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Liu LF, Yu J, Jiang Y, Liu Q, Jiang Y, Chen R, Yang GP, Song XR. Size-dependent influences of nano- and micro-plastics exposure on feeding, antioxidant systems, and organic sulfur compounds in ciliate Uronema marinum. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124653. [PMID: 39095002 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Protozoa play a pivotal role in the microbial cycle, and ciliated protozoan grazing habits are associated with dimethyl sulfide (DMS) cycle. Many studies have explored the impacts of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) on ecotoxicological effects of ciliates. However, limited research exists on NPs and MPs influences on the production of organic sulfur compounds. The impact of NPs and MPs on the production of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and carbonyl sulfide (COS) remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the impacts of three concentrations (1 × 105, 5 × 105, and 1 × 106 items/mL) of polystyrene (PS) NPs (50 nm) and MPs (1 and 5 μm) on the ecotoxicology and DMS/dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP)/DMSO/COS production in the ciliate Uronema marinum. NPs and MPs exposure were found to reduce the abundance, growth rate, volume, and biomass of U. marinum. Additionally, NPs and MPs increased the superoxide anion radical (O2˙─) production rates and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (24 h), leading to a decline in glutathione (GSH) content and an ascend in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity to mitigate the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exposure to PS NPs and MPs decreased the ingestion rates of algae by 7.5‒14.4%, resulting in decreases in DMS production by 56.8‒85.4%, with no significant impact on DMSO production. The results suggest a distinct pathway for the production of DMSO or COS compared to DMS. These findings help us to understand the NPs and MPs impacts on the marine ecosystem and organic sulfur compound yield, potentially influencing the global climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Fei Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Juan Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Yu Jiang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Gui-Peng Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xin-Ran Song
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
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Chiu MC, Ao S, Ling C, He F, Luo Q, Wen Z, Cai Q, Resh VH. Meta-ecosystem Frameworks Can Enhance Control of the Biotic Transport of Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12846-12852. [PMID: 38975878 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The lack of systematic approaches and analyses to identify, quantify, and manage the biotic transport of microplastics (MPs) along cross-ecosystem landscapes prevents the current goals of sustainable environmental development from being met. This Perspective proposes a meta-ecosystem framework, which considers organismal and resource flows among ecosystems to shed light on the research and management challenges related to both abiotic and biotic MP transport at landscape levels. We discuss MP transport pathways through species movements and trophic transfers among ecosystems and sub-ecosystems, and highlight these pathways in the mitigation of MP pollution. The integration of biotic pathways across landscapes prioritizes management actions for MP transport using diverse approaches such as wastewater treatment and plastic removal policies to mitigate contamination. In addition, our framework emphasizes the potential sink enhancement of MPs through habitat conservation and enhancement of riparian vegetation. By considering the mechanisms of meta-ecosystem dynamics through the processes of biotic dispersal, accumulation, and the ultimate fate of MPs, advances in the environmental impact assessment and management of MP production can proceed more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chih Chiu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430061, China
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-0825, Japan
| | - Sicheng Ao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Chang Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430061, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fengzhi He
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin 12587, Germany
| | - Qingyi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430061, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Zihao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430061, China
| | - Qinghua Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430061, China
| | - Vincent H Resh
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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3
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Mihai FC, Ulman SR, Pop V. Macro and microplastic pollution in Romania: addressing knowledge gaps and potential solutions under the circular economy framework. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17546. [PMID: 38938611 PMCID: PMC11210483 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17546] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This review reveals the role of linear economy prevalence and mismanagement practices in plastic pollution of aquatic and terrestrial environments and related knowledge gaps in Romania while outlining downstream and upstream solutions to reduce plastic pollution and adopt circular economy strategies. Thus, the major aim of this study is the investigation of the stage of scientific knowledge concerning all these demands in the Romanian context. Methodology This work integrates two main approaches: (i) a bibliometric analysis fed by Web of Science and Scopus databases to reveal the current coverage of peer-reviewed literature related to plastic waste in Romania and (ii) a subject-based review to underline the main themes related to plastic waste management, plastic pollution, and mitigating options in Romania in line with circular economy principles. Results Reducing plastic pollution requires scientific knowledge, multi-sectoral cooperation, and societal awareness. Following this, the topics of plastic waste and plastic pollution appeared to be under-investigated in the literature considering Romania as a case study and concentrated around the 2020 year, emphasizing, in this way, the trendiness of plastic waste concerns and their management in the current research landscape. Our analysis points out that: (i) Romania is facing massive plastic pollution requiring solid improvements in waste management performances; (ii) few peer-reviewed research studies are performed in Romania for both macro and microplastic concerns with unknown pollution levels in most of its geographical regions; (iii) the plastic waste management is still understudied here, while waste statistics are poorly available at local levels; (iv) the perspectives of circular economy transition are still limited, feeding the plastic pollution in the coming years. Conclusions Several knowledge gaps are identified and must be covered by future research such as (i) adjusting mismanaged plastic waste levels to regional waste management performances and determining littering rates in urban and rural areas to improve the plastic pollution modeling inputs; (ii) examining plastic pollution associated with landfill sites and waste imports; (iii) assessing the sectoral contributions to macro and microplastic pollution of aquatic environments related to municipalities, tourist destinations, agriculture, etc.; (iv) determining retention levels of plastic in river basins and role of riparian vegetation; (v) analyzing microplastics presence in all types of freshwater environments and interlinkage between macroplastic fragmentation and microplastic; (vi) assessing the plastic loads of transboundary rivers related to mismanagement practices; (vii) determining concentrations of microplastics in air, soil, and other land use ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin-Constantin Mihai
- CERNESIM Environmental Research Center, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Iași, Romania
| | - Simona-Roxana Ulman
- CERNESIM Environmental Research Center, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Iași, Romania
| | - Valeria Pop
- Research Institute for Sustainability and Disaster Management Based on High-Performance Computing, Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Doctoral School “Environmental Science”, Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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4
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Wang M, Bodirsky BL, Rijneveld R, Beier F, Bak MP, Batool M, Droppers B, Popp A, van Vliet MTH, Strokal M. A triple increase in global river basins with water scarcity due to future pollution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:880. [PMID: 38321008 PMCID: PMC10847517 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44947-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Water security is at stake today. While climate changes influence water availability, urbanization and agricultural activities have led to increasing water demand as well as pollution, limiting safe water use. We conducted a global assessment of future clean-water scarcity for 2050s by adding the water pollution aspect to the classical water quantity-induced scarcity assessments. This was done for >10,000 sub-basins focusing on nitrogen pollution in rivers by integrating land-system, hydrological and water quality models. We found that water pollution aggravates water scarcity in >2000 sub-basins worldwide. The number of sub-basins with water scarcity triples due to future nitrogen pollution worldwide. In 2010, 984 sub-basins are classified as water scarce when considering only quantity-induced scarcity, while 2517 sub-basins are affected by quantity & quality-induced scarcity. This number even increases to 3061 sub-basins in the worst case scenario in 2050. This aggravation means an extra 40 million km2 of basin area and 3 billion more people that may potentially face water scarcity in 2050. Our results stress the urgent need to address water quality in future water management policies for the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Grants
- PSA-SA-E-01 Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences)
- 776479 COACCH EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020)
- 821010 CASCADES EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020)
- Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (iPET)
- Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land-Use, and Energy (FABLE) Consortium (FABLE 2.0, Grant 94120)
- Dutch Talent Program Veni-NWO project (0.16.Veni.198.001, supporting M.S.)
- MTHvV was financially supported by the European Union (ERC Starting Grant, B-WEX, Project 101039426) and Netherlands Scientific Organisation (NWO) by a VIDI grant (VI.Vidi.193.019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Wang
- Earth Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708, PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Benjamin Leon Bodirsky
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Leibniz Association, Telegrafenberg A56, 14412, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rhodé Rijneveld
- Earth Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708, PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Felicitas Beier
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Leibniz Association, Telegrafenberg A56, 14412, Potsdam, Germany
- Humboldt University, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Invalidenstr. 42, 10099, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirjam P Bak
- Earth Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708, PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Masooma Batool
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Computational Hydrosystems, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bram Droppers
- Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.115, 3508, TC, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Popp
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Leibniz Association, Telegrafenberg A56, 14412, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Michelle T H van Vliet
- Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.115, 3508, TC, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maryna Strokal
- Earth Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708, PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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5
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Micella I, Kroeze C, Bak MP, Strokal M. Causes of coastal waters pollution with nutrients, chemicals and plastics worldwide. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115902. [PMID: 38101060 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, coastal waters contain pollutants such as nutrients, plastics, and chemicals. Rivers export those pollutants, but their sources are not well studied. Our study aims to quantify river exports of nutrients, chemicals, and plastics to coastal waters by source and sub-basin worldwide. We developed a new MARINA-Multi model for 10,226 sub-basins. The global modelled river export to seas is approximately 40,000 kton of nitrogen, 1,800 kton of phosphorous, 45 kton of microplastics, 490 kton of macroplastics, 400 ton of triclosan and 220 ton of diclofenac. Around three-quarters of these pollutants are transported to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Diffuse sources contribute by 95-100 % to nitrogen (agriculture) and macroplastics (mismanaged waste) in seas. Point sources (sewage) contribute by 40-95 % to phosphorus and microplastics in seas. Almost 45 % of global sub-basin areas are multi-pollutant hotspots hosting 89 % of the global population. Our findings could support strategies for reducing multiple pollutants in seas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Micella
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Carolien Kroeze
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam P Bak
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maryna Strokal
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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6
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Li Y, Zhang Q, Baartman J, van Wijnen J, Beriot N, Kroeze C, Wang M, Xu W, Ma L, Wang K, Zhang F, Strokal M. The Plastic Age: River Pollution in China from Crop Production and Urbanization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12019-12032. [PMID: 37527154 PMCID: PMC10433511 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Many rivers are polluted with macro (>5 mm)- and microplastics (<5 mm). We assess plastic pollution in rivers from crop production and urbanization in 395 Chinese sub-basins. We develop and evaluate an integrated model (MARINA-Plastics model, China-1.0) that considers plastics in crop production (plastic films from mulching and greenhouses, diffuse sources), sewage systems (point sources), and mismanaged solid waste (diffuse source). Model results indicated that 716 kton of plastics entered Chinese rivers in 2015. Macroplastics in rivers account for 85% of the total amount of plastics (in mass). Around 71% of this total plastic is from about one-fifth of the basin area. These sub-basins are located in central and eastern China, and they are densely populated with intensive agricultural activities. Agricultural plastic films contribute 20% to plastics in Chinese rivers. Moreover, 65% of plastics are from mismanaged waste in urban and rural areas. Sewage is responsible for the majority of microplastics in rivers. Our study could support the design of plastic pollution control policies and thus contribute to green development in China and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- College
of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture
Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Water
Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen
University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Qi Zhang
- College
of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture
Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Water
Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen
University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Jantiene Baartman
- Soil
Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen
University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Jikke van Wijnen
- Department
of Science, Faculty of Management, Science & Technology, Open University, Heerlen 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolas Beriot
- Soil
Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen
University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien Kroeze
- Water
Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen
University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
- Environmental
Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University
& Research, Droevendaalsesteeg
4, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Mengru Wang
- Water
Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen
University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Wen Xu
- College
of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture
Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Key
Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Center for Agricultural
Resources Research, Institute of Genetics
and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 286 Huaizhong Road, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Kai Wang
- College
of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture
Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fusuo Zhang
- College
of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture
Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Maryna Strokal
- Water
Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen
University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
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7
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Strokal M, Vriend P, Bak MP, Kroeze C, van Wijnen J, van Emmerik T. River export of macro- and microplastics to seas by sources worldwide. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4842. [PMID: 37563145 PMCID: PMC10415377 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Seas are polluted with macro- (>5 mm) and microplastics (<5 mm). However, few studies account for both types when modeling water quality, thus limiting our understanding of the origin (e.g., basins) and sources of plastics. In this work, we model riverine macro- and microplastic exports to seas to identify their main sources in over ten thousand basins. We estimate that rivers export approximately 0.5 million tons of plastics per year worldwide. Microplastics are dominant in almost 40% of the basins in Europe, North America and Oceania, because of sewage effluents. Approximately 80% of the global population live in river basins where macroplastics are dominant because of mismanaged solid waste. These basins include many African and Asian rivers. In 10% of the basins, macro- and microplastics in seas (as mass) are equally important because of high sewage effluents and mismanaged solid waste production. Our results could be useful to prioritize reduction policies for plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Strokal
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul Vriend
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Mirjam P Bak
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien Kroeze
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jikke van Wijnen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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8
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Antohi VM, Ionescu RV, Zlati ML, Iticescu C, Georgescu PL, Calmuc M. Regional Regression Correlation Model of Microplastic Water Pollution Control Using Circular Economy Tools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20054014. [PMID: 36901030 PMCID: PMC10002311 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Water pollution caused by microplastics represents an important challenge for the environment and people's health. The weak international regulations and standards in this domain support increased water pollution with microplastics. The literature is unsuccessful in establishing a common approach regarding this subject. The main objective of this research is to develop a new approach to necessary policies and ways of action to decrease water pollution caused by microplastics. In this context, we quantified the impact of European water pollution caused by microplastics in the circular economy. The main research methods used in the paper are meta-analysis, statistical analysis and an econometric approach. A new econometric model is developed in order to assist the decision makers in increasing efficiency of public policies regarding water pollution elimination. The main result of this study relies on combining, in an integrated way, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) data on microplastic water pollution and identifying relevant policies to combat this type of pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Marian Antohi
- Department of Business Administration, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800001 Galati, Romania
- Department of Finance, Accounting and Economic Theory, Transylvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania
| | - Romeo Victor Ionescu
- Department of Administrative Sciences and Regional Studies, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800201 Galati, Romania
| | - Monica Laura Zlati
- Department of Business Administration, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800001 Galati, Romania
| | - Catalina Iticescu
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, REXDAN Research Infrastructure, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Puiu Lucian Georgescu
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, REXDAN Research Infrastructure, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Madalina Calmuc
- REXDAN Research Infrastructure, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
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9
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Strokal M, Strokal V, Kroeze C. The future of the Black Sea: More pollution in over half of the rivers. AMBIO 2023; 52:339-356. [PMID: 36074247 PMCID: PMC9453707 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01780-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The population in the Black Sea region is expected to decline in the future. However, a better understanding of how river pollution is affected by declining trends in population and increasing trends in economic developments and urbanization is needed. This study aims to quantify future trends in point-source emissions of nutrients, microplastics, Cryptosporidium, and triclosan to 107 rivers draining into the Black Sea. We apply a multi-pollutant model for 2010, 2050, and 2100. In the future, over half of the rivers will be more polluted than in 2010. The population in 74 sub-basins may drop by over 25% in our economic scenario with poor wastewater treatment. Over two-thirds of the people will live in cities and the economy may grow 9-fold in the region. Advanced wastewater treatment could minimize trade-offs between economy and pollution: our Sustainability scenario projects a 68-98% decline in point-source pollution by 2100. Making this future reality will require coordinated international efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Strokal
- Water Systems and Global Change, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vita Strokal
- National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony 15, Kiev, 03041 Ukraine
| | - Carolien Kroeze
- Water Systems and Global Change, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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10
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Zhuang X, Li X, Xu Y. How Can Resource-Exhausted Cities Get Out of "The Valley of Death"? An Evaluation Index System and Obstacle Degree Analysis of Green Sustainable Development. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16976. [PMID: 36554858 PMCID: PMC9779337 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Resource-based cities are suffering from resource scarcity and environmental deterioration. Spirit, vitality and prosperity are disappearing and cities have moved towards "the valley of death" in terms of urban development. This typically appears in environments where it is difficult to maintain sustainable development. Based on empirical analysis, a qualitative analysis method for the selection of evaluation indicators, as well as a quantitative analysis method for index weighting and principal component extraction for constructing a three-level evaluation index system of green development for coal-resource-exhausted cities, was adopted. This study also discussed the life cycle at different development stages of resource-based cities, including mature resource-based and growing resource-based cities. We further argued that the obstacle degree can act as an evaluation basis and make recommendations accordingly to improve the green development of cities. Through star-standard divisions and statistical analysis, it can be explicated that the increase in green development in the first stage is greater than that in the later stage, which is more obvious in cities with lower stars. The results also show the evolution trend and stability coefficient. There is no end in sight for urban green development, and this study can provide a new perspective to relieve the declining trend and promote green sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhuang
- College of Quality & Standardization, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Tourism and Geography Science, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Advanced Institute of Culture & Tourism, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yisong Xu
- School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
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