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Abouda S, Galati M, Oliveri Conti G, Cappello T, Abelouah MR, Romdhani I, Ait Alla A, Ferrante M, Maisano M, Banni M. Metabolomic and biochemical disorders reveal the toxicity of environmental microplastics and benzo[a]pyrene in the marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135404. [PMID: 39098204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the abundance of environmental microplastics (MPs) has become a global paramount concern. Besides the danger of MPs for biota due to their tiny size, these minute particles may act as vectors of other pollutants. This study focused on evaluating the toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of MPs (10 and 50 mg/kg sediment) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P, 1 µg/kg sediment), alone and in mixture, for 3 and 7 days in marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor, selected as a benthic bioindicator model. The exposure period was sufficient to confirm the bioaccumulation of both contaminants in seaworms, as well as the potential capacity of plastic particles to adsorb and vehiculate the B[a]P. Interestingly, increase of acidic mucus production was observed in seaworm tissues, indicative of a defense response. The activation of oxidative system pathways was demonstrated as a strategy to prevent lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the comprehensive Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics revealed significant disorders in amino acids metabolism, osmoregulatory process, energetic components, and oxidative stress related elements. Overall, these findings proved the possible synergic harmful effect of MPs and B[a]P even in small concentrations, which increases the concern about their long-term presence in marine ecosystems, and consequently their transfer and repercussions on marine fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwar Abouda
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mariachiara Galati
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Implementation of Physical, Chemical and Biological Monitoring Processes in Aquaculture and Bioremediation Systems, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, Hygiene and Public Health "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cappello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Ilef Romdhani
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Implementation of Physical, Chemical and Biological Monitoring Processes in Aquaculture and Bioremediation Systems, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, Hygiene and Public Health "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Maisano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
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Li D, Liu C, Leng P, Wang X, Feng J, Liu J, Liu G, Xu C. A study on the effect of fluorescently stained micro(nano)plastics on the full life history of Skeletonema costatum. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143110. [PMID: 39151587 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143110] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
As a new type of environmental pollutant, micro(nano)plastics have become a research hotspot in recent years, and their effects on the full life history of marine microalgae have not been studied. To investigate the effects of micro(nano)plastics on the growth, photosynthesis, physiological morphology and interaction of microalgae during the full life cycle, we selected fluorescently stained polystyrene (PS) plastic microbeads as the target pollutant. By sampling and testing the growth rate, photosynthesis and physiological morphology parameters of algal species, the influence of different concentrations of PS (10, 50 and 100 mg/L) and different particle sizes (0.1, 0.5 and 1 μm) on the full life history of Skeletonema costatum (S. costatum) was investigated. The results showed that after adding PS (particle sizes of 0.5 and 1 μm), the response of S. costatum showed a dual character, while adding the same kind of microplastics (MPs) with a particle size of 0.1 μm inhibited S. costatum throughout the full life cycle. Compared with previous studies, short-term experimental data may overestimate the true ecological risks of MPs. In addition, 0.1 μm fluorescent-stained MPs obviously accumulated around the microalgae, indicating that MPs mainly adhered to the surface of algal cells and may enter the food chain by direct or indirect ways, which can cause negative effects on the aquatic ecosystem. This study supports a more accurate assessment of the true risk of MPs to marine aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Chengyin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Panchuan Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Jie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.
| | - Guo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Chunyang Xu
- College of Harbor, Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
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Ma M, Huo M, Coulon F, Ali M, Tang Z, Liu X, Ying Z, Wang B, Song X. Understanding microplastic presence in different wastewater treatment processes: Removal efficiency and source identification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172680. [PMID: 38663631 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Municipal effluents discharged from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a considerable source of microplastics in the environment. The dynamic profiles of microplastics in treatment units in WWTPs with different treatment processes remain unclear. This study quantitatively analyzed microplastics in wastewater samples collected from different treatment units in two tertiary treatment plants with distinct processes. The influents contained an average of 15.5 ± 3.5 particles/L and 38.5 ± 2.5 particles/L in the two WWTPs with in the oxidation ditch process and the integrated fixed-film activated sludge process, respectively. Interestingly, microplastic concentrations in the influent were more influenced by the population density in the served area than sewage volume or served population equivalent. Throughout the treatment process, concentrations were reduced to 1.5 ± 0.5 particles/L and 1.0 ± 1.0 particles/L in the final effluents, representing an overall decrease of 90% and 97%, in WWTPs with the oxidation ditch process and integrated fixed-film activated sludge process, respectively. A significant proportion of the microplastics were removed during the primary treatment stage in both WWTPs, with better performance for foam, film, line-shaped and large-sized microplastics. Most microplastics were accumulated in activated sludge, indicating its key role as the primary sink in WWTPs. The multiple correspondence analysis identified laundry washing and daily necessities such as packaging and containers as the major contributors to microplastics in WWTPs. The study proposed recommendations for upgrading WWTPs, modifying designs, and implementing strategies to reduce microplastic sources, aiming to minimize the release of microplastics into the environment. These findings can shed lights on the sources of microplastics in WWTPs, and advance our understanding of the mechanisms for more effective microplastic removals in wastewater treatment technologies in future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mingxin Huo
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Mukhtiar Ali
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhiwen Tang
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhian Ying
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Judicial Expertise Center, Dalian Public Security Bureau, Dalian 116031, China
| | - Xin Song
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
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Keerthika K, Padmavathy P, Rani V, Jeyashakila R, Aanand S, Kutty R. Evidence of microplastics in the polychaete worm (capitellids-Capitella capitata) (Fabricicus, 1780) along Thoothukudi region. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:556. [PMID: 38760609 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12688-x] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Research on the occurrence of microplastics in invertebrates of the Thoothukudi region is limited. Capitellids are non-selective suspension feeders and are usually used as bioindicator of water pollution. Hence, an investigation was carried out to identify the microplastic occurrence in the capitellids (Capitella capitata) (Fabricius, 1780) collected from the Vellapatti and Spic Nagar sites of the Thoothukudi region. Result from this investigation showed the occurrence of 0.21 ± 0.17 items/indiv and a mean abundance of 13.33% in Thoothukudi coast. The mean microplastic abundance in the capitellids was significantly higher in the Spic Nagar (0.26 ± 0.19 MPs/indiv), probably due to the dumping of plastic waste, fishing and recreational activities. However, no significant difference was observed between seasons. Only fragments (Vellapatti 66.66% and Spic Nagar 33.33%) and fibre-shaped microplastics (Vellapatti 50% and Spic Nagar 50%) were identified. The size and colour of the microplastics dominant in both sites were 1-2 mm (Vellapatti 77.77% and Spic Nagar 75%) and blue (Vellapatti 88.88% and Spic Nagar 87.5%), respectively. The results of Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) polymers in the capitellids. PE polymer is one of the most common sources of microplastics contamination globally and it is also frequently found in the coastal waters of Thoothukudi. This accounted for the high occurrence of PE polymers in the capitellids with the occurrence rate of 77% in Vellapatti and 58.52% in Spic Nagar. The present study provides baseline data on the occurrence, characterization (shapes, sizes and colours) and qualitative analysis of the microplastics in the capitellids, and their presence was influenced by their non-selective feeding habits. Further, future studies have to be conducted to identify the levels of microplastics in different polychaetes and other invertebrates to better understand the effects of microplastic pollution in invertebrate communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaiselvan Keerthika
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Thalainayeru, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Pandurangan Padmavathy
- Directorate of Sustainable Aquaculture, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Velu Rani
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Robinson Jeyashakila
- Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Samraj Aanand
- Erode Bhavanisagar Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ranjeet Kutty
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, College of fisheries, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala, India
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Revel M, Freund C, Mouloud M, Perrein-Ettajani H, Métais I, Bruneau M, Yakovenko N, Le Roux R, Caley T, Alogbleto W, Verrier V, Dreanno C, El Rakwe M, Châtel A. Towards the understanding of the uptake and depuration of microplastics in the ragworm Hediste diversicolor: Field and laboratory study. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106410. [PMID: 38422819 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106410] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
An important number of studies have evaluated the presence of microplastics, particles with a size below 5 mm, in aquatic organisms. Studies have shown that these fragments are widely present in the marine environment, but research on the estuarine ecosystem is still scarce. In this study, two different approaches were used to evaluate the presence and ingestion of plastic particles in the ragworm Hediste diversicolor: a field study for the environmental assessment and a laboratory experiment in controlled condition. For the environmental evaluation, ingestion of microplastics was evaluated in the ragworm H. diversicolor sampled from the mudflats of the Seine estuary (France) during March and June 2017 and 2018, on two locations: S1 and S2, both characterized by high anthropogenic pressures, and for S2 a more influential hydrodynamic component. Ingestion of microplastics was measured in ragworms tissues and in gut content (sediment) after depuration. The number of particles as well as their size, shape and color were reported and compared between sampling period and locations. Results showed the presence of a low number of particles in both worms and gut content. In gut content, 45.6% and 87.58% of samples from site S1 and S2 respectively contained plastic like particles. In worms, 41.7% (S1) and 75.8% (S2) of analysed samples contained plastic like items. The lowest mean number of particles was 0.21 ± 0.31 (S1 in June 2017) in worms' tissues, but 0.80 ± 0.90 (S1 in June 2017) in the gut content and the highest was 1.47 ± 1.41 (S2 in April 2017) while the highest number was 2.55 ± 2.06 (S2 in June 2017) in worms and gut content respectively. The majority of suspected microplastics observed were fibers (66%) and fragments (27%), but films (3.7%) foam (2.1%), and granules (0.2%) were also identified. In addition, the most polymer type observed by Raman spectroscopy was polypropylene. Furthermore, a preliminary study of the ingestion and egestion of fluorescent polyethylene (PE) microbeads in the digestive tract of ragworms was conducted after exposure through water, during 1h at 1.2 × 106 MP/mL. Results showed a rapid turnover of PE microbeads throughout the digestive tract of worms especially after exposure through water. This study revealed that microplastics are ingested by the ragworm H. diversicolor but do not seem to bioaccumulate. More research is needed to measure potential chronic effects of microplastics on physiological parameters of H. diversicolor and potential trophic transfer of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Messika Revel
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France; UniLaSalle Rennes - Ecole des métiers de l'environnement, CYCLANN, campus de Ker Lann, 35830, Bruz, France.
| | - Carla Freund
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Mohammed Mouloud
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Hanane Perrein-Ettajani
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Isabelle Métais
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Mélanie Bruneau
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Nadiia Yakovenko
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Romuald Le Roux
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Timothy Caley
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - William Alogbleto
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Valentin Verrier
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Catherine Dreanno
- IFREMER, Centre de Brest, Laboratoire Détection Capteurs et Mesures, Plouzané, F-29280, France
| | - Maria El Rakwe
- IFREMER, Centre de Brest, Laboratoire Détection Capteurs et Mesures, Plouzané, F-29280, France
| | - Amélie Châtel
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes, Stress, Santé, Environnement (BIOSSE), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, F-49000, Angers, France
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Istomina A, Chelomin V, Mazur A, Zhukovskaya A, Karpenko A, Mazur M. Biodegradation of polyethylene in digestive gland homogenates of marine invertebrates. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17041. [PMID: 38426135 PMCID: PMC10903337 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Вiotic factors may be the driving force of plastic fragmentation along with abiotic factors. Since understanding the processes of biodegradation and biological depolymerization of plastic is important, a new methodological approach was proposed in this study to investigate the role of marine invertebrate digestive enzymes in plastic biodegradation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility of enzymatic biodegradation of polyethylene fragments in the digestive gland homogenate of marine invertebrates differing in their feeding type (Strongylocentrotus nudus, Patiria pectinifera, Mizuhopecten yessoensis). Significant changes are found in the functional groups of the polymer after 3 days of incubation in the digestive gland homogenates of the studied marine invertebrates. A significant increase in the calculated CI (carbonyl index) and COI (сarbon-oxygen index) indices compared to the control sample was observed. The results suggest that digestive enzymes of studied organisms may play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Istomina
- V.I. Il’ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Victor Chelomin
- V.I. Il’ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Andrey Mazur
- V.I. Il’ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Avianna Zhukovskaya
- V.I. Il’ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Alexander Karpenko
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Marina Mazur
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
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Zhao X, Gao S, Ouyang D, Chen S, Qiu C, Qiu H, Chen Z. Advances on micro/nanoplastics and their effects on the living organisms: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166722. [PMID: 37678525 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MPs) are attracting increasing attention owing to the potential threats they pose to the sustainability of the environment and the health of living organisms. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the influence of MPs on living organisms is vital for developing countermeasures. We conducted an extensive literature search to retrieve the articles related to MPs via the Web of Science. Accordingly, 152 articles published in the last decade and in influential journals were selected to analyze the effects of MPs on plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans as well as the current status, hotspots, and trends of studies on MPs. The results showed that owing to the special characteristics of MPs and anthropogenic activities, MPs have become ubiquitous worldwide. MPs are ingested by plants and animals and enter the human body through various pathways, resulting in numerous adverse effects, such as growth inhibition, oxidative stress, inflammation, organ damage, and germ cell lesions. Moreover, they affect microorganisms by reshaping the structure and function of microbial communities and changing the spread pathway. However, microorganisms can also contribute to the degradation of MPs. With increasing evidence of the adverse effects of MPs on biota, coping with MP pollution and mitigating harmful outcomes have emerged as major challenges. This review focuses on (1) the main effects of MPs on living organisms, ranging from microorganisms to humans, (2) the current status and hotspots of studies related to MPs, and (3) the challenges and prospects of further studies on MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlin Zhao
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shuaishuai Gao
- Hunan Institute of Microbiology, Changsha 410009, Hunan Province, China
| | - Da Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, School of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Su Chen
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, Hunan Province, China
| | - Caisheng Qiu
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, Hunan Province, China
| | - Huajiao Qiu
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Zhaoming Chen
- Institute of Environment, Resources, Soil and Fertilizer, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, Zhejiang Province, China.
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8
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Luo H, Tu C, He D, Zhang A, Sun J, Li J, Xu J, Pan X. Interactions between microplastics and contaminants: A review focusing on the effect of aging process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165615. [PMID: 37481081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the environment are a major global concern due to their persistent nature and wide distribution. The aging of MPs is influenced by several processes including photodegradation, thermal degradation, biodegradation and mechanical fragmentation, which affect their interaction with contaminants. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the aging process of MPs and the factors that impact their aging, and to discuss the effects of aging on the interaction of MPs with contaminants. A range of characterization methods that can effectively elucidate the mechanistic processes of these interactions are outlined. The rate and extent of MPs aging are influenced by their physicochemical properties and other environmental factors, which ultimately affect the adsorption and aggregation of aged MPs with environmental contaminants. Pollutants such as heavy metals, organic matter and microorganisms have a tendency to accumulate on MPs through adsorption and the interactions between them impact their environmental behavior. Aging enhances the specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups of MPs, thereby affecting the mechanism of interaction between MPs and contaminants. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how aging affects the interactions, this review also provides an overview of the mechanisms by which MPs interact with contaminants. In the future, there should be further in-depth studies of the potential hazards of aged MPs in different environments e.g., soil, sediment, aquatic environment, and effects of their interaction with environmental pollutants on human health and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Chaolin Tu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Anping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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9
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Vidal A, Neury-Ormanni J, Latchere O, Roman C, Gillet P, Métais I, Châtel A. Aquatic worms: relevant model organisms to investigate pollution of microplastics throughout the freshwater-marine continuum. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:91534-91562. [PMID: 37495809 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28900-3] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global and emergency concern. Degradation processes of plastic macrowaste, either at the millimetre- and micrometre-size scales (microplastics, MP) or a nanometre one (nanoplastic, NP), is now well documented in all environmental compartments. It is hence necessary to study the environmental dynamic of MNP (micro(nano)plastic) on aquatic macrofauna considering their dispersion in different compartments. In this context, worms, having a large habitat in natural environments (soil, sediment, water) represent a relevant model organism for MNP investigations. In aquatic systems, worms could be used to compare MNP contamination between freshwater and seawater. The aim of this review was to discuss the relevance of using worms as model species for investigating MNP pollution in freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems. In this context, studies conducted in the field and in laboratory, using diverse classes of aquatic worms (polychaete and clitellate, i.e. oligochaete and hirudinea) to assess plastic contamination, were analysed. In addition, the reliability between laboratory exposure conditions and the investigation in the field was discussed. Finally, in a context of plastic use regulation, based on the literature, some recommendations about model species, environmental relevance, and experimental needs related to MNP are given for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Vidal
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France.
| | - Julie Neury-Ormanni
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Oihana Latchere
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Coraline Roman
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Patrick Gillet
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Isabelle Métais
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Amélie Châtel
- Laboratoire Biosse, Université Catholique de L'Ouest (UCO), 3 Place André Leroy, 49100, Angers, France
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Sulaiman RNR, Bakar AA, Ngadi N, Kahar INS, Nordin AH, Ikram M, Nabgan W. Microplastics in Malaysia's Aquatic Environment: Current Overview and Future Perspectives. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2300047. [PMID: 37635702 PMCID: PMC10448155 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has adversely affected the aquatic ecosystem, living creatures, and human health. Several studies in Malaysia have provided baseline information on the existence of microplastics in surface water, ingestion by marine life and sediment. Also, humans are exposed to microplastic due to consumption of contaminated abiotic and biotic products, such as processed seafood. Nonetheless, knowledge is still scarce among Malaysian on the potential remediation and pollution management of microplastics, which poses a significant challenge to preserve a good environmental status. Green technologies also other alternative to mitigate the contamination of microplastics for sustainable future. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of microplastic's occurrence, fate, and implications in Malaysia's aquatic environment. Detection of microplastics from the water surface, ingestion by aquatics, and sediment samples are highlighted. Available different treatment processes toward microplastic remediation are also discussed. Additionally, the potential challenges, current perspective for plastic management in Malaysia, as well as green strategies for reducing microplastic contamination are also put forward. The goal of this work is to improve the understanding of the seriousness of microplastic contamination in aquatic environments, thus encouraging key concerns that need to be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aznizam Abu Bakar
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy EngineeringUniversiti Teknologi MalaysiaSkudaiJohor81310Malaysia
| | - Norzita Ngadi
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy EngineeringUniversiti Teknologi MalaysiaSkudaiJohor81310Malaysia
| | | | - Abu Hassan Nordin
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy EngineeringUniversiti Teknologi MalaysiaSkudaiJohor81310Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied SciencesUniversiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)ArauPerlis02600Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ikram
- Solar Cell Application Research LabDepartment of PhysicsGovernment College University LahoreLahorePunjab54000Pakistan
| | - Walid Nabgan
- Departament d'Enginyeria QuímicaUniversitat Rovira i VirgiliAv Països Catalans 26Tarragona43007Spain
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11
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Zheng Y, Zhu J, Li J, Li G, Shi H. Burrowing invertebrates induce fragmentation of mariculture Styrofoam floats and formation of microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130764. [PMID: 36682250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Secondary microplastics originate from the fragmentation of large plastics, and weathering is supposed to be the main cause of fragmentation. In this study, we investigated burrows and burrowing invertebrates on Styrofoam floats from the mariculture areas of China's coastal waters. Various burrows were found on the submerged surface of Styrofoam floats and could be divided into 'I', 'S', 'J', and 'Y' types based on the burrow entrance number and passage curvature. Different invertebrate species, including 5 isopods, 8 clamworms, and 12 crabs, were found inside the burrows. Micro-foams were found in the bodies of these burrowers, with an average abundance of 4.2 ± 0.3 (isopod), 6.9 ± 2.0 (clamworm), and 3.0 ± 0.5 (crab) micro-foams per individual. In the laboratory, we observed the boring process of crabs in abandoned floats. Field and laboratory evidence suggested that these invertebrates bored various burrows. The total volume of crab burrows on a 3-year-used float was estimated to be 2.6 × 103 cm3, producing 4.1 × 108 microplastics. This study highlights the critical role of bioerosion in destroying man-made substrates and prompting microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jingmin Zhu
- School of Fishery, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Jiji Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Guoliang Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Ocean College, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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12
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Microplastics (MPs) in marine food chains: Is it a food safety issue? ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2023; 103:101-140. [PMID: 36863833 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The enormous usage of plastic over the last seven decades has resulted in a massive quantity of plastic waste, much of it eventually breaking down into microplastic (MP) and nano plastic (NP). The MPs and NPs are regarded as emerging pollutants of serious concern. Both MPs and NPs can have a primary or secondary origin. Their ubiquitous presence and ability to sorb, desorb, and leach chemicals have raised concern over their presence in the aquatic environment and, particularly, the marine food chain. MPs and NPs are also considered vectors for pollutant transfer along with the marine food chain, and people who consume seafood have began significant concerns about the toxicity of seafood. The exact consequences and risk of MP exposure to marine foods are largely unknown and should be a priority research area. Although several studies have documented an effective clearance mechanism by defecation, significant aspect has been less emphasized for MPs and NPs and their capability to translocate in organs and clearance is not well established. The technological limitations to study these ultra-fine MPs are another challenge to be addressed. Therefore, this chapter discusses the recent findings of MPs in different marine food chains, their translocation and accumulations potential, MPs as a critical vector for pollutant transfer, toxicology impact, cycling in the marine environment and seafood safety. Besides, the concerns and challenges that are overshadowed by findings for the significance of MPs were covered.
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13
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Zhai X, Zhang XH, Yu M. Microbial colonization and degradation of marine microplastics in the plastisphere: A review. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1127308. [PMID: 36876073 PMCID: PMC9981674 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1127308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine microplastic pollution is a growing problem for ecotoxicology that needs to be resolved. In particular, microplastics may be carriers of "dangerous hitchhikers," pathogenic microorganisms, i.e., Vibrio. Microplastics are colonized by bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, algae and protozoans, resulting in the biofilm referred to as the "plastisphere." The microbial community composition of the plastisphere differs significantly from those of surrounding environments. Early dominant pioneer communities of the plastisphere belong to primary producers, including diatoms, cyanobacteria, green algae and bacterial members of the Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. With time, the plastisphere mature, and the diversity of microbial communities increases quickly to include more abundant Bacteroidetes and Alphaproteobacteria than natural biofilms. Factors driving the plastisphere composition include environmental conditions and polymers, with the former having a much larger influence on the microbial community composition than polymers. Microorganisms of the plastisphere may play key roles in degradation of plastic in the oceans. Up to now, many bacterial species, especially Bacillus and Pseudomonas as well as some polyethylene degrading biocatalysts, have been shown to be capable of degrading microplastics. However, more relevant enzymes and metabolisms need to be identified. Here, we elucidate the potential roles of quorum sensing on the plastic research for the first time. Quorum sensing may well become a new research area to understand the plastisphere and promote microplastics degradation in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhai
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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14
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Mudigonda S, Dahms HU, Hwang JS, Li WP. Combined effects of copper oxide and nickel oxide coated chitosan nanoparticles adsorbed to styrofoam resin beads on hydrothermal vent bacteria. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136338. [PMID: 36108756 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are potential carriers of harmful contaminants but their combined effects are largely unknown. It needs intensive monitoring in order to achieve a better understanding of metal-oxide nanoparticles and their dispersion via microplastics such as styrofoam in the aquatic environment. In the present study, an effort was made to provide a preferable perception about the toxic effects of engineered nanoparticles (NPs), namely, copper oxide (CuO NPs), nickel oxide (NiO NPs), copper oxide/chitosan (CuO/CS NPs) and nickel oxide/chitosan (NiO/CS NPs). Characterizations of synthesized NPs included their morphology (SEM and EDX), functional groups (FT-IR) and crystallinity (XRD). Their combined toxic effect after adsorption to styrofoam (SF) was monitored using the hydrothermal vent bacterium Jeotgalicoccus huakuii as a model. This was done by determining MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) through a resazurin assay measuring ELISA, growth, biofilm inhibition and making a live and dead assay. Results revealed that at high concentrations (60 mg/10 mL) of CuO, CuO/CS NPs and 60 mg of SF adsorbed CuO and CuO/CS NPs inhibited the growth of J. huakuii. However, NPs rather than SF inhibited the growth of bacteria. The toxicity of NPs adsorbed on plain SF was found to be less compared to NPs alone. This study revealed new dimensions regarding the positive impacts of SF at low concentrations. Synthesized NPs applied separately were found to affect the growth of bacteria substantially more than if coated to SF resin beads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunaina Mudigonda
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, 807, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Hans-Uwe Dahms
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan; Research Centre for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan; Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung City, 804, Taiwan.
| | - Jiang-Shiou Hwang
- Institute of Marine Biology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan; Centre of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan; Centre of Excellence for Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Peng Li
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, 807, Taiwan
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15
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Markic A, Bridson JH, Morton P, Hersey L, Maes T, Bowen M. Microplastic pollution in the surface waters of Vava'u, Tonga. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114243. [PMID: 36330932 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, has been recognised as a global issue in the recent years, but research efforts in the Pacific are lagging. We carried out research on microplastics contamination of surface waters of the Vava'u archipelago, Tonga. Since microplastics smaller than the standard mesh size (333-335 μm) are readily reported in the literature on microplastics, we used a finer plankton net (100 μm) to determine the proportion of captured microplastics smaller than 300 μm. Isolated microplastics were counted and measured using stereomicroscope with polymer identification performed by FTIR spectroscopy. The analysis revealed high microplastics concentrations (329,299.7 ± 40,994.2 pcs km-2 or 1.05 ± 0.13 pcs m-3). The proportion of particles smaller than 300 μm was 40 %. The predominant type of microplastics in surface waters were small bits of white film, which we associated with cement-filled white bags used to construct docks throughout Vava'u, often heavily eroded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Markic
- Blue Spark Put za Marleru 20, 52204 Ližnjan, Croatia.
| | - James H Bridson
- Scion, Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
| | - Peta Morton
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lucy Hersey
- Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Maes
- Grid-Arendal, Teaterplassen 3, 4836 Arendal, Norway
| | - Melissa Bowen
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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16
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Valentine K, Cross R, Cox R, Woodmancy G, Boxall ABA. Caddisfly Larvae are a Driver of Plastic Litter Breakdown and Microplastic Formation in Freshwater Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:3058-3069. [PMID: 36200670 PMCID: PMC9827824 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter is now pervasive in the aquatic environment. Several marine and terrestrial organisms can fragment plastic with their feeding appendages, facilitating its breakdown and generating microplastics. However, similar studies with freshwater organisms are extremely limited. We explored the interactions between the caddisfly larvae Agrypnia sp. and polylactic acid (PLA) film. The use of plastic by larvae to build their protective cases was investigated, along with their ability to fragment the plastic film as they do with leaf litter. Caddisfly consistently incorporated PLA into their cases alongside leaf material. They also used their feeding appendages to rapidly fragment PLA-forming hundreds of submillimeter-sized microplastics. Although larvae showed a preference for leaf material when constructing cases, plastic use and fragmentation still occurred when leaf material was replete, indicating that this behavior is likely to occur in natural environments that are polluted with plastics. This is thought to be the first documented evidence of active plastic modification by a freshwater invertebrate and therefore reveals a previously unidentified mechanism of plastic fragmentation and microplastic formation in freshwater. Further work is now needed to determine the extent of this behavior across freshwater taxa and the potential implications for the wider ecosystem. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:3058-3069. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katey Valentine
- Department of Environment and GeographyUniversity of YorkHeslingtonUK
| | | | - Ruairidh Cox
- UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingfordUK
| | - Gina Woodmancy
- Department of Environment and GeographyUniversity of YorkHeslingtonUK
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17
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Leroux N, Hosseinzadeh M, Katsumiti A, Porte C, Cajaraville MP. Lipidomic analysis of mussel hemocytes exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113763. [PMID: 35779621 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113763] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics production and usage has exponentially increased in the last decades around the world. Due to the insufficient waste management, a significant amount of plastic ends up in the environment, where they tend to fragment into micro- and nano-plastics (NPs), and accumulate in aquatic organisms with still unknown effects. Although studies have indicated that lipid metabolism is a main target of NPs, this mechanism has not been extensively explored. In this study, we evaluated changes in the lipidome of mussel hemocytes after exposure to polystyrene (PS) NPs of 50 and 500 nm, at two different concentrations (106 and 109 particles/mL) for 24 h. The lipidome of hemocytes, analyzed by FIA-ESI (±) Orbitrap, was characterized by a relatively high abundance of cholesteryl esters (CEs) and phosphatidylcholine-plasmalogens (PC-Os/PC-Ps), involved in cell's defense against oxidative stress and membrane reorganization. In hemocytes exposed to PS NPs, a number of highly unsaturated membrane lipids were down-regulated, indicating a reorganization of the cell membranes after exposure to the particles and an oxidation of lipids with a high number of double bonds. This reduction was more evident after exposure to 50 nm NPs -both concentrations- and 500 nm NPs -high concentration-. The analysis of culture medium suggested increased release of vesicles enriched in triglycerides (TGs). The relevance of these responses to NP exposure on the immune function of hemocytes remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Leroux
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA-CSIC-, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mahboubeh Hosseinzadeh
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA-CSIC-, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Katsumiti
- CBET Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology; Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PiE, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Sarriena z/g, E-48940, Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Biotechnology Division, GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Zamudio, Spain
| | - Cinta Porte
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA-CSIC-, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Miren P Cajaraville
- CBET Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology; Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PiE, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Sarriena z/g, E-48940, Leioa, Basque Country, Spain.
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18
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Jin M, Liu J, Yu J, Zhou Q, Wu W, Fu L, Yin C, Fernandez C, Karimi-Maleh H. Current development and future challenges in microplastic detection techniques: A bibliometrics-based analysis and review. Sci Prog 2022; 105:368504221132151. [PMID: 36263507 PMCID: PMC10306156 DOI: 10.1177/00368504221132151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been considered a new type of pollutant in the marine environment and have attracted widespread attention worldwide in recent years. Plastic particles with particle size less than 5 mm are usually defined as microplastics. Because of their similar size to plankton, marine organisms easily ingest microplastics and can threaten higher organisms and even human health through the food chain. Most of the current studies have focused on the investigation of the abundance of microplastics in the environment. However, due to the limitations of analytical methods and instruments, the number of microplastics in the environment can easily lead to overestimation or underestimation. Microplastics in each environment have different detection techniques. To investigate the current status, hot spots, and research trends of microplastics detection techniques, this review analyzed the papers related to microplastics detection using bibliometric software CiteSpace and COOC. A total of 696 articles were analyzed, spanning 2012 to 2021. The contributions and cooperation of different countries and institutions in this field have been analyzed in detail. This topic has formed two main important networks of cooperation. International cooperation has been a common pattern in this topic. The various analytical methods of this topic were discussed through keyword and clustering analysis. Among them, fluorescent, FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopy are commonly used optical techniques for the detection of microplastics. The identification of microplastics can also be achieved by the combination of other techniques such as mass spectrometry/thermal cracking gas chromatography. However, these techniques still have limitations and cannot be applied to all environmental samples. We provide a detailed analysis of the detection of microplastics in different environmental samples and list the challenges that need to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqing Jin
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Ecological and Environmental Monitoring, Forewarning and Quality Control, Zhejiang Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Environment Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingwei Zhou
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weihong Wu
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Fu
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Yin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Medical Big Data Application Technology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Carlos Fernandez
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hassan Karimi-Maleh
- School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Quchan University of Technology, Quchan, Iran
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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19
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Utilizing Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry for Monitoring and Analytical Characterization of Microplastics in Polychaete Worms. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14153054. [PMID: 35956569 PMCID: PMC9370765 DOI: 10.3390/polym14153054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (the term for plastics at sizes of <5 mm) might be introduced into the environment from domestic or agricultural activities or from the breakdown of plastic pieces, particles, and debris that are bigger in size. Their presence in the aquatic environment has caused accumulation problems, as microplastics do not easily break down and can be digested by some aquatic organisms. This study was conducted to screen and monitor the level of microplastic pollution in polychaete worms using pyrolysis−gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The study was conducted in Setiu Wetlands, Malaysia from November 2015 to January 2017 at five-month intervals and covered all monsoon changes. Results from physical and visual analyses indicated that a total number of 371.4 ± 20.2 items/g microplastics were retrieved from polychaete for all seasons, in which, the majority comprised transparent microplastics (49.87%), followed by brown with 138.3 ± 13.6 items/g (37.24%), 21.7 ± 1.9 items/g for blue (5.84%), and 12.9 ± 1.1 items/g for black (3.47%), while the remaining were green and grey-red colors. Statistical analysis using Kruskal−Wallis showed insignificant differences (p > 0.05) between the sampling station and period for the presence of a microplastics amount. Most of the microplastics were found in fiber form (81.5%), whereas the remaining comprised fragment (18.31%) and film (0.19%) forms. Further analysis with Py-GC/MS under a selective ion monitoring mode indicated that pyrolytic products and fragment ions for a variety of polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, and polymethylmethacrylate, were detected. This study provides an insightful application of Py-GC/MS techniques for microplastics monitoring, especially when dealing with analytical amounts of samples.
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20
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Urban-Malinga B, Jakubowska-Lehrmann M, Białowąs M, Hallmann A. Microplastics cause neurotoxicity and decline of enzymatic activities in important bioturbator Hediste diversicolor. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 179:105660. [PMID: 35690022 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) tend to accumulate in marine sediments thus benthic fauna is particularly vulnerable to microplastic pollution. Hediste diversicolor is a widespread species in coastal marine sediments. It plays key ecological functions mostly related to bioturbation process which means sediment reworking due to the worm burrowing activity and building a network of galleries. Herein, we show that commercial plastic microspheres of two sizes (63-75 and 300-355 μm) have the potential to cause neurotoxicity in H. diversicolor. The whole-body acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity - a common indicator of neurotoxic effect - was on average 60% lower in polychaetes exposed for 28 days to MPs served at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.08% sediment d. wt.), than in unexposed ones. Significantly reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GST) indicated suppression of the cellular antioxidative system in worms exposed to MPs. No changes were, however, observed in tGSH, lipid or protein oxidation measures (CBO, MDA), and in the energetic value of these polychaetes. The response was generally similar with no regard to MPs size. Only very few microspheres were found in polychaetes exposed to MPs spiked sediment. The potential role of MPs-associated pollutants as a factor responsible for observed biochemical effects, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcin Białowąs
- National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kołłątaja 1, 81-332, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Anna Hallmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland
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Microplastics in the Deep: Comparing Dietary and Plastic Ingestion Data between Two Mediterranean Bathyal Opportunistic Feeder Species, Galeus melastomus, Rafinesque, 1810 and Coelorinchus caelorhincus (Risso, 1810), through Stomach Content Analysis. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10050624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution is currently an issue of mounting concern around the world. Stomach content of marine fish has been increasingly used as a valid proxy for detecting the presence of such a pollutant in marine biota, both for coastal and deep-water environments. Although ingestion of microplastics has been reported in an increasing number of species, the patterns of ingestion still remain unclear, depending closely on the interaction between the species and types of microplastics involved. In this context, we analysed and compared the stomach contents of two bathyal dwelling opportunistic feeder species namely Galeus melastomus and Coelorinchus caelorhincus. In particular, we analysed microplastic items according to their dimension, morphology and colour, and diet’s variation with size obtained through prey identification. Both species showed a higher frequency of occurrence of the blue filament-like middle-sized microplastics (1.01–4.75 mm) compared with the other categories, although this pattern was much more marked in C. caelorhincus than in G. melastomus. The latter conversely showed a larger array of ingested plastic items in terms of shape and colour. Matching plastic ingestion with dietary data suggested potential predator confusion occurring in C. caelorhincus through active mis-selection of a defined type of microplastic instead of some particular family of polychaetes, which resemble in shape, size, and color to that type. Otherwise, G. melastomus appeared more prone to a random ingestion of a larger array of microplastic items because of a more generalistic and less selective feeding strategy. Although further validation is needed, stomach contents of the two species showed evidence strong enough to be considered as potential bioindicator species of microplastic pollution, as required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive for monitoring this pollutant in the marine environment.
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So MWK, Vorsatz LD, Cannicci S, Not C. Fate of plastic in the environment: From macro to nano by macrofauna. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118920. [PMID: 35131331 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic ingestion has been widely investigated to understand its adverse harms on fauna, but the role of fauna itself in plastic fragmentation has been rarely addressed. Here, we review and discuss the available experimental results on the role of terrestrial and aquatic macrofauna in plastic biofragmentation and degradation. Recent studies have shown how biting, chewing, and stomach contractions of organisms shatter ingested plastic along their digestive tracts. Gut microbial communities can play a role in biodegradation and their composition can shift according to the type of plastic ingested. Shifts in molecular weights, chemical bond forming and breaking, and changes in thermal modification detected in the plastic debris present in the faeces also suggest active biodegradation. A few studies have also shown interactions other than ingestion, such as burrowing, may actively or passively promote physical plastic fragmentation by fauna. We suggest that further investigations into the role of fauna in physical fragmentation and chemical degradation linked to active ingestion and gut associated microbiota metabolism, respectively, should be conducted to better evaluate the impact of these mechanisms on the release of micro- and nano-plastic in the environment. Knowledge on macrofauna other than marine invertebrates and terrestrial soil dwelling invertebrates is particularly lacking, as well as focus on broader types of plastic polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Wing Kwan So
- The Swire Institute of Marine Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Lyle Dennis Vorsatz
- The Swire Institute of Marine Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Area of Ecology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Stefano Cannicci
- The Swire Institute of Marine Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Area of Ecology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Christelle Not
- The Swire Institute of Marine Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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23
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Field evidence for microplastic interactions in marine benthic invertebrates. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20900. [PMID: 34686714 PMCID: PMC8536658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics represent an important issue of concern for marine ecosystems worldwide, and closed seas, such as the Mediterranean, are among the most affected by this increasing threat. These pollutants accumulate in large quantities in benthic environments causing detrimental effects on diverse biocenoses. The main focus of this study is on the ‘polychaetes-microplastics’ interactions, particularly on two species of benthic polychaetes with different ecology and feeding strategies: the sessile and filter feeder Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791) and the vagile carnivorous Hermodice carunculata (Pallas, 1766). Since not standardized protocols are proposed in literature to date, we compared efficiencies of diverse common procedures suitable for digesting organic matter of polychaetes. After the definition of an efficient digestion protocol for microplastics extraction for both polychaetes, our results showed high microplastics ingestion in both species. Microplastics were found in 42% of individuals of S. spallanzanii, with a mean of 1 (± 1.62) microplastics per individual, in almost all individuals of H. carunculata (93%), with a mean of 3.35 (± 2.60). These significant differences emerged between S. spallanzanii and H. carunculata, is probably due to the diverse feeding strategies. The susceptibility to this pollutant makes these species good bioindicators of the impact of microplastics on biota.
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Bamshad A, Cho HJ. A novel print-and-release method to prepare microplastics using an office-grade laserjet printer; a low-cost solution for preliminary studies. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112601. [PMID: 34126439 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112601] [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: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microscopic plastic particles (microplastics) are widespread anthropogenic contaminants that are impacting aquatic ecosystems. Among the five most prevalent types of microplastics (polystyrene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polypropylene) in aquatic environments, the impact of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene has drawn more attention due to their high transportability. A lack of reliable inexpensive methods to accurately replicate the realistic microplastic samples extracted from environmental matrixes with the desired size and geometry is one of the main challenges in the design of experiments for systematic studies. In this work, a novel print-and-release technique to prepare colored microplastic (polystyrene) particles with a desired size and shape by using an office-grade laserjet printer is introduced. Microplastics ranging from 125 μm to 500 μm could be prepared with an average dimensional error of less than 5%. Their physical and chemical characteristics were obtained by SEM, FTIR, and XPS analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshya Bamshad
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering & Computer Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Hyoung J Cho
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering & Computer Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
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25
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Hamzah SR, Altrawneh RS, Anuar ST, Khalik WMAWM, Kolandhasamy P, Ibrahim YS. Ingestion of microplastics by the estuarine polychaete, Namalycastis sp. in the Setiu Wetlands, Malaysia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112617. [PMID: 34139586 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the ingestion of microplastics by the deposit-feeding polychaete Namalycastis sp. in the estuarine area of the Setiu Wetlands, Malaysia was confirmed. Samples were collected from six stations, covering the wetland from the south to the north, bimonthly between November 2016 and November 2017. Microplastics were extracted from polychaete samples following digestion in an alkaline solution (10 M NaOH). They were identified by physical characteristics (i.e., shape and color under dissecting microscope and scanning electron microscope), and chemical analysis using a LUMOS Fourier Transform Infrared Microscope (μ-FTIR). A total of 3277 pieces were identified, which were dominated by filaments (99.79%) and with the majority transparent in color (84.71%). Most of the microplastics identified were polypropylene (PP) followed by polyamide (PA) based on their main peak in the of μ-FTIR spectrum. Principal component analysis demonstrated the dominance of microplastics at stations 3 and 4 of the sampling area, probably because of the influx from the open sea and from aquaculture. The findings of this research provide baseline information on microplastics ingested by benthic organisms and their fate in the estuarine food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Rabaah Hamzah
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Ra'ad Shaher Altrawneh
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Sabiqah Tuan Anuar
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd Khalik
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Prabhu Kolandhasamy
- Coastal and Marine Ecology Division, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh 370001, India
| | - Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
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26
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Assessment of Microplastics in a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant with Tertiary Treatment: Removal Efficiencies and Loading per Day into the Environment. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13101339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the removal of microplastics from wastewater in an urban wastewater treatment plant located in Southeast Spain, including an oxidation ditch, rapid sand filtration, and ultraviolet disinfection. A total of 146.73 L of wastewater samples from influent and effluent were processed, following a density separation methodology, visual classification under a stereomicroscope, and FTIR analysis for polymer identification. Microplastics proved to be 72.41% of total microparticles collected, with a global removal rate of 64.26% after the tertiary treatment and within the average retention for European WWTPs. Three different shapes were identified: i.e., microfiber (79.65%), film (11.26%), and fragment (9.09%), without the identification of microbeads despite the proximity to a plastic compounding factory. Fibers were less efficiently removed (56.16%) than particulate microplastics (90.03%), suggesting that tertiary treatments clearly discriminate between forms, and reporting a daily emission of 1.6 × 107 microplastics to the environment. Year variability in microplastic burden was cushioned at the effluent, reporting a stable performance of the sewage plant. Eight different polymer families were identified, LDPE film being the most abundant form, with 10 different colors and sizes mainly between 1–2 mm. Future efforts should be dedicated to source control, plastic waste management, improvement of legislation, and specific microplastic-targeted treatment units, especially for microfiber removal.
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Zhang K, Hamidian AH, Tubić A, Zhang Y, Fang JKH, Wu C, Lam PKS. Understanding plastic degradation and microplastic formation in the environment: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 274:116554. [PMID: 33529891 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 390] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste are introduced into the environment inevitably and their exposure in the environment causes deterioration in mechanical and physicochemical properties and leads to the formation of plastic fragments, which are considered as microplastics when their size is < 5 mm. In recent years, microplastic pollution has been reported in all kinds of environments worldwide and is considered a potential threat to the health of ecosystems and humans. However, knowledge on the environmental degradation of plastics and the formation of microplastics is still limited. In this review, potential hotspots for the accumulation of plastic waste were identified, major mechanisms and characterization methods of plastic degradation were summarized, and studies on the environmental degradation of plastics were evaluated. Future research works should further identify the key environmental parameters and properties of plastics affecting the degradation in order to predict the fate of plastics in different environments and facilitate the development of technologies for reducing plastic pollution. Formation and degradation of microplastics, including nanoplastics, should receive more research attention to assess their fate and ecological risks in the environment more comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Amir Hossein Hamidian
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-77878, Iran; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Aleksandra Tubić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - James K H Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Paul K S Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Qian J, Tang S, Wang P, Lu B, Li K, Jin W, He X. From source to sink: Review and prospects of microplastics in wetland ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143633. [PMID: 33223161 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The source, distribution, migration, and fate of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems have received much attention. However, the relevant reports in wetland ecosystems, the boundary area between water and land, are still rare. Where are the sources and sinks of MPs in the wetland? The latest researches have shown that the sources of MPs in wetlands include sewage discharge, surface runoff, and plastic wastes from aquaculture. Fibers and fragments are the most common shapes, and PE, PP, PS can be detected in water or sediment matrices, and biota of wetlands. The distribution is affected by hydrodynamic conditions, sediment properties, and vegetation coverage. Factors affecting the vertical migration of MPs include their own physical and chemical properties, the combination of substances that accelerate deposition (mineral adsorption and biological flocculation), and resuspension. Minerals tend to adsorb negatively charged MPs while algae aggregates have a preference for positively charged MPs. The wetlands vegetation can trap MPs and affect their migration. In water matrices, MPs are ingested by organisms and integrated into sediments, which makes them seem undetectable in the wetland ecosystem. Photodegradation and microbial degradation can further reduce the MPs in size. Although recent research has increased, we are still searching for a methodological harmonization of the detection practices and exploring the migration rules and fate patterns of MPs. Our work is the first comprehensive review of the source, distribution, migration, and fate of MPs in wetland ecosystems. It reveals the uniqueness of wetland habitat in the research of MPs and indicates the potential of wetlands acting as sources or sinks for MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Qian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sijing Tang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Peifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Bianhe Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Jin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Xixian He
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
In this study, we analyze the current state of knowledge on extant Eunicida systematics, morphology, feeding, life history, habitat, ecology, distribution patterns, local diversity and exploitation. Eunicida is an order of Errantia annelids characterized by the presence of ventral mandibles and dorsal maxillae in a ventral muscularized pharynx. The origin of Eunicida dates back to the late Cambrian, and the peaks of jaw morphology diversity and number of families are in the Ordovician. Species richness is heterogeneous among the seven recent families, with more than half of the valid species belonging to the Eunicidae + Onuphidae clade, one of the latest clades to diverge. Eunicidans inhabit soft and hard substrates from intertidal to deep waters in all oceans. The few freshwater species are restricted to Histriobdellidae, a family exclusively commensal/parasite of crustaceans. The reproductive biology, development and ecology of most families are poorly known and the information available suggests low dispersal ability. However, all families have records of widely distributed species. Scrutiny of these wide distributions has often revealed the presence of exotic species or more than one species. The exploration of the deep-sea and of new habitats has led to recent descriptions of new species. Furthermore, the revision of type specimens, the examination of new morphological features and the use of molecular data have revealed hidden biodiversity under unjustified synonyms, poor understanding of morphological features and incomplete descriptions. Molecular studies are still very few or nonexistent for the families Histriobdellidae, Hartmaniellidae, Lumbrineridae and Oenonidae. The integration of new methodologies for morphological and molecular study, along with information on biological and ecological traits appears to be the path to improve the knowledge on the diversity of Eunicida.
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Cho Y, Shim WJ, Jang M, Han GM, Hong SH. Nationwide monitoring of microplastics in bivalves from the coastal environment of Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 270:116175. [PMID: 33352481 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Bivalves are useful bioindicators of microplastic contamination in the marine environment for several reasons, such as extensive filter feeding activity, broad geographical distribution, and limited movement capability. This study conducted a nationwide monitoring of microplastic pollution along the Korean coasts using filter-feeding bivalves (including oyster, mussel, and Manila clam) as bioindicators to identify the national contamination level and characteristics of microplastics. Seawater sample was collected from the same sampling stations of oyster and mussel for comparison. Microplastics were widely distributed in both coastal bivalves and waters with mean concentrations of 0.33 ± 0.23 n/g (1.21 ± 0.68 n/individual) in oyster/mussel, 0.43 ± 0.32 n/g (2.19 ± 1.20 n/individual) in Manila clam, and 1400 ± 560 n/m3 in seawater. Despite the lack of significant relationship in the abundance of microplastics, their dominant features such as size, shape, color and polymer type were similar between bivalves and seawater. Fragments (69% for oyster/mussel, 72% for Manila clam, and 77% for seawater), particles smaller than 300 μm (96% for oyster/mussel, 83% for Manila clam, and 84% for seawater) and colorless (79% for oyster/mussel, 85% for Manila clam, 75% for seawater) were the dominant shape, size and color, respectively. The major polymer types were polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester. The microplastic level in bivalves was relatively high in urbanized areas with a wide diversity of polymer types compared with those in non-urbanized areas, and the proportion of polystyrene in the Korean samples was abundant compared with other regions due to wide use of polystyrene products in Korea. Our result suggests that microplastic contamination is widespread in the Korean coastal environment, and bivalves can reflect the microplastic pollution characteristics of the surrounding waters where they live.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youna Cho
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Sciences, KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Sciences, KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jang
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Sciences, KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Sciences, KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Zhou M, Wang R, Cheng S, Xu Y, Luo S, Zhang Y, Kong L. Bibliometrics and visualization analysis regarding research on the development of microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:8953-8967. [PMID: 33447976 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12366-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have caused considerable harm to the environment and threatened human health due to their strong adsorption and hard biodegradation. Therefore, the research of microplastic received increasing attention recently, producing numbers of related achievements. To comprehensively grasp the quantitative information of published papers on "microplastics," we analyzed the research progress and hotspots of "microplastics" through visualization software "VOSviewer." The results show that the number of literature on microplastics published from 2009 to 2019 increased exponentially (R2 = 0.9873). The top 10 cited references are mainly in "zooplankton ingesting microplastics," "microplastics in artificially cultivated bivalve," "microplastics in surface waters such as lakes," etc. The cutting-edge microplastics research is adsorption, biodegradation, ingestion and accumulation model, and toxicity analysis. In addition, the results predict that the combination of constructed wetland, biotechnology, and photocatalysis to remove microplastics will become new hotspots. The study provides researchers in microplastics with an overview of existing research and directional guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Zhou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rou Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Shuiping Cheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yingfeng Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sha Luo
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China.
| | - Lingwei Kong
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China.
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Jang M, Shim WJ, Han GM, Cho Y, Moon Y, Hong SH. Relative importance of aqueous leachate versus particle ingestion as uptake routes for microplastic additives (hexabromocyclododecane) to mussels. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 270:116272. [PMID: 33359872 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is emerging as a global environmental issue, and its potential for transferring hazardous chemicals to aquatic organisms is gaining attention. Studies have investigated the transfer of chemicals, mainly sorbed chemicals, through ingestion of microplastics by organisms, but limited information is available regarding chemical additives and uptake via the aqueous route through plastic leaching. In this study, we compared two bioaccumulation pathways of the additive hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) by exposing mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) to two different sizes of expanded polystyrene (EPS): inedible size (4.2-5.5 mm) for leachate uptake and edible size (20-770 μm) for particle ingestion and leachate uptake. Over 10 days, the HBCD concentration increased significantly in mussels in the EPS exposure groups, indicating that EPS microplastic acts as a source of HBCD to mussels. The concentration and isomeric profiles of HBCD in mussels show that uptake through the aqueous phase is a more significant pathway for bioaccumulation of HBCD from EPS to mussels than particle ingestion. HBCD levels measured in EPS, leachate and exposed mussels from this study are environmentally relevant concentration. The fate and effects of chemical additives leached from plastic debris in ecosystem requires further investigation, as it may affect numerous environments and organisms through the aqueous phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jang
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 41 Jangmok-1-gil, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 41 Jangmok-1-gil, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 41 Jangmok-1-gil, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Youna Cho
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 41 Jangmok-1-gil, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Yelim Moon
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 41 Jangmok-1-gil, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 41 Jangmok-1-gil, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Knutsen H, Cyvin JB, Totland C, Lilleeng Ø, Wade EJ, Castro V, Pettersen A, Laugesen J, Møskeland T, Arp HPH. Microplastic accumulation by tube-dwelling, suspension feeding polychaetes from the sediment surface: A case study from the Norwegian Continental Shelf. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 161:105073. [PMID: 32823177 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sediment samples (0-1 cm) and tube-dwelling polychaetes from the Norwegian Continental Shelf and the Barents Sea were collected, including areas close to oil and gas installations and remote locations. Microplastics (≥45 μm) were found in quantifiable levels in 27 of 35 sediment samples, from 0.039 to 3.4 particles/gdw (dw = dry weight); and in 9 of 10 pooled polychaete samples, from 11 to 880 particles/gww (ww = wet weight). Concentrations were significantly higher in tube-dwelling polychaetes than sediments from the same locations (p<0.0097) by orders of magnitude. To quantify this factor increase in polychaetes, a Biota-Sediment Particle Enrichment Factor (BSPEF) is introduced, which ranged from 100 to 11000 gdw/gww (280-31000 gdw/gdw). Higher microplastic levels were observed in polychaete tube than in soft tissue (n=4). The feeding behavior and life cycle of tube-dwelling polychaetes could have an important influence on the transport, distribution and food-chain dynamics of microplastics on the seafloor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Knutsen
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930, Ullevål Stadion, NO-0806, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jakob Bonnevie Cyvin
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930, Ullevål Stadion, NO-0806, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Department of Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Christian Totland
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930, Ullevål Stadion, NO-0806, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øyvind Lilleeng
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930, Ullevål Stadion, NO-0806, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Department of Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Emma Jane Wade
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930, Ullevål Stadion, NO-0806, Oslo, Norway
| | - Verónica Castro
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IIAA - Institute for Food Analysis and Research, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Constantino Candeira 5, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Arne Pettersen
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930, Ullevål Stadion, NO-0806, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930, Ullevål Stadion, NO-0806, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 8900, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway.
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Turner A. Foamed Polystyrene in the Marine Environment: Sources, Additives, Transport, Behavior, and Impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:10411-10420. [PMID: 32786582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Foamed polystyrene (PS) that may be either expanded (EPS) or extruded (XPS) is a rigid, lightweight insulating thermoplastic that has a variety of uses in the consumer, packaging, construction, and marine sectors. The properties of the material also result in waste that is readily generated, dispersed, and fragmented in the environment. This review focuses on foamed PS in the marine setting, including its sources, transport, degradation, acquisition of contaminants, ingestion by animals, and biological impacts arising from the mobilization of chemical additives. In the ocean, foamed PS is subject to wind-assisted transport and fracturing via photolytic degradation. The material may also act as a substrate for rafting organisms while being exposed to elevated concentrations of natural and anthropogenic surface-active chemicals in the sea surface microlayer. In the littoral setting, fragmentation is accentuated by milling in the swash zone and abrasion when beached, with wind transport leading to the temporary burial of significant quantities of material. Ingestion of EPS and XPS has been documented for a variety of marine animals, but principally those that feed at the sea surface or use the material as a habitat. As well as risking injuries due to gastro-intestinal blockage, ingestion of foamed PS exposes animals to harmful chemicals, and of greatest concern in this respect is the presence of the historical, but still recycled, flame-retardant, hexabromocyclododecane. Because foamed PS is particularly difficult to retrieve as a constituent of marine litter, means of reducing its presence and impacts will rely on the elimination of processes that generate foamed waste, modification of current storage and disposal practices, and the development of more durable and sustainable alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Plymouth Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K
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Mateos-Cárdenas A, O'Halloran J, van Pelt FNAM, Jansen MAK. Rapid fragmentation of microplastics by the freshwater amphipod Gammarus duebeni (Lillj.). Sci Rep 2020; 10:12799. [PMID: 32732882 PMCID: PMC7393071 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69635-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics have become ubiquitous in all environments. Yet, their environmental fate is still largely unknown. Plastic fragmentation is a key component of plastic degradation, which is mostly caused by abiotic processes over prolonged time scales. Here, it is shown that the freshwater amphipod Gammarus duebeni can rapidly fragment polyethylene microplastics, resulting in the formation of differently shaped and sized plastic fragments, including nanoplastics. Fragments comprised 65.7% of all observed microplastic particles accumulated in digestive tracts. Higher numbers of fragments were found in response to longer exposure times and/or higher microplastic concentrations. Furthermore, the proportion of smaller plastic fragments was highest when food was present during the depuration process. It is concluded that G. duebeni can rapidly fragment polyethylene microplastics and that this is closely associated with the feeding process. These results highlight the crucial role, currently understudied, that biota may play in determining the fate of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Mateos-Cárdenas
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, North Mall, Cork, Ireland.
- Environmental Research Institute, Lee Road, Cork, Ireland.
| | - John O'Halloran
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, North Mall, Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, Lee Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Frank N A M van Pelt
- Environmental Research Institute, Lee Road, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marcel A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, North Mall, Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, Lee Road, Cork, Ireland
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Shi J, Sanganyado E, Wang L, Li P, Li X, Liu W. Organic pollutants in sedimentary microplastics from eastern Guangdong: Spatial distribution and source identification. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 193:110356. [PMID: 32109581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have a strong affinity for potentially toxic organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Since 2005, the International Pellet Watch used plastic pellets to monitor hydrophobic organic contaminants in marine environments. We examined the spatial distribution and sources of 16 PAHs and eight OCPs on microplastics (pellets, fragments, and foam) collected from eastern Guangdong beaches with the goal of evaluating the feasibility of exclusively using pellets in global monitoring of hydrophobic organic contaminants. The ∑PAH and ∑OCP concentrations ranged from 11.2 to 7710 ng g-1 and 2.2-1970 ng g-1, respectively. Although inter-site and regional differences were insignificant in fragments and foam, regional differences were observed in ∑OCP concentrations on pellets samples collected at the estuary mouth and the distributary (p < 0.05). No regional difference in ∑PAH concentration on microplastics was observed, except between fragments from the remote beach and those from the distributary (p = 0.015) and the estuary mouth (p = 0.015). The compositional profiles of PAHs revealed that PAHs with 2-4 rings were more dominant than those with >4 rings. Considering low molecular weight PAHs are less hydrophobic and more toxic; the results suggest low molecular weight PAHs may pose a significant risk to marine organisms. This study shows that the International Pellet Watch could offer critical data on source and transport of microplastic-associated OCPs but may overlook critical vehicles of PAHs in coastal environments such as foam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Lisi Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Ping Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China.
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Jang M, Shim WJ, Cho Y, Han GM, Song YK, Hong SH. A close relationship between microplastic contamination and coastal area use pattern. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 171:115400. [PMID: 31874389 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Human activity is thought to affect the abundance and contamination characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in the environment, which may in turn affect aquatic species. However, few studies have examined the impact of coastal area use pattern on characteristics of MPs in coastal regions. In this study, we investigated MP contamination of abiotic matrices (seawater and sediment) and biotic matrices (bivalves and polychaetes) in three coastal regions characterized by different types of human activity, covering urban, aquafarm, and rural areas. MP abundance was higher in sediment from the urban site than in that from the rural site, but similar to that from the aquafarm site. In the abiotic matrices, different MP polymer compositions were observed among the three sites. Diverse polymers were found in marine matrices from the urban site, implying diverse MP sources in highly populated and industrialized areas. Polystyrene was more abundant in the aquafarm site, reflecting the wide use of expanded polystyrene aquaculture buoys. Polypropylene was more abundant at the rural site, probably due to the use of polypropylene ropes and nets in fishing activity. MP accumulation profiles in marine invertebrates showed trends similar to those exhibited by abiotic matrices, reflecting coastal area use patterns. These results indicate that marine MPs are generated from both land- and marine-based sources, and that the abiotic and biotic marine matrices reflect the MP characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jang
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Youna Cho
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kyoung Song
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Dodson GZ, Shotorban AK, Hatcher PG, Waggoner DC, Ghosal S, Noffke N. Microplastic fragment and fiber contamination of beach sediments from selected sites in Virginia and North Carolina, USA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110869. [PMID: 32056649 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic particles (<5 mm) constitute a growing pollution problem within coastal environments. This study investigated the microplastic presence of estuarine and barrier island beaches in the states of Virginia and North Carolina, USA. Seventeen sediment cores were collected at four study sites and initially tested for microplastic presence by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. For the extraction, microplastic particles were first separated from the sediment using a high-density cesium chloride solution (1.88 g/mL). In a second step, an oil extraction collected the remaining microplastic particles of higher densities. Under the light microscope, the extracted microplastic particles were classified based on their morphologies into fragments and fibers. Raman microspectroscopy chemically identified a subset of microplastic particles as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(4-vinylbiphenyl), polystyrene, polyethylene, and nylon. The results show a concentration of microplastic particles (1410 ± 810 per kg of dry sediment) even in protected and ostensibly unpolluted estuarine and beach sediments of Virginia and North Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Z Dodson
- Department of Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - A Katrina Shotorban
- Department of Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Patrick G Hatcher
- Department of Chemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Derek C Waggoner
- Department of Chemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Sutapa Ghosal
- California Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Laboratory Branch, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Nora Noffke
- Department of Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
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Oberbeckmann S, Labrenz M. Marine Microbial Assemblages on Microplastics: Diversity, Adaptation, and Role in Degradation. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2020; 12:209-232. [PMID: 31226027 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-010419-010633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We have known for more than 45 years that microplastics in the ocean are carriers of microbially dominated assemblages. However, only recently has the role of microbial interactions with microplastics in marine ecosystems been investigated in detail. Research in this field has focused on three main areas: (a) the establishment of plastic-specific biofilms (the so-called plastisphere); (b) enrichment of pathogenic bacteria, particularly members of the genus Vibrio, coupled to a vector function of microplastics; and (c) the microbial degradation of microplastics in the marine environment. Nevertheless, the relationships between marine microorganisms and microplastics remain unclear. In this review, we deduce from the current literature, new comparative analyses, and considerations of microbial adaptation concerning plastic degradation that interactions between microorganisms and microplastic particles should have rather limited effects on the ocean ecosystems. The majority of microorganisms growing on microplastics seem to belong to opportunistic colonists that do not distinguish between natural and artificial surfaces. Thus, microplastics do not pose a higher risk than natural particles to higher life forms by potentially harboring pathogenic bacteria. On the other hand, microplastics in the ocean represent recalcitrant substances for microorganisms that are insufficient to support prokaryotic metabolism and will probably not be microbially degraded in any period of time relevant to human society. Because we cannot remove microplastics from the ocean, proactive action regarding research on plastic alternatives and strategies to prevent plastic entering the environment should be taken promptly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Oberbeckmann
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), D-18119 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Matthias Labrenz
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), D-18119 Rostock, Germany;
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40
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Walther BA, Kusui T, Yen N, Hu CS, Lee H. Plastic Pollution in East Asia: Macroplastics and Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment and Mitigation Efforts by Various Actors. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2020_508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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41
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Haram LE, Carlton JT, Ruiz GM, Maximenko NA. A Plasticene Lexicon. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 150:110714. [PMID: 31753559 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As plastic pollution in the environment has increased rapidly in the last half century, so too has the study of the effects of plastic on marine, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. From this research, a series of new terms has emerged to describe the phenomena unique to the presence of plastic-based materials in nature. In this short note, we bring together disparate neologisms into a single lexicon with the aim to encourage use of a unified vocabulary to describe the new reality of ecological, chemical, and geological systems in the age of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsey E Haram
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA.
| | - James T Carlton
- Maritime Studies Program, Williams College-Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355, USA
| | - Gregory M Ruiz
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA
| | - Nikolai A Maximenko
- International Pacific Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Towards a Circular Economy: Using Stakeholder Subjectivity to Identify Priorities, Consensus, and Conflict in the Irish EPS/XPS Market. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11236834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In European Seas, plastic litter from fishing activities, river transport, and poor waste management is one of the fastest growing threats to the health of the marine environment. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS), specifically, have become some of the most prominent types of marine litter found around Europe’s coastlines. To combat this problem, the European Commission has ratified a series of regulations and policies, including the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy. However, in order to ensure that the benefits of such regulations and policies are realized at a scale that can adequately address the scope of the problem, decision-makers will need to integrate the opinions, values, and priorities of relevant stakeholders who operate across the EPS/XPS product lifecycle. In this study, we apply a 35-statement Q-methodology to identify the priorities of stakeholders as they relate to the Irish EPS/XPS market and the wider societal transition to a circular economy. Based on the responses of nineteen individuals representing industry, policy-makers, and community leaders, we identified three distinct perspectives: System Overhaul; Incremental Upgrade; and Market Innovation. The results demonstrate that the type and format of policy interventions linked to Ireland’s EPS/XPS circular economy are heavily contested, which presents significant challenges for driving the debate forward. These results provide valuable information on viewpoints that can be used by different stakeholders at national and EU levels to address areas of conflict, ultimately fostering the development of more effective, broadly supported co-developed policies.
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43
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Porter A, Smith KE, Lewis C. The sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus as a bioeroder of plastic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 693:133621. [PMID: 31634994 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is increasingly recognised that plastic pollution of the marine environment is highly dynamic in nature. Larger plastic items are fragmented or eroded into smaller and smaller pieces as its moves through marine ecosystems and small particles can be fouled or flocculate into larger aggregates. Whilst physical processes play a major part in photo- and oxidative degradation of plastic debris, biological process may also contribute to the breakdown of larger plastic items into smaller particulates, yet this has not been studied well to date. Here, we demonstrate the potential for the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus to act as bioeroders of macroplastics. We found that urchins readily graze on a plastic surface, with this grazing activity generating microplastics, when held in experimental systems together. On average each urchin produced 91.7 (±33.8 pieces) smaller plastic pieces (118-15,797 μm) from one macroplastic item over a ten day period. This plastic fragmentation by the urchins grazing activity was strongly influenced by the additional availability of natural food and by the presence of fouling of the macroplastic surface. Fragmentation of macroplastic by urchins dropped by 97% when urchins were exposed to virgin plastic in the presence of natural food (kelp). However, when macroplastic was biofouled urchins acted to fragment this plastic irrespective of the presence of additional food. The majority of fragments produced were negatively buoyant due to both the biofouling process and indeed the fouling by faecal matter, sinking to the bottom of the exposure systems. This smaller size range of plastic would then bioavailable to a much wider suite of species than the original macroplastic item; hence this bioerosion process has the potential to contribute to the transfer plastic fragments through benthic food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Porter
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom.
| | - Kathryn E Smith
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Ceri Lewis
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
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Lavesque N, Daffe G, Grall J, Zanol J, Benoit Gouillieux, Hutchings P. Guess who? On the importance of using appropriate name: case study of Marphysasanguinea (Montagu, 1813). Zookeys 2019; 859:1-15. [PMID: 31327919 PMCID: PMC6616095 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.859.34117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The common bait worm Marphysasanguinea (Montagu, 1813), originally described from the south coast of England, is the type species of the genus. This species has been widely reported from all around the world and has been considered as cosmopolitan until recently. This is partly because the original description was very brief and poorly illustrated, and also because all species superficially look similar. In order to clarify the situation, M.sanguinea was redescribed and a neotype was designated by Hutchings and Karageorgpoulos in 2003. Recently, specimens from Cornwall, close to the type locality, were sampled, examined morphologically, and used to obtain COI gene sequences for this species. Molecular results permitted us to confirm the identity and presence of M.sanguinea along the French coasts and to highlight the presence of inaccurate sequences of this species on GenBank. Use of this "false" cosmopolitan species at a worldwide scale by many biologists is also discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Lavesque
- Univ. Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, Station Marine d’Arcachon, 33120 Arcachon, FranceUniversité de BordeauxArcachonFrance
- CNRS, EPOC, UMR 5805, Station Marine d’Arcachon, 33120 Arcachon, FranceStation Marine d’ArcachonArcachonFrance
| | - Guillemine Daffe
- CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, Observatoire Aquitain des Sciences de l’Univers, UMS 2567 POREA, 33615 Pessac, FranceUniversité de BordeauxPessacFrance
| | - Jacques Grall
- Université de Brest, CNRS, UMS 3113, Observatoire, Séries Faune-Flore, OSU-IUEM, 29280 Plouzané, FranceUniversité de BrestPlouzanéFrance
| | - Joana Zanol
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade de Annelida, Departamento de Invertebrados, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUniversidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Benoit Gouillieux
- Univ. Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, Station Marine d’Arcachon, 33120 Arcachon, FranceUniversité de BordeauxArcachonFrance
- CNRS, EPOC, UMR 5805, Station Marine d’Arcachon, 33120 Arcachon, FranceStation Marine d’ArcachonArcachonFrance
| | - Pat Hutchings
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, AustraliaAustralian MuseumSydneyAustralia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde 2109, AustraliaMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeAustralia
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Cho Y, Shim WJ, Jang M, Han GM, Hong SH. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in market bivalves from South Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 245:1107-1116. [PMID: 30682745 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination in marine organisms is a growing environmental issue with implications for seafood safety. Among marine organisms, shellfish are considered to be an important route of human exposure to microplastics because they filter a large volume of seawater while feeding and, thus, accumulate microplastics from seawater; furthermore, they are consumed whole, without gut removal. In this study, a market survey was carried out to understand microplastic contamination in domestic bivalves sold in fishery markets in three major cities of South Korea. Four popular bivalve species, oyster (Crassostrea gigas), mussel (Mytilus edulis), Manila clam (Tapes philippinarum) and scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis), were selected as monitoring species, which together account for 79-84% of total shellfish consumption in Korea. The mean concentration of microplastics in these four species was 0.15 ± 0.20 n/g and 0.97 ± 0.74 n/individual. Fragments and particles smaller than 300 μm were dominant shape and size, accounting for 76% and 65% of total microplastics, respectively. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyester were the major polymer types. Interestingly, differing polymer compositions were observed according to the culture methods and habitat characteristics of each species. PS was found in high proportions in oysters and mussels cultured in the upper layer of the water column, while the proportions decreased and those of polyester increased in Manila clams and scallops that were cultured in intertidal sediments or the middle and bottom layers of the water column. The annual dietary intake of microplastics by the Korean population via shellfish consumption was estimated as 212 n/person·year. Our results suggested that microplastic pollution is widespread in commercial bivalves and we recommend a systematic and integrative market-basket survey to clarify the current status of human exposure to microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youna Cho
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jang
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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