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Yakubu S, Miao B, Hou M, Zhao Y. A review of the ecotoxicological status of microplastic pollution in African freshwater systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174092. [PMID: 38942312 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174092] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have found extensive application globally due to their low cost, flexibility and light weight. Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern that poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems worldwide, including African freshwater systems. Nevertheless, although Africa houses some of the deepest and largest freshwater rivers and lakes in the world such as Lake Tanganyika and Victoria, River Congo and the Nile, there is limited information available regarding the presence of MPs in these inland waters. Selected published data on MPs in African freshwater systems, including sediments, biota, rivers, and lakes, were incorporated in this review. The study discovered that the sampling technique employed has a major impact on the morphological characteristics and abundance of MPs in African freshwater systems. Fibers and fragments were the most common shapes; black, white, and transparent were the most prevalent colors; and polyethene terephthalate, polystyrene, and polypropylene were the frequently dominant polymers. As the distance between the sampling sites increased geographically, the polymer similarities declined. MPs have been found to translocate into body cells and tissues where they are capable of causing genetic mutations, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. In Africa, MPs are poorly managed and monitored, and there has been insufficient research done on the possibility that they could be present in drinking water. Considering the fact that humans in the continent are exposed to freshwater and aquatic organisms, the risk assessment routes are currently unvalidated, therefore it was recommended that African nations should strengthen their capacity for plastic management and environmental monitoring. This review provides up to date information on the occurrence, prevalence, ecotoxicity and management of MPs across African freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salome Yakubu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nano-photoelectric Magnetic Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Baoji Miao
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nano-photoelectric Magnetic Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Mengyao Hou
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nano-photoelectric Magnetic Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nano-photoelectric Magnetic Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
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2
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Rabezanahary ANA, Kestemont P, Cornet V, Benali S, Laby P, Randrianarivo RH, Mong YJM, Raquez JM, Missawi O. Unseen riverine risk: Spatio-temporal shifts of microplastic pollution and its bioavailability in freshwater fish within the Ikopa River urban system. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:837. [PMID: 39180639 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-13010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Growing concern over microplastic pollution, driven by their widespread accumulation in the environment, stresses the need for comprehensive assessments. This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in the Ikopa River (Antananarivo - Madagascar), which flows through a densely populated area, and examines their correlation with contamination levels in local fish species. By analyzing upstream and downstream stations across wet and dry seasons, only a notable increase in microplastic concentration downstream during the wet season was observed, ranging from 138.6 ± 9.0 to 222.0 ± 24.5 particles m-3, with polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate being the predominant polymer at 62.3 ± 5.13% of the total sampled polymers. This distribution underlines the impact of urban activities on pollution levels. Fish species, gambusia and Nile tilapia, were assessed for microplastic occurrence in gills and gastrointestinal tracts. Higher contamination rates were found in gambusia, enlightening the influence of feeding behaviour and fish habitat on microplastics contamination. Ingestion of microplastics directly from the water column was evident in both species, with the detection of high-density plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene and polyvinyl chloride suggesting likely sediment contamination. This research highlights the widespread contamination of aquatic environments and its direct impact on local wildlife, pointing to a clear requirement for effective pollution management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andry Ny Aina Rabezanahary
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue Bruxelles 61, 5000, Namur, Belgium
- Centre National de Recherches Sur L'Environnement (CNRE), Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Patrick Kestemont
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue Bruxelles 61, 5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Valérie Cornet
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue Bruxelles 61, 5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Samira Benali
- Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (LPCM), University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Patrick Laby
- University of Antananarivo, ESSA-Forêts, Higher School of Agronomic Sciences, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Ranjàna Hanitra Randrianarivo
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Jean-Marie Raquez
- Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (LPCM), University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Omayma Missawi
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment, University of Namur, Rue Bruxelles 61, 5000, Namur, Belgium.
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3
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Nyaga MP, Shabaka S, Oh S, Osman DM, Yuan W, Zhang W, Yang Y. Microplastics in aquatic ecosystems of Africa: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118307. [PMID: 38307187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a global issue of great public concern. Africa is flagged to host some of the most polluted water bodies globally, but there is no enough information on the extent of microplastic contamination and the potential risks of microplastic pollution in African aquatic ecosystems. This meta-analysis has integrated data from published articles about microplastic pollution in African aquatic ecosystems. The data on the microplastic distribution and morphological characteristics in water, sediments and biota from African rivers, lakes, oceans and seas were extracted from 75 selected studies. Multivariate statistics were used to critically analyze the effects of sampling and detection methods, ecological risks, spatial distribution and similarity of microplastics in relation to the geographical distance between sampling sites. This study found that sampling methods have significant effect on abundance and morphological characteristics of microplastics and that African aquatic ecosystems are highly contaminated with microplastics compared to global data. The most prevalent colors were white, transparent and black, the most prevalent shapes were fibres and fragments, and the most available polymers were polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethene terephthalate (PET). Microplastic polymers similarity decreased with an increase in geographical distance between sites. Risk levels of microplastics in African aquatic ecosystems were comparatively high, and more than 40 % of water and sediments showed highest level of ecological risk. This review provides recent information on the prevalence, distribution and risks of microplastics in African aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthii Patrick Nyaga
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt
| | - Seungdae Oh
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Donia M Osman
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wenke Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Weihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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4
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Cao X, Xie W, Feng M, Chen J, Zhang J, Luo J, Wang Y. Nanoplastic Exposure Mediates Neurodevelopmental Toxicity by Activating the Oxidative Stress Response in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:16508-16518. [PMID: 38617687 PMCID: PMC11007712 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The global accumulation and adverse effects of nanoplastics (NPs) are a growing concern for the environment and human health. In recent years, more and more studies have begun to focus on the toxicity of plastic particles for early animal development. Different particle sizes of plastic particles have different toxicities to biological development. Nevertheless, the potential toxicological effects of 20 nm NPs, especially on neurodevelopment, have not been well investigated. In this paper, we used fluorescence microscopy to determine neurotoxicity in zebrafish at different concentrations of NPs. Moreover, the behavioral analysis demonstrated that NPs induced abnormal behavior of zebrafish. The results revealed developmental defects in zebrafish embryos after exposure to different concentrations (0, 0.3, 3, and 9 mg/L) of NPs. The morphological deformities, including abnormal body length and the rates of heart, survival, and hatching, were induced after NP exposure in zebrafish embryos. In addition, the development of primary motor neurons was observed the inhibitory effects of NPs on the length, occurrence, and development of primary motor neurons in Tg(hb9:GFP). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis suggested that exposure to NPs significantly affects the expression of the genes involved in the occurrence and differentiation of primary motor neurons in zebrafish. Furthermore, the indicators associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis were found to be modified in zebrafish embryos at 24 and 48 h following exposure to NPs. Our findings demonstrated that NPs could cause toxicity in primary motor neurons by activating the oxidative stress response and inducing apoptosis, consequently impairing motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Cao
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education,
College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Xie
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education,
College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People’s Republic of China
- Engineering
Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meilan Feng
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education,
College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juntao Chen
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education,
College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiannan Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education,
College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Luo
- Engineering
Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education,
College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People’s Republic of China
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5
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Abd-Elkader A, Hamed ESAE, Mahdy A, Shabaka S. Microplastics in marine invertebrates from the Red Sea Coast of Egypt: Abundance, composition, and risks. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115760. [PMID: 37984088 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This study marked the first exploration of microplastics in marine invertebrates in the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. 110 individuals from 11 different species, including Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Echinoidea, and Holothuroidrea, were collected near a popular tourist destination. The average concentrations of microplastics varied among species, ranging from 8.2 to 136.5 items per individual or 0.2 to 18.1 items per gram of tissue wet weight, with 100 % occurrence. Bivalves had higher concentrations per gram of tissue compared to sediment dwellers and grazers, with Brachidontes pharaonis showing the highest levels. Actinopyga crassa, a sea cucumber, displayed the highest abundance per individual due to its large size and behavior. The identified plastic polymers suggested sources associated with tourism and maritime activities. The estimated human exposure to microplastics through bivalve consumption was minimal. Further research is needed to examine microplastics contamination in the Red Sea and its potential impacts on ecosystems and human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Abd-Elkader
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | | | - Aldoushy Mahdy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt.
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6
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Piyathilake U, Lin C, Bundschuh J, Herath I. A review on constructive classification framework of research trends in analytical instrumentation for secondary micro(nano)plastics: What is new and what needs next? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122320. [PMID: 37544402 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122320] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Secondary micro(nano)plastics generated from the degradation of plastics pose a major threat to environmental and human health. Amid the growing research on microplastics to date, the detection of secondary micro(nano)plastics is hampered by inadequate analytical instrumentation in terms of accuracy, validation, and repeatability. Given that, the current review provides a critical evaluation of the research trends in instrumental methods developed so far for the qualitative and quantitative determination of micro(nano)plastics with an emphasis on the evolution, new trends, missing links, and future directions. We conducted a meta-analysis of the growing literature surveying over 800 journal articles published from 2004 to 2022 based on the Web of Science database. The significance of this review is associated with the proposed novel classification framework to identify three main research trends, viz. (i) preliminary investigations, (ii) current progression, and (iii) novel advances in sampling, characterization, and quantification targeting both micro- and nano-sized plastics. Field Flow Fractionation (FFF) and Hydrodynamic Chromatography (HDC) were found to be the latest techniques for sampling and extraction of microplastics. Fluorescent Molecular Rotor (FMR) and Thermal Desorption-Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry (TD-PTR-MS) were recognized as the modern developments in the identification and quantification of polymer units in micro(nano)plastics. Powerful imaging techniques, viz. Digital Holographic Imaging (DHI) and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) offered nanoscale analysis of the surface topography of nanoplastics. Machine learning provided fast and less labor-intensive analytical protocols for accurate classification of plastic types in environmental samples. Although the existing analytical methods are justifiable merely for microplastics, they are not fully standardized for nanoplastics. Future research needs to be more inclined towards secondary nanoplastics for their effective and selective analysis targeting a broad range of environmental and biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udara Piyathilake
- Environmental Science Division, National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, 20000, Sri Lanka
| | - Chuxia Lin
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, The University of Southern Queensland, West Street, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Indika Herath
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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7
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Zhou R, Zhou D, Yang S, Shi Z, Pan H, Jin Q, Ding Z. Neurotoxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics with different particle sizes at environment-related concentrations on early zebrafish embryos. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162096. [PMID: 36791853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have received global attention due to their wide application and detection in various environmental or biological media. NPs can penetrate physical barriers and accumulate in organisms after being ingested, producing a variety of toxic effects and possessing particle size-dependent effects, distinguishing them from traditional contaminants. This paper explored the neurotoxicity of polystyrene (PS)-NPs of different particle sizes on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos at environmental concentrations at the tissue and molecular levels using visualized transgenic zebrafish. Results showed that all particle sizes of PS-NPs produced developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos and induced neuronal loss, axonal deletion/shortening/hybridization, and developmental and apoptotic-related genetic alterations, ultimately leading to behavioral abnormalities. PS-NPs with smaller sizes may have more severe neurotoxicity due to their entry into the embryo and brain through the chorionic pore before hatching. In addition, PS-NPs at 100 nm and 1000 nm can specifically interfere with GABAergic, cholinergic or serotonergic system and affect neuronal signaling. Our results reveal the neurotoxic risk of NPs, and smaller particle-size NPs may have a greater ecological risk. We anticipate that our study can provide a basis for exploring the toxicity mechanisms of NPs and the environmental risk assessment of NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Zhou
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Dao Zhou
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Shixin Yang
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Zhiqiao Shi
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Hui Pan
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Qijie Jin
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Zhuhong Ding
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Southern Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
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Malli A, Shehayeb A, Yehya A. Occurrence and risks of microplastics in the ecosystems of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:64800-64826. [PMID: 37086319 PMCID: PMC10122206 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27029-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous nature of microplastics (MPs) in nature and the risks they pose on the environment and human health have led to an increased research interest in the topic. Despite being an area of high plastic production and consumption, studies on MPs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have been limited. However, the region witnessed a research surge in 2021 attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, a total of 97 studies were analyzed based on their environmental compartments (marine, freshwater, air, and terrestrial) and matrices (sediments, water columns, biota, soil, etc.). Then, the MP concentrations and polymer types were utilized to conduct a risk assessment to provide a critical analysis of the data. The highest MP concentrations recorded in the marine water column and sediments were in the Mediterranean Sea in Tunisia with 400 items/m3 and 7960 items/kg of sediments, respectively. The number of MPs in biota ranged between 0 and 7525 per individual across all the aquatic compartments. For the air compartment, a school classroom had 56,000 items/g of dust in Iran due to the confined space. Very high risks in the sediment samples (Eri > 1500) were recorded in the Caspian Sea and Arab/Persian Gulf due to their closed or semi-closed nature that promotes sedimentation. The risk factors obtained are sensitive to the reference concentration which calls for the development of more reliable risk assessment approaches. Finally, more studies are needed in understudied MENA environmental compartments such as groundwater, deserts, and estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Malli
- Baha and Walid Bassatne Department of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Energy, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
| | - Ameed Shehayeb
- Baha and Walid Bassatne Department of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Energy, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- CIRAIG, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Alissar Yehya
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, MA, Cambridge, USA
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9
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Nawab J, Khan H, Ghani J, Zafar MI, Khan S, Toller S, Fatima L, Hamza A. New insights into the migration, distribution and accumulation of micro-plastic in marine environment: A critical mechanism review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138572. [PMID: 37088212 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in the marine environment, posing a significant threat to marine biota. The contribution of anthropogenic and terrestrial sources to the aquatic ecosystem has led to an increase in MPs findings, and their abundance in aquatic biota has been reported to be of concern. MPs are formed mainly via photo degradation of macroplastics (large plastic debris), and their release into the environment is a result of the degradation of additives. Eco-toxicological risks are increasing for marine organisms, due to the ingestion of MPs, which cause damage to gastrointestinal (GI) tracts and stomach. Plastics with a size <5 mm are considered MPs, and they are commonly identified by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Laser direct infrared (LDIR). The size, density and additives are the main factors influencing the abundance and bioavailability of MPs. The most abundant type of MPs found in fishes are fiber, polystyrenes, and fragments. These microscale pellets cause physiological stress and growth deformities by targeting the GI tracts of fishes and other biota. Approximately 80% MPs come from terrestrial sources, either primary, generated during different products such as skin care products, tires production and the use of MPs as carrier for pharmaceutical products, or secondary plastics, disposed of near coastal areas and water bodies. The issue of MPs and their potential effects on the marine ecosystem require proper attention. Therefore, this study conducted an extensive literature review on assessing MPs levels in fishes, sediments, seawater, their sources, and effects on marine biota (especially on fishes), chemo-physical behavior and the techniques used for their identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Nawab
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan.
| | - Haris Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Ghani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mazhar Iqbal Zafar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Sardar Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Simone Toller
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laraib Fatima
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 2300, Pakistan
| | - Amir Hamza
- Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
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10
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Ziani K, Ioniță-Mîndrican CB, Mititelu M, Neacșu SM, Negrei C, Moroșan E, Drăgănescu D, Preda OT. Microplastics: A Real Global Threat for Environment and Food Safety: A State of the Art Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:617. [PMID: 36771324 PMCID: PMC9920460 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are small plastic particles that come from the degradation of plastics, ubiquitous in nature and therefore affect both wildlife and humans. They have been detected in many marine species, but also in drinking water and in numerous foods, such as salt, honey and marine organisms. Exposure to microplastics can also occur through inhaled air. Data from animal studies have shown that once absorbed, plastic micro- and nanoparticles can distribute to the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, thymus, reproductive organs, kidneys and even the brain (crosses the blood-brain barrier). In addition, microplastics are transport operators of persistent organic pollutants or heavy metals from invertebrate organisms to other higher trophic levels. After ingestion, the additives and monomers in their composition can interfere with important biological processes in the human body and can cause disruption of the endocrine, immune system; can have a negative impact on mobility, reproduction and development; and can cause carcinogenesis. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has affected not only human health and national economies but also the environment, due to the large volume of waste in the form of discarded personal protective equipment. The remarkable increase in global use of face masks, which mainly contain polypropylene, and poor waste management have led to worsening microplastic pollution, and the long-term consequences can be extremely devastating if urgent action is not taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Ziani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina-Bianca Ioniță-Mîndrican
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Carolina Negrei
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Moroșan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Doina Drăgănescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Olivia-Teodora Preda
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
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11
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Huang Z, Hu B, Wang H. Analytical methods for microplastics in the environment: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:383-401. [PMID: 36196263 PMCID: PMC9521859 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01525-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a recently discovered threat to ecosystems requiring the development of new analytical methods. Here, we review classical and advanced methods for microplastic analysis. Methods include visual analysis, laser diffraction particle, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mass spectrometry, aptamer and in vitro selection, and flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zike Huang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 China
| | - Bo Hu
- School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JW UK
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 China
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12
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Abdel Maksoud M, Youssef M, Ghobashy MM, Aly M, Ashour A. Gamma radiation-induced synthesis of organoclays based polyaniline and ilmenite clay minerals for cesium ions removal from aqueous solutions. Sep Purif Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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13
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Senousy HH, Khairy HM, El-Sayed HS, Sallam ER, El-Sheikh MA, Elshobary ME. Interactive adverse effects of low-density polyethylene microplastics on marine microalga Chaetoceros calcitrans. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:137182. [PMID: 36356803 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is broadly utilized worldwide, increasing more dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the majority ends up in the aquatic environment as microplastics. The influence of polyethylene microplastics (LDPE-MPs) on aquatic ecosystems still needs further investigation, especially on microalgae as typical organisms represented in all aquatic systems and at the base of the trophic chain. Thereby, the biological and toxicity impacts of LDPE-MPs on Chaetoceros calcitrans were examined in this work. The results revealed that LDPE-MPs had a concentration-dependent adverse effect on the growth and performance of C. calcitrans. LDPE-MPs contributed the maximum inhibition rates of 85%, 51.3%, 21.49% and 16.13% on algal growth chlorophyll content, φPSII and Fv/Fm, respectively. The total protein content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities were significantly increased at 25 mg L-1 LDPE-MPs by 1.37, 3.52, 2.75 and 1.84 folds higher than those of the controls to sustain the adverse effects of LDPE-MPs. Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and monosaccharides contents of C. calcitrans were improved under low concentration of LDPE-MPs, which could facilitate the adsorption of MPs particles on the microalgae cell wall. This adsorption caused significant physical damage to the algal cell structure, as observed by SEM. These results suggest that the ecological footprint of MPs may require more attention, particularly due to the continuing breakdown of plastics in the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda H Senousy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Hanan M Khairy
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt
| | - Heba S El-Sayed
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt
| | - Eman R Sallam
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El-Sheikh
- Botany & Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mostafa E Elshobary
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
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14
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Dellisanti W, Leung MML, Lam KWK, Wang Y, Hu M, Lo HS, Fang JKH. A short review on the recent method development for extraction and identification of microplastics in mussels and fish, two major groups of seafood. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114221. [PMID: 36495608 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastics in the marine environment poses potential health risks to humans through seafood consumption. Relevant data are available but the diverse analytical approaches adopted to characterise microplastics have hampered data comparison among studies. Here, the techniques for extraction and identification of microplastics are summarised among studies of marine mussels and fish, two major groups of seafood. Among the reviewed papers published in 2018-2021, the most common practice to extract microplastics was through tissue digestion in alkaline chemicals (46 % for mussels, 56 % for fish) and oxidative chemicals (28 % for mussels, 12 % for fish). High-density solutions such as sodium chloride could be used to isolate microplastics from other undigested residues by flotation. Polymer analysis of microplastics was mainly carried out with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (58 % for both mussels and fish) and Raman spectroscopy (14 % for mussels, 8 % for fish). Among these methods, we recommend alkaline digestion for microplastic extraction, and the automated mapping approach of FTIR or Raman spectroscopy for microplastic identification. Overall, this study highlights the need for a standard protocol for characterising microplastics in seafood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Dellisanti
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matthew Ming-Lok Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China; Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen Wing-Kei Lam
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Youji Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Menghong Hu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hoi Shing Lo
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - James Kar Hei Fang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China; Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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15
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Shabaka S, Moawad MN, Ibrahim MIA, El-Sayed AAM, Ghobashy MM, Hamouda AZ, El-Alfy MA, Darwish DH, Youssef NAE. Prevalence and risk assessment of microplastics in the Nile Delta estuaries: "The Plastic Nile" revisited. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158446. [PMID: 36058336 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent research is directed toward studying plastic pollution in rivers, and estuaries due to the importance of freshwater bodies in all aspects of life. The river deltas and estuaries are interesting for studying the flux of plastics into the oceans. The Nile River has been identified as a hot spot of plastic litter flux in the eastern Mediterranean basin. In addition, it was nicknamed "Plastic Nile", yet this major river is largely unexplored with a lack of field measurements and adequate surveys. The current study was based on bridging this scientific gap. Three trips were conducted, covering 30 km in the Rosetta branch and 23 km in the Damietta branch, during the high water level in summer 2021, and 10 km off the inlet of Lake Burullus, in spring 2021. Microplastics in surface water ranged from 761 ± 319 to 1718 ± 1008 MPs/m3, and from 167 ± 137 to 1630 ± 1303 MPs/kg of dry sediments. Land use/ land cover mapping using Sentinel-2 images showed several sources of pollution that contribute to plastic contamination in the study area. Thermal analysis indicated seven plastic polymers; including, PE, PP, PET, PEVA, and PTFE, using discarded plastic products as reference materials. Microplastics were composed of colored and glossy fragments of sizes <500 μm, originating from land-based sources. Pollution load, polymer risk assessment, and ecological risk indices were calculated. Based on field observations macro-plastics were retained within the extensive network of infrastructure and dam systems. 80-106 billion MPs/year were estimated to flux from the Nile estuaries into the Mediterranean Sea. The current situation urges the development of binding plans to reduce plastic waste in the Nile Delta, as well as setting environmental monitoring points along the Deltaic coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt.
| | | | - Mohamed I A Ibrahim
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt; Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-0046, Japan.
| | | | - Mohamed M Ghobashy
- Radiation Research of Polymer Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, P.O. Box. 8029, Egypt.
| | - Amr Z Hamouda
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt.
| | | | - Dina H Darwish
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt.
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16
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Gopal J, Sivanesan I, Muthu M, Oh JW. Overviewing the Ground Reality of Microplastic Effects on Seafoods, Including Fish, Shrimps and Crabs: Future Research Directions. Foods 2022; 11:foods11243976. [PMID: 36553718 PMCID: PMC9778267 DOI: 10.3390/foods11243976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While plastics are already notorious for their accumulation in the environment, which poses environmental challenges, invisible microplastics (MPS) are an even greater challenge. This review focuses on consolidating the reports available on MP accumulation in edible marine and freshwater fishes, shrimps, and crabs. The reality as to whether MPs in these edible aquatic organisms are really a cause of high concern is questioned and discussed. While the entrails of aquatic organisms are reported to contain high levels of MPs, because these products are consumed after the removal of the entrails and gut area in the majority of cases, the MP threat is questionable. The existence of MPs in these aquatic sources is validated but their potency in harming humans, aquatic organisms, and other interlinked species is unassessed. To overcome the difficulty in tracing the movement of MPs in a bigger ecosystem, this review proposes laboratory-based pilot studies mimicking real-world conditions, which will help us to understand the kinetics of MPs in the food chain. The effects of MPs on human welfare and health are yet to be assessed, and this is another gap that needs attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Gopal
- Department of Research and Innovation, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 602105, India
| | - Iyyakkannu Sivanesan
- Department of Bioresources and Food Science, Konkuk University, 1, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Manikandan Muthu
- Department of Research and Innovation, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 602105, India
| | - Jae-Wook Oh
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2049-6271; Fax: +82-2-455-1044
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17
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El-Sayed AAM, Ibrahim MIA, Shabaka S, Ghobashy MM, Shreadah MA, Abdel Ghani SA. Microplastics contamination in commercial fish from Alexandria City, the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120044. [PMID: 36064058 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120044] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is a major threat to various marine ecosystems. Due to being semi-enclosed basin with dense population, the Mediterranean Sea has been considered as a hot spot for plastic pollution. Alexandria was listed as one of the major cities contributing to plastic waste in the eastern Mediterranean basin. Accordingly, microplastics (MPs) abundance and composition were investigated in the digestive tracts of commercial fish species from two major fishing areas in Alexandria; Abu-Qir Bay and Eastern Harbor, which are affected by plastic pollution. The incidence and average densities of MPs were 91.8 ± 8.4% and 11.7 ± 9.5 items fish-1, similar to highly polluted regions in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea. The average MPs concentration was significantly higher in Sparus aurata (38.3 ± 28.4 items fish-1) than all species, except for Siganus rivulatus and Boops boops. Polyethylene and poly ethylene-vinyl acetate were the dominant polymers in the fish digestive tracts. Four types of plastic polymers were recorded in Siganus rivulatus and five in Parupeneus macronemus. The dominance of glossy fragments (sizes <500 μm) in Abu-Qir Bay indicated land-based source of pollution from domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastes. The dominance of larger plastic filaments and colored fragments in the Eastern Harbor suggested secondary MPs, originating from the fragmentation of larger plastic items of sea-based sources, such as fishing and recreational activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed I A Ibrahim
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt; Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center, HiSOR, Hiroshima University, 2-313 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-0046, Japan.
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed M Ghobashy
- Radiation Research of Polymer Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, P.O. Box. 8029, Egypt.
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18
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Microplastic burden in Africa: A review of occurrence, impacts, and sustainability potential of bioplastics. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2022.100402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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19
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Application of Nano-Inspired Scaffolds-Based Biopolymer Hydrogel for Bone and Periodontal Tissue Regeneration. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14183791. [PMID: 36145936 PMCID: PMC9504130 DOI: 10.3390/polym14183791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review’s objectives are to provide an overview of the various kinds of biopolymer hydrogels that are currently used for bone tissue and periodontal tissue regeneration, to list the advantages and disadvantages of using them, to assess how well they might be used for nanoscale fabrication and biofunctionalization, and to describe their production processes and processes for functionalization with active biomolecules. They are applied in conjunction with other materials (such as microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs)) and other novel techniques to replicate physiological bone generation more faithfully. Enhancing the biocompatibility of hydrogels created from blends of natural and synthetic biopolymers can result in the creation of the best scaffold match to the extracellular matrix (ECM) for bone and periodontal tissue regeneration. Additionally, adding various nanoparticles can increase the scaffold hydrogel stability and provide a number of biological effects. In this review, the research study of polysaccharide hydrogel as a scaffold will be critical in creating valuable materials for effective bone tissue regeneration, with a future impact predicted in repairing bone defects.
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20
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Cera A, Sighicelli M, Sodo A, Lecce F, Menegoni P, Scalici M. Microplastics distribution and possible ingestion by fish in lacustrine waters (Lake Bracciano, Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:68179-68190. [PMID: 35538341 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the spatial distribution patterns of microplastics (plastics < 5 mm) contributes to the assessment of sources and sinks of pollution thus providing information for the management of biota safety and overall ecosystem functionality. We chose a semi-closed study area, Lake Bracciano (Italy), to assess the environmental variability of contamination, focusing on the water compartment and the exposure of biota, specifically fish, by analysing the ingestion of microplastics. The focus of this study is to evaluate the concentration of microplastics in water (surface and column) across the lake and the ingestion of microplastics by two fish species of economic interest: Atherina boyeri and Coregonus lavaretus, inhabiting demersal and pelagic habitats respectively. Results show a surface contamination of 392,000 ± 417,000 items km-2 and a column one of 0.76 ± 1.00 items m-3. Fragments were the most abundant in surface while fibres in the column. Microplastics were found in C. lavaretus specimens, corresponding to contamination frequency of 5% and concentration of 0.15 items/fish. The main polymer found in water was polyethylene (81%); of minor percentages, there were various other polymers, including polystyrene and acrylic, which were also found in fish. As scientific literature provides few research where water and fish are simultaneously sampled, this investigation wants to contribute filling this knowledge gap by investigating for the first time a volcanic lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Cera
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Sighicelli
- Department for Sustainability (SSPT), ENEA, C.R, Casaccia-Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Armida Sodo
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Lecce
- Department for Sustainability (SSPT), ENEA, C.R, Casaccia-Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Menegoni
- Department for Sustainability (SSPT), ENEA, C.R, Casaccia-Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Scalici
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
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21
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Mendoza SM, Fernandez VH, Barrios M, Mena R, Miriuka S, Cledon M. Microplastics in gut content of juveniles of the patagonic silverside fish Odontesthes sp. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113876. [PMID: 35872474 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S M Mendoza
- CIMAS (CONICET, UnComa, Rio Negro), Güemes 1030, San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - V H Fernandez
- CIMAS (CONICET, UnComa, Rio Negro), Güemes 1030, San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - M Barrios
- CIMAS (CONICET, UnComa, Rio Negro), Güemes 1030, San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - R Mena
- CIMAS (CONICET, UnComa, Rio Negro), Güemes 1030, San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - S Miriuka
- CIMAS (CONICET, UnComa, Rio Negro), Güemes 1030, San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - M Cledon
- CIMAS (CONICET, UnComa, Rio Negro), Güemes 1030, San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina.
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22
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Abdel Ghani SA, El-Sayed AAM, Ibrahim MIA, Ghobashy MM, Shreadah MA, Shabaka S. Characterization and distribution of plastic particles along Alexandria beaches, Mediterranean Coast of Egypt, using microscopy and thermal analysis techniques. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155363. [PMID: 35460789 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155363] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination has become a global concern with potential impacts on the marine environment. Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt and a significant contributor of plastic litter inputs into the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The current study provides an in-depth analysis of the plastic particles accumulated along Alexandria beaches. Types, composition, and potential sources of MPs were investigated using microscopy and thermal analysis. A mean value of 389.1 ± 285.9 items kg-1 dry weight was detected in the shore sediments similar to other records from the Eastern Mediterranean region. An average of 457.4 ± 281.8 items m-3 was recorded in the surface water, which was the highest recorded MPs density in onshore waters of the Mediterranean region. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that plastics made up 0.5% - 72% of the materials extracted from the sediment samples, and 0.58% - 20.6% from the water samples. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) identified ten semi-crystalline polymers. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) were the common polymers. The single-use plastic bags and detergents were the land-based sources of marine plastic litter. The sea-based sources included antifouling paints, maintenance of ships, and abandoned fishing gears. Proper management plans of domestic waste input, polluter-pay strategy, and education programs aiming at the Fishermen and how plastic pollution would impact their livelihood are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohamed I A Ibrahim
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt; Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-0046, Japan
| | - Mohamed Mohamady Ghobashy
- Radiation Research of Polymer Chemistry, National Center For Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt.
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23
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Dool T, Bosker T. Predicted microplastic uptake through trophic transfer by the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113745. [PMID: 35653906 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113745] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals can serve as an indicator of ecosystem health, and are likely exposed to significant amounts of microplastics (MPs). In this study we estimated the MP uptake of two odontocetes, the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), in the Mediterranean Sea and the Northeast Atlantic. These two species are expected to primarily ingest MPs through trophic transfer. To this end, data was collected on their diet, which was subsequently linked to MP occurrence and abundance in prey families. We estimated that D. delphis ingests 76 MPs/day in the Northeast Atlantic and 164 MPs/day in the Mediterranean, and T. truncatus ingests 36 MPs/day in the Northeast Atlantic and 179 MPs/day in the Mediterranean. This study provides important new predictions on MP exposure in two odontocetes, and opens up new research opportunities on the effect of this exposure on the health of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Dool
- Leiden University College, Leiden University, P.O. Box 13228, 2501 EE The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Thijs Bosker
- Leiden University College, Leiden University, P.O. Box 13228, 2501 EE The Hague, the Netherlands; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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24
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Zhou G, Huang X, Xu H, Wang Q, Wang M, Wang Y, Li Q, Zhang Y, Ye Q, Zhang J. Removal of polystyrene nanoplastics from water by CuNi carbon material: The role of adsorption. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153190. [PMID: 35051471 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics have attracted wide attention worldwide as a new potentially threatening pollutant, and they can cause harm to the organisms and pose threat to the water environment. Therefore, efficient removal techniques for nanoplastics are urgently needed. In this study, CuNi carbon material (CuNi@C) was prepared by hydrothermal method for the removal of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics from water. CuNi@C was effectively adsorbed on PS nanoplastics. When the CuNi@C dosage increased from 0.1 g/L to 0.3 g/L, the removal efficiency of PS nanoplastics (10 mg/L) elevated from 32.72% to 99.18%. The images of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of CuNi@C confirmed the adsorption of PS nanoplastics on the CuNi@C. The fitting results of adsorption kinetic models and isotherms equations demonstrated that physical adsorption and monolayer coverage were the predominant mechanisms of the PS nanoplastics adsorption on CuNi@C. Thermodynamics analysis illustrated the adsorption of PS nanoplastics on CuNi@C was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The electrostatic attraction occurred in adsorption progress, and the removal efficiency of PS nanoplastics in the acidic system was generally higher than that in the alkaline system. CuNi@C can be recycled via washing and drying treatment and these CuNi@C comparable PS nanoplastics removal performance to the original ones. After four times cycles, CuNi@C can still remove ~75% of total PS nanoplastics from water. This study reveals that CuNi@C can be used as promising techniques for the removal of PS nanoplastics from the aqueous environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyu Zhou
- College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xue Huang
- College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, TR10 9FE Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Qingguo Wang
- College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Meijing Wang
- College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yunqi Wang
- College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Qiansong Li
- College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yujian Zhang
- College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Qian Ye
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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A Meta-Analysis of the Characterisations of Plastic Ingested by Fish Globally. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040186. [PMID: 35448447 PMCID: PMC9027263 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Plastic contamination in the environment is common but the characterisation of plastic ingested by fish in different environments is lacking. Hence, a meta-analysis was conducted to identify the prevalence of plastic ingested by fish globally. Based on a qualitative analysis of plastic size, it was determined that small microplastics (<1 mm) are predominantly ingested by fish globally. Furthermore, our meta-analysis revealed that plastic fibres (70.6%) and fragments (19.3%) were the most prevalent plastic components ingested by fish, while blue (24.2%) and black (18.0%) coloured plastic were the most abundant. Polyethylene (15.7%) and polyester (11.6%) were the most abundant polymers. Mixed-effect models were employed to identify the effects of the moderators (sampling environment, plastic size, digestive organs examined, and sampling continents) on the prevalence of plastic shape, colour, and polymer type. Among the moderators, only the sampling environment and continent contributed to a significant difference between subgroups in plastic shape and polymer type.
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26
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Masiá P, Mateo JL, Arias A, Bartolomé M, Blanco C, Erzini K, Le Loc'h F, Mve Beh JH, Power D, Rodriguez N, Schaal G, Machado-Schiaffino G, Garcia-Vazquez E. Potential microplastics impacts on African fishing resources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150671. [PMID: 34599958 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150671] [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: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is increasing worldwide and affecting aquatic fauna in different ways, which endangers current aquatic resources in a still unknown extent. MP-induced threats to marine fauna are critical for developing countries, where waste treatment may be not optimal and coastal communities rely heavily on marine resources for dietary protein. In this study, we assess the importance of MP pollution for African fishing resources. A new meta-database was created from published studies, containing 156 samples with more than 6200 individuals analysed for microplastic content from African and adjacent waters. A combination of research landscape analysis and rank analysis served to identify main research targets and to determine regional fishing resources especially affected by MP. A network of relevant terms showed fish health as a concern in Mediterranean waters, environmental pollution in freshwater and an emphasis on plastic items in South Africa. MP contents in fishing resources from Nile countries and the Gulf of Guinea, followed by Tunisia, are significantly higher than in other regions. Some of the most exploited species are among the most polluted ones, highlighting the threat of MP pollution in valuable but already compromised African fishing resources. Large geographic gaps with almost absent data about MP in aquatic fauna were revealed, especially in freshwater and in East African coasts. These results emphasize the importance of increasing the coverage of MP pollution in African fishing resources, and improving plastic waste management in the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Karim Erzini
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - François Le Loc'h
- University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzane, France
| | - Jean Hervé Mve Beh
- University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzane, France; Laboratoire d'Hydrologie et d'Ichtyologie, IRAF, CENAREST, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Deborah Power
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | | | - Gauthier Schaal
- University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzane, France
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Microplastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: A Challenge for Food Safety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031174. [PMID: 35162198 PMCID: PMC8834762 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been identified as emerging environmental pollutants classified as primary or secondary based on their source. Composition, shape, size, and colour, among other characteristics, are associated with their capacity to access the food chain and their risks. While the environmental impact of MPs has received much attention, the risks for humans derived from their dietary exposure have not been yet assessed. Several institutions and researchers support that the current knowledge does not supply solid data to complete a solid risk characterization of dietary MPs. The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge about MPs in foods and to discuss the challenges and gaps for a risk analysis. The presence of MPs in food and beverages has been worldwide observed, but most authors considered the current data to be not only insufficient but of questionable quality mainly because of the outstanding lack of consensus about a standardized quantifying method and a unified nomenclature. Drinking water, crustaceans/molluscs, fish, and salt have been identified as relevant dietary sources of MPs for humans by most published studies. The hazard characterization presents several gaps concerning the knowledge of the toxicokinetic, toxicodynamic, and toxicity of MPs in humans that impede the estimation of food safety standards based on risk. This review provides a tentative exposure assessment based on the levels of MPs published for drinking water, crustaceans and molluscs, fish, and salt and using the mean European dietary consumption estimates. The intake of 2 L/day of water, 70.68 g/day of crustaceans/molluscs, 70.68 g/day of fish, and 9.4 g/day of salt would generate a maximum exposure to 33,626, 212.04, 409.94 and 6.40 particles of MPs/day, respectively. The inexistence of reference values to evaluate the MPs dietary intake prevents the dietary MPs risk characterization and therefore the management of this risk. Scientists and Food Safety Authorities face several challenges but also opportunities associated to the occurrence of MPs in foods. More research on the MPs characterization and exposure is needed bearing in mind that any future risk assessment report should involve a total diet perspective.
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28
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Suspected microplastics in Atlantic horse mackerel fish (Trachurus trachurus) captured in Portugal. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113249. [PMID: 34953263 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been found in fish, but most studies have focused on the digestive system without considering additional organs. Herein, the objective was to assess the presence of microplastics in internal organs (gills, guts, kidney, heart) of the Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) captured of the coast of Portugal (Northeast Atlantic Ocean). Suspected microplastics were present in all organs, with particles of larger size (i.e., equivalent diameter) found in the gut and those of lower size in the heart and its luminal blood. Suspected microplastics of 1-10 μm were the most abundant (65.4%), more likely to translocate, owing to their minute size, but more difficult to properly characterize. These results highlight the need to expand the analytical work on organs and tissues for assessing microplastics in organisms, but also emphasize the actual need for developing analytical methods that allow for an accurate isolation, identification, and characterization of microplastics in biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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29
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Sayed AEDH, Hamed M, Badrey AEA, Ismail RF, Osman YAA, Osman AGM, Soliman HAM. Microplastic distribution, abundance, and composition in the sediments, water, and fishes of the Red and Mediterranean seas, Egypt. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112966. [PMID: 34563956 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study records the extent of microplastics (MPs) in the surface water, sediments, and fishes of the Mediterranean and Red seas in Egypt. In sediment and water samples, the Ras Gharib station in the Red sea and Damietta and Port Said stations in the Mediterranean sea exhibited the highest microplastic abundance, while the lowest concentration was found in the Ain Sukhna station in the Red Sea and Marsa Matruh station in the Mediterranean sea. Rayon and polyethylene terephthalate were the most frequently found polymers in fishes. The results highlighted the abundant existence of microplastics in sediments, water, and fishes of the Mediterranean and Red seas, thereby improving our understanding of the environmental risks posed by microplastics to fisheries and marine ecosystems and the need for measures to diminish the flux of plastics to the marine settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa El-Din H Sayed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516 Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Hamed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University (Assiut Branch), 71524 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E A Badrey
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University (Assiut Branch), 71524 Assiut, Egypt
| | | | | | - Alaa G M Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University (Assiut Branch), 71524 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hamdy A M Soliman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 8562 Sohag, Egypt
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30
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Parolini M, Ortenzi MA, Morelli C, Gianotti V. Emerging use of thermal analysis in the assessment of micro(nano)plastics exposure. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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31
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Aragaw TA. Microplastic pollution in African countries' water systems: a review on findings, applied methods, characteristics, impacts, and managements. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2021; 3:629. [PMID: 34002166 PMCID: PMC8116826 DOI: 10.1007/s42452-021-04619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Owed to their simplicity, flexibility, lightweight, and low cost, plastics have become highly demanded in Africa as well as worldwide. However, the management of plastic wastes, particularly in African countries, is inadequate and most of the plastic debris is gatewayed into the water bodies. Nowadays, environmentalists, organizations, and governments are aware of microplastic pollution in the marine and terrestrial environment. Thus, addressing a compressive literature review in one referenced paper, as they draw up the articles, is essential to propose new research directions, to synthesize the existing theories among the existing studies. The abundance of microplastics is variable depending on the sampling and identification techniques. In this review, the available publications on microplastic pollution in African countries' water systems were retrieved. Investigations found that microplastic pollution levels in the studied water bodies were reported in high concentrations. It was observed that different sampling and analytical methods were applied for the detection of microplastics, and suggestions were raised at it may affect the reliability of the results. Most of the detected and quantified microplastics were confirmed as they are from secondary sources. Most of the microplastic pollution research was conducted dominantly in South Africa, and secondly Nigeria, although other countries should also start conducting in their water systems. Surface water and sediment samples were dominantly carried out, but are limited with biota samples; hence, the risk assessment of microplastics is not yet determined. Some of the African countries have regulations on the prevention of macroplastic wastes, but the implementations are unsuccessful and most have not yet been established resulting in a threat of microplastics pollution. Thus, the research priorities on microplastic detection should be identified, and the African countries' governments should be more proactive in eradicating macroplastic, which ends up as microplastics, pollutions in the water environments. GRAPHIC ABSTRACT ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS Researches on microplastic pollution in African countries water system is limited .A high microplastics abundance is found in African countries water system.Sampling methods and used analytical techniques for microplastic detection were included.Harmonized standard methods for microplastic pollution research should be established.Combined analytical tools at once should be adopted to detect reliable microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadele Assefa Aragaw
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology-Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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32
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Alimi OS, Fadare OO, Okoffo ED. Microplastics in African ecosystems: Current knowledge, abundance, associated contaminants, techniques, and research needs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142422. [PMID: 33011593 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite Africa ranking top in mismanaged plastic waste, there is insufficient data on the extent of microplastics and its interaction with other contaminants in its ecosystems. Microplastics pollution has been documented globally, however, specific data from the continent is crucial for accurate risk assessment and to drive policies. We critically reviewed 56 articles from 1987 to 2020 and provide an overview of the current knowledge of the abundance and distribution of microplastics and associated contaminants in African aquatic systems and organisms. Most of the studies were carried out in the marine environment and there is currently no available data on the abundance of microplastic pollution in the African terrestrial environment. We show that across all studies, 5-100% of all sampled aquatic organisms contained microplastics. Concerning high levels of microplastics were reported in fish from Egypt compared to other parts of Africa and the world. Across all persistent organic pollutants sampled in microplastics, hopanes and phthalates were present at high concentrations while sodium and zinc were high relative to other trace metals reported. The most frequently occurring plastics were polyethylene followed by polypropylene and polystyrene. We found that most of the studies relied on visual inspection (52%) > FTIR (38%) > Raman spectroscopy (5%) > Scanning electron microscopy (3%) > Differential scanning calorimetry (2%) for identifying microplastics. Major gaps in sampling and identification techniques which may have overestimated or underestimated the current levels were identified. We discuss other research priorities and recommend solutions to address these issues associated with microplastic pollution in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubukola S Alimi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.
| | - Oluniyi O Fadare
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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33
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Akindele EO, Alimba CG. Plastic pollution threat in Africa: current status and implications for aquatic ecosystem health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:7636-7651. [PMID: 33398755 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11736-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rapid population growth and poor waste management practice are among the main drivers of plastic pollution in modern times, thus making Africa a hotspot for plastic pollution both now and in the future. This study is a review of plastic pollution reports from the African aquatic environment with regard to causes, current status, toxicological implications and implications for ecosystem services. A total of 59 plastic pollution studies from 1987 to September 2020 were reviewed. They comprised 15 from North Africa (NA) (Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia), six from East Africa (EA) (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda), 13 from West Africa (WA) (Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Nigeria), and 25 studies from Southern Africa (SA) (South Africa). This shows that plastic pollution studies in Africa, according to the sub-regions, are in the order: SA > NA > WA > EA. High human population in the basins of African large aquatic systems is identified as the greatest driver enhancing plastic surge in the aquatic environment. The occurrence of plastics was mostly reported in the estuarine/marine environment (42 studies) compared to the freshwater environment (only 17 studies). Plastics have also been reported in the three compartments of the aquatic environment: water column, benthic sediment and animals. Zooplankton, annelids, molluscs, insects, fishes and birds were reported as bioindicators of plastic ingestion in the inland and coastal waters of Africa. Polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) and polypropylene were the common plastic polymers observed in the African aquatic environment. In situ toxicological implications of the ingested plastic polymers were not reported in any of the studies. However, reports from laboratory-controlled experiments showed that these polymers are deleterious to aquatic animal health. More research efforts need to delineate the plastic pollution status of the East, West and North of Africa. Furthermore, such studies are required to identify the plastic polymers and in situ ecotoxicological impacts of plastics on both animal and human health.
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34
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Parker BW, Beckingham BA, Ingram BC, Ballenger JC, Weinstein JE, Sancho G. Microplastic and tire wear particle occurrence in fishes from an urban estuary: Influence of feeding characteristics on exposure risk. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111539. [PMID: 32781266 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The influence of feeding behavior and feeding ecology on microplastic occurrence in fishes in an urbanized estuary was studied by surveying microplastics in the digestive tracts (gut) of five fish species: the planktivorous Bay Anchovy and Atlantic Menhaden, the piscivore Spotted Seatrout, the benthivore Spot and the detritivore/benthivore Striped Mullet. Microplastics were found in 99% of fishes collected with an average of 27 microplastics per individual fish, 6 microplastics per gram of fish, and 21 microplastics per gram of gut, although exposure varied among species. Atlantic Menhaden possessed significantly more microplastic per fish weight than other species, which may be attributed to their regular ingestion of marine snow aggregates. Fibers were the most common type of microplastic in all fishes, and suspected tire wear particles were found in 14% of individuals across all five species, constituting the first evidence of tire wear particle consumption in field-collected organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney W Parker
- College of Charleston, Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Barbara A Beckingham
- College of Charleston, Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, Charleston, SC, USA; College of Charleston, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Brianna C Ingram
- College of Charleston, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, Charleston, SC, USA; College of Charleston, Department of Biology, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Joseph C Ballenger
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resource Research Institute, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - John E Weinstein
- The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina, Department of Biology, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Gorka Sancho
- College of Charleston, Department of Biology, Charleston, SC, USA.
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