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Gao B, Gao F, Zhang X, Li Y, Yao H. Effects of different sizes of microplastic particles on soil respiration, enzyme activities, microbial communities, and seed germination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173100. [PMID: 38735330 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of terrestrial ecosystems. The impacts of MP particle size on terrestrial systems remain unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of six particle sizes (i.e., 4500, 1500, 500, 50, 5, and 0.5 μm) of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on soil respiration, enzyme activity, bacteria, fungi, protists, and seed germination. MPs significantly promoted soil respiration, and the stimulating effects of PE were the strongest for medium and small-sized (0.5-1500 μm) particles, while those of PVC were the strongest for small particle sizes (0.5-50 μm). Large-sized (4500 μm) PE and all sizes of PVC significantly improved soil urease activity, while medium-sized (1500 μm) PVC significantly improved soil invertase activity. MPs altered the soil microbial community diversity, and the effects were especially pronounced for medium and small-sized (0.5-1500 μm) particles of PE and PVC on bacteria and fungi and small-sized (0.5 μm) particles of PE on protists. The impacts of MPs on bacteria and fungi were greater than on protists. The seed germination rate of Brassica chinensis decreased gradually with the decrease in PE MPs particle size. Therefore, to reduce the impact of MPs on soil ecosystems, effective measures should be taken to avoid the transformation of MPs into smaller particles in soil environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Gao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; College of Tourism & Landscape Architecture, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuyun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingfeng Zhang
- College of Tourism & Landscape Architecture, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaying Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaiying Yao
- Research Center for Environmental Ecology and Engineering, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 Guanggu 1st road, Wuhan 430205, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Zeng D, Yang C, Huang Z, Liu Y, Liu S, Zhang Z, Huang W, Dang Z, Chen C. Heteroaggregation kinetics of nanoplastics and soot nanoparticles in aquatic environments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134564. [PMID: 38743982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Heteroaggregation between polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and soot nanoparticles (STNPs) in aquatic environments may affect their fate and transport. This study investigated the effects of particle concentration ratio, electrolytes, pH, and humic acid on their heteroaggregation kinetics. The critical coagulation concentration (CCC) ranked CCCPSNPs > CCCPSNPs-STNPs > CCCSTNPs, indicating that heteroaggregation rates fell between homoaggregation rates. In NaCl solution, as the PSNPs/STNPs ratio decreased from 9/1 to 3/7, heteroaggregation rate decreased and CCCPSNPs-STNPs increased from 200 to 220 mM due to enhanced electrostatic repulsion. Outlier was observed at PSNPs/STNPs= 1/9, where CCCPSNPs-STNPs= 170 mM and homoaggregation of STNPs dominated. However, in CaCl2 solution where calcium bridged with STNPs, heteroaggregation rate increased and CCCPSNPs-STNPs decreased from 26 to 5 mM as the PSNPs/STNPs ratio decreasing from 9/1 to 1/9. In composite water samples, heteroaggregation occurred only at estuarine and marine salinities. Acidic condition promoted heteroaggregation via charge screening. Humic acid retarded or promoted heteroaggregation in NaCl or CaCl2 solutions by steric hindrance or calcium bridging, respectively. Other than van der Waals attraction and electrostatic repulsion, heteroaggregation was affected by steric hindrance, hydrophobic interactions, π - π interactions, and calcium bridging. The results highlight the role of black carbon on colloidal stability of PSNPs in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Zeng
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chen Yang
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ziqing Huang
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Sijia Liu
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Weilin Huang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Zhi Dang
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chengyu Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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3
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Kukkola A, Chetwynd AJ, Krause S, Lynch I. Beyond microbeads: Examining the role of cosmetics in microplastic pollution and spotlighting unanswered questions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135053. [PMID: 38976961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products (C&PCPs) has been increasingly in the public eye since the early 2010s. Despite increasing research into the potential environmental and health effects of microplastics, most research to date on microplastics in C&PCPs has investigated "rinse-off" products, while the potential impacts of "leave-on" C&PCPs have been largely neglected, despite these products being purchased in greater volumes and often having two or more microplastic ingredients in their formulations(CosmeticsEurope, 2018b). This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge of microplastic in C&PCPs, assessing the potential environmental and human health impacts of C&PCPs and discussing the regulatory implications. The lack of studies on leave-on C&PCPs is significant, suggesting a severe knowledge gap regarding microplastic presence in, and emissions from, C&PCPs. There is a noticeable lack of studies on the (eco)toxicological consequences of microplastic exposure from C&PCPs. As a result, significant aspects of microplastic contamination may be overlooked in the microplastic legislations emerging globally (including from the European Commission), which intend to restrict microplastic use in C&PCPs but focus on rinse-off C&PCPs only. This review highlights the potential consequences of microplastics in leave-on C&PCPs for regulatory decision-making, particularly as alternatives to microplastics are considered during the phase-out periods and spotlights the need for sufficient monitoring and research on these alternatives, to avoid unforeseen consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kukkola
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew J Chetwynd
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; LEHNA, Laboratoire d'ecologie des hydrosystemes naturels et anthropises, University of Lyon, 3-6 Rue Raphaël Dubois, Villeurbanne 69622, France; Institute of Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SA, United Kingdom
| | - Iseult Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Institute of Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SA, United Kingdom
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Fagiano V, Compa M, Alomar C, Deudero S. Global Meta-Analysis and Review of Microplastic in Marine Copepods. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124092. [PMID: 38701964 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has spread through all parts of the marine environment, representing a significant threat to species and ecosystems. This study investigates the role of copepods as widespread microplastic reservoirs in the marine environment, by performing, a systematic review, meta-analysis, and semiquantitative analysis of scientific articles focusing on the interaction between copepods and microplastics under field conditions. Our findings indicate that despite uniformly low ingestion of microplastics across different marine layers and geographical areas, with a slight uptake in neustonic copepods, copepods might constitute one of the largest marine microplastic reservoirs. This phenomenon is attributed more to their vast abundance than to average microplastic ingestion values. In this article, a framework for data analysis and reporting is proposed to facilitate future large-scale evaluations and modelling of their extent and impact on plastic and carbon cycles. These insights place copepods at the forefront of the marine plastic cycle, possibly affecting plastic distribution, and bioavailability, thereby opening new pathways for understanding the complex dynamics of microplastics in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Fagiano
- Oceanographic Centre of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015, Palma Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - M Compa
- Oceanographic Centre of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015, Palma Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - C Alomar
- Oceanographic Centre of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015, Palma Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - S Deudero
- Oceanographic Centre of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015, Palma Balearic Islands, Spain
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Zhao B, Chen F, Yao Q, Lin M, Zhou K, Mi S, Pan H, Zhao X. Toxicity effects and mechanism of micro/nanoplastics and loaded conventional pollutants on zooplankton: An overview. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106547. [PMID: 38739970 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106547] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics in aquatic environments is a noteworthy environmental problem. Zooplankton, an important biological group in aquatic ecosystems, readily absorb micro/nanoplastics and produce a range of toxic endpoints due to their small size. This review summarises relevant studies on the effects of micro/nanoplastics on zooplankton, including combined effects with conventional pollutants. Frequently reported adverse effects include acute/chronic lethal effects, oxidative stress, gene expression, energetic homeostasis, and growth and reproduction. Obstruction by plastic entanglement and blockage is the physical mechanism. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity are molecular mechanisms. Properties of micro/nanoplastics, octanol/water partition coefficients of conventional pollutants, species and intestinal environments are important factors influencing single and combined toxicity. Selecting a wider range of micro/nanoplastics, focusing on the aging process and conducting field studies, adopting diversified zooplankton models, and further advancing the study of mechanisms are the outstanding prospects for deeper understanding of impacts of micro/nanoplastics on aquatic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhao
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Fang Chen
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Qiang Yao
- Ocean College, Hebei Agriculture University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Manfeng Lin
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Kexin Zhou
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Shican Mi
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Haixia Pan
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China.
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Song J, Huang F, Ma K, Ding R, Tan K, Lv D, Soyano K, Zhao K. Bifenthrin induces changes in clinical poisoning symptoms, oxidative stress, DNA damage, histological characteristics, and transcriptome in Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) larvae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172041. [PMID: 38554955 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172041] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Bifenthrin (BF) is a broad-spectrum insecticide that has gained widespread use due to its high effectiveness. However, there is limited research on the potential toxic effects of bifenthrin pollution on amphibians. This study aimed to investigate the 50 % lethal concentration (LC50) and safety concentration of Chinese giant salamanders (CGS) exposed to BF (at 0, 6.25,12.5,25 and 50 μg/L BF) for 96 h. Subsequently, CGS were exposed to BF (at 0, 0.04, and 4 μg/L BF) for one week to investigate its toxic effects. Clinical poisoning symptoms, liver pathology, oxidative stress factors, DNA damage, and transcriptome differences were observed and analyzed. The results indicate that exposure to BF at 4 μg/L significantly decreased the adenosine-triphosphate (ATP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) contents in the brain, liver, and kidney of CGS. Additionally, the study found that the malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) contents were increased. The liver tissue exhibited significant inflammatory reactions and structural malformations. RNA-seq analysis of the liver showed that BF caused abnormal antioxidant indices of CGS. This affected molecular function genes such as catalytic activity, ATP-dependent activity, metabolic processes, signaling and immune system processes, behavior, and detoxification, which were significantly upregulated, resulting in the differential genes significantly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway, PPARα signaling pathway and NF-kB signaling pathway. The results suggest that BF induces the abnormal production of free radicals, which overwhelms the body's self-defense system, leading to varying degrees of oxidative stress. This can result in oxidative damage, DNA damage, abnormal lipid metabolism, autoimmune diseases, clinical poisoning symptoms, and tissue inflammation. This work provides a theoretical basis for the rational application of bifenthrin and environmental risk assessment, as well as scientific guidance for the conservation of amphibian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Song
- College of Life Science, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China; The Belt and Road Model International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in Basins of Anhui Province, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China; Institute for East China Sea Research, Organization for Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 851-2213, Japan
| | - Fengyun Huang
- College of Life Science, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China; The Belt and Road Model International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in Basins of Anhui Province, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China
| | - Kun Ma
- College of Life Science, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China; The Belt and Road Model International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in Basins of Anhui Province, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Ding
- College of Life Science, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China; The Belt and Road Model International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in Basins of Anhui Province, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China
| | - Kai Tan
- College of Life Science, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China; The Belt and Road Model International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in Basins of Anhui Province, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China
| | - Dan Lv
- College of Life Science, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China
| | - Kiyoshi Soyano
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; Institute for East China Sea Research, Organization for Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 851-2213, Japan
| | - Kai Zhao
- College of Life Science, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China; The Belt and Road Model International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in Basins of Anhui Province, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, Anhui, China
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Teampanpong J, Duengkae P. Terrestrial wildlife as indicators of microplastic pollution in western Thailand. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17384. [PMID: 38784402 PMCID: PMC11114113 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution in terrestrial wildlife represents a new conservation challenge, with research in this area, especially within protected areas (PAs), being scant. This study documents the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial wildlife both inside and outside PAs in western Thailand. Carcasses of road-killed vertebrates in good condition, as well as live tadpoles, were collected to examine their exposure to plastic pollution. The digestive tracts of the vertebrate carcasses and the entire bodies of tadpoles were analyzed for MPs, which were identified if they measured over 50 µm. A total of 136 individuals from 48 vertebrate species were examined. The sample comprised snakes (44.12%), birds (11.03%), lizards (5.15%), tadpoles (32.25%), amphibians (5.88%), and mammals (1.47%). In total, 387 MPs were found in 44 species (91.67%), with an average occurrence of 3.25 ± 3.63 MPs per individual or 0.05 ± 0.08 MPs per gram of body weight. The quantities of MPs significantly varied among the animal groups, both in terms of number per individual (p < 0.05) and number per gram of body weight (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant difference in MP quantities was observed between specimens collected inside and outside PAs on an individual basis (p < 0.05), but not on a body weight basis (p = 0.07). Most MPs were fibers (77%), followed by fragments (22.22%), with only a minimal presence of film (0.52%) and foam (0.26%). Of all the MPs identified, 36.84% were confirmed as plastics or fibers made from natural materials, and 31.58% were plastics, including Polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and polyester (PES). Additionally, fibers made of cotton, and those containing polyurethane (PU), rayon, PES, and combinations of rayon and PU, were identified. The quantities of MPs were significantly influenced by animal body weight, factors associated with human settlement/activity, and land use types. Our findings highlight the prevalence of plastic pollution in terrestrial vertebrates within Thai PAs. Further toxicological studies are required to establish plastic pollution standards. It is proposed that snakes, obtained from road kills, could serve as a non-invasive method for monitoring plastic pollution, thus acting as an indicator of the pollution threat to species within terrestrial ecosystems. There is an urgent need for the standardization of solid waste management at garbage dump sites in remote areas, especially within PAs. Conservation education focusing on MP occurrence, potential sources, and impacts could enhance awareness, thereby influencing changes in behaviors and attitudes toward plastic waste management at the household level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiraporn Teampanpong
- Department of Conservation, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prateep Duengkae
- Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Ali W, Buriro RS, Gandahi JA, Chen Y, Aabdin ZU, Bhutto S, Sun J, Zhu J, Liu Z, Zou H. A critical review on male-female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics through different signaling pathways. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:110976. [PMID: 38552764 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110976] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that humans are constantly exposed to micro-plastics and nano-plastics through various routes, including inhalation of airborne particles, exposure to dust, and consumption of food and water. It is estimated that humans may consume thousand to millions of micro-plastic particles, equating to several milligrams per day. Prolonged exposure to micro-plastics and nano-plastics has been linked to negative effects on different living organisms, including neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity, and developmental toxicities. The main purpose of this review is to explore the effect of micro-plastics and nano-plastics on the male and female reproductive system, as well as their offspring, and the associated mechanism implicated in the reproductive and developmental toxicities. Micro-plastics and nano-plastics have been shown to exert negative effects on the reproductive system of both male and female mammals and aquatic animals, including developmental impacts on gonads, gametes, embryo, and their subsequent generation. In addition, micro-plastics and nano-plastics impact the hypothalamic-pituitary axes, leading to oxidative stress, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity, developmental abnormalities, poor sperm quality, diminishes ovarian ovulation and immune toxicity. This study discusses the so many different signaling pathways associated in the male and female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Rehana Shahnawaz Buriro
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jameel Ahmed Gandahi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zain Ul Aabdin
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
| | - Sahar Bhutto
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
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9
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Mofijur M, Hasan MM, Ahmed SF, Djavanroodi F, Fattah IMR, Silitonga AS, Kalam MA, Zhou JL, Khan TMY. Advances in identifying and managing emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems: Analytical approaches, toxicity assessment, transformation pathways, environmental fate, and remediation strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122889. [PMID: 37972679 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Emerging contaminants (ECs) are increasingly recognized as threats to human health and ecosystems. This review evaluates advanced analytical methods, particularly mass spectrometry, for detecting ECs and understanding their toxicity, transformation pathways, and environmental distribution. Our findings underscore the reliability of current techniques and the potential of upcoming methods. The adverse effects of ECs on aquatic life necessitate both in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. Evaluating the distribution and degradation of ECs reveals that they undergo physical, chemical, and biological transformations. Remediation strategies such as advanced oxidation, adsorption, and membrane bioreactors effectively treat EC-contaminated waters, with combinations of these techniques showing the highest efficacy. To minimize the impact of ECs, a proactive approach involving monitoring, regulations, and public education is vital. Future research should prioritize the refining of detection methods and formulation of robust policies for EC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mofijur
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - M M Hasan
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, QLD, 4701, Australia
| | - Shams Forruque Ahmed
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
| | - F Djavanroodi
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia
| | - I M R Fattah
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - A S Silitonga
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - M A Kalam
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - John L Zhou
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - T M Yunus Khan
- Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Wang S, Ma L, Chen L, Sokolova IM, Huang W, Li D, Hu M, Khan FU, Shang Y, Wang Y. The combined effects of phenanthrene and micro-/nanoplastics mixtures on the cellular stress responses of the thick-shell mussel Mytilus coruscus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122999. [PMID: 37995954 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Pollution with complex mixtures of contaminants including micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) and organic pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) poses a major threat to coastal marine ecosystems. Toxic mechanisms of contaminant mixtures are not well understood in marine organisms. We studied the effects of single and combined exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon phenanthrene (Phe) and MNPs mixture with sizes of 70 nm, 5 μm and 100 μm on the immune health and oxidative stress parameters in the thick-shell mussel Mytilus coruscus. Immune cells (hemocytes) were more sensitive to the pollutant-induced oxidative stress than the gills. In hemocytes of co-exposed mussels, elevated mortality, lower lysosomal content, high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease mitochondrial were found. Disparate responses of antioxidant enzymes in the hemolymph (e.g. increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity without a corresponding increase in catalase (CAT) in Phe exposures and an increase in CAT without a change in SOD in MNPs exposures) suggests misbalance of the antioxidant defense in the pollutant-exposed mussels. Gill lacked pronounced oxidative stress response showing a decline in ROS and antioxidant levels. Tissue-specific single and combined effects of Phe and MNPs suggest variation in bioavailability and/or different sensitivity to these pollutants in the studied tissues. Notably, the combined effects of MNPs and Phe were additive or antagonistic, showing that MNPs do not enhance and occasionally mitigate the toxic effects of Phe on the hemocytes and the gills of the mussels. Overall, our study sheds light on the impact of long-term exposure to MNPs and Phe mixtures on mussels, showing high sensitivity of the immune system and modulation of the Phe toxicity by MNPs co-exposure. These findings that may have implications for understanding the impacts of combined PAH and MNPs pollution on the health of mussel populations from polluted coastal habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixiu Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Lukuo Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Liming Chen
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Inna M Sokolova
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany; Department of Maritime Systems, Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Menghong Hu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Fahim Ullah Khan
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yueyong Shang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Youji Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, 310012, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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11
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Fagiano V, Alomar C, Ventero A, de Puelles MLF, Iglesias M, Deudero S. First assessment of anthropogenic particle ingestion in Pontellid copepods: Pontella mediterranea as a potential microplastic reservoir in the Neuston. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168480. [PMID: 37951251 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168480] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Hyponeustonic species, living at the interface between the atmosphere and the oceans, comprise one of the most understudied and vast critical marine biotope, constantly exposed to high concentrations of anthropogenic contaminants and microplastic (MPs). Copepods of the Pontellidae family represent the primary components of this biotic assemblage worldwide, and their interaction with MPs is still unknown. We studied this interaction for the first time in Pontella mediterranea, assessing the ingestion of anthropogenic particles (APs) in 2793 individuals collected by manta trawl in the Northern Alboran Sea. We observed P. mediterranea abundances ranging from 41.67 to 1174.83 ind/m3, with a mean ingestion of 0.11 APs/ind, predominantly composed of MPs. These results confirm the low ingestion values observed for other copepod taxa. However, given its abundance, this species could retain an average of 45.15 and a maximum of 220 APs per m3 of seawater (APs/m3), mostly composed of cellulose acetate and cotton fibers. The abundances of APs were evaluated in surface (0-12 cm) and sub-surface waters (5 m depth) by combining manta trawl and Continuous Underway Fish Egg Sampler sampling. The AP abundances found (surface waters: 0.67 ± 1.04 APs/m3; subsurface waters: 3.85 ± 2.67 APs/m3) were consistent with those previously observed in the Mediterranean basin, confirming that the ingestion values observed in P. mediterranea are not due to a local accumulation of environmental MPs. Results highlight how this neustonic copepod could represent one of the largest reservoirs of APs within the upper layers of the oceans, representing an entry point for these particles within food webs. Considering the worldwide distribution and abundance of this family of copepods, the results are of environmental concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Fagiano
- Oceanographic Center of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - C Alomar
- Oceanographic Center of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - A Ventero
- Oceanographic Center of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - M L Fernández de Puelles
- Oceanographic Center of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - M Iglesias
- Oceanographic Center of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - S Deudero
- Oceanographic Center of the Balearic Islands (COB-IEO, CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
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12
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Gunaalan K, Almeda R, Vianello A, Lorenz C, Iordachescu L, Papacharalampos K, Nielsen TG, Vollertsen J. Does water column stratification influence the vertical distribution of microplastics? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122865. [PMID: 37926412 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122865] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has been confirmed in all marine compartments. However, information on the sub-surface microplastics (MPs) abundance is still limited. The vertical distribution of MPs can be influenced by water column stratification due to water masses of contrasting density. In this study, we investigated the vertical distribution of MPs in relation to the water column structure at nine sites in the Kattegat/Skagerrak (Denmark) in October 2020.A CTD was used to determine the stratification and pycnocline depth before sampling. Plastic-free pump-filter sampling devices were used to collect MPs from water samples (1-3 m3) at different depths. MPs concentration (MPs m-3) ranged from 18 to 87 MP m-3 (Median: 40 MP m-3; n = 9) in surface waters. In the mid waters, concentrations ranged from 16 to 157 MP m-3 (Median: 31 MP m-3; n = 6), while at deeper depths, concentrations ranged from 13 to 95 MP m-3 (Median: 34 MP m-3; n = 9). There was no significant difference in the concentration of MPs between depths. Regardless of the depth, polyester (47%), polypropylene (24%), polyethylene (10%), and polystyrene (9%) were the dominating polymers. Approximately 94% of the MPs fell within the size range of 11-300 μm across all depths. High-density polymers accounted for 68% of the MPs, while low-density polymers accounted for 32% at all depths. Overall, our results show that MPs are ubiquitous in the water column from surface to deep waters; we did not find any impact of water density on the depth distribution of MPs despite the strong water stratification in the Kattegat/Skagerrak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark.
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
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13
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Li J, Zheng X, Liu X, Zhang L, Zhang S, Li Y, Zhang W, Li Q, Zhao Y, Chen X, Wang X, Huang H, Fan Z. Effect and mechanism of microplastics exposure against microalgae: Photosynthesis and oxidative stress. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167017. [PMID: 37717764 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) within aquatic ecosystems attracts a major environmental concern. It was demonstrated MPs could cause various ecotoxicological effects on microalgae. However, existing data on the effects of MPs on microalgae showed great variability among studies. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of the latest studies on the effects of MPs on photosynthesis and oxidative stress in microalgae. A total of 835 biological endpoints were investigated from 55 studies extracted, and 37 % of them were significantly affected by MPs. In this study, the impact of MPs against microalgae was concentration-dependent and size-dependent, and microalgae were more susceptible to MPs stress in freshwater than marine. Additionally, we summarized the biological functions of microalgae that are primarily affected by MPs. Under MPs exposure, the content of chlorophyll a (Chl-a) was reduced and electron transfer in the photosynthetic system was hindered, causing electron accumulation and oxidative stress damage, which may also affect biological processes such as energy production, carbon fixation, lipid metabolism, and nucleic acid metabolism. Finally, our findings provide important insights into the effects of MPs stress on photosynthesis and oxidative stress in microalga and enhance the current understanding of the potential risk of MPs pollution on aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Li
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianglin Liu
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| | - Yanyao Li
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
| | - Qihui Li
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
| | - Yuqiang Zhao
- Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Xunfeng Chen
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240 Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangrong Wang
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
| | - Honghui Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510300, China.
| | - Zhengqiu Fan
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China.
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14
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Dong Z, Wang WX. Tracking Nano- and Microplastics Accumulation and Egestion in a Marine Copepod by Novel Fluorescent AIEgens: Kinetic Modeling of the Rhythm Behavior. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20761-20772. [PMID: 38029324 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Nano- and microplastics (NMPs) are now prevalent in the marine environment. This study quantified the uptake and depuration kinetics of spherical polystyrene NMPs of different particle sizes (200 nm/30 μm) and functional groups (-NH2/-COOH) in a temperate calanoid copepod Calanus sinicus (C. sinicus), which exhibited rhythmic feeding patterns in natural environments. Aggregated-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probes were employed to track and quantify the kinetics of NMPs with excellent photostability and biocompatibility. The results showed that C. sinicus consumed all NMPs types, with preference of NMPs to small size and amino group. Increased diatom concentrations also inhibited the bioaccumulation of NMPs. Influenced by rhythmic behavior, the bioaccumulation of NMPs by C. sinicus was nonstationary during the 6 h uptake phase. After 1-3 h of rapid uptake, the body burden peaked and then slowly declined. During the 3 h depuration phase, C. sinicus rapidly and efficiently removed NMPs with a mean half-life of only 0.23 h. To further quantify the body burden of C. sinicus under the influence of rhythmic feeding behavior, a biokinetic model was established, and the Markov chain Monte Carlo method was used to estimate the parameter distribution. Our results highlighted that copepods exhibited unique rhythmic feeding behavior under environmentally relevant concentrations of NMPs exposure, which may influence the bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and environmental fate of NMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zipei Dong
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
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15
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Porter A, Godbold JA, Lewis CN, Savage G, Solan M, Galloway TS. Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8023. [PMID: 38049431 PMCID: PMC10696022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microplastic body burden of marine animals is often assumed to reflect levels of environmental contamination, yet variations in feeding ecology and regional trait expression could also affect a species' risk of contaminant uptake. Here, we explore the global inventory of individual microplastic body burden for invertebrate species inhabiting marine sediments across 16 biogeographic provinces. We show that individual microplastic body burden in benthic invertebrates cannot be fully explained by absolute levels of microplastic contamination in the environment, because interspecific differences in behaviour and feeding ecology strongly determine microplastic uptake. Our analyses also indicate a degree of species-specific particle selectivity; likely associated with feeding biology. Highest microplastic burden occurs in the Yellow and Mediterranean Seas and, contrary to expectation, amongst omnivores, predators, and deposit feeders rather than suspension feeding species. Our findings highlight the inadequacy of microplastic uptake risk assessments based on inventories of environmental contamination alone, and the need to understand how species behaviour and trait expression covary with microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Porter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Ceri N Lewis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Georgie Savage
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
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16
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Martínez Rodríguez A, Marchant DJ, Francelle P, Kratina P, Jones JI. Nutrient enrichment mediates the effect of biodegradable and conventional microplastics on macroinvertebrate communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122511. [PMID: 37689134 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern regarding the lack of evidence on the effects bioplastics may have on natural ecosystems, whilst their production continues to increase as they are considered as a greener alternative to conventional plastics. Most research is limited to investigations of the response of individual taxa under laboratory conditions, with few experiments undertaken at the community or ecosystem scale, either investigating microplastics independently or in combination with other pollutants, such as nutrient enrichment. The aim of this study is to experimentally compare the effects of oil-based (high density polyethylene - HDPE) with those of bio-based biodegradable (polylactic acid - PLA) microplastics and their interaction with nutrient enrichment on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities under seminatural conditions. There were no significant differences in total abundance, alpha and beta diversities, or community composition attributable to the type of microplastics, their concentration, or nutrient enrichment compared with the control. However, there was a significant difference in macroinvertebrate alpha diversity between high concentrations of both microplastic types under ambient nutrient conditions, with lower diversity in communities exposed to HDPE compared with PLA. Nutrient enrichment mediated the effect of microplastic type, such that the diversity of macroinvertebrate communities exposed to HDPE were similar to those communities exposed to PLA. These findings suggest that the effects of microplastic pollution on macroinvertebrate communities are very weak at large-scale settings under seminatural conditions and that these effects might be mediated by the nutrient status of freshwater ecosystems. More research under large-scale, long-term, seminatural settings are needed in order to elucidate the impact of both conventional plastics and bioplastics on natural environments and their interactive effect with other occurring stressors and pollutants.
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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.
| | - Danielle J Marchant
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Pascaline Francelle
- 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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17
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Chae B, Oh S, Lee DG. Is 5 mm still a good upper size boundary for microplastics in aquatic environments? Perspectives on size distribution and toxicological effects. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115591. [PMID: 37774461 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115591] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Plastic is everywhere as an essential component of industries' products, but accumulation and degradation of plastics into microplastics occurs continuously in aquatic environments. Despite numerous studies investigating the influence of microplastics, challenges remain when comparing comprehensive results due to the lack of agreement regarding microplastics sizes. Over 80 studies and reports were reviewed, revealing the inconsistencies in defining the upper size limit for microplastics, and are the basis of this exploration of the need to redefine the latter by focusing on pragmatic factors such as size distribution and toxicity endpoints in aquatic environments. Reviewed articles indicate a gap between recommendations for microplastics definitions and the current status of microplastics. We suggest initiating a discussion regarding downscaling the broadly accepted 5 mm upper limit to 1000 μm, considering environmentally realistic conditions and SI nomenclature. We encourage continued international discussion of redefining the upper size limit defining microplastics from this pragmatic view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeongmin Chae
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, South Korea
| | - Soorim Oh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, South Korea
| | - Do Gyun Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, South Korea.
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18
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Li D, Tian X, Yang W, Wang X, Liu Y, Shan J. Hydrophobicity-driven self-assembly of nanoplastics and silver nanoparticles for the detection of polystyrene microspheres using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139775. [PMID: 37567275 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139775] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and Nanoplastics (NPs) accumulated in the environment have been identified as a major global issue due to their potential harm to wildlife. Current research in the detection of MPs is well established. However, the detection of NPs remains challenging. The aim of this paper is to investigate the detection of polystyrene (PS) NPs on a super-hydrophobic substrate using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology after high-speed centrifugation of PS NPs and AgNPs. The hydrophobic substrate reduces the contact area of droplet, concentrating PS NPs and AgNPs on a small spot, which eliminates the random distribution of nano particles. The condensed PS NPs and AgNPs improve the SERS intensity, reproductivity and detection sensitivity. The results show that SERS measurement on a hydrophobic substrate could significantly improve the detection sensitivity of PS NPs, with the detection limits of PS NPs as low as 0.5 mg/L (500 nm PS NPs) and 1 mg/L (100 nm PS NPs). The study provides an effective and rapid method for the detection of NPs at trace concentration, demonstrating more possibility for the future detection of trace NPs in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Li
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Weiqing Yang
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Xue Wang
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Jiajia Shan
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China.
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19
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Mısırlı NS, Pimtong W, Sillapaprayoon S, Chantho V, Saenmuangchin R, Aueviriyavit S, Dudak FC. Impact of a real food matrix and in vitro digestion on properties and acute toxicity of polystyrene microparticles. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100482. [PMID: 37717635 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Although it is proved that humans ingest microplastics via food, and microplastics were found in human tissues, blood and feces, there needs to be more data on the properties and health-related effects of plastic particles that interact with food and undergo digestion. This study aimed to examine the impact of a real food matrix, milk, on the behavior and gastrointestinal fate of polystyrene microparticles (PSMP). In the presence of the food matrix, the net negative ζ-potential values of PSMP (diameter size of 1.823 μm) decreased significantly due to the formation of the corona, mostly consisting of α and β-casein fragments. Protein corona profiles and morphologies of particles incubated with whole and skim milk were found to be similar, and the protein profiles were completely altered after in vitro digestion simulation. In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies showed that neither bare PSMP nor food-interacted PSMP pose acute toxicity on the Caco-2 cell line and zebrafish embryos under the chosen experimental conditions. In summary, these results may contribute to a better understanding of changes that microplastics undergo in foods. Further studies on repeated exposure or chronic toxicity are needed to fully reveal the effect of food matrix on microplastic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazım Sergen Mısırlı
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Wittaya Pimtong
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Siwapech Sillapaprayoon
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Varissara Chantho
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Rattaporn Saenmuangchin
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sasitorn Aueviriyavit
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Fahriye Ceyda Dudak
- Department of Food Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, Turkey.
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20
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Hu S, Xu M, Cui Z, Xiao Y, Liu C, Liu R, Zhang G. Probing the molecular mechanism of interaction between polystyrene nanoplastics and catalase by multispectroscopic techniques. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110648. [PMID: 37495201 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are emerging pollutants that pose a potential threat to the environment and organisms and are widely distributed in environmental samples and food chains. The accumulation of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in an organism can cause oxidative stress. Currently, toxicity studies of PS-NPs mainly focus on the individual and cellular levels, whereas few studies have been conducted on the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between PS-NPs and catalase (CAT). Based on this, CAT was chosen as the target receptor for molecular toxicity research to reveal the interaction mechanism at the molecular level between PS-NPs and CAT by using various spectroscopic means and enzyme activity detection methods. The results indicated that PS-NPs destroyed the secondary structure of CAT, causing its protein skeleton to loosen and unfold, increasing the content of α-helices, decreasing the content of β-sheets, and exposing the position of the heme group. After exposure to PS-NPs, the internal fluorophore of CAT underwent fluorescence sensitization, resulting in a micelle-like structure, which enhanced the hydrophobicity of aromatic amino acids but did not change their polarity. In addition, the aggregation state of CAT was altered upon binding to PS-NPs, and the volume was further increased. Finally, these structural changes led to a gradual decrease in CAT activity. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the toxicity of PS-NPs at the molecular level, which can provide more experimental support for the study of the biotoxicological efficacy of PS-NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuncheng Hu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China
| | - Mengchen Xu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Zhaohao Cui
- Qingdao Ecological Environment Monitoring Center, Qingdao, 266003, PR China
| | - Yihua Xiao
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China
| | - Changqing Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong Province, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, PR China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China
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21
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Gunaalan K, Nielsen TG, Rodríguez Torres R, Lorenz C, Vianello A, Andersen CA, Vollertsen J, Almeda R. Is Zooplankton an Entry Point of Microplastics into the Marine Food Web? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11643-11655. [PMID: 37497822 PMCID: PMC10413952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) overlap in size with phytoplankton and can be ingested by zooplankton, transferring them to higher trophic levels. Copepods are the most abundant metazoans among zooplankton and the main link between primary producers and higher trophic levels. Ingestion of MPs has been investigated in the laboratory, but we still know little about the ingestion of MPs by zooplankton in the natural environment. In this study, we determined the concentration and characteristics of MPs down to 10 μm in zooplankton samples, sorted calanoid copepods, and fecal pellets collected in the Kattegat/Skagerrak Sea (Denmark). We found a median concentration of 1.7 × 10-3 MPs ind-1 in the zooplankton samples, 2.9 × 10-3 MPs ind-1 in the sorted-copepods, and 3 × 10-3 MPs per fecal pellet. Most MPs in the zooplankton samples and fecal pellets were fragments smaller than 100 μm, whereas fibers dominated in the sorted copepods. Based on the collected data, we estimated a MP budget for the surface layer (0-18 m), where copepods contained only 3% of the MPs in the water, while 5% of the MPs were packed in fecal pellets. However, the number of MPs exported daily to the pycnocline via fecal pellets was estimated to be 1.4% of the total MPs in the surface layer. Our results indicate that zooplankton are an entry point of small MPs in the food web, but the number of MPs in zooplankton and their fecal pellets was low compared with the number of MPs found in the water column and the occurrence and/or ingestion of MPs reported for nekton. This suggests a low risk of MP transferring to higher trophic levels through zooplankton and a quantitatively low, but ecologically relevant, contribution of fecal pellets to the vertical exportation of MPs in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Torkel Gissel Nielsen
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rocío Rodríguez Torres
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Laboratoire
d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), UPMC
Université Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7093, Sorbonne Université, 06230 Villefranche sur Mer, France
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Ceelin Aila Andersen
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department
of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National
Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical
University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- EOMAR-ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas
de Gran Canaria, Spain
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22
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Abessa DMDS, Albanit LF, Moura PHPD, Nogueira VS, Santana FT, Fagundes K, Ueda M, Muller OPDO, Cesar-Ribeiro C. A Glow before Darkness: Toxicity of Glitter Particles to Marine Invertebrates. TOXICS 2023; 11:617. [PMID: 37505582 PMCID: PMC10385617 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Glitter particles are considered a model of microplastics, which are used in a wide range of products. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of two types of glitter (green and white, with distinct chemical compositions) dispersions on the embryonic development of the sea urchins Echinometra lucunte, Arbacia lixula, and the mussel Perna perna. The Toxicity Identification and Evaluation (TIE) approach was used to identify possible chemicals related to toxicity. Glitter dispersions were prepared using 0.05% ethanol. The tested dispersions ranged from 50 to 500 mg/L. The white glitter was composed of a vinyl chloride-methyl acrylate copolymer. The effective concentrations of green glitter to 50% embryos (EC50) were 246.1 (235.8-256.4) mg/L to A. lixula, 23.0 (20.2-25.8) mg/L to P. perna and 105.9 (61.2-150.2) mg/L, whereas the EC50 of white glitter to E. lucunter was 272.2 (261.5-282.9) mg/L. The EC50 for P. perna could not be calculated; however, the lowest effect concentration was 10 mg/L-that was the lowest concentration tested. The filtered suspension of green glitter had Ag levels exceeding the legal standards for marine waters. TIE showed that metals, volatiles, and oxidant compounds contribute to toxicity. The results showed that glitter may adversely affect marine organisms; however, further studies are necessary to determine its environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Moledo de Souza Abessa
- São Paulo State University-UNESP, Coastal Campus, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Vicente 11380-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Letícia França Albanit
- São Paulo State University-UNESP, Coastal Campus, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Vicente 11380-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Paixão de Moura
- São Paulo State University-UNESP, Coastal Campus, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Vicente 11380-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Vitória Soares Nogueira
- São Paulo State University-UNESP, Coastal Campus, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Vicente 11380-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Teixeira Santana
- São Paulo State University-UNESP, Coastal Campus, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Vicente 11380-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Kainã Fagundes
- São Paulo State University-UNESP, Coastal Campus, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Vicente 11380-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Maysa Ueda
- São Paulo State University-UNESP, Coastal Campus, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Vicente 11380-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Otto Patrão de Oliveira Muller
- Central de Equipamentos Multidisciplinar (CEM), Universidade Federal do ABC UFABC; São Bernardo do Campo 09850-910, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Cesar-Ribeiro
- São Paulo State University-UNESP, Coastal Campus, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Vicente 11380-900, SP, Brazil
- Central de Equipamentos Multidisciplinar (CEM), Universidade Federal do ABC UFABC; São Bernardo do Campo 09850-910, SP, Brazil
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23
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Kim D, Kim H, An YJ. Species sensitivity distributions of micro- and nanoplastics in soil based on particle characteristics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131229. [PMID: 36958161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics are released into the soil through various anthropogenic activities; however, research on ecological risk assessment (ERA) of soil microplastics is limited. In this study, the species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) of representative groups of soil biota were analyzed to determine their sensitivity to microplastic properties. A total of 411 datasets from apical endpoint data within 74 studies were classified and utilized in SSD estimation. The hazardous concentrations for 5% of species for microplastics was 88.18 (40.71-191.00) mg/kg soil. It has been established that small-sized microplastics are more toxic to soil organisms than larger microplastics. Most microplastics were spherical and polystyrene, exhibiting the most adverse effects among all the microplastic types assessed herein. The results suggest that physical characteristics of microplastics are important toxicity determinants in soil ecosystems. Given the potential for adverse environmental effects, further effective management strategies should urgently be employed in these areas. This study provided an integrated perspective of microplastic ecotoxicity in soil. In addition, SSDs were estimated using larger datasets and for more species than in previous studies. This is the first study to consider microplastic properties for estimating SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dokyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Haemi Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Bai Z, Zhang Y, Cheng L, Zhou X, Wang M. Nanoplastics pose a greater effect than microplastics in enhancing mercury toxicity to marine copepods. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 325:138371. [PMID: 36906006 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to human activities, high abundances of nano/microplastics (N/MPs) concurrent with metal pollution have become a serious problem in the global marine environment. Because of displaying a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, N/MPs can serve as the carriers of metals and thus increase their accumulation/toxicity in marine biota. As one of the most toxic metals, mercury (Hg) causes adverse effects on marine organisms but whether environmentally relevant N/MPs can play a vector role of this metal in marine biota, as well as their interaction, is poorly known. To evaluate the vector role of N/MPs in Hg toxicity, we first performed the adsorption kinetics and isotherms of N/MPs and Hg in seawater, as well as ingestion/egestion of N/MPs by marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus, and second, the copepod T. japonicus was exposed to polystyrene (PS) N/MPs (500-nm, 6-μm) and Hg in isolation, combined, and incubated forms at environmentally relevant concentrations for 48 h. Also, the physiological and defense performance including antioxidant response, detoxification/stress, energy metabolism, and development-related genes were assessed after exposure. The results indicated N/MPs significantly increased Hg accumulation and thus its toxicity effects in T. japonicus as exemplified by decreased transcription of genes related to development and energy metabolism and increased transcriptional levels of genes functioning in antioxidant and detoxification/stress defense. More importantly, NPs were superimposed onto MPs and produced the most vector effect in Hg toxicity to T. japonicus, especially in the incubated forms. Overall, this study highlighted the role of N/MPs as a potential risk factor for increasing the adverse effects of Hg pollution, and emphasized the adsorption forms of contaminants by N/MPs should doubly be considered in the continuing researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoan Bai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Luman Cheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Minghua Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
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25
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Afreen V, Hashmi K, Nasir R, Saleem A, Khan MI, Akhtar MF. Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1. [PMID: 37247153 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), with a diameter of less than 5 mm, include polymers such as polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The MPs occur in different morphologies including fragments, beads, fibers, and films that are swallowed by fresh water and land-based animals and enter their food chain, where they produce hazardous effects such as uterine toxicity, infertility, and neurotoxicity. The aim of this review is to explore the effects of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) on the female reproductive system and understand the mechanisms by which they produce reproductive toxicity. Several studies suggested that the exposure to PS-MPs increased the probability of larger ovaries with fewer follicles, decreased the number of embryos produced, and decreased the number of pregnancies in female mice. It also changed sex hormone levels and caused oxidative stress, which could have an impact on fertility and reproduction. Exposure to PS-MPs caused the death of granulosa cells through apoptosis and pyroptosis via activation of the NLRP3/caspase pathway and disruption of the Wnt-signaling pathway. Activation of TL4/NOX2 caused the uterine fibrosis resulting in endometrium thinning. The PS-MPs had a negative impact on ovarian capacity, oocyte maturation, and oocyte quality. Furthermore, the PS-MPs disrupted the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in marine animals, resulting in a decrease in hatching rate and offspring body size, causing trans-generational effects. It also reduced fecundity and produced germ-line apoptosis. The main focus of this review was to explore the different mechanisms and pathways through which PS-MPs adversely impact the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Afreen
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kanza Hashmi
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rimsha Nasir
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Furqan Akhtar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan.
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26
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Jessieleena A, Rathinavelu S, Velmaiel KE, John AA, Nambi IM. Residential houses - a major point source of microplastic pollution: insights on the various sources, their transport, transformation, and toxicity behaviour. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:67919-67940. [PMID: 37131007 PMCID: PMC10154189 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26918-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater has been considered as one of the largest contributors and carriers of microplastics to the aquatic environment. However, the various residential activities that generate municipal wastewater are equally significant whenever the source of microplastics in aquatic system is accounted. However, so far, only municipal wastewater has received wide attention in previous review articles. Hence, this review article is written to address this gap by highlighting, firstly, the chances of microplastics arising from the usage of personal care products (PCPs), laundry washing, face masks, and other potential sources. Thereafter, the various factors influencing the generation and intensity of indoor microplastic pollution and the evidence available on the possibility of microplastic inhalation by humans and pet animals are explained. Followed by that, the removal efficiency of microplastics observed in wastewater treatment plants, the fate of microplastics present in the effluent and biosolids, and their impact on aquatic and soil environment are explored. Furthermore, the impact of aging on the characteristics of microsized plastics has been explored. Finally, the influence of age and size of microplastics on the toxicity effects and the factors impacting the retention and accumulation of microplastics in aquatic species are reviewed. Furthermore, the prominent pathway of microplastics into the human body and the studies available on the toxicity effects observed in human cells upon exposure to microplastics of different characteristics are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Jessieleena
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600 036, Chennai, India
| | - Sasikaladevi Rathinavelu
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600 036, Chennai, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600 036, Chennai, India
| | - Kiruthika Eswari Velmaiel
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600 036, Chennai, India
| | - Anju Anna John
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600 036, Chennai, India
| | - Indumathi M Nambi
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600 036, Chennai, India.
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27
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Das Pramanik D, Lei S, Kay P, Goycoolea FM. Investigating on the toxicity and bio-magnification potential of synthetic glitters on Artemia salina. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114828. [PMID: 36933357 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114828] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Our research aims to assess the toxic impacts of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) glitters on Artemia salina as a model zooplankton. The mortality rate was assessed using a Kaplan Maier plot as a function of various microplastic dosages. The ingestion of microplastics was confirmed by their presence in digestive tract and faecal matter. Gut wall damage was confirmed by dissolution of basal lamina walls and an increase in the secretory cells. A significant decrease in the activities of cholinesterase (ChE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were noted. A decrease in catalase activity could be correlated to an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cysts incubated in presence of microplastics exhibited delay in their hatching into 'umbrella' and 'instar' stages. The data presented in the study would be useful for scientists working on discovering new sources of microplastics, related scientific evidences, image data and model of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devlina Das Pramanik
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds, LS29JT, United Kingdom; Centre for Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India.
| | - Sihan Lei
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds, LS29JT, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Kay
- School of Geography, Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds, LS29JT, United Kingdom.
| | - Francisco M Goycoolea
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds, LS29JT, United Kingdom.
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28
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Lee Y, Cho J, Sohn J, Kim C. Health Effects of Microplastic Exposures: Current Issues and Perspectives in South Korea. Yonsei Med J 2023; 64:301-308. [PMID: 37114632 PMCID: PMC10151227 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2023.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are environmental pollutants that prevail in the oceans, remote islands, and polar regions. Exposure to microplastics presents a major emerging threat to the ecosystems due to their potential adverse effects. Herein, we reviewed the literature to provide an up-to-date synopsis of the current understanding of the sources, compositions, and adverse effects of microplastics in humans and the environment. Most studies on microplastics have focused on developing standardized methods for monitoring the occurrence, distribution, and movement of microplastics in the environment, as well as developing microplastic substitutes; however, although humans are exposed to microplastics via various routes, research on the adverse effects of microplastics in humans remains limited. Little is known about the impact of microplastics on human health and the toxic effects that may vary depending on the type, size, shape, and concentration of microplastics. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of microplastic toxicity and related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Lee
- Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaelim Cho
- Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Human Complexity and Systems Science, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jungwoo Sohn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Changsoo Kim
- Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Human Complexity and Systems Science, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea.
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29
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Zhaoyong Z, Guo J, Wang P. Influence and mechanism of the vertical distribution of Cu, Cd, and Pb at a simulated sediment-water interface covered by degradable microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:47289-47298. [PMID: 36738413 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24172-5] [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: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently research on microplastics in the environment focuses on non-degradable microplastics with little attention to research on degradable microplastics. This study involved a 400-day experiment in a simulated lake environment of three degradable microplastics, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) at the sediment water interface. Results showed that (1) for the three microplastics, Cd concentration showed a large change from 0 to 20 mm in the water above the sediment interface; the adsorption of Cd, Pb, and Cu in a diffusive gradients thin film (DGT) device are the highest in PBAT micro plastic, followed by PCL and then PBS. (2) Diffuse flux (J) of the three degradable microplastics indicated that Cu, Cd, and Pb in the sediments come from the overlying water that was added to the simulation experiment. (3) Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) for investigating the adsorption capacity of Cu, Cd, and Pb in the three degradable microplastics showed the absorption peak intensity increased and widened, and some adsorption sites changed. (4) Correlation analysis showed that the factors which most influenced diffusion flux for both water and sediments are oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), followed by organic matter (OM), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Zhaoyong
- School of Environment and Surveying Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, 2340000, China.
| | - Jieyi Guo
- College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Pengwei Wang
- School of Environment and Surveying Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, 2340000, China
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Zhang S, Wu H, Hou J. Progress on the Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Crustaceans: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065523. [PMID: 36982596 PMCID: PMC10052122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
It is impossible to overlook the effects of microplastics on aquatic life as they continuously accumulate in aquatic environments. Aquatic crustaceans, as both predator and prey, play an important role in the food web and energy transmission. It is of great practical significance to pay attention to the toxic effects of microplastics on aquatic crustaceans. This review finds that most studies have shown that microplastics negatively affect the life history, behaviors and physiological functions of aquatic crustaceans under experimental conditions. The effects of microplastics of different sizes, shapes or types on aquatic crustaceans are different. Generally, smaller microplastics have more negative effects on aquatic crustaceans. Irregular microplastics have more negative effects on aquatic crustaceans than regular microplastics. When microplastics co-exist with other contaminants, they have a greater negative impact on aquatic crustaceans than single contaminants. This review contributes to rapidly understanding the effects of microplastics on aquatic crustaceans, providing a basic framework for the ecological threat of microplastics to aquatic crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jing Hou
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-10-6177-2864
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31
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Yu J, Gu W, Chen L, Wu B. Comparison of metabolome profiles in zebrafish (Danio rerio) intestine induced by polystyrene microplastics with different sizes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:22760-22771. [PMID: 36306068 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23827-7] [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: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in aquatic environments. They could induce intestinal toxicity in the fish. However, research on the metabolic toxicity of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) with different particle sizes to the zebrafish intestine is still limited. Here, metabolomics using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was applied to characterize the metabolic disorders in zebrafish intestine after exposure to 500 μg/L PS-MPs with different sizes (100 nm, 5 μm, and 200 μm) for 21 days. Results showed that the 100 nm PS-MPs group increased glutathione content. A total of 35, 165, and 87 metabolites were significantly altered in zebrafish intestines of 100 nm, 5 μm, and 200 μm groups under positive ion mode, respectively. In comparison, 31, 115, and 45 metabolites were changed in the 100 nm, 5 μm, and 200 μm groups under negative ion mode, respectively. Metabolic pathway analysis indicated that carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism were changed in all three groups. The greatest changes were found in the 5 μm group. Moreover, treatment with micro-sized PS-MP groups specifically changed lipid metabolism, which might be related to pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus and Moraxella). In the 100 nm PS-MP group, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) was found to be markedly related to the intestinal microbiota. SAM level was significantly increased, which might account for the elevated glutathione content. To sum up, the mechanisms of nano-sized MPs (oxidative stress) and micro-sized MPs (lipid metabolism disorder) were distinct. This study provides novel insight into the toxicity mechanism of MPs in the zebrafish intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqing Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Gunaalan K, Almeda R, Lorenz C, Vianello A, Iordachescu L, Papacharalampos K, Rohde Kiær CM, Vollertsen J, Nielsen TG. Abundance and distribution of microplastics in surface waters of the Kattegat/ Skagerrak (Denmark). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120853. [PMID: 36509350 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants in the ocean, and there is a general concern about their persistence and potential effects on marine ecosystems. We still know little about the smaller size-fraction of marine MPs (MPs <300 μm), which are not collected with standard nets for MPs monitoring (e.g., Manta net). This study aims to determine the concentration, composition, and size distribution of MPs down to 10 μm in the Kattegat/Skagerrak area. Surface water samples were collected at fourteen stations using a plastic-free pump-filter device (UFO sampler) in October 2020. The samples were treated with an enzymatic-oxidative method and analyzed using FPA-μFTIR imaging. MPs concentrations ranged between 11 and 87 MP m-3, with 88% of the MPs being smaller than 300 μm. The most abundant shape of MPs were fragments (56%), and polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene were the dominant synthetic polymer types. The concentration of MPs shows a significant positive correlation to the seawater density. Furthermore, there was a tendency towards higher MPs concentrations in the Northern and the Southern parts of the study area. The concentration of MPs collected with the UFO sampler was several orders of magnitude higher than those commonly found in samples collected with the Manta net due to the dominance of MP smaller size fractions. Despite the multiple potential sources of MPs in the study area, the level of MPs pollution in the surface waters was low compared (<100 MP m-3) to other regions. The concentrations of MPs found in the studied surface waters were six orders of magnitude lower than those causing negative effects on pelagic organisms based on laboratory exposure studies, thus is not expected to cause any impact on the pelagic food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuddithamby Gunaalan
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark.
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- National Institute of Aquatic Resource, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; University Institute for Research in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (IU-ECOAQUA, EOMAR), Department of Biology, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Denmark
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Recent insights into uptake, toxicity, and molecular targets of microplastics and nanoplastics relevant to human health impacts. iScience 2023; 26:106061. [PMID: 36818296 PMCID: PMC9929686 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (M-NPLs) are ubiquitous environmentally, chemically, or mechanically degraded plastic particles. Humans are exposed to M-NPLs of various sizes and types through inhalation of contaminated air, ingestion of contaminated water and food, and other routes. It is estimated that Americans ingest tens of thousands to millions of M-NPLs particles yearly, depending on socioeconomic status, age, and gender. M-NPLs have spurred interest in toxicology because of their abundance, ubiquitous nature, and ability to penetrate bodily and cellular barriers, producing toxicological effects in cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. The present review paper highlights: (1) The current knowledge in understanding the detrimental effects of M-NPLs in mouse models and human cell lines, (2) cellular organelle localization of M-NPLs, and the underlying uptake mechanisms focusing on endocytosis, (3) the possible pathways involved in M-NPLs toxicity, particularly reactive oxygen species, nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), Wnt/β-Catenin, Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB)-regulated inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy signaling. We also highlight the potential role of M-NPLs in increasing the incubation time, spread, and transport of the COVID-19 virus. Finally, we discuss the future prospects in this field.
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Zhou N, Wang Z, Yang L, Zhou W, Qin Z, Zhang H. Size-dependent toxicological effects of polystyrene microplastics in the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei using a histomorphology, microbiome, and metabolic approach. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120635. [PMID: 36370970 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120635] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to the wide application of plastic products in human life, microplastic pollution in water has recently attracted more attention. Many studies have revealed the size-dependent toxicity of microplastics. Here, we investigated the toxicological effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the white leg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, a profitable aquaculture species, using a comprehensive histomorphological, microbiome, and metabolomic approach to verify whether smaller particles are more toxic than larger particles. L. vannamei were experimentally exposed to water containing PS-MPs of four sizes (0.1, 1.0, 5.0, and 20.0 μm) for 24 h at 10 mg/L (acute experiment) and 12 d at 1 mg/L (subchronic experiment). After 24 h of acute exposure, PS-MP accumulation in shrimp indicated that the ingestion and egestion of PS-MPs had a size-dependent effect, and smaller particles were more bioavailable. The tissue morphological results of subchronic experiments showed that, for the guts and gills, the smaller sizes of the PS-MPs exhibited greater damage. In addition, 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that the alpha diversity was higher under larger PS-MP exposure. Correlated with changes in intestinal bacteria, we found a greater enrichment of metabolic pathways in hemolymph proteins and metabolites in larger PS-MP groups, such as "arginine and proline metabolism", "protein digestion and absorption", "lysine degradation". Interestingly, the activity or content of biomarkers of oxidative stress showed a peak at 1 μm and 5 μm. Under specific sizes of PS-MPs, the abundance of the pathogen Vibrio and probiotic bacteria Rhodobacter (5-μm) and Bacillus and Halomonas (1-μm) were simultaneously enriched. Our results indicated that PS-MP exposure can cause size-dependent damage to shrimp, yet specific particle size can be influential differently in regard to some research indicators. Therefore, it can enhance our comprehensive understanding of the impacts of microplastics on shrimp health and suggests that specific particle size should be considered when assessing the size-dependent toxicity of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningjia Zhou
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Lifeng Yang
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenyao Zhou
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiwei Qin
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China
| | - Heqian Zhang
- Center for Biological Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China; Faculty of Art and Science, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, China.
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Lu H, Yin K, Su H, Wang D, Zhang Y, Hou L, Li JB, Wang Y, Xing M. Polystyrene microplastics induce autophagy and apoptosis in birds lungs via PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:78-89. [PMID: 36205374 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) seriously pollute and potentially threaten human health. Birds are sentinels of environmental pollutants, which respond quickly to contamination events and reveal current environmental exposure. Therefore, birds are good bioindicators for monitoring environmental pollutants. However, the mechanism of lung injury in birds and the role of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis are unknown. In this study, broilers treated with different polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) (0, 1, 10, and 100 mg/L) were exposed to drinking water for 6 weeks to analyze the effect of PS-MPs on lung injury of broilers. The results showed that with the increase of PS-MPs concentration, malonaldehyde (MDA) content increased, and catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) activity decreased, further leading to oxidative stress. PS-MPs caused the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to be inhibited by phosphorylation, and autophagy accelerated formation (LC3) and degradation (p62), causing autophagy. In PS-MPs exposed lung tissues, the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase family increased, and MAPK signaling pathways (p38, ERK, and JNK) showed an increase in phosphorylation level, thus leading to cell apoptosis. Our research showed that PS-MPs could activate the antioxidant system. The antioxidant system unbalance-regulated Caspase family, and PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathways initiated apoptosis and autophagy, which in turn led to lung tissue damage in chickens. These results are of great significance to the toxicological study of PS-MPs and the protection of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmin Lu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Yin
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Su
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lulu Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Bo Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingwei Xing
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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36
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Qiao R, Mortimer M, Richter J, Rani-Borges B, Yu Z, Heinlaan M, Lin S, Ivask A. Hazard of polystyrene micro-and nanospheres to selected aquatic and terrestrial organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158560. [PMID: 36087672 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics contamination in the environment is a major concern. Risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics (MPL and NPL) poses significant challenges due to MPL and NPL heterogeneity regarding compositional polymers, particle sizes and morphologies in the environment. Yet, there exists considerable toxicological literature on commercial polystyrene (PS) micro- and nanospheres. Although such particles do not directly represent the environmental MPL and NPL, their toxicity data should be used to advance the hazard assessment of plastics. Here, toxicity data of PS micro- and nanospheres for microorganisms, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, fish, and higher plants was collected and analyzed. The evaluation of 294 papers revealed that aquatic invertebrates were the most studied organisms, nanosized PS was studied more often than microsized PS, acute exposures prevailed over chronic exposures, the toxicity of PS suspension additives was rarely addressed, and ∼40 % of data indicated no organismal effects of PS. Toxicity mechanisms were mainly studied in fish and nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, providing guidance for relevant studies in higher organisms. Future studies should focus on environmentally relevant plastics concentrations, wide range of organisms, co-exposures with other pollutants, and method development for plastics identification and quantification to fill the gap of bioaccumulation assessment of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxia Qiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Jelizaveta Richter
- National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
| | - Bárbara Rani-Borges
- Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Alto da Boa Vista, Sorocaba, São Paulo 18087-180, Brazil; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Zhenyang Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Margit Heinlaan
- National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Tallinn 12618, Estonia.
| | - Sijie Lin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Angela Ivask
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia.
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Dong R, Liu R, Xu Y, Liu W, Sun Y. Effect of foliar and root exposure to polymethyl methacrylate microplastics on biochemistry, ultrastructure, and arsenic accumulation in Brassica campestris L. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114402. [PMID: 36167108 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite the serious risk of microplastic pollution in the roots and leaves of crops, the phytotoxicity of microplastics (introduced via different exposure routes) in leafy vegetables remain insufficiently understood. Here, the effects of the root and foliar exposure of polymethyl methacrylate microplastic (PMMAMPs) on phytotoxicity, As accumulation, and subcellular distribution were investigated in rapeseed (Brassica campestris L). The relative chlorophyll content under PMMAMPs treatment decreased with time, and the 0.05 g L-1 root exposure decreased it significantly (by 9.97-20.48%, P < 0.05). In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities in rapeseed were more sensitive to PMMAMPs introduced through root exposure than through foliar exposure. There was dose-dependent ultrastructural damage, and root exposure had a greater impact than foliar exposure on root tip cells and chloroplasts. PMMAMPs entered the shoots and roots of rapeseed through root exposure. Under foliar exposure, PMMAMPs promoted As accumulation in rapeseed by up to 75.6% in shoots and 68.2% in roots compared to that under control (CK). As content in cell wall under PMMAMP treatments was 3.6-5.3 times higher than that of CK, as indicated by subcellular component results. In general, root exposure to PMMAMPs resulted in a stronger physiological impact and foliar exposure led to increased As accumulation in rapeseed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, MARA, Tianjin, 300191, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, MARA, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Rongle Liu
- Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, MARA, Tianjin, 300191, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, MARA, Tianjin, 300191, China.
| | - Yingming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, MARA, Tianjin, 300191, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, MARA, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yuebing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Original Agro-Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, MARA, Tianjin, 300191, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, MARA, Tianjin, 300191, China.
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Parlapiano I, Biandolino F, Grattagliano A, Ruscito A, Lofrano G, Libralato G, Trifuoggi M, Albarano L, Prato E. Multi-endpoint effects of derelict tubular mussel plastic nets on Tigriopus fulvus. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:83554-83566. [PMID: 35764734 PMCID: PMC9643204 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21569-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic debris from direct and indirect human activities is considered a major threat to the marine biodiversity mainly due to its abundance, durability, persistence, and ability to accumulate contaminants from the environment. Derelict tubular plastic nets of various colours (blue (BN), yellow (YN), green (GN), pink (PN), and white (WN) net), used to distinguish mussel farming owners, were collected by scuba-dive from the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea). All nets were made of polypropylene. Investigations looked for potential acute (mortality) and sub-chronic (mortality, larval development and moult release number, and adult percentage after 5-9 days) effects on Tigriopus fulvus nauplii considering both whole plastics (microplastic (MP), 50 mg/L) and leachates (12.5-100%). Acute test determined a median lethal concentration (LC50) only for BN for both MPs (107 mg/L) and leachates (50.1%). The prolonged exposure (5 days) to microplastics did not affect the T. fulvus survival. After 9 days, YN and BN decreased of approximately 100% larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Parlapiano
- National Research Council, Water Research Institute (IRSA-CNR), Via Roma, 3, 74123, Taranto, Italy
| | - Francesca Biandolino
- National Research Council, Water Research Institute (IRSA-CNR), Via Roma, 3, 74123, Taranto, Italy
| | - Asia Grattagliano
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 1 - 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ruscito
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 1 - 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giusy Lofrano
- Centro Servizi Metrologici E Tecnologici Avanzati (CeSMA), University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie, Umane e della Salute, Università degli Studi di Roma Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 15, 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 26, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Centro Servizi Metrologici E Tecnologici Avanzati (CeSMA), University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Albarano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Ermelinda Prato
- National Research Council, Water Research Institute (IRSA-CNR), Via Roma, 3, 74123, Taranto, Italy
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Kaur H, Rawat D, Poria P, Sharma U, Gibert Y, Ethayathulla AS, Dumée LF, Sharma RS, Mishra V. Ecotoxic effects of microplastics and contaminated microplastics - Emerging evidence and perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156593. [PMID: 35690218 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The high prevalence and persistence of microplastics (MPs) in pristine habitats along with their accumulation across environmental compartments globally, has become a matter of grave concern. The resilience conferred to MPs using the material engineering approaches for outperforming other materials has become key to the challenge that they now represent. The characteristics that make MPs hazardous are their micro to nano scale dimensions, surface varied wettability and often hydrophobicity, leading to non-biodegradability. In addition, MPs exhibit a strong tendency to bind to other contaminants along with the ability to sustain extreme chemical conditions thus increasing their residence time in the environment. Adsorption of these co-contaminants leads to modification in toxicity varying from additive, synergistic, and sometimes antagonistic, having consequences on flora, fauna, and ultimately the end of the food chain, human health. The resulting environmental fate and associated risks of MPs, therefore greatly depend upon their complex interactions with the co-contaminants and the nature of the environment in which they reside. Net outcomes of such complex interactions vary with core characteristics of MPs, the properties of co-contaminants and the abiotic factors, and are required to be better understood to minimize the inherent risks. Toxicity assays addressing these concerns should be ecologically relevant, assessing the impacts at different levels of biological organization to develop an environmental perspective. This review analyzed and evaluated 171 studies to present research status on MP toxicity. This analysis supported the identification and development of research gaps and recommended priority areas of research, accounting for disproportionate risks faced by different countries. An ecological perspective is also developed on the environmental toxicity of contaminated MPs in the light of multi-variant stressors and directions are provided to conduct an ecologically relevant risk assessment. The presented analyses will also serve as a foundation for developing environmentally appropriate remediation methods and evaluation frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harveen Kaur
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Deepak Rawat
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India; Department of Environmental Studies, Janki Devi, Memorial College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110060, India
| | - Pankaj Poria
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Udita Sharma
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Yann Gibert
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | | | - Ludovic F Dumée
- Khalifa University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Research and Innovation Center on CO(2) and Hydrogen, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Radhey Shyam Sharma
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India; Delhi School of Climate Change & Sustainability, Institute of Eminence, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Vandana Mishra
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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40
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Kim K, Yoon H, Choi JS, Jung YJ, Park JW. Chronic effects of nano and microplastics on reproduction and development of marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 243:113962. [PMID: 35988379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the impact of chronic (30 days) exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) of different sizes (50 nm and 2 µm) and at different concentrations (0.5 μg/L and 100 mg/L) to marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus. Polystyrene microplastics affected survival rates in size- and concentration-dependent manners. The LC50s values of 50 nm and 2 µm PS-MPs were 0.10 mg/L and 3.92 mg/L, respectively. The developmental time was delayed by 50 nm PS-MPs, and Usp expression was downregulated. Reproduction was negatively affected by 2 µm PS-MPs even at environmentally relevant concentrations; however, the expression of Vtg was not altered. The production rates of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide also increased after exposure to PS-MPs; but this effect was independent of particle size. The expression levels of Cat and Tnf, genes related to oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively, were upregulated by exposure to PS-MPs, independently of particle size. Meanwhile, the level of oxidative stress in T. japonicus was not significantly affected by PS-MPs at environmentally relevant concentrations. This study suggests that nano-sized PS-MPs are not always more toxic than micro-sized PS-MPs, and that oxidative stress is a key factor in determining the toxic effect on T. japonicus at high concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanghee Kim
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17, Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Hakwon Yoon
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17, Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Soo Choi
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17, Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo Jung
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17, Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - June-Woo Park
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17, Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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41
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Liu S, Li Y, Shang L, Yin J, Qian Z, Chen C, Yang Y. Size-dependent neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics in flowing condition based on an in vitro microfluidic study. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:135280. [PMID: 35690177 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
With the widespread presence of plastic wastes, knowledge about the potential environmental risks and bioavailability of micro- or nanoplastics fragmented from large analogs is of utmost importance. As the particle size matters in mediating endocytic mechanism and particle internalization, we first studied the effects of polystyrene microparticles (PS-MPs, 1 μm) and polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs, 100 nm) of two different sizes at varying concentrations of 5, 25 and 75 μg/mL on the mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells. The in vitro study showed efficient cellular uptake of PS-MPs and PS-NPs of both sizes. The adverse effects of cellular metabolic activity as reflective of excess Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and cell cycle S phase arresting were observed especially at the greater concentration of smaller-sized PS particles, consequently leading to mild cytotoxicity. We further evaluated the dynamic particle-cell interaction with a continuous supply of PS particles using a microfluidic device. By recapitulating the in vivo mechanical microenvironments while allowing homogeneous distribution of PS particles, the dynamic exposure to PS particles of both sizes under flowing conditions resulted in much lesser viability of neural cells than the traditional static exposure. As the flowing dynamics may avoid the gravitational settling of particles and allow more efficient cellular uptake, the size distribution, together with the exposure configurations, contributed significantly to the determination of the PS particle cytotoxicity. The on-chip investigation and a better understanding of particle translocation mechanisms would offer very much to the risk assessment of PS particles on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Yuewu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Linwei Shang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Jianhua Yin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Chunxiao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Yamin Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China.
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42
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Sathish T, Sabarirajan N, Ravichandran S, Moorthy GM, Dinesh Kumar S. Novel study on improvement of plastics properties by blending of waste micro plastics into ABS plastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:134997. [PMID: 35597455 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134997] [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: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Occupancy of waste micro plastic particles in the beach sand is found hazardous sea livings as well as creates the environmental issues. Many research attempts have been made to short out them. This investigation focuses on utilizing such micro plastic to produce cost effective ABS plasticproducts including toys manufacturing. The screened out micro plastic particles were chemically refined to obtain the pro form of Polypropylene (PP) and Polystyrene (PS) and then they used (10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%and 25 wt%) with raw ABS plastic and prepared billets by injection moulding. The moulding parameters like melting temperature (230 °C, 240 °C, 250 °C and 260 °C), injection pressure (1300 bar, 1400 bar, 1500 bar and 1600 bar) and injection time (0.4s, 0.8s, 1.2s and 1.6s) to maximize the Impact, tensile and flexural strengths of proposed plastic with Taguchi method. The results reveal that 25% micro plastic reinforced specimen prepared at 250 °C, 1400 bar and 1.6s, is outperformed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sathish
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - N Sabarirajan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chendhuran College of Engineering and Technology, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Ravichandran
- Department of Civil Engineering, CEG, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G M Moorthy
- Department of Geology, V.O.Chidambaram College, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, St.Peter's Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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43
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Wang YX, Liu MJ, Geng XH, Zhang Y, Jia RQ, Zhang YN, Wang XX, Jiang Y. The combined effects of microplastics and the heavy metal cadmium on the marine periphytic ciliate Euplotes vannus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119663. [PMID: 35738516 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics could be grazed by marine organisms and possibly transferred to higher trophic levels along the microbial loop. Due to their size and capacity to concentrate heavy metals that trigger joint toxic effects, microplastics (MPs) have already become a severe threat to marine organisms. The detrimental effects of MPs on large marine organisms have been studied, but the combined toxicity of MPs and cadmium (Cd) on protozoan ciliates remains unclear. In the present study, we selected different diameters and concentrations of polystyrene microspheres (PS-MPs) and Cd2+ as model MPs and heavy metals to evaluate their single and combined effects on the periphytic marine ciliate Euplotes vannus in relation to carbon biomass and oxidative stress. The MPs were indeed ingested by Euplotes vannus and significantly reduced the abundance and carbon biomass of ciliate populations. Combined exposure to MPs and Cd2+ not only increased the bioaccumulation of Cd2+ in ciliates but also exacerbated the decrease in ciliate biomass by increasing oxidative stress and membrane damage. In comparison, the effects of nano-sized plastics (0.22 μm) were more harmful than those of micro-sized plastics (1.07 μm, 2.14 μm and 5.00 μm). A smaller size represents a higher potential for penetrating biological members and a stronger adsorption capacity for cadmium. These results provide new insight into the combined toxicity of microplastics and heavy metals on ciliated protozoa and lay a foundation for higher trophic levels and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xin Wang
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ming-Jian Liu
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xian-Hui Geng
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Rui-Qi Jia
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yi-Ning Zhang
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Wang
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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44
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Zhao X, You F. Life Cycle Assessment of Microplastics Reveals Their Greater Environmental Hazards than Mismanaged Polymer Waste Losses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11780-11797. [PMID: 35920730 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Concern about microplastic pollution sourced from mismanaged plastic waste losses to drainage basins is growing but lacks relevant environmental impact analyses. Here, we reveal and compare the environmental hazards of aquatic macro- and microplastic debris through a holistic life cycle assessment approach. Compared to polymeric debris, microplastics, especially smaller than 10 μm, exhibit higher freshwater ecotoxicity enhanced by watersheds' high average depth and low water temperature. High microplastic concentration within drainage basins can also cause air pollution regarding particulate matter formation and photochemical ozone formation. The environmental drawbacks of plastic mismanagement are then demonstrated by showing that the microplastic formulation and removal in drinking water treatment plants can pose more than 7.44% of the total ecotoxicity effect from plastic wastes' (microplastics') whole life cycle. Specifically, these two life cycle stages can also cause more than 50% of the plastic wastes' life cycle ecotoxicity effect related to organic chemical emissions. Therefore, reducing environmentally harmful plastic losses through advanced plastic waste recycling, collection, and effective microplastic removal technologies needs future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhao
- Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Fengqi You
- Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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45
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Yin K, Wang D, Zhao H, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Li B, Xing M. Polystyrene microplastics up-regulates liver glutamine and glutamate synthesis and promotes autophagy-dependent ferroptosis and apoptosis in the cerebellum through the liver-brain axis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119449. [PMID: 35550135 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), which are emerging environmental pollutants, remain uncertainties in their toxic mechanism. MPs have been linked to severe liver metabolic disorders and neurotoxicity, but it is still unknown whether the abnormal metabolites induced by MPs can affect brain tissue through the liver-brain axis. Exposed to MPs of chickens results in liver metabolic disorders and increased glutamine and glutamate synthesis. The relative expression of glutamine in the C group was -0.862, the L-PS group was 0.271, and the H-PS group was 0.592. The expression of tight junction proteins in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was reduced by PS-MPs. Occludin protein expression decreased by 35.8%-41.2%. Claudin 3 decreased by 19.6%-42.3%, and ZO-1 decreased by 28.3%-44.6%. Excessive glutamine and glutamate cooperated with PS-MPs to inhibit the Nrf2-Keap1-HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway and triggered autophagy-dependent ferroptosis and apoptosis. GPX protein expression decreased by 30.9%-38%. LC3II/LC3I increased by 54%, and Caspase 3 increased by 45%. Eventually, the number of Purkinje cells was reduced, causing neurological dysfunction. In conclusion, this study provides new insights for revealing the mechanism of nervous system damaged caused by PS-MPs exposed in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yin
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Hongjing Zhao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yachen Liu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Baoying Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Mingwei Xing
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
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46
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Rowenczyk L, Cai H, Nguyen B, Sirois M, Côté-Laurin MC, Toupoint N, Ismail A, Tufenkji N. From freshwaters to bivalves: Microplastic distribution along the Saint-Lawrence river-to-sea continuum. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 435:128977. [PMID: 35487001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the close connection of freshwaters to human health, the occurrence and fate of microplastics in marine estuaries remain poorly documented. To study these particles in the Saint-Lawrence River (Quebec, Canada), surface water and marine bivalve samples were collected along the river-to-sea continuum. The water samples were subdivided to characterize the large microplastics (LMPs; 300-3200 µm) and the small microplastics (SMPs; 20-300 µm). Particles were identified by microscopy and infrared spectroscopy techniques. The concentration of LMPs was higher in the surface water in the downstream stations (0.0319 ± 0.0147 items.L-1) compared to the upstream stations (0.0007 ± 0.0006 items.L-1). No clear trend was observed for the SMPs. After digestion of the biological tissues, the microplastics ingested by the bivalves were recovered and characterized by microscopy coupled with infrared spectroscopy. Up to 3 items were found per bivalve suggesting that these particles are also present in the water column of the marine estuary and the gulf. The physico-chemical gradients along the continuum were monitored since they could be directly involved in the vertical and horizontal transport of microplastics. This study provides scarce field data collected along the world's largest estuary and gives new insights concerning the fate of microplastics along a river-to-sea continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rowenczyk
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C5, QC, Canada.
| | - H Cai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C5, QC, Canada; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - B Nguyen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C5, QC, Canada
| | - M Sirois
- Merinov, 96, montée de Sandy Beach, Gaspé G4X 2V6, QC, Canada
| | - M-C Côté-Laurin
- Merinov, 96, montée de Sandy Beach, Gaspé G4X 2V6, QC, Canada
| | - N Toupoint
- Merinov, 96, montée de Sandy Beach, Gaspé G4X 2V6, QC, Canada
| | - A Ismail
- Department of Food Science & Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3V9, QC, Canada
| | - N Tufenkji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C5, QC, Canada
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47
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Nousheen R, Rittschof D, Hashmi I. Toxic effects of pristine and aged polystyrene microplastics on selective and continuous larval culture of acorn barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 94:103912. [PMID: 35724858 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103912] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the toxicity of pristine (Unwashed) and aged, clean (Biofilm-) or fouled (Biofilm+), PS microspheres (3 µm,10 µm), using Washed particles as a reference material, on selective and continuous larval culture of Amphibalanus amphitrite. Exposure to 3 µm Unwashed and Biofilm+ particles for 24 h induced significant mortality (60 % and 57 % respectively) in stage II larvae. Stage II and VI nauplii showed greater uptake of 3 µm Biofilm- particles. Accumulative exposure to microplastics in continuous larval culture significantly affected the naupliar survival, particularly of stage III and IV. Cumulative mortality was > 70% after exposure to 3 µm Unwashed and 10 µm Biofilm+ particles. Unwashed particles with increasing concentration and aged particles with increasing size, delayed the development of nauplii to cyprids. Though,> 50% cyprids showed successful settlement however the highest concentration of 3 µm Biofilm+ microspheres inhibited the settlement and induced precocious metamorphosis in 9 % of the cyprids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Nousheen
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan; Duke Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC 28516, United States
| | - Daniel Rittschof
- Duke Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC 28516, United States
| | - Imran Hashmi
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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48
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Zhang YT, Wei W, Wang C, Ni BJ. Microbial and physicochemical responses of anaerobic hydrogen-producing granular sludge to polyethylene micro(nano)plastics. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 221:118745. [PMID: 35728500 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics is an emerging contaminant in wastewater that has showed significant impacts on various biological treatment processes. Nevertheless, the underlying effects of micro(nano)plastics with different concentrations and sizes on the anaerobic hydrogen-producing granular sludge (HPG) were still unclear. This work firstly attempted to illustrate the microbial and physicochemical responses of HPG to a shock load of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) with varied concentrations and sizes. The results revealed that the PE-MPs inhibitory effect on hydrogen production by HPG was both concentration- and size-dependent. Specifically, the increase of PE-MPs concentration and the decline of PE-MPs size to nano-sized plastics (NPs) significantly decreased the hydrogen yield, downgraded to 79.9 ± 2.6% and 63.0 ± 3.9% (p = 0.001, and 0.0002) of control, respectively, at higher MPs concentration and the smaller MPs size (i.e., NPs). The higher PE-MPs concentration and PE-NPs also suppressed extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) generation more severely. The critical bio-processes involved in hydrogen production were disturbed by PE-MPs, with the extent of negative impacts depending on the dosage and size of PE-MPs. These adverse impacts further manifested as granule disintegration and loss of cellular activity. Mechanism analysis highlighted the roles of oxidative stress, leachate released from PE-MPs, interaction between PE-NPs and granules inducing physical crushing of HPG that led to possible direct contact between cells and toxic substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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49
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Ilechukwu I, Ehigiator BE, Ben IO, Okonkwo CJ, Olorunfemi OS, Modo UE, Ilechukwu CE, Ohagwa NJ. Chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on reproductive parameters of male rats. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2022; 37:e2022015-0. [PMID: 35878923 PMCID: PMC9314200 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2022015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics have become a significant environmental concern. However, information on toxicity of microplastics in terrestrial organisms is limited. In this study, the chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the reproductive system and serum antioxidants of male albino Wistar rats fed for 90 days with standard rat feed containing 1–10% granules of crushed polystyrene disposable plates were evaluated. Significant reductions in volume, motility, epididymal sperm count and serum testosterone level were observed. Histological examination of testicular architecture showed distorted testes with vacuolated seminiferous tubules at the highest percentage, together with increased catalase and decreased superoxide dismutase activities. This study showed that ingestion of PS-MPs caused reproductive dysfunction in male rats and contributes to understanding the potential toxicity of microplastics in terrestrial animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifenna Ilechukwu
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, Department of Marine and Environmental Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa,
Japan
- Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State,
Nigeria
| | - Ben Enoluomen Ehigiator
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State,
Nigeria
| | - Inemesit Okon Ben
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho,
Ghana
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Oluwakemi S. Olorunfemi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State,
Nigeria
| | - Uchechukwu Emmanuel Modo
- Department of Biochemistry, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State,
Nigeria
| | | | - Ngozika Juliet Ohagwa
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State,
Nigeria
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50
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Malafaia G. Instigating reflections on microplastics uptake and translocations from the study "Microplastic inclusion in birch tree roots" by Austen et al. (2022). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:154030. [PMID: 35218832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Malafaia
- Biological Research Laboratory, Post-graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urata Campus, GO, Brazil; Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Goiano Federal Institute and the Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil; Post-graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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