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Bai CL, Wang D, Luan YL, Huang SN, Liu LY, Guo Y. A review on micro- and nanoplastics in humans: Implication for their translocation of barriers and potential health effects. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142424. [PMID: 38795915 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142424] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
As emerging contaminants, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can absorb and leach various toxic chemicals and ultimately endanger the health of the ecological environment and humans. With extensive research on MNPs, knowledge about MNPs in humans, especially their translocation of barriers and potential health effects, is of utmost importance. In this review, we collected literature published from 2000 to 2023, focusing on MNPs on their occurrence in humans, penetrating characteristics in the placental, blood-brain, and blood-testis barriers, and exposure effects on mammalian health. The characteristics and distributions of MNPs in human samples were analyzed, and the results demonstrated that MNPs were ubiquitous in most human samples, except for kidneys and cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, the phenomenon of MNPs crossing barriers and their underlying mechanisms were discussed. We also summarized the potential factors that may affect the barrier crossing and health effects of MNPs, including characteristics of MNPs, exposure doses, administration routes, exposure durations, co-exposure to other pollutants, and genetic predisposition. Exposure to MNPs may cause cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and developmental and reproductive toxicity in mammals. People are encouraged to reduce their exposure to MNPs to prevent these adverse health effects. Finally, we discussed the shortcomings of current research on MNPs in humans, providing a valuable reference for understanding and evaluating the potential health risks from MNP exposure in mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Lan Bai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Hainan Branch, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya, 572022, China
| | - Yu-Ling Luan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Si-Nan Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Liang-Ying Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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2
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Sreeparvathi CK, Amal R, Remia KM, Devipriya SP. Ecological assessment of microplastic contamination in surface water and commercially important edible fishes off Kadalundi estuary, Southwest coast of India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:735. [PMID: 39009737 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12900-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
This study focuses on the Kadalundi estuary, Kerala's first community reserve, investigating the prevalence and impacts of microplastics on both the estuarine environment and selected fish species. This study presents the initial evidence indicating the consumption of microplastic particles by 12 commercially important edible fish species inhabiting the Kadalundi estuary. Analysis revealed significant accumulations of microplastic fibers within the surface water. In examining 12 fish species from demersal and pelagic habitats, microplastics were found in both the gastrointestinal tracts and gills. In the digestive tracts, microplastic fragments constituted the highest proportion (46%), while in the gills, microplastic fibers were dominant (52.4%). This study observed a prevalence of blue microplastics over other colors in both water and fish samples. Notably, demersal species showed a higher incidence of ingested microplastics. Polymer analysis identified Polypropylene (PP), Nylon, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene isotactic (iPP), PE 1 Octene copolymer, and Rayon in water samples, while fish samples predominantly contained LDPE, PP, PE, and Nylon. Risk assessment utilizing the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) categorized certain polymers as posing minor to moderate risks. Pollution Load Index (PLI) computations indicated moderate to high levels of microplastic contamination across various sampling sites in the estuary. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a lack of correlation between fish size and microplastic ingestion, underscoring environmental factors' influence on microplastic intake. The study emphasizes the implications of microplastic pollution on the fragile ecosystem of the Kadalundi estuary, posing potential risks to biodiversity and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radhakrishnan Amal
- School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Kulamullathil Maroli Remia
- Department of Zoology, MES Mampad College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, India
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3
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Chen Y, Chen Q, Zuo C, Zhang S, Zhang M, Hou X, Shi H. Leaching potentials of microplastic fibers and UV stabilizers from coastal-littered face masks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134999. [PMID: 38925055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic fibrous textiles are ubiquitous plastic commodities in everyday existence. Nevertheless, there exists a dearth of understanding regarding their environmental occurrence and the releasing capacities of associated additives. In this study, ten additives were determined in twenty-eight kinds of daily used plastic products including face masks, synthetic clothing, and food containers. Our results revealed that a typical kind of fibrous plastic, face masks, contained a greater variety of additives with UV stabilizers in particular, when compared to other plastic commodities. The above phenomena triggered our field investigation for the occurrence and release potentials of face mask fibers and the co-existing UV stabilizers into the environment. We further collected 114 disposed masks from coastal areas and analyzed their UV stabilizer concentrations. Results showed that the abundance of littered face masks ranged from 40-1846 items/km2 along the Yangtze Estuary, China; and UV stabilizers were of 0.3 ± 0.7 ng/g and 0.7 ± 1.7 ng/g in main bodies and ear ropes, respectively. The UV stabilizer concentrations in the field collected masks were only ∼7 % of their new counterparts, implying their potential leaching after disposal. By simulating the weathering scenario, we predict that a substantial amount of microplastics, with 1.1 × 1010 polypropylene fibers and 3.7 × 1010 polyester fibers, are probably be released daily into the coastal environment after face masks disposal; whereas the accompanied leaching amount of UV stabilizers was relatively modest under the current scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuye Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chencheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Sijia Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Mengdan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiaohong Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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Pedersen AF, Bayen S, Liu L, Dietz R, Sonne C, Rosing-Asvid A, Ferguson SH, McKinney MA. Nontarget and suspect screening reveals the presence of multiple plastic-related compounds in polar bear, killer whale, narwhal and long-finned pilot whale blubber from East Greenland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124417. [PMID: 38909771 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The monitoring of legacy contaminants in sentinel northern marine mammals has revealed some of the highest concentrations globally. However, investigations into the presence of chemicals of emerging Arctic concern (CEACs) and other lesser-known chemicals are rarely conducted, if at all. Here, we used a nontarget/suspect approach to screen for thousands of different chemicals, including many CEACs and plastic-related compounds (PRCs) in blubber/adipose from killer whales (Orcinus orca), narwhals (Monodon monoceros), long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in East Greenland. 138 compounds were tentatively identified mostly as PRCs, and four were confirmed using authentic standards: di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP), and one antioxidant (Irganox 1010). Three other PRCs, a nonylphenol isomer, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, and dioctyl sebacate, exhibited fragmentation patterns matching those in library databases. While phthalates were only above detection limits in some polar bear and narwhal, Irganox 1010, nonylphenol, and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol were detected in >50% of all samples. This study represents the first application of a nontarget/suspect screening approach in Arctic cetaceans, leading to the identification of multiple PRCs in their blubber. Further nontarget analyses are warranted to comprehensively characterize the extent of CEAC and PRC contamination within Arctic marine food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam F Pedersen
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Stéphane Bayen
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark
| | - Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid
- Department of Birds and Mammals, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk GL-3900, Greenland
| | - Steven H Ferguson
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
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Yu Y, Tang N, Huang Y, Lu J, Wang W, Guo F, Yao W, Peng J. Study on the photoaging process and metal ion release of plastic films with two kinds of structures in marine environment: Aliphatic and aromatic polymers. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116474. [PMID: 38762936 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116474] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of plastics in the oceans has significantly intensified microplastic pollution, contributing to broader marine secondary pollution issues. This paper examines how plastic structure affects the aging characteristics of plastics and the release of metal ions, to better understand this secondary source of marine pollution. This study simulate the photoaging of plastics in natural environments, focusing on aliphatic and aromatic polymers. The results showed that the photodegradation degree was higher for aliphatic than aromatic polymers. All polymers contained thirteen detectable metals, with their release increasing over time due to photoaging, The release dynamics of these metal ions correlated more strongly with the level of polymer degradation rather than with the polymer structure itself, adhering to a second-order kinetic model driven by surface and intraparticle diffusion processes. The results will help control and treat marine plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Nian Tang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yihui Huang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jinqing Lu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Weiquan Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Fan Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Weike Yao
- School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China.
| | - Jinping Peng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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6
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Bao S, Yi J, Xian B, Rao C, Xiang D, Tang W, Fang T. Global analysis of the adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastics on intestinal health and microbiota of fish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134157. [PMID: 38569337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The wide occurrence of micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) within aquatic ecosystems has raised increasing concerns regarding their potential effects on aquatic organisms. However, the effects of MPs/NPs on intestinal health and microbiota of fish remain controversial, and there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding how the impact of MPs/NPs is influenced by MPs/NPs characteristics and experimental designs. Here, we conducted a global analysis to synthesize the effects of MPs/NPs on 47 variables associated with fish intestinal health and microbiota from 118 studies. We found that MPs/NPs generally exerted obvious adverse effects on intestinal histological structure, permeability, digestive function, immune and oxidative-antioxidative systems. By contrast, MPs/NPs showed slight effects on intestinal microbial variables. Further, we observed that the responses of intestinal variables to MPs/NPs were significantly regulated by MPs/NPs characteristics and experimental designs. For instance, polyvinyl chloride plastics showed higher toxicity to fish gut than polyethylene and polystyrene did. Additionally, larval fish appeared to be more sensitive to MPs/NPs than juvenile fish. Collectively, this study highlights the potential impacts of MPs/NPs on intestinal health and microbiota of fish, and underscores the determinant role of MPs/NPs characteristics and experimental designs in MPs/NPs toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopan Bao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jia Yi
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Bo Xian
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenyang Rao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Dongfang Xiang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Tao Fang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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7
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Cong J, Wu J, Fang Y, Wang J, Kong X, Wang L, Duan Z. Application of organoid technology in the human health risk assessment of microplastics: A review of progresses and challenges. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108744. [PMID: 38761429 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global environmental issue, and increasing concern has been raised about its impact on human health. Current studies on the toxic effects and mechanisms of MPs have mostly been conducted in animal models or in vitro cell cultures, which have limitations regarding inter-species differences or stimulation of cellular functions. Organoid technology derived from human pluripotent or adult stem cells has broader prospects for predicting the potential health risks of MPs to humans. Herein, we reviewed the current application advancements and opportunities for different organoids, including brain, retinal, intestinal, liver, and lung organoids, to assess the human health risks of MPs. Organoid techniques accurately simulate the complex processes of MPs and reflect phenotypes related to diseases caused by MPs such as liver fibrosis, neurodegeneration, impaired intestinal barrier and cardiac hypertrophy. Future perspectives were also proposed for technological innovation in human risk assessment of MPs using organoids, including extending the lifespan of organoids to assess the chronic toxicity of MPs, and reconstructing multi-organ interactions to explore their potential in studying the microbiome-gut-brainaxis effect of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyue Cong
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Jin Wu
- Tianjin Institute of Environment and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yanjun Fang
- Tianjin Institute of Environment and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xiaoyan Kong
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhenghua Duan
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China.
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Peng X, Yang T, Guo S, Zhou J, Chen G, Zhu Z, Tan J. Revealing chemical release from plastic debris in animals' digestive systems using nontarget and suspect screening and simulating digestive fluids. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123793. [PMID: 38513944 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123793] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Plastic debris in the environment are not only pollutants but may also be important sources of a variety of contaminants. This work simulated kinetics and potential of chemical leaching from plastic debris in animals' digestive systems by incubating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cord particles in artificial digestive fluids combined with nontarget and suspect screening based on UHPLC-Orbitrap HRMS. Impacts of particle size, aging, and digestive fluid were investigated to elucidate mechanisms of chemical leaching. Thousands of chemical features were screened in the leachates of PVC cord particles in the artificial digestive fluids, among which >60% were unknown. Bisphenol A (BPA) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the dominant identified CL1 compounds. Finer size and aging of the PVC particles and prolonged incubation time enhanced chemical release, resulting in greater numbers, higher levels, and more complexity in components of the released chemicals. The gastrointestinal fluid was more favorable for chemical leaching than the gastric fluid, with greater numbers and higher levels. Hundreds to thousands of chemical features were screened and filtered in the leachates of consumer plastic products, including food contact products (FCPs) in the artificial bird gastrointestinal fluid. In addition to BPA and DEHP, several novel bisphenol analogues were identified in the leachate of at least one FCP. The results revealed that once plastic debris are ingested by animals, hundreds to thousands of chemicals may be released into animals' digestive tracts in hours, posing potential synergistic risks of plastic debris and chemicals to plastic-ingesting animals. Future research should pay more attentions to identification, ecotoxicities, and environmental fate of vast amounts of unknown chemicals potentially released from plastics in order to gain full pictures of plastic pollution in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhi Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Tao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guangshi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zewen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianhua Tan
- Guangzhou Quality Supervision and Testing Institute, Guangzhou, 510050, China
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Zhao Y, Chen H, Liang H, Zhao T, Ren B, Li Y, Liang H, Liu Y, Cao H, Cui N, Wei W. Combined toxic effects of polyethylene microplastics and lambda-cyhalothrin on gut of zebrafish (Danio rerio). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 276:116296. [PMID: 38593498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116296] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), which are prevalent and increasingly accumulating in aquatic environments. Other pollutants coexist with MPs in the water, such as pesticides, and may be carried or transferred to aquatic organisms, posing unpredictable ecological risks. This study sought to assess the adsorption of lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) by virgin and aged polyethylene MPs (VPE and APE, respectively), and to examine their influence on LCT's toxicity in zebrafish, specifically regarding acute toxicity, oxidative stress, gut microbiota and immunity. The adsorption results showed that VPE and APE could adsorb LCT, with adsorption capacities of 34.4 mg∙g-1 and 39.0 mg∙g-1, respectively. Compared with LCT exposure alone, VPE and APE increased the acute toxicity of LCT to zebrafish. Additionally, exposure to LCT and PE-MPs alone can induce oxidative stress in the zebrafish gut, while combined exposure can exacerbate the oxidative stress response and intensify intestinal lipid peroxidation. Moreover, exposure to LCT or PE-MPs alone promotes inflammation, and combined exposure leads to downregulation of the myd88-nf-κb related gene expression, thus impacting intestinal immunity. Furthermore, exposure to APE increased LCT toxicity to zebrafish more than VPE. Meanwhile, exposure to PE-MPs and LCT alone or in combination has the potential to affect gut microbiota function and alter the abundance and diversity of the zebrafish gut flora. Collectively, the presence of PE-MPs may affect the toxicity of pesticides in zebrafish. The findings emphasize the importance of studying the interaction between MPs and pesticides in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexing Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Haiyue Chen
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Hongwu Liang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China.
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Bo Ren
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Hanlin Liang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Huihui Cao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Naqi Cui
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
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10
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Choi NE, Lee YK, Oh H, Hur J. Photo-induced leaching behaviors and biodegradability of dissolved organic matter from microplastics and terrestrial-sourced particles. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141826. [PMID: 38552805 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141826] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have increasingly focused on the occurrence of plastic leachate and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Nonetheless, the environmental fate of this leachate in the presence of abundant natural organic matter (NOM)-a typical scenario in environments contaminated with plastics-remains underexplored. This study investigates the photo-induced leaching behaviors of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from terrestrial-sourced particles (forest soil and leaf litter) and microplastics (MPs), specifically polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), over a two-week period. We also examined the biodegradability and spectroscopic characteristics of the leached DOM from both sources. Our results reveal that DOM from microplastics (MP-DOM) demonstrates more persistent leaching behavior compared to terrestrial-derived DOM, even with lesser quantities per unit of organic carbon. UV irradiation was found to enhance DOM leaching across all particle types. However, the photo-induced leaching behaviors of fluorescent components varied with the particle type. The MP group exhibited a broader range and higher biodegradability (ranging from 19.7% to 61.6%) compared to the terrestrial-sourced particles (ranging from 3.7% to 16.5%). DOM leached under UV irradiation consistently showed higher biodegradability than that under dark conditions. Furthermore, several fluorescence characteristics of DOM, such as the protein/phenol-like component (%C2), terrestrial humic-like component (%C3), and humification index (HIX)-traditionally used to indicate the biodegradability of natural organic matter-were also effective in assessing MP-DOM (with correlation coefficients R2 = 0.6055 (p = 0.003), R2 = 0.5389 (p = 0.007), and R2 = 0.4640 (p = 0.015), respectively). This study provides new insights into the potential differences in environmental fate between MP-DOM and NOM in aquatic environments heavily contaminated with MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Eun Choi
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, South Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Lee
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, South Korea
| | - Haeseong Oh
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, South Korea
| | - Jin Hur
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, South Korea.
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11
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Keshu, Rani M, Shanker U. Synthesis and characterization of novel guar gum based waste material derived nanocomposite for effective removal of hexabromocyclododecane and lindane. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131535. [PMID: 38631586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131535] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Herein, efficient degradation of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and Lindane, a persistent organic pollutant using guar gum based calcium oxide doped silicon dioxide (GG-CaO@SiO2) has been reported. The nanocomposite was prepared by waste egg shell (CaO) and rice husk (SiO2) was well characterized. The maximum degradation of HBCD and Lindane were observed at 8 mg catalyst loading, neutral pH, and 2 mg L-1 of pollutant amount. The photocatalytic performance of GG-CaO@SiO2 for HBCD and Lindane photodegradation was evaluated, and it was found that the rate constant increased in the order of GG-CaO@SiO2 > CaO@SiO2 > GG. The polymeric GG-CaO@SiO2 nanocomposite showed maximum removal of both pollutants due to higher surface area (70 m2 g-1) and synergistic interactions among GG moieties. It achieved HBCD and Lindane elimination rates of 94 % and 90 % by photo-adsorptive degradation within 150 min. Meanwhile, the leaching of HBCD from expanded polystyrene (EPS) materials (0.14 ± 0.05 ppm) underwater with different time intervals and degradation of leachate HBCD were also assessed. The eradication of the pollutant manifested first-order kinetics, with the Langmuir adsorption. LC-MS analysis confirmed that GG-CaO@SiO2 effectively breaks down complex structure toxic pollutants into safer metabolites under natural sunlight exposure. The polymeric GG-CaO@SiO2 nanocomposite showed notable reusability up to ten cycle promotes sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshu
- Department of Chemistry, Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Jalandhar 144008, Punjab, India; Department of Chemistry, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Jaipur 302017, Rajasthan, India
| | - Manviri Rani
- Department of Chemistry, Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Jalandhar 144008, Punjab, India.
| | - Uma Shanker
- Department of Chemistry, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Jaipur 302017, Rajasthan, India.
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12
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Li Q, Jiang L, Feng J, Wang X, Wang X, Xu X, Chu W. Aged polystyrene microplastics exacerbate alopecia associated with tight junction injuries and apoptosis via oxidative stress pathway in skin. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108638. [PMID: 38593689 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108638] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in the natural environment and contribute to increased levels of illness in both animals and humans. However, thespecific impacts of MPs on skin damage and alopeciaare not yet well understood. In this study, we have examined the effects of two types of polystyrene MPs (pristine and aged) on skin and hair follicle damage in mice. UV irradiation changed the chemical and physical properties of the aged MPs, including functional groups, surface roughness, and contact angles. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, skin and cell injuries related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, tight junctions (TJs), alopecia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other damages were observed. Mechanistically, MPs and aged MPs can induce TJs damage via the oxidative stress pathway and inhibition of antioxidant-related proteins, and this can lead to alopecia. The regulation of cell apoptosis was also observed, and this is involved in the ROS-mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway. Importantly, aged MPs showed exacerbated toxicity, which may be due to their elevated surface irregularities and altered chemical compositions. Collectively, this study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for alopecia and hair follicle damage caused by MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lehua Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jianhai Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xusheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuejuan Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiwei Chu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China.
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13
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Gamarro EG, Rojas DLS, Garcinuño Martínez RM, Paniagua González G, Hernando PF. Occurrence of common plastic additives and contaminants in raw, steamed and canned mussel samples from different harvesting areas using MSPD-HPLC methodology. Food Res Int 2024; 181:114109. [PMID: 38448097 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114109] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are a complex mix of chemicals containing polymers and certain plastic additives such as bisphenols and phthalates. These particles are porous materials that can also sorb contaminants from their surroundings, and leach chemicals from the particle under certain circumstances. Aquatic animals can ingest microplastic particles, which mostly bioaccumulate in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. In terms of dietary exposure, small animals consumed whole such as mussels, contribute more to the dietary intake of microplastic particles. Plastic additives and contaminants are not chemically bound to the polymers, and certain processing methods or cooking processes result in the release of these chemicals that leach from the plastic particles, leaving them more available for absorption when ingested. Analytical methods are crucial for a better understanding of the occurrence of plastic additives and contaminants in aquatic products, and to know certain circumstances and treatments that influence human exposure. This study uses an MSPD-HPLC methodology for the simultaneous determination of 9 analytes (BPA, BPF, BPS, DEP, DBP, DEHP, DDD, DDT, and DDE) analyzing, for the first time, the occurrence of these chemicals in raw, steamed and canned mussels of two different harvesting areas (Atlantic and the Mediterranean), becoming one of the most efficient methodologies for determining the presence of these analytes in very complex food matrices, able to define the changes in cooking and processing activities. The results showed that the heat and pressure treatment could influence the migration of plastic additives from microplastic particles present in mussels to the cooking liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Garrido Gamarro
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy; Departamento de Ciencias Analíticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED). Avda. Esparta s/n, Ctra. de Las Rozas-Madrid (M-505) Km. 5, 28232, Las Rozas Madrid, Spain
| | - D L Soliz Rojas
- Departamento de Ciencias Analíticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED). Avda. Esparta s/n, Ctra. de Las Rozas-Madrid (M-505) Km. 5, 28232, Las Rozas Madrid, Spain
| | - R M Garcinuño Martínez
- Departamento de Ciencias Analíticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED). Avda. Esparta s/n, Ctra. de Las Rozas-Madrid (M-505) Km. 5, 28232, Las Rozas Madrid, Spain
| | - G Paniagua González
- Departamento de Ciencias Analíticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED). Avda. Esparta s/n, Ctra. de Las Rozas-Madrid (M-505) Km. 5, 28232, Las Rozas Madrid, Spain.
| | - P Fernández Hernando
- Departamento de Ciencias Analíticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED). Avda. Esparta s/n, Ctra. de Las Rozas-Madrid (M-505) Km. 5, 28232, Las Rozas Madrid, Spain
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14
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Shafi M, Lodh A, Khajuria M, Ranjan VP, Gani KM, Chowdhury S, Goel S. Are we underestimating stormwater? Stormwater as a significant source of microplastics in surface waters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133445. [PMID: 38198866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Stormwater represent a critical pathway for transporting microplastics (MPs) to surface waters. Due to complex dynamics of MPs in stormwater, its dispersion, weathering, risk, and transport are poorly understood. This review bridges those gaps by summarizing the latest findings on sources, abundance, characteristics, and dynamics involved in stormwater MP pollution. Weathering starts before or after MPs enter stormwater and is more pronounced on land due to continuous heat and mechanical stress. Land use patterns, rainfall intensity, MPs size and density, and drainage characteristics influence the transport of MPs in stormwater. Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs), littering, and road dust are major sources of MPs in stormwater. The concentrations of MPs varies from 0.38-197,000 particles/L globally. Further MP concentrations showed regional variations, highlighting the importance of local monitoring efforts needed to understand local pollution sources. We observed unique signatures associated with the shape and color of MPs. Fibers and fragments were widely reported, with transparent and black being the predominant colors. We conclude that the contribution of stormwater to MP pollution in surface waters is significantly greater than wastewater treatment plant effluents and demands immediate attention. Field and lab scale studies are needed to understand its behavior in stormwater and the risk posed to the downstream water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozim Shafi
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Ayan Lodh
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Medha Khajuria
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Ved Prakash Ranjan
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, India
| | - Khalid Muzamil Gani
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Shamik Chowdhury
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Sudha Goel
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
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15
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Ghanadi M, Padhye LP. Revealing the long-term impact of photodegradation and fragmentation on HDPE in the marine environment: Origins of microplastics and dissolved organics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133509. [PMID: 38232551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133509] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The extensive usage of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials in marine environments raises concerns about their potential contribution to plastic pollution. Various factors contribute to the degradation of HDPE in marine environments, including UV radiation, seawater hydrolysis, biodegradation, and mechanical stress. Despite their supposed long lifespans, there is still a lack of understanding about the long-term degradation mechanisms that cause weathering of seawater-exposed HDPE products. In this research, the impact of UV radiation on the degradation of HDPE pile sleeves was studied in natural as well as laboratory settings to isolate the UV effect. After nine years of exposure to the marine environment in natural settings, the HDPE pile sleeves exhibited an increase in oxygen-containing surface functional groups and more morphological changes compared to accelerated UVB irradiation in the laboratory. This indicated that combined non-UV mechanisms may play a major role in HDPE degradation than UV irradiation alone. However, UVB irradiation was found to release dissolved organic carbon and total dissolved nitrogen from HDPE pile sleeves, reaching levels of up to 15 mg/L and 2 mg/L, respectively. Our findings underscore the significance of taking into account both UV and non-UV degradation mechanisms when evaluating the role of HDPE in contributing to marine plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahyar Ghanadi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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16
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Wilhelm K, Woor S, Jackson M, Albini D, Young N, Karamched P, Policarpo Wright MC, Grau-Bove J, Orr SA, Longman J, de Kock T. Microplastic pollution on historic facades: Hidden 'sink' or urban threat? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123128. [PMID: 38097158 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite the increasing concerns surrounding the health and environmental risks of microplastics (MPs), the research focus has primarily been on their prevalence in air and the oceans, consequently neglecting their presence on urban facades, which are integral to our everyday environments. Therefore, there is a crucial knowledge gap in comprehending urban MP pollution. Our pioneering interdisciplinary study not only quantifies but also identifies MPs on historic facades, revealing their pervasive presence in a medium-sized urban area in the UK. In this case study, we estimated a mean density of 975,000 fibres/m^2 (0.10 fibres/mm^2) for fibre lengths between 30 and 1000 μm with a ratio of 1:5 for natural to artificial fibres. Our research identifies three groups of fibre length frequencies across varied exposure scenarios on the investigated urban facade. Sheltered areas (4m height) show a high prevalence of 60-120 μm and 180-240 μm fibres. In contrast, less sheltered areas at 3m exhibit lower fibre frequencies but similar lengths. Notably, the lowest area (2-1.5m) features longer fibres (300-1000 μm), while adjacent area S, near a faulty gutter, shows no fibres, highlighting the impact of exposure, altitude, and environmental variables on fibre distribution on urban facades. Our findings pave one of many necessary paths forward to determine the long-term fate of these fibres and provoke a pertinent question: do historic facades serve as an urban 'sink' that mitigates potentially adverse health impacts or amplifies the effects of mobile microplastics? Addressing MP pollution in urban areas is crucial for public health and sustainable cities. More research is required to understand the multi-scale factors behind MP pollution in large cities and to find mitigation strategies, paving the way for effective interventions and policies against this growing threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Wilhelm
- Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Laboratory (OxRBL), School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK.
| | - Sam Woor
- Department of Geoscience, University of the Fraser Valley, 33844 Kings Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 7M8, Canada; Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Michelle Jackson
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, OX1 3SZ, England, UK.
| | - Dania Albini
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, OX1 3SZ, England, UK.
| | - Neil Young
- David Cockayne Centre for Electron Microscopy, Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PH, UK.
| | - Phani Karamched
- David Cockayne Centre for Electron Microscopy, Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PH, UK.
| | | | - Josep Grau-Bove
- UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage, Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Pl, WC1H 0NN, London, UK.
| | - Scott Allan Orr
- UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage, Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Pl, WC1H 0NN, London, UK.
| | - Jack Longman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Tim de Kock
- Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES), Faculty of Design, University of Antwerp, Mutsaardstraat 31, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.
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17
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Egea LG, Brun FG, Jiménez-Ramos R. Dissolved organic carbon leaching from microplastics and bioavailability in coastal ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168673. [PMID: 37981166 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168673] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leached from two types of microplastics (polyethylene and polypropylene) frequently found in coastal areas were evaluated in situ. Subsequently, the bioavailability of leached DOC was assessed for microbial inocula from different coastal communities (i.e., estuarine and open-coastal waters, river-mouth waters and seagrass beds). Leached DOC was largely biodegradable (as much as 85 %). However, seagrass beds and river-mouth waters exhibited lower DOC utilization efficiency than estuarine and open-coastal waters, probably because of differences in their microbial communities. The labile/recalcitrant ratio of DOC leached from plastic was similar under illuminated and dark conditions, whereas DOC leached from polyethylene, rather than DOC leached from polypropylene, was preferentially used by microbial communities. We estimated that as many as 21,000 metric tons of DOC leached from plastics may be released into ocean annually. Our results support the need to consider the potential impacts of coastal plastic pollution on microbial communities, including consideration of the trophic webs and coastal carbon cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G Egea
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real., 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - F G Brun
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real., 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - R Jiménez-Ramos
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real., 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
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18
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Billings A, Jones KC, Pereira MG, Spurgeon DJ. Emerging and legacy plasticisers in coastal and estuarine environments: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168462. [PMID: 37963532 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of plastic waste in the environment is an emerging and ongoing concern. In addition to the physical impacts of macroplastics and microplastics on organisms, the chemical effects of plastic additives such as plasticisers have also received increasing attention. Research concerning plasticiser pollution in estuaries and coastal environments has been a particular focus, as these environments are the primary entry point for anthropogenic contaminants into the wider marine environment. Additionally, the conditions in estuarine environments favour the sedimentation of suspended particulate matter, with which plasticisers are strongly associated. Hence, estuary systems may be where some of the highest concentrations of these pollutants are seen in freshwater and marine environments. Recent studies have confirmed emerging plasticisers and phthalates as pollutants in estuaries, with the relative abundance of these compounds controlled primarily by patterns of use, source intensity, and fate. Plasticiser profiles are typically dominated by mid-high molecular weight compounds such as DnBP, DiBP, and DEHP. Plasticisers may be taken up by estuarine and marine organisms, and some phthalates can cause negative impacts in marine organisms, although further research is required to assess the impacts of emerging plasticisers. This review provides an overview of the processes controlling the release and partitioning of emerging and legacy plasticisers in aqueous environments, in addition to the sources of plasticisers in estuarine and coastal environments. This is followed by a quantitative analysis and discussion of literature concerning the (co-)occurrence and concentrations of emerging plasticisers and phthalates in these environments. We end this review with a discussion the fate (degradation and uptake by biota) of these compounds, in addition to identification of knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Billings
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK; Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Kevin C Jones
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - M Glória Pereira
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - David J Spurgeon
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
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19
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Casagrande N, Silva CO, Verones F, Sobral P, Martinho G. Ecotoxicity effect factors for plastic additives on the aquatic environment: a new approach for life cycle impact assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122935. [PMID: 37977358 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122935] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
All plastic contains additives. Once in the environment, these will start to leach out and will expose and harm aquatic biota, causing potentially lethal and sub-lethal toxic effects. Even though life cycle assessment covers the toxic impacts of several thousands of chemicals, models to assess the toxic impacts of plastic additives are only emerging. We gathered 461 data points from the literature (266 for freshwater and 195 for marine ecosystems) for 75 species belonging to 9 different phyla. The endpoints effective concentration and lethal concentration, no observed effects concentrations and lowest observed effect concentration tested in acute and chronic exposure, were harmonized into chronic values by applying extrapolation factors. The collected data points covered 75 main plastic additives. This allowed us to calculate 25 Effect factors, 19 for single chemicals and four for overarching categories (alkylphenols, benzophenones, brominated flame retardants and phosphates. In addition, we calculated an aggregated effect factor for chemicals that did not fit in any of the previous groups, as well as a Generic effect factor including 404 gathered data points. The estimated potentially affected fraction (PAF) for the single additives varied between 20.69 PAF·m3·kg-1 for diethyl phthalate and 11081.85 PAF·m3·kg-1 for 4-Nonylphenol. The factors can in future be combined with fate and exposure factors to derive a characterization factor for toxicity caused by additives in aquatic species. This is an important advancement for the assessment of the impacts of plastic debris on aquatic species, thus providing information for decision-makers, as well as guiding policies for the use of additives, ultimately aiming to make the plastic value chain more sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Casagrande
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre | ARNET - Aquatic Research Network Associate Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Carla O Silva
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre | ARNET - Aquatic Research Network Associate Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Francesca Verones
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department for Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Paula Sobral
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre | ARNET - Aquatic Research Network Associate Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Graça Martinho
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre | ARNET - Aquatic Research Network Associate Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
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20
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Yan Z, Qian H, Yao J, Guo M, Zhao X, Gao N, Zhang Z. Mechanistic insight into the role of typical microplastics in chlorination disinfection: Precursors and adsorbents of both MP-DOM and DBPs. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132716. [PMID: 37820530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in drinking water are predominantly < 10 µm. The leaching of MPs derived dissolved organic matters (MP-DOM) from 5 µm polypropylene MPs (PP-MPs) and polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) and the formation of MP-DOM derived disinfection byproducts during chlorination disinfection were first investigated. Comparably, PS-MPs are more vulnerable to chlorination and the primary attacks are on para C in aromatic side-chains via electrophilic Cl-substitution and oxidation by two-electron transfer. The O/C and Cl/C ratio of polystyrene MPs was linear and exponential versus initial available Cl2 concentrations, respectively. The significant PS-DOM leaching was observed with initial available Cl2 of 4.0 mg/L (USEPA recommended upper dose). As the initial available Cl2 concentration increased to 8.0 mg/L, the adsorption of chloro-phenolic-components of 200 Daltons in PS-DOM by 5 µm PS-MPs was observed for the first time. Trichloromethane (TCM) was identified as the dominant disinfection byproduct with a formation potential of 60.3 ± 7.8 and 73.7 ± 9.8 μg/mg for PS-DOM and PP-DOM, respectively. The derived TCM could adsorb onto PS-MPs followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Extreme chlorination could reduce the maximal adsorption capacity of TCM on 5 µm PS-MPs from 196.68 ± 48.66 to 146.02 ± 32.98 μg/g. Thus, PS-MPs act as precursors and carriers of TCM in chlorination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Hanyang Qian
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Juanjuan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China.
| | - Meng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Xiong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Naiyun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
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21
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Alharbi HA, Rushdi AI, Rasul N, Bazeyad A, Al-Mutlaq KF. Levels, spatial distributions, and provision of petroleum hydrocarbons and phthalates in sediments from Obhur lagoon, Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:22. [PMID: 38169010 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01793-4] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The levels, spatial distribution, and sources of petroleum hydrocarbons and phthalates were assessed in surface sediment samples from the urban lagoon of Obhur near Jeddah, the largest city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. The lagoon was divided into the inner zone, middle zone, and outer zone based on its geomorphological features and developmental activities. n-Alkanes, hopane and sterane biomarkers, and unresolved complex mixture were the major petroleum hydrocarbon compounds of the total extractable organic matter. Phthalates were also measured in the sediment samples. In the three zones, n-alkanes ranged from 89.3 ± 88.5 to 103.2 ± 114.9 ng/g, whereas the hopane and sterane biomarkers varied from 69.4 ± 75.3 to 77.7 ± 69.9 ng/g and 72.5 ± 77.9-89.5 ± 82.2 ng/g, respectively. The UCM concentrations ranged from 821 ± 1119 to 1297 ± 1684 ng/g and phthalates from 37.4 ± 34.5 65 ± 68 ng/g. The primary origins of these anthropogenic hydrocarbons in the lagoon sediments were petroleum products (boat engine discharges, boat washing, lubricants, and wastewater flows) and plasticizers (plastic waste and litter). The proportions of anthropogenic hydrocarbons derived from petroleum products in the sediment's TEOM ranged from 43 ± 33 to 62 ± 15%, while the percentages for plasticizers varied from 2.9 ± 1.2 to 4.0 ± 1.6%. The presence and inputs of these contaminants from petroleum and plastic wastes in the lagoon's sediments will eventually have an impact on its habitats, including the benthic nursery and spawning areas.
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Grants
- NPST 13-ENV2233-02-R National Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (MAARIFAH), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Award Numbers
- NPST 13-ENV2233-02-R National Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (MAARIFAH), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Award Numbers
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattan A Alharbi
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Abdulqader Bazeyad
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid F Al-Mutlaq
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Ali N, Liu W, Zeb A, Shi R, Lian Y, Wang Q, Wang J, Li J, Zheng Z, Liu J, Yu M, Liu J. Environmental fate, aging, toxicity and potential remediation strategies of microplastics in soil environment: Current progress and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167785. [PMID: 37852500 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic debris (<5 mm) that result from the fragmentation of plastic due to physical and physiochemical processes. MPs are emerging pollutants that pose a significant threat to the environment and human health, primarily due to their pervasive presence and potential bioaccumulation within the food web. Despite their importance, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the fate, toxicity, and aging behavior of MPs. Therefore, this review aims to address this gap by providing a cohesive understanding of several key aspects. Firstly, it summarizes the sources and fate of MPs, highlighting their ubiquitous presence and the potential pathways through which they enter ecosystems. Secondly, it evaluates the aging process of MPs and the factors influencing it, including the morphological and physiological changes observed in crops and the release of pollutants from aged MPs, which can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Furthermore, the impacts of aging MPs on various processes are discussed, such as the mobilization of other pollutants in the environment. The influence of aged MPs on the soil environment, particularly their effect on heavy metal adsorption, is examined. Finally, the review explores strategies for the prevention technologies and remediation of MPs, highlighting the importance of developing effective approaches to tackle this issue. Overall, this review aims to contribute to our understanding of MPs, their aging process, and their impacts on the environment and human health. It underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of MPs and promoting research and remediation efforts to mitigate their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouman Ali
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuhang Lian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianling Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zeqi Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinzheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Miao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianv Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
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23
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Li Y, Liu C, Yang H, He W, Li B, Zhu X, Liu S, Jia S, Li R, Tang KHD. Leaching of chemicals from microplastics: A review of chemical types, leaching mechanisms and influencing factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167666. [PMID: 37820817 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167666] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
It is widely known that microplastics are present everywhere and they pose certain risks to the ecosystem and humans which are partly attributed to the leaching of additives and chemicals from them. However, the leaching mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. This review paper aims to comprehensively and critically illustrate the leaching mechanisms in biotic and abiotic environments. It analyzes and synthesizes the factors influencing the leaching processes. It achieves the aims by reviewing >165 relevant scholarly papers published mainly in the past 10 years. According to this review, flame retardants, plasticizers and antioxidants are the three main groups of additives in microplastics with the potentials to disrupt endocrine functions, reproduction, brain development and kidney functions. Upon ingestion, the MPs are exposed to digestive fluids containing enzymes and acids which facilitate their degradation and leaching of chemicals. Fats and oils in the digestive tracts also aid the leaching and transport of these chemicals particularly the fat-soluble ones. Leaching is highly variable depending on chemical properties and bisphenols leach to a larger extent than other endocrine disrupting chemicals. However, the rates of leaching remain poorly understood, owing probably to multiple factors at play. Diffusion and partitioning are two main mechanisms of leaching in biotic and abiotic environments. Photodegradation is more predominant in the latter, generating reactive oxygen species which cause microplastic aging and leaching with minimal destruction of the chemicals leached. Effects of microplastic sizes on leaching are governed by Sherwood number, thickness of aqueous boundary layer and desorption half-life. This review contributes to better understanding of leaching of chemicals from microplastics which affect their ecotoxicities and human toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yage Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Chen Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Haotian Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Wenhui He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Beibei Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Xinyi Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Shuyan Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Shihao Jia
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Ronghua Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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24
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Bridson JH, Masterton H, Theobald B, Risani R, Doake F, Wallbank JA, Maday SDM, Lear G, Abbel R, Smith DA, Kingsbury JM, Pantos O, Northcott GL, Gaw S. Leaching and transformation of chemical additives from weathered plastic deployed in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115810. [PMID: 38006872 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution causes detrimental environmental impacts, which are increasingly attributed to chemical additives. However, the behaviour of plastic additives in the marine environment is poorly understood. We used a marine deployment experiment to examine the impact of weathering on the extractables profile, analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, of four plastics at two locations over nine months in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The concentration of additives in polyethylene and oxo-degradable polyethylene were strongly influenced by artificial weathering, with deployment location and time less influential. By comparison, polyamide 6 and polyethylene terephthalate were comparatively inert with minimal change in response to artificial weathering or deployment time. Non-target analysis revealed extensive differentiation between non-aged and aged polyethylene after deployment, concordant with the targeted analysis. These observations highlight the need to consider the impact of leaching and weathering on plastic composition when quantifying the potential impact and risk of plastic pollution within receiving environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Bridson
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand; School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Hayden Masterton
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 27 Creyke Road, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Beatrix Theobald
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Regis Risani
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Fraser Doake
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 27 Creyke Road, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Jessica A Wallbank
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 3a Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Stefan D M Maday
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 3a Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Gavin Lear
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 3a Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Robert Abbel
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Dawn A Smith
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Joanne M Kingsbury
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 27 Creyke Road, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Olga Pantos
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 27 Creyke Road, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Grant L Northcott
- Northcott Research Consultants Limited, 20 River Oaks Place, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
| | - Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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25
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Wang Y, Fu Z, Guan D, Zhao J, Zhang Q, Liu Q, Xie J, Sun Y, Guo L. Occurrence Characteristics and Ecotoxic Effects of Microplastics in Environmental Media: a Mini Review. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12010-023-04832-z. [PMID: 38158486 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The issue of environmental pollution caused by the widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in environmental media has garnered significant attention. However, research on MPs pollution has mainly focused on aquatic ecosystems in recent years. The sources and pollution characteristics of MPs in the environment, especially in solid waste, have not been well-described. Additionally, there are few reports on the ecotoxicity of MPs, which highlights the need to fill this gap. This review first summarizes the occurrence characteristics of MPs in water, soil, and marine environments, and then provides an overview of their toxic effects on organisms and the relevant mechanisms. This paper also provides an outlook on the hotspots of research on pollution characterization and ecotoxicity of MPs. Finally, this review aims to provide insights for future ecotoxicity control of MPs. Overall, this paper expands our understanding of the pollution characteristics and ecological toxicity of MPs in current environmental media, providing forward-looking guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Zhou Fu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Dezheng Guan
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Jianwei Zhao
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao Jiebao Ecological Technology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Qingxin Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao Jiebao Ecological Technology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Jingliang Xie
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China.
| | - Liang Guo
- China Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
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26
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Mao S, He C. Effect of particle size and environmental conditions on the release of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140474. [PMID: 37865205 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140474] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use and improper handling of plastics have caused extensive microplastic (MP) pollution in terrestrial environments. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), the main additive used in plastics, is toxic to organisms and may pose risks to human and animal reproductive functions. However, research on the release behavior of DEHP from MPs is scarce. In this study, the effects of particle size and environmental conditions (temperature, pH, ionic strength, and cation type) on DEHP release from polylactide (PLA), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs were determined by performing leaching experiments. The results showed that when particle size decreased, the content of DEHP in the MPs and the amount of released DEHP increased though increasing specific surface area. An increase in temperature also promoted DEHP release; when the temperature increased from 15 °C to 45 °C, the amount of DEHP released from PLA, PS, and PVC increased by 38.4%, 71.0%, and 109%, respectively. The lower the crystallinity, the greater the increase in the amount of DEHP released. Ionic strength inhibited the release of DEHP from MPs. When Na+ concentration increased from 0 to 200 mM, the amount of DEHP released from PLA, PS, and PVC decreased by 27.4%, 41.6%, and 35.3%, respectively. The effect of Ca2+ on DEHP release from MPs was greater than that of Na+. In addition, the process of DEHP release from MPs fit well with a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for managing and controlling the risks associated with plastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Mao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Chiquan He
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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27
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Wang D, Jiang SY, Fan C, Fu L, Ruan HD. Occurrence and correlation of microplastics and dibutyl phthalate in rivers from Pearl River Delta, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115759. [PMID: 37988965 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115759] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been identified as the novel contaminants in various environments. Phthalates would be released from plasticized microplastics into a riverine environment while transporting to a marine region, but data on their relationship in rivers have been scarce. In this study, the occurrence, distribution and correlation of microplastics and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in two rivers from the Pearl River Estuary were investigated. The elevated level of DBP in the Qianshan River (2.70 ± 0.20 μg/L) was in alignment with the presence of highest microplastic concentration at the same sampling site (15.8 ± 9.8 items/L). A positive correlation was observed between microplastics and DBP in all sampling sites (p < 0.05). The results showed that UV irradiation from sunlight was a majorly inducing factor of DBP leaching from polyethylene microplastics. The concentrations of chemical additives in some degrees reflect the microplastic pollution, but environmental factors and multidimensionality of microplastics such as residence times and types may cause spatial differences of chemical additives in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duojia Wang
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519087, PR China
| | - Sabrina Yanan Jiang
- National Observation and Research Station of Coastal Ecological Environments in Macao, Macao Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, Macao.
| | - Changchang Fan
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519087, PR China
| | - Longshan Fu
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519087, PR China; National Observation and Research Station of Coastal Ecological Environments in Macao, Macao Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, Macao
| | - Huada Daniel Ruan
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519087, PR China.
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28
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Zhang Y, Gao Y, Xi B, Yuan Y, Tan W. Influence of leachate microenvironment on the occurrence of phthalate esters in landfills. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140278. [PMID: 37758088 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are added to various products as plasticizers. Plastic waste containing PAEs enters landfills as they age with use. However, the influence of microenvironmental changes on the occurrence of PAEs during landfill stabilization is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the physical and chemical properties of leachate, the structure of bacterial communities and the chemical structure of dissolved organic matter (DOM), and the occurrence of PAEs and the mechanism underlying their responses to changes. Landfill leachate in different stabilization states had high Cl- and NH4+ contents and its metal element (Cr, Pb, and Zn) contents generally decreased with the increase in landfill ages. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were important phyla and had an average relative abundance of 68.63%. The lignin/carboxylate-rich alicyclic molecule structure was the main component of DOM (56%-64%). Of the 6-priority controlled PAEs in leachate, di-n-butyl phthalate was the most abundant (1046 μg L-1), while butyl phthalate was not detected. The results showed that pH, the relative abundance of Chloroflexi, and the value of SUVA254 can directly influence the occurrence of PAEs in leachate. The positive and negative effects vary depending on the PAE content and molecular weight. DBP and DEHP have higher environmental risks in the aquatic system. These results are intended to provide a scientific basis for the evolutionary characterization of the microenvironment in complex environmental systems and the control of novel contaminants, such as PAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Yiman Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
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29
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Zuo L, Li Y, Hou W, Wang F, Feng Y, Zhang Z. Leaching of triphenyl phosphate and tri-n-butyl phosphate from polystyrene microplastics: influence of plastic properties and simulated digestive fluids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:114659-114666. [PMID: 37821736 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30229-w] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have gained considerable attention as a growing environmental problem owing to their potential to serve as vectors for harmful chemicals. However, the leaching of these chemicals from microplastics is unclear. In this study, we investigated the leaching of two organophosphate flame retardants, triphenyl phosphate and tri-n-butyl phosphate, from polystyrene microplastics in simulated digestive fluids and water, and polypropylene microplastics were simultaneously used for comparison with polystyrene microplastics. The results indicated that the first-order kinetic model best explained the leaching process, suggesting that leaching was related to the release of organophosphate flame retardant molecules at the polymer surface. Additionally, the size and crystalline state of the microplastics had a significant effect on the leaching, whereas organophosphate flame retardant content had a minimal impact. Simulated digestive fluids facilitated the leaching to a different extent, and under these influencing conditions, leaching percentages from polystyrene microplastics did not exceed 0.51%. Therefore, leaching from PS microplastics may not be an important source of OPFRs in the environment. However, the release of organophosphate flame retardants can be considerably enhanced with the breakdown of polystyrene microplastics to polystyrene nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzi Zuo
- Analysis and Test Center, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yulin Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Waner Hou
- Analysis and Test Center, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Analysis and Test Center, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yiping Feng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zongyao Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Water and Air Pollution Control, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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30
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Fries E, Sühring R. The unusual suspects: Screening for persistent, mobile, and toxic plastic additives in plastic leachates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122263. [PMID: 37499969 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122263] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastic additives are a diverse group of chemical compounds added to plastic products to give them their unique physical-chemical properties. Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) plastic additives are a highly polar, environmentally stable sub-group of plastic additives with a variety of uses in plastic products. Due to their mobility into water, they can pose a significant long-term risk to the aquatic environment. Despite the potential threat, PMT plastic additives remain largely unregulated and under-studied. Notably, there is a need for dedicated analytical methodology and leaching studies to determine their potential emission from plastic products. Here we present an optimized leaching protocol and novel instrumental analysis method for the screening of 124 PMT plastic additives registered for use in Canada using high performance liquid chromatography with quantitative time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QToF-MS). The analytical method covered a log Kow/Dow range between 0.21 and 6.02, which covered 72% of the PMT plastic additives used in Canada. A total of 52 PMT plastic additive suspects were leached in the optimization experiments, 44 of which were unique based on accurate mass and retention time. The conditions that resulted in the greatest numbers of PMT plastic additives leached were lake water, UV light exposure, and a timeframe of approximately 30 days. The analytical and leaching methods presented here offer new tools to study PMT plastic additives and assess their leaching in an environmentally relevant matrix, which can inform monitoring, threat assessment, and regulatory efforts moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Fries
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Roxana Sühring
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada.
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31
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Ganie ZA, Khandelwal N, Choudhary A, Darbha GK. Clean water production from plastic and heavy metal contaminated waters using redox-sensitive iron nanoparticle-loaded biochar. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116605. [PMID: 37437871 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116605] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The unceasing release of tiny plastics (microplastics and nanoplastics) and their additives, like metal ions, into the aquatic systems from industries and other sources is a globally escalating problem. Their combined toxic effects and human health hazard are already proven; hence, their remediation is requisite. This study utilised the nano-zerovalent iron-loaded sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar (nZVI-SBC) for simultaneous removal of Nanoplastics (NPs) of different functionality and size along with metal ions (Ni2+, Cd2+, AsO43-, and CrO42-). Batch and column experiments were conducted, and the results showed an efficient removal of contaminants with maximum sorption of carboxylate-modified NPs of size 500 nm (qmax = 90.3 mg/g) among all three NPs types. Significant removal was observed in Cd2+ in case of cations and CrO42- in case of anions with qmax = 44.0 and 87.8 mg/g, respectively. Kinetics and the isotherm modelling better fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Sips isotherm model, respectively for both NPs and metal ions. The designed material worked well in pH range of 4-8, ionic strength 1-20 mM and in complex aqueous matrices, with >90% removal. FTIR, zeta potential and the imaging analysis of the reaction precipitates confirmed the electrostatic attraction, pore retention and complexation as the potential mechanisms for removing NPs, whereas, XPS studies confirmed the reduction co-precipitation and surface complexation as the possible mechanism for removing metal ions. High values of attachment efficiency factor calculated from colloidal filtration theory (CFT) validated the experimental results and justified the high sorption of carboxylate modified 500 nm NPs particles. The synthesized material successfully removed both NPs of varying size and functionality and metal ions simultaneously with significant efficacy in complex environmental samples proving the broad applicability of material in realistic environmental conditions and different types of water treatment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Ahmad Ganie
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Nitin Khandelwal
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Aniket Choudhary
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Gopala Krishna Darbha
- Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research- Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India; Centre for Climate and Environmental Studies, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India.
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32
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Bridson JH, Abbel R, Smith DA, Northcott GL, Gaw S. Impact of accelerated weathering on the leaching kinetics of stabiliser additives from microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132303. [PMID: 37595471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The release of additives from microplastics is known to harm organisms. In the environment, microplastics are exposed to weathering processes which are suspected to influence additive leaching kinetics, the extent and mechanism of which remain poorly understood. We examined the impact of weathering on stabiliser additive leaching kinetics using environmentally relevant accelerated weathering and leaching procedures. Nine binary polymer-additive formulations were specifically prepared, weathered, analysed, and evaluated for their leaching characteristics. Cumulative additive release (Ce) varied widely between formulations, ranging from 0.009 to 1162 µg/g. Values of Ce generally increased by polymer type in the order polyethylene terephthalate < polyamide 6 < polyethylene. The change in leaching kinetics after accelerated weathering was incongruous across the nine formulations, with a significant change in Ce only observed for three out of nine formulations. Physicochemical characterisation of the microplastics demonstrated that additive blooming was the primary mechanism influencing the leaching response to weathering. These findings highlight the dependency of additive fate on the polymer type, additive chemistry, and the extent of weathering exposure. This has significant implications for risk assessment and mitigation, where the general assumption that polymer weathering increases additive leaching may be too simplistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Bridson
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand; School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Robert Abbel
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Dawn A Smith
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Grant L Northcott
- Northcott Research Consultants Limited, 20 River Oaks Place, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
| | - Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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Zhang Y, Gao Y, Xi B, Li Y, Ge X, Gong Y, Chen H, Chen J, Tan W, Yuan Y. Full life cycle and sustainability transitions of phthalates in landfill: A review. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 170:215-229. [PMID: 37717503 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates (PAEs) are added to various products as a plasticizer. As these products age and are disposed of, plastic waste containing PAEs enters the landfill. The landfill environment is complicated and can be regarded as a "black box". Also, PAEs do not bind with the polymer matrix. Therefore, when a series of physical chemistry and biological reactions occur during the stabilization of landfills, PAEs leach from waste and migrate to the surrounding environmental media, thereby contaminating the surrounding soil, water ecosystems, and atmosphere. Although research on PAEs has achieved progress over the years, they are mainly concentrated on a particular aspect of PAEs in the landfill; there are fewer inquiries on the life cycle of PAEs. In this study, we review the presence of PAEs in the landfill in the following aspects: (1) the main source of PAEs in landfills; (2) the impact of the landfill environment on PAE migration and conversion; (3) distribution and transmedia migration of PAEs in aquatic ecosystems, soils, and atmosphere; and (4) PAE management and control in the landfill and future research direction. The purpose is to track the life cycle of PAEs in landfills, provide scientific basis for in-depth understanding of the migration and transformation of PAEs and environmental pollution control in landfills, and new ideas for the sustainable utilization of landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yiman Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yanjiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Lan Zhou Jiao Tong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yi Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Huiru Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zheng Zhou 450046, China
| | - Jiabao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
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Gulizia AM, Philippa B, Zacharuk J, Motti CA, Vamvounis G. Plasticiser leaching from polyvinyl chloride microplastics and the implications for environmental risk assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115392. [PMID: 37690404 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in aquatic environments is a growing concern, particularly due to the leaching of chemical additives such as plasticisers. To develop comprehensive environmental risk assessments (ERAs) of high-concern polymers and plasticisers, an understanding of their leachability is required. This work investigated diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA) leaching from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (average diameter = 191 μm) under simulated marine conditions. Leaching behaviours were quantified using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and the polymer's physiochemical properties analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and optical microscopy. Experimental data were fitted to a diffusion and boundary layer model, which found that BPA leaching was temperature-dependent (diffusion-limited), whereas DEHP leaching was controlled by surface rinsing. Model predictions also highlighted the importance of microplastic size on leaching dynamics. These data contribute towards greater accuracy in ERAs of microplastics, with implications for water quality and waste management, including decommissioning of plastic infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Gulizia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Bronson Philippa
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Jessica Zacharuk
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Cherie A Motti
- AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - George Vamvounis
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia.
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Tan E, Ong MC, Mohd Zanuri NB. Polyethylene degradation and heavy metals leaching under realistic tropical marine climate. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106113. [PMID: 37619477 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106113] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The study examines the influence of temperature and pH on the leaching of six heavy metals (HMs) species: aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) from transparent polyethylene pellets into seawater. The idea is to understand the potential influence of intensifying global warming and ocean acidification towards microplastic toxicity in the ocean. HMs leaching was obvious by 24th hours, with most HMs concentration decreased in water by 120th and 240th hours except Al. Nevertheless, we report that temperature and pH do not influence the overall HMs leaching from PE pellets with statistical analysis showing no significance (p < 0.05) between temperature and pH toward HMs concentration. Instead, it is hypothesized that these two parameters may be crucial in promoting heavy metal adsorption onto PE pellets under tropical weathering. However, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) revealed that temperature and pH are influential in polymer aging and surficial breakdown where pellets exposed in warm, acidic waters showed the greatest extent of weathering. This study highlights that PE pellets exposed under tropical conditions may accelerate surficial degradation and possibly stimulate HMs adherence to the polymer as a pollution vector. Further consideration of metal behaviour in water and microbial activities is crucial to improve our understanding of microplastic toxicity under tropical weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evonne Tan
- Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Meng Chuan Ong
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21300, Terengganu, Malaysia; Ocean Pollution and Ecotoxicology (OPEC) Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21300, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Norlaila Binti Mohd Zanuri
- Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
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Chelomin VP, Dovzhenko NV, Slobodskova VV, Mazur AA, Kukla SP, Zhukovskaya AF. Expanded Polystyrene-Debris-Induced Genotoxic Effect in Littoral Organisms. TOXICS 2023; 11:781. [PMID: 37755791 PMCID: PMC10538089 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a major component of plastic debris in the environment, including coastal and littoral zones. EPS is widely used in various industries including fish farming and aquaculture, which poses a serious potential threat not only to cultured hydrobionts but also to all living organisms, including humans. This paper presents the results of experimental studies on the effects of EPS (0.024 m2/L) on marine mollusks Mytilus trossulus and Tegula rustica, which are typical inhabitants of the upper littoral of Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan), belonging to different systematic groups and differing in the type of nutrition. The results of biochemical marker analysis showed the development of oxidative stress processes. Thus, increasing malondialdehyde content relative to control values was registered in the digestive glands of M. trossulus and T. rustica. In the cells of the digestive glands of M. trossulus, integral antioxidant activity decreased more than 1.5 times compared with that of the control. The change in the concentration of protein carbonyls was unchanged in M. trossulus, whereas in T. rustica, there was a 1.5-fold increase. EPS exposure also resulted in significant DNA damage in the studied mollusks-the damage level increased 2.5-fold in M. trossulus and 1.5-fold in T. rustica relative to the control, indicating the genotoxic potential of EPS litters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sergey Petrovich Kukla
- Far Eastern Branch, V.I.l’ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690041, Russia; (V.P.C.); (N.V.D.); (V.V.S.); (A.A.M.); (A.F.Z.)
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37
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Henkel C, Lamprecht J, Hüffer T, Hofmann T. Environmental factors strongly influence the leaching of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from polyvinyl chloride microplastics. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120235. [PMID: 37348424 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120235] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Phthalic acid esters (phthalates) are an important group of additives (plasticizers) to ensure the flexibility and stability especially of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and to enable its processing. However, phthalates like di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are harmful for aquatic organisms due to their endocrine disrupting effects and toxicity. For the assessment of exposure concentrations, thorough understanding of leaching kinetics of phthalates from PVC (micro-) plastics into aqueous environments is necessary. This study investigates how environmental factors influence the leaching of phthalates from PVC microplastics into aquatic systems. The leaching of phthalates from PVC microplastics into aqueous media is limited by aqueous boundary layer diffusion (ABLD) and thus, process-specific parameters can be affected by environmental factors such as salinity and the flow conditions. We conducted batch leaching experiments to assess the influence of salinity and flow conditions (turbulence) on the leaching of DEHP from PVC microplastics into aqueous media. DEHP is salted out with increasing salinity of the solution and a salting-out coefficient for DEHP of 0.46 was determined. The partitioning coefficient of DEHP between PVC and water KPVC/W increased with increasing salinity from 108.52 L kg-1 in a 1 mM KCl solution to 108.75 L kg-1 in artificial seawater thereby slowing down leaching. Increasing flow velocities led to higher leaching rates because the ABL thickness decreased from 1315 µm at 0 rpm shaking speed (no-flow conditions) to 38.4 µm at 125 rpm (turbulent conditions). Compared to salinity, turbulence had a more pronounced effect on leaching. Increasing the flow velocity led to a 35-fold decrease in the leaching rate, while increasing salinity led to a 2-fold increase. By calculating specific leaching times, that is, leaching half-lives (t1/2), time frames for leaching in different aquatic systems such as rivers and the ocean were determined. Given ABLD-limited leaching, DEHP is leached faster from PVC microplastics in rivers (t1/2 > 49 years) than in the ocean (t1/2 > 398 years). In both systems, PVC microplastics are a long-term source of phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Henkel
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Environmental Geosciences, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Research Platform Plastics in the Environment and Society (Plenty), Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas Lamprecht
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Environmental Geosciences, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thorsten Hüffer
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Environmental Geosciences, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Research Platform Plastics in the Environment and Society (Plenty), Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Thilo Hofmann
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Environmental Geosciences, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Research Platform Plastics in the Environment and Society (Plenty), Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Cubas ALV, Moecke EHS, Provin AP, Dutra ARA, Machado MM, Gouveia IC. The Impacts of Plastic Waste from Personal Protective Equipment Used during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3151. [PMID: 37571045 PMCID: PMC10421242 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The period from 2019 to 2022 has been defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented demand for and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, the disposal of PPE without considering its environmental impact and proper waste management practices has become a growing concern. The increased demand for PPE during the pandemic and associated waste management practices have been analyzed. Additionally, the discussion around treating these residues and exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable PPE, is crucial. The extensive use of predominantly non-degradable plastics in PPE has led to their accumulation in landfills, with potential consequences for marine environments through the formation of microplastics. Therefore, this article seeks to establish a connection between these issues and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of efficient management aligned with sustainable development objectives to address these emerging challenges and ensure a more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelise Leal Vieira Cubas
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Elisa Helena Siegel Moecke
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Ana Paula Provin
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Ana Regina Aguiar Dutra
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Marina Medeiros Machado
- Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto 35402-163, Brazil;
| | - Isabel C. Gouveia
- FibEnTech R&D—Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
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Gerassimidou S, Geueke B, Groh KJ, Muncke J, Hahladakis JN, Martin OV, Iacovidou E. Unpacking the complexity of the polyethylene food contact articles value chain: A chemicals perspective. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131422. [PMID: 37099905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used type of plastic food packaging, in which chemicals can potentially migrate into packaged foods. The implications of using and recycling PE from a chemical perspective remain underexplored. This study is a systematic evidence map of 116 studies looking at the migration of food contact chemicals (FCCs) across the lifecycle of PE food packaging. It identified a total of 377 FCCs, of which 211 were detected to migrate from PE articles into food or food simulants at least once. These 211 FCCs were checked against the inventory FCCs databases and EU regulatory lists. Only 25% of the detected FCCs are authorized by EU regulation for the manufacture of food contact materials. Furthermore, a quarter of authorized FCCs exceeded the specific migration limit (SML) at least once, while one-third (53) of non-authorised FCCs exceeded the threshold value of 10 μg/kg. Overall, evidence on FCCs migration across the PE food packaging lifecycle is incomplete, especially at the reprocessing stage. Considering the EU's commitment to increase packaging recycling, a better understanding and monitoring of PE food packaging quality from a chemical perspective across the entire lifecycle will enable the transition towards a sustainable plastics value chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridoula Gerassimidou
- Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Birgit Geueke
- Food Packaging Forum (FPF), 8045 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum (FPF), 8045 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John N Hahladakis
- Food-Energy-Water-Waste Sustainability (FEWWS) Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Olwenn V Martin
- Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, Department of Arts and Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - Eleni Iacovidou
- Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; Division of Environmental Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
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40
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Pencik O, Durdakova M, Molnarova K, Kucsera A, Klofac D, Kolackova M, Adam V, Huska D. Microplastics and nanoplastics toxicity assays: A revision towards to environmental-relevance in water environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131476. [PMID: 37172431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution poses a serious risk to the oceans, freshwater ecosystems, and land-based agricultural production. Most plastic waste enters rivers and then reaches the oceans, where its fragmentation process begins and the forming of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). These particles increase their toxicity by the exposition to external factors and binding environmental pollutants, including toxins, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), halogenated hydrocarbons (HHCs), and other chemicals, which further and cumulatively increase the toxicity of these particles. A major disadvantage of many MNPs in vitro studies is that they do not use environmentally relevant microorganisms, which play a vital role in geobiochemical cycles. In addition, factors such as the polymer type, shapes, and sizes of the MPs and NPs, their exposure times and concentrations must be taken into account in in vitro experiments. Last but not least, it is important to ask whether to use aged particles with bound pollutants. All these factors affect the predicted effects of these particles on living systems, which may not be realistic if they are insufficiently considered. In this article, we summarize the latest findings on MNPs in the environment and propose some recommendations for future in vitro experiments on bacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae in water ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Pencik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Durdakova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Molnarova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Attila Kucsera
- Department of Molecular Biology and Radiobiology, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Klofac
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Kolackova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Huska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
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He H, Li F, Liu K, Zhan J, Wang X, Lai C, Yang X, Huang B, Pan X. The disinfectant residues promote the leaching of water contaminants from plastic pipe particles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121577. [PMID: 37023886 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Disinfection treatment is an indispensable water purification process, but it can leave trace concentrations of disinfectant in the purified water. Disinfectants oxidation can age plastic pipes and release hazardous microplastics and chemicals into drinking water. Lengths of commercially-available unplasticized polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene random copolymer water pipe were ground into particles and exposed to micro-molar concentrations of ClO2, NaClO, trichloroisocyanuric acid, or O3 for up to 75 days. The disinfectants aged the plastic and changed its surface morphology and functional groups. Meanwhile, disinfectants could significantly promote the release of organic matter from plastic pipes into the water. ClO2 generated the highest concentrations of organic matter in the leachates from both plastics. Plasticizers, antioxidants and low molecular weight organic matter were detected in all of the leachates. Leachate samples inhibited the proliferation of CT26 mouse colon cancer and induced oxidative stress in the cells. Even trace concentrations of residual disinfectant can constitute a drinking water risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan He
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Fan Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Kunqian Liu
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Juhong Zhan
- Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou) Tsinghua, Suzhou, 215163, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Chaochao Lai
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xiaoxia Yang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control in Soils, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Xuejun Pan
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control in Soils, Kunming, 650500, China
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42
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Du Z, Li G, Ding S, Song W, Zhang M, Jia R, Chu W. Effects of UV-based oxidation processes on the degradation of microplastic: Fragmentation, organic matter release, toxicity and disinfection byproduct formation. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 237:119983. [PMID: 37099872 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and transformation of microplastics (MPs) remaining in the water treatment plants has recently attracted considerable attention. However, few efforts have been made to investigate the behavior of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from MPs during oxidation processes. In this study, the characteristics of DOM leached from MPs during typical ultraviolet (UV)-based oxidation was focused on. The toxicity and disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation potentials of MP-derived DOM were further investigated. Overall, UV-based oxidation significantly enhanced the aging and fragmentation of highly hydroscopic MPs. The mass scales of leachates to MPs increased from 0.03% - 0.18% at initial stage to 0.09% - 0.71% after oxidation, which were significantly higher than those leached by natural light exposure. Combined fluorescence analysis with high resolution mass spectrometer scan confirmed that the dominant MP-derived DOM are chemical additives. PET-derived DOM and PA6-derived DOM showed inhibition of Vibrio fischeri activity with corresponding EC50 of 2.84 mg/L and 4.58 mg/L of DOC. Bioassay testing with Chlorella vulgaris and Microcystis aeruginosa showed that high concentrations of MP-derived DOM inhibited algal growth by disrupting the cell membrane permeability and integrity. MP-derived DOM had a similar chlorine consumption (1.63 ± 0.41 mg/DOC) as surface water (1.0 - 2.0 mg/DOC), and MP-derived DOM mainly served as precursors for the investigated DBPs. Contrary to the results of previous studies, the DBP yields from MP-derived DOM were relatively lower than those of aquatic DOM under simulated distribution system conditions. This suggests that MP-derived DOM itself rather than serving as DBP precursor might be potential toxic concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenqi Du
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Guifang Li
- Shandong Provincial Water Supply and Drainage Monitoring Centre, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Shunke Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wuchang Song
- Shandong Provincial Water Supply and Drainage Monitoring Centre, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Mengyu Zhang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China; Shandong Provincial Water Supply and Drainage Monitoring Centre, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Ruibao Jia
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China; Shandong Provincial Water Supply and Drainage Monitoring Centre, Jinan, 250101, China.
| | - Wenhai Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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43
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Brehm J, Ritschar S, Laforsch C, Mair MM. The complexity of micro- and nanoplastic research in the genus Daphnia - A systematic review of study variability and a meta-analysis of immobilization rates. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131839. [PMID: 37348369 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the number of publications on nano- and microplastic particles (NMPs) effects on freshwater organisms has increased rapidly. Freshwater crustaceans of the genus Daphnia are widely used in ecotoxicological research as model organisms for assessing the impact of NMPs. However, the diversity of experimental designs in these studies makes conclusions about the general impact of NMPs on Daphnia challenging. To approach this, we systematically reviewed the literature on NMP effects on Daphnia and summarized the diversity of test organisms, experimental conditions, NMP properties and measured endpoints to identify gaps in our knowledge of NMP effects on Daphnia. We use a meta-analysis on mortality and immobilization rates extracted from the compiled literature to illustrate how NMP properties, study parameters and the biology of Daphnia can impact outcomes in toxicity bioassays. In addition, we investigate the extent to which the available data can be used to predict the toxicity of untested NMPs based on the extracted parameters. Based on our results, we argue that focusing on a more diverse set of NMP properties combined with a more detailed characterization of the particles in future studies will help to fill current research gaps, improve predictive models and allow the identification of NMP properties linked to toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Brehm
- Animal Ecology I, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Sven Ritschar
- Animal Ecology I, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Christian Laforsch
- Animal Ecology I, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Magdalena M Mair
- Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), Bayreuth, Germany; Statistical Ecotoxicology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
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44
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Sørensen L, Gomes T, Igartua A, Lyngstad IL, Almeida AC, Wagner M, Booth AM. Organic chemicals associated with rubber are more toxic to marine algae and bacteria than those of thermoplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131810. [PMID: 37336109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
The current study investigated the chemical complexity of fifty plastic (36) and elastomer/rubber (14) methanol extracts from consumer products, focusing on the association with toxicity in two screening assays (bacteria luminescence and marine microalgae). The chemical composition varied considerably between the products and polymers. The most complex sample (car tire rubber) contained 2456 chemical features and the least complex (disposable water bottle) only 39 features, with a median of 386 features across all products. Individual extract toxicity also varied significantly across the products and polymers, with the two toxicity assays showing comparable results in terms of defining low and high toxicity extracts, and correlation between medium toxicity extracts. Chemical complexity and abundance both correlated with toxicity in both assays. However, there were strong differences in toxicity between plastic and elastomer extracts. Overall, 86-93 % of the 14 elastomer extracts and only 33-36 % of other polymer extracts (n = 36) were more toxic than the median. A range of compounds were tentatively identified across the sample set, with several concerning compounds being identified, mostly in the elastomers. While the current focus on plastic chemicals is towards thermoplastics, we show that elastomers may be of more concern from an environmental and human health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbet Sørensen
- SINTEF Ocean AS, Department of Climate and Environment, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tânia Gomes
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research (NIVA), Section of Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amaia Igartua
- SINTEF Ocean AS, Department of Climate and Environment, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Inger Larsen Lyngstad
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ana Catarina Almeida
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research (NIVA), Section of Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Wagner
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Andy M Booth
- SINTEF Ocean AS, Department of Climate and Environment, Trondheim, Norway.
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45
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Wang H, Zhu J, He Y, Wang J, Zeng N, Zhan X. Photoaging process and mechanism of four commonly commercial microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 451:131151. [PMID: 36889070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are the widespread emerging pollutants in the terrestrial systems, and photo-oxidation is an effective process for aging MPs on land. Here, four common commercial MPs were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light to simulate the photo-aging of MPs on soil, and the changes in surface properties and eluates of photoaging MPs were studied. Results revealed that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) exhibited more pronounced physicochemical changes than polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) during photoaging on the simulated topsoil, due to the dechlorination of PVC and the debenzene ring of PS. Oxygenated groups accumulated in aged MPs were strongly correlated with dissolved organic matters (DOMs) leaching. Through analysis of the eluate, we found that photoaging altered the molecular weight and aromaticity of DOMs. PS-DOMs showed the greatest increase in humic-like substances after aging, whereas PVC-DOMs exhibited the highest amount of additive leaching. The chemical properties of additives explained their differences in photodegradation responses, which also accounted for the greater importance of chemical structure of MPs to their structural stability. These findings demonstrate that the extensive presence of cracks in aged MPs facilitates DOMs formation and the complexity of DOMs composition poses a potential threat to soil and groundwater safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqian Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, People's Republic of China; Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Jiahui Zhu
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan He
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Nengde Zeng
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinhua Zhan
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, People's Republic of China.
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46
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Bridson JH, Abbel R, Smith DA, Northcott GL, Gaw S. Solving a microplastic dilemma? Evaluating additive release with a dynamic leaching method for microplastic assessment (DyLeMMA). MethodsX 2023; 10:102221. [PMID: 37255577 PMCID: PMC10225925 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics and plastic additives are contaminants of emerging environmental concern. Static leaching methods are commonly applied to assess the rate and extent of additive release from microplastics. However, this approach may not be representative of environmental conditions where near infinite dilution or percolation commonly occur. We evaluated three different approaches for assessing additive leaching under environmentally relevant sink conditions, culminating in the refinement and validation of DyLeMMA (Dynamic Leaching Method for Microplastic Assessment). Analysis was performed using a high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method enabling targeted quantification of additives and screening for non-intentionally added substances. Using four different plastics, sink conditions were maintained over the duration of the test, thereby avoiding solubility limited release and ensuring environmental relevance. Background contamination from ubiquitous additive chemicals was minimised, thereby providing good sensitivity and specificity. Resulting data, in the form of additive release curves, should prove suitable for fitting to release models and derivation of parameters describing additive leaching from microplastics.Key attributes of DyLeMMA:•Environmentally relevant dynamic leaching method for microplastics, demonstrated to maintain sink conditions over the test duration,•Simple, fast, and cost-effective approach without complication of using a solid phase sink,•Provide data suitable for understanding microplastic leaching kinetics and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H. Bridson
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Robert Abbel
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Dawn A. Smith
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Grant L. Northcott
- Northcott Research Consultants Limited, 20 River Oaks Place, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
| | - Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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47
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Manu MK, Luo L, Kumar R, Johnravindar D, Li D, Varjani S, Zhao J, Wong J. A review on mechanistic understanding of microplastic pollution on the performance of anaerobic digestion. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 325:121426. [PMID: 36907239 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) has emerged as a promising technology for diverting the organic waste from the landfills along with the production of clean energy. AD is a microbial-driven biochemical process wherein the plethora of microbial communities participate in converting the putrescible organic matter into biogas. Nevertheless, the AD process is susceptible to the external environmental factors such as presence of physical (microplastics) and chemical (antibiotics, pesticides) pollutants. The microplastics (MPs) pollution has received recent attention due to the increasing plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems. This review was aimed for holistic assessment of impact of MPs pollution on AD process to develop efficient treatment technology. First, the possible pathways of MPs entry into the AD systems were critically evaluated. Further, the recent literature on the experimental studies pertaining to the impact of different types of MPs at different concentrations on the AD process was reviewed. In addition, several mechanisms such as direct exposure of MPs on the microbial cells, indirect impact of MPs through the leaching of toxic chemicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation on AD process were elucidated. Besides, the risk possessed by the increase of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) after the AD process due to the MPs stress on microbial communities were discussed. Overall, this review deciphered the severity of MPs pollution on AD process at different levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Manu
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Liwen Luo
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Reeti Kumar
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Davidraj Johnravindar
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Dongyi Li
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Sunita Varjani
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248 007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jun Zhao
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Jonathan Wong
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong.
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48
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Almeda R, Kuddithamby G, Alonso-Lópeza O, Vilas A, Christelle C, Loisel T, Nielsen TG, Cachot J, Beiras R. A protocol for lixiviation of micronized plastics for aquatic toxicity testing. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 333:138894. [PMID: 37164198 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastics contain various types and amounts of additives that can leach into the water column when entering aquatic ecosystems. Some leached plastic additives are hazardous to marine biota at environmentally relevant concentrations. Disparate methodological approaches have been adopted for toxicity testing of plastic leachates, making comparison difficult. Here we propose a protocol to standardize the methodology to obtain leachates from microplastics (MPs) for aquatic toxicity testing. Literature reviewing and toxicity tests using marine model organisms and different types of MPs were conducted to define the main methodological aspects of the protocol. Acute exposure to leachates from the studied plastics caused negative effects on the early life stages of sea urchins and marine bacteria. We provide recommendations of key factors influencing MPs lixiviation, such as MP size (<250 μm), solid-to-liquid ratio (1-10 g/L), mixing conditions (1-60 rpm), and lixiviation time (72 h). The proposed methodology was successful to determine the toxicity of leachates from different micronized plastics on marine biota. Our recommendations balance feasibility and environmental relevance, and their use would help ensure comparability amongst studies for a better assessment of the toxicity of plastic leachates on aquatic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Almeda
- EOMAR Group, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | | | - Olalla Alonso-Lópeza
- EOMAR Group, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; ECOTOX Group, ECIMAT-CIM, University of Vigo, Spain
| | | | | | - Tara Loisel
- EPOC UMR 5805, University of Bordeaux, CNRS and INP Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Jérôme Cachot
- EPOC UMR 5805, University of Bordeaux, CNRS and INP Bordeaux, France
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49
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Han J, Yan J, Li K, Lin B, Lai W, Bian L, Jia R, Liu X, Xi Z. Distribution of Micro-Nano PS, DEHP, and/or MEHP in Mice and Nerve Cell Models In Vitro after Exposure to Micro-Nano PS and DEHP. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050441. [PMID: 37235255 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exist widely in the environment. However, their distribution in organisms remains unclear. We used three sizes (50 nm, 500 nm, and 5 μm) of PS and DEHP to study the distribution and accumulation of PS, DEHP, and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) in mice and nerve cell models (HT22 and BV2 cells) and their potential toxicity. Results showed that PS entered the blood of mice, and the distribution of different particle sizes in different tissues was different. After the combined exposure to PS and DEHP, PS carried DEHP, which significantly increased the DEHP content and MEHP content and the highest content of MEHP was in the brain. With the decrease in PS particle size, the contents of PS, DEHP, and MEHP in the body increased. The levels of inflammatory factors were increased in the serum of the PS or/and DEHP group. In addition, 50 nm polystyrene can carry MEHP into nerve cells. These results suggest for the first time that PS and DEHP combined exposure can induce systemic inflammation, and the brain is an important target organ of PS and DEHP combined exposure. This study may serve as a reference for further evaluation of the neurotoxicity induced by combined exposure to PS and DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Han
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenqing Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Liping Bian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
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50
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Meegoda JN, Hettiarachchi MC. A Path to a Reduction in Micro and Nanoplastics Pollution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085555. [PMID: 37107837 PMCID: PMC10139116 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. There are two categories of MP: primary and secondary. Primary or microscopic-sized MP are intentionally produced material. Fragmentation of large plastic debris through physical, chemical, and oxidative processes creates secondary MP, the most abundant type in the environment. Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental problem due to their abundance, poor biodegradability, toxicological properties, and negative impact on aquatic and terrestrial organisms including humans. Plastic debris enters the aquatic environment via direct dumping or uncontrolled land-based sources. While plastic debris slowly degrades into MP, wastewater and stormwater outlets discharge a large amount of MP directly into water bodies. Additionally, stormwater carries MP from sources such as tire wear, artificial turf, fertilizers, and land-applied biosolids. To protect the environment and human health, the entry of MP into the environment must be reduced or eliminated. Source control is one of the best methods available. The existing and growing abundance of MP in the environment requires the use of multiple strategies to combat pollution. These strategies include reducing the usage, public outreach to eliminate littering, reevaluation and use of new wastewater treatment and sludge disposal methods, regulations on macro and MP sources, and a wide implementation of appropriate stormwater management practices such as filtration, bioretention, and wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay N. Meegoda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-973-596-2464
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