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Cao Z, Kim C, Li Z, Jung J. Comparing environmental fate and ecotoxicity of conventional and biodegradable plastics: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175735. [PMID: 39187074 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a consequential problem worldwide, prompting the widespread use of biodegradable plastics (BPs). However, not all BPs are completely degradable under natural conditions, but instead produce biodegradable microplastics (BMPs), release chemical additives, and absorb micropollutants, thus causing toxicity to living organisms in similar manners to conventional plastics (CPs). The new problems caused by biodegradable plastics cannot be ignored and requires a thorough comparison of the differences between conventional and biodegradable plastics and microplastics. This review comprehensively compares their environmental fates, such as biodegradation and micropollutant sorption, and ecotoxicity in soil and water environments. The results showed that it is difficult to determine the natural conditions required for the complete biodegradation of BPs. Some chemical additives in BPs differ from those in CPs and may pose new threats to ecosystems. Because of functional group differences, most BMPs had higher micropollutant sorption capacities than conventional microplastics (CMPs). The ecotoxicity comparison showed that BMPs had similar or even greater adverse effects than CMPs. This review highlights several knowledge gaps in this new field and suggests directions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Cao
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhae Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhihua Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, China
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Shi Z, Yao F, Liu Z, Zhang J. Microplastics predominantly affect gut microbiota by altering community structure rather than richness and diversity: A meta-analysis of aquatic animals. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124639. [PMID: 39095000 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The impacts of microplastics on the gut microbiota, a crucial component of the health of aquatic animals, remain inadequately understood. This phylogenetically controlled meta-analysis aims to identify general patterns of microplastic effects on the alpha diversity (richness and Shannon index), beta diversity, and community structure of gut microbiota in aquatic animals. Data from 63 peer-reviewed articles on the Web of Science were synthesized, encompassing 424 observations across 31 aquatic species. The analysis showed that microplastics significantly altered the community structure of gut microbiota, with between-group distances being 87.75% higher than within-group distances. This effect was significant even at environmentally relevant concentrations (≤1 mg L-1). However, their effects on richness, Shannon index, and beta diversity (community variation) were found to be insignificant. The study also indicated that the effects of microplastics were primarily dependent on their concentration and size, while the phylogeny of tested species explained limited heterogeneity. Furthermore, variations in gut microbiota alpha diversity, beta diversity, and community structure were correlated with changes in antioxidant enzyme activities from the liver and hepatopancreas. This implies that gut microbiota attributes of aquatic animals may provide insights into host antioxidant levels. In summary, this study illuminates the impacts of microplastics on the gut microbiota of aquatic animals and examines the implications of these effects for host health. It emphasizes that microplastics mainly alter the community structure of gut microbiota rather than significantly affecting richness and diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoji Shi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-Agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Fucheng Yao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-Agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ziqiang Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-Agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jiaen Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-Agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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3
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Fei J, Bai X, Jiang C, Yin X, Ni BJ. A state-of-the-art review of environmental behavior and potential risks of biodegradable microplastics in soil ecosystems: Comparison with conventional microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176342. [PMID: 39312976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
As the use of biodegradable plastics becomes increasingly widespread, their environmental behaviors and impacts warrant attention. Unlike conventional plastics, their degradability predisposes them to fragment into microplastics (MPs) more readily. These MPs subsequently enter the terrestrial environment. The abundant functional groups of biodegradable MPs significantly affect their transport and interactions with other contaminants (e.g., organic contaminants and heavy metals). The intermediates and additives released from depolymerization of biodegradable MPs, as well as coexisting contaminants, induce alterations in soil ecosystems. These processes indicate that the impacts of biodegradable MPs on soil ecosystems might significantly diverge from conventional MPs. However, an exhaustive and timely comparison of the environmental behaviors and effects of biodegradable and conventional MPs within soil ecosystems remains scarce. To address this gap, the Web of Science database and bibliometric software were utilized to identify publications with keywords containing biodegradable MPs and soil. Moreover, this review comprehensively summarizes the transport behavior of biodegradable MPs, their role as contaminant carriers, and the potential risks they pose to soil physicochemical properties, nutrient cycling, biota, and CO2 emissions as compared with conventional MPs. Biodegradable MPs, due to their great transport and adsorption capacity, facilitate the mobility of coexisting contaminants, potentially inducing widespread soil and groundwater contamination. Additionally, these MPs and their depolymerization products can disrupt soil ecosystems by altering physicochemical properties, increasing microbial biomass, decreasing microbial diversity, inhibiting the development of plants and animals, and increasing CO2 emissions. Finally, some perspectives are proposed to outline future research directions. Overall, this study emphasizes the pronounced effects of biodegradable MPs on soil ecosystems relative to their conventional counterparts and contributes to the understanding and management of biodegradable plastic contamination within the terrestrial ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Fei
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xue Bai
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Chuanjia Jiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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4
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Ali W, Jeong H, Tisné ML, Favrelle-Huret A, Thielemans W, Zinck P, Souissi S, Lee JS. The comparative toxicity of biobased, modified biobased, biodegradable, and petrochemical-based microplastics on the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173747. [PMID: 38838999 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173747] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The escalating production and improper disposal of petrochemical-based plastics have led to a global pollution issue with microplastics (MPs), which pose a significant ecological threat. Biobased and biodegradable plastics are believed to mitigate plastic pollution. However, their environmental fate and toxicity remain poorly understood. This study compares the in vivo effects of different types of MPs, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) as a biodegradable plastic, polylactic acid (PLA) as a biobased plastic, β-cyclodextrin-grafted PLA as a modified biobased plastic, and low density polyethylene as the reference petrochemical-based plastic, on the key aquatic primary consumer Diaphanosoma celebensis. Exposure to MPs resulted in significant reproductive decline, with comparable effects observed irrespective of MP type or concentration. Exposure to MPs induced distinct responses in redox stress, with transcriptional profiling revealing differential gene expression patterns that indicate varied cellular responses to different types of MPs. ATP-binding cassette transporter activity assays demonstrated altered efflux activity, mainly in response to modified biobased and biodegradable MPs. Overall, this study highlights the comparable in vivo and in vitro effects of biobased, biodegradable, and petrochemical-based MPs on aquatic primary consumers, highlighting their potential ecological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajid Ali
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Haksoo Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Michaël Lalanne Tisné
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France; Sustainable Materials Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, campus Kulak Kortrijk, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, Box 7659, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Audrey Favrelle-Huret
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Wim Thielemans
- Sustainable Materials Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, campus Kulak Kortrijk, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, Box 7659, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Philippe Zinck
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Sami Souissi
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France; Center of Excellence for Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Operation Center for Enterprise Academia Networking, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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5
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Wang D, Xiong F, Wu L, Liu Z, Xu K, Huang J, Liu J, Ding Q, Zhang J, Pu Y, Sun R. A progress update on the biological effects of biodegradable microplastics on soil and ocean environment: A perfect substitute or new threat? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118960. [PMID: 38636648 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Conventional plastics are inherently difficult to degrade, causing serious plastic pollution. With the development of society, biodegradable plastics (BPs) are considered as an alternative to traditional plastics. However, current research indicated that BPs do not undergo complete degradation in natural environments. Instead, they may convert into biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) at an accelerated rate, thereby posing a significant threat to environment. In this paper, the definition, application, distribution, degradation behaviors, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of BPs were reviewed. And the impacts of BMPs on soil and marine ecosystems, in terms of physicochemical property, nutrient cycling, microorganisms, plants and animals were comprehensively summarized. The effects of combined exposure of BMPs with other pollutants, and the mechanism of ecotoxicity induced by BMPs were also addressed. It was found that BMPs reduced pH, increased DOC content, and disrupted the nitrification of nitrogen cycle in soil ecosystem. The shoot dry weight, pod number and root growth of soil plants, and reproduction and body length of soil animals were inhibited by BMPs. Furthermore, the growth of marine plants, and locomotion, body length and survival of marine animals were suppressed by BMPs. Additionally, the ecotoxicity of combined exposure of BMPs with other pollutants has not been uniformly concluded. Exposure to BMPs induced several types of toxicity, including neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity and genotoxicity. The future calls for heightened attention towards the regulation of the degradation of BPs in the environment, and pursuit of interventions aimed at mitigating their ecotoxicity and potential health risks to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lingjie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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6
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Chandra S, Walsh KB. Microplastics in water: Occurrence, fate and removal. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 264:104360. [PMID: 38729026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104360] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
A global study on tap water samples has found that up to 83% of these contained microplastic fibres. These findings raise concerns about their potential health risks. Ingested microplastic particles have already been associated with harmful effects in animals, which raise concerns about similar outcomes in humans. Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, commonly found disposed in landfills and waste sites. Within indoor environments, the common sources are synthetic textiles, plastic bottles, and packaging. From the various point sources, they are globally distributed through air and water and can enter humans through various pathways. The finding of microplastics in fresh snow in the Antarctic highlights just how widely they are dispersed. The behaviour and health risks from microplastic particles are strongly influenced by their physicochemical properties, which is why their surfaces are important. Surface interactions are also important in pollutant transport via adsorption onto the microplastic particles. Our review covers the latest findings in microplastics research including the latest statistics in their abundance, their occurrence and fate in the environment, the methods of reducing microplastics exposure and their removal. We conclude by proposing future research directions into more effective remediation methods including new technologies and sustainable green remediation methods that need to be explored to achieve success in microplastics removal from waters at large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaneel Chandra
- College of Science and Sustainability, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton North, QLD 4702, Australia; Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre, Central Queensland University, Gladstone Marina Campus, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone, QLD 4680, Australia.
| | - Kerry B Walsh
- College of Science and Sustainability, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton North, QLD 4702, Australia
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7
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Tao S, Li T, Li M, Yang S, Shen M, Liu H. Research advances on the toxicity of biodegradable plastics derived micro/nanoplastics in the environment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170299. [PMID: 38272086 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170299] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of plastic and microplastic accumulation on ecosystems are widely recognized and indisputable. The emergence of biodegradable plastics (BPs) offers a practical solution to plastic pollution. Problematically, however, not all BPs can be fully degraded in the environment. On the contrary, the scientific community has demonstrated that BPs are more likely than conventional plastics (CPs) to degrade into micro/nanoplastics and release additives, which can have similar or even worse effects than microplastics. However, there is very limited information available on the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. The absence of a toxicity evaluation system and the uncertainty regarding combined toxicity with other pollutants also impede the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. Currently, research is focused on thoroughly exploring the toxic effects of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs). This paper reviews the pollution status of BMPs in the environment, the degradation behavior of BPs and the influencing factors. This paper comprehensively summarizes the ecotoxicological effects of BPs on ecosystems, considering animals, plants, and microorganisms in various environments such as water bodies, soil, and sediment. The focus is on distinguishing between BMPs and conventional microplastics (CMPs). In addition, the combined toxic effects of BMPs and other pollutants are also being investigated. The findings suggest that BMPs may have different or more severe impacts on ecosystems. The rougher and more intricate surface of BMPs increases the likelihood of causing mechanical damage to organisms and breaking down into smaller plastic particles, releasing additives that lead to a series of cascading negative effects on related organisms and ecosystems. In the case of knowledge gaps, future research is also proposed and anticipated to investigate the toxic effects of BMPs and their evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Tianhao Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shengxin Yang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
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8
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Nik Mut NN, Na J, Jung J. A review on fate and ecotoxicity of biodegradable microplastics in aquatic system: Are biodegradable plastics truly safe for the environment? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123399. [PMID: 38242301 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Plastic products are extensively used worldwide, but inadequate management of plastic waste results in significant plastic pollution. Biodegradable plastic (BPs) offers an alternative to traditional plastics, however, not all BPs can fully degrade under natural conditions. Instead, they may deteriorate into biodegradable microplastic (BMPs) at a faster rate than conventional plastic, thereby posing an additional hazard to aquatic environments. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the fate of BPs in aquatic systems and their eco-toxicological effects on aquatic organisms such as algae, invertebrates, and fish. The findings highlight that BMPs have comparable or heightened effects compared to conventional microplastics (MPs) which physiochemical characteristic of the polymer itself or by the chemical leached from the polymeric matrix can affect aquatic organisms. While BPs is not a flawless solution to address plastic pollution, future research should prioritize investigating their production, environmental behavior, ecological impact, and whether BMPs inflict greater harm than conventional MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nik Nurhidayu Nik Mut
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joorim Na
- OJEong Resilience Institute, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
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Mishra M, Sudarsan D, Santos CAG, da Silva RM, Beja SK, Paul S, Bhanja P, Sethy M. Current patterns and trends of microplastic pollution in the marine environment: A bibliometric analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:22925-22944. [PMID: 38416357 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32511-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are pervasive in the natural environment and pose a growing concern for global health. Plastic waste in marine environments has emerged as a global issue, threatening not only marine biota but also human health due to its implications for the food chain. This study aims to discern the patterns and trends of research, specifically on Marine Microplastic Pollution (MMP), based on a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications from 2011 to 2022. The methodology utilized in this study comprises three stages: (a) creating a bibliographical dataset from Scopus by Elsevier and the Web of Science Core Collection by Clarivate Analytics, (b) analyzing current research (trends and patterns) using bibliometric analysis through Biblioshiny tool, and (c) examining themes and subthemes in MMP research (wastewater treatment, plastic ingestion, the Mediterranean Sea, microplastics pollution, microplastics in freshwater, microplastic ingestion, plastic pollution, and microplastic pollution in the marine environment). The findings reveal that during the studied period, the number of MMP publications amounted to 1377 articles, with an average citation per publication of 59.23 and a total citation count of 81,553. The most cited article was published in 2011, and since then, the number of publications on this topic has been increasing steadily. The author count stood at 5478, with 22 trending topics identified from the 1377 published titles. Between 2019 and 2022, the countries contributing most to the publication of MMP articles were China, the United States of America (USA), and the United Kingdom (UK). However, a noticeable shift in the origin of author countries was observed in the 2019-2022 timeframe, transitioning from a dominance by the USA and the UK to a predominance by China. In 2019, there was a substantial increase in the volume of publications addressing the topic of microplastics. The results show that the most prevalent themes and subthemes pertained to MMP in the Mediterranean Sea. The journals with the highest number of MMP articles published were the Marine Pollution Bulletin (253 articles) and Science of the Total Environment (190 articles). The analysis concludes that research on MMP remains prominent and appears to be increasing each year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoranjan Mishra
- Department of Geography, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Nuapadhi, Balasore, 756089, Odisha, India
| | - Desul Sudarsan
- Department of Library and Information Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
| | - Celso Augusto Guimarães Santos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58051-900, Paraíba, Brazil.
| | | | - Santosh Kumar Beja
- Department of Environmental Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
| | - Suman Paul
- Department of Geography, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Nuapadhi, Balasore, 756089, Odisha, India
| | - Pragati Bhanja
- Department of Library and Information Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
| | - Murtyunjya Sethy
- Department of Library and Information Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
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10
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Laface F, Pedà C, Giommi C, Scozzafava S, Rizzo C, Malara D, Greco S, Romeo T. A glimpse into the future: A suitable methodological approach for the detection and identification of micro-bioplastics in biota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165613. [PMID: 37474049 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165613] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
In the frame of the circular economy, bioplastics are considered a good alternative to conventional plastic materials. Until recently, only a few studies have focused on the occurrence and impact of bio-microplastics (bio-MPs) in aquatic environments, and there is a lack of a methodological approach to measure their amount in marine compartments. This research aimed to identify and validate a method for bio-MPs extraction from biota. A chemical digestion protocol suitable for conventional MPs, using potassium hydroxide (KOH), was applied for the detection, in mussels, of MPs made with Mater-Bi (MBi) from socks used in mussel farming. This method was tested on virgin MBi (VMBi) and aged (AMBi) MPs, ranging from 200 to 1000 μm in presence and absence of mussel tissues. Samples were analysed in pre- and post-digestion steps to assess the recovery rate, potential visual and size changes and polymer alteration in different bio-MPs size ranges. Results showed that MBi seems to be affected by KOH under pre-production conditions (VMBi), whereas in the AMBi treatment, which represents the environmentally realistic condition, the presence of fouling due to deployment at sea preserves MBi from the action of the alkaline agent. This approach allowed the recovery of small MPs, generally difficult to extract from biota, in an optimal visual condition and without polymer alteration. Despite the fraction of organic material in the MBi, these results suggested the suitability of this method and provided the assessment of the KOH effects on MBi-MPs under different environmental conditions. Finally, validation tests proved that the KOH protocol represents a reliable approach for detecting bio-MPs in marine organisms. This study is an important starting point for assessing the impact of the bio-MPs on the marine environment and suggests future studies to improve these issues in order to fill the gaps in the field of bioplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Laface
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; Sicily Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Pedà
- Sicily Marine Centre, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Chiara Giommi
- Calabria Marine Centre, CRIMAC, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, C.da Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, CS, Italy
| | - Serena Scozzafava
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; Calabria Marine Centre, CRIMAC, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, C.da Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, CS, Italy
| | - Carmen Rizzo
- Sicily Marine Centre, Department Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR.ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Danilo Malara
- Calabria Marine Centre, CRIMAC, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, C.da Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, CS, Italy
| | - Silvestro Greco
- Calabria Marine Centre, CRIMAC, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, C.da Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, CS, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Sicily Marine Centre, Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, Italy
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Malafeev KV, Apicella A, Incarnato L, Scarfato P. Understanding the Impact of Biodegradable Microplastics on Living Organisms Entering the Food Chain: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3680. [PMID: 37765534 PMCID: PMC10534621 DOI: 10.3390/polym15183680] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as one of the world's most serious environmental issues, with harmful consequences for ecosystems and human health. One proposed solution to their accumulation in the environment is the replacement of nondegradable plastics with biodegradable ones. However, due to the lack of true biodegradability in some ecosystems, they also give rise to biodegradable microplastics (BioMPs) that negatively impact different ecosystems and living organisms. This review summarizes the current literature on the impact of BioMPs on some organisms-higher plants and fish-relevant to the food chain. Concerning the higher plants, the adverse effects of BioMPs on seed germination, plant biomass growth, penetration of nutrients through roots, oxidative stress, and changes in soil properties, all leading to reduced agricultural yield, have been critically discussed. Concerning fish, it emerged that BioMPs are more likely to be ingested than nonbiodegradable ones and accumulate in the animal's body, leading to impaired skeletal development, oxidative stress, and behavioral changes. Therefore, based on the reviewed pioneering literature, biodegradable plastics seem to be a new threat to environmental health rather than an effective solution to counteract MP pollution, even if serious knowledge gaps in this field highlight the need for additional rigorous investigations to understand the potential risks associated to BioMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annalisa Apicella
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II n. 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (K.V.M.); (L.I.); (P.S.)
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Hu N, Zhang X, Yu Z, Du Y, He X, Wang H, Pu L, Pan D, He S, Liu X, Li J. Effects of oral exposure to leachate from boiled-water treated plastic products on gut microbiome and metabolomics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129605. [PMID: 35863224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
By simulating plastic exposure patterns in modern society, the impact of daily exposure to plastic products on mammals was explored. In this study, Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice were used to establish drinking water exposure models of three popular kinds of plastic products, including non-woven tea bags, food-grade plastic bags and disposable paper cups. Feces and urine of mice were collected for gut microbiome and metabolomics analysis. Our results showed that the diversity and composition of gut microbiota changed at genus level compared to control group. Lactobacillus, Parabacteroides, Escherichia-shigella and Staphylococcus decreased while Lachnospiraceae increased treated with non-woven tea bags. Escherichia-shigella and Alistipes increased while Parabacteroides decreased treated with food grade plastic bags. Muribaculaceae decreased in the gut microbiota of mice treated with disposable paper cups. Metabolomics has seen changes in the number of metabolites and enrichment of metabolic pathways related to inflammatory responses and immune function. Inflammatory responses were found in histological and biochemical examination. In summary, this study demonstrated that long-term oral exposure to leachate form boiled-water treated plastic products might have effects on gut microbiome and metabolome, which further provided new insights about potential adverse effects for human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naifan Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Zhenfan Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Yurun Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Xiaoxue He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Huihui Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Lining Pu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Degong Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Shulan He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Jiangping Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China.
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