further understand the effects of MNPs on the human body, we must identify existing knowledge gaps that need to be immediately addressed and provide potential solutions to these issues. Herein, we examined the current literature on the sources, occurrences, and behaviors of MNPs in the human body as well as their potential health risks. Furthermore, we identified key knowledge gaps that must be resolved to comprehensively assess the effects of MNPs on human health. Additionally, we addressed that the complexity of MNPs and the lack of efficient analytical methods are the main barriers impeding current investigations on MNPs in the human body, necessitating the development of a standard and unified analytical method. Finally, we highlighted the need for interdisciplinary studies from environmental, biological, medical, chemical, computer, and material scientists to fill these knowledge gaps and drive further research. Considering the inevitability and daily occurrence of human exposure to MNPs, more studies are urgently required to enhance our understanding of their potential negative effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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Zeb A, Liu W, Ali N, Shi R, Wang Q, Wang J, Li J, Yin C, Liu J, Yu M, Liu J. Microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems: Global implications and sustainable solutions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132636. [PMID: 37778309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution has become a global environmental concern with significant impacts on ecosystems and human health. Although MPs have been widely detected in aquatic environments, their presence in terrestrial ecosystems remains largely unexplored. This review examines the multifaceted issues of MPs pollution in terrestrial ecosystem, covering various aspects from additives in plastics to global legislation and sustainable solutions. The study explores the widespread distribution of MPs worldwide and their potential antagonistic interactions with co-occurring contaminants, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of their environmental implications. The influence of MPs on soil and plants is discussed, shedding light on the potential consequences for terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural productivity. The aging mechanisms of MPs, including photo and thermal aging, are elucidated, along with the factors influencing their aging process. Furthermore, the review provides an overview of global legislation addressing plastic waste, including bans on specific plastic items and levies on single-use plastics. Sustainable solutions for MPs pollution are proposed, encompassing upstream approaches such as bioplastics, improved waste management practices, and wastewater treatment technologies, as well as downstream methods like physical and biological removal of MPs. The importance of international collaboration, comprehensive legislation, and global agreements is underscored as crucial in tackling this pervasive environmental challenge. This review may serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, providing a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact and potential risks associated with MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Nouman Ali
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianling Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chuan Yin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinzheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Miao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianv Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
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6
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Bridson JH, Masterton H, Theobald B, Risani R, Doake F, Wallbank JA, Maday SDM, Lear G, Abbel R, Smith DA, Kingsbury JM, Pantos O, Northcott GL, Gaw S. Leaching and transformation of chemical additives from weathered plastic deployed in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115810. [PMID: 38006872 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115810] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution causes detrimental environmental impacts, which are increasingly attributed to chemical additives. However, the behaviour of plastic additives in the marine environment is poorly understood. We used a marine deployment experiment to examine the impact of weathering on the extractables profile, analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, of four plastics at two locations over nine months in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The concentration of additives in polyethylene and oxo-degradable polyethylene were strongly influenced by artificial weathering, with deployment location and time less influential. By comparison, polyamide 6 and polyethylene terephthalate were comparatively inert with minimal change in response to artificial weathering or deployment time. Non-target analysis revealed extensive differentiation between non-aged and aged polyethylene after deployment, concordant with the targeted analysis. These observations highlight the need to consider the impact of leaching and weathering on plastic composition when quantifying the potential impact and risk of plastic pollution within receiving environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Bridson
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand; School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Hayden Masterton
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 27 Creyke Road, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Beatrix Theobald
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Regis Risani
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Fraser Doake
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 27 Creyke Road, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Jessica A Wallbank
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 3a Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Stefan D M Maday
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 3a Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Gavin Lear
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 3a Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Robert Abbel
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Dawn A Smith
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Joanne M Kingsbury
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 27 Creyke Road, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Olga Pantos
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 27 Creyke Road, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Grant L Northcott
- Northcott Research Consultants Limited, 20 River Oaks Place, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
| | - Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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