1
|
Codrington J, Varnum AA, Hildebrandt L, Pröfrock D, Bidhan J, Khodamoradi K, Höhme AL, Held M, Evans A, Velasquez D, Yarborough CC, Ghane-Motlagh B, Agarwal A, Achua J, Pozzi E, Mesquita F, Petrella F, Miller D, Ramasamy R. Detection of microplastics in the human penis. Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-024-00930-6. [PMID: 38890513 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-024-00930-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The proliferation of microplastics (MPs) represents a burgeoning environmental and health crisis. Measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, MPs have infiltrated atmospheric, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, penetrating commonplace consumables like seafood, sea salt, and bottled beverages. Their size and surface area render them susceptible to chemical interactions with physiological fluids and tissues, raising bioaccumulation and toxicity concerns. Human exposure to MPs occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. To date, there is no direct evidence identifying MPs in penile tissue. The objective of this study was to assess for potential aggregation of MPs in penile tissue. Tissue samples were extracted from six individuals who underwent surgery for a multi-component inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Samples were obtained from the corpora using Adson forceps before corporotomy dilation and device implantation and placed into cleaned glassware. A control sample was collected and stored in a McKesson specimen plastic container. The tissue fractions were analyzed using the Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System (Agilent Technologies. Moreover, the morphology of the particles was investigated by a Zeiss Merlin Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), complementing the detection range of LDIR to below 20 µm. MPs via LDIR were identified in 80% of the samples, ranging in size from 20-500 µm. Smaller particles down to 2 µm were detected via SEM. Seven types of MPs were found in the penile tissue, with polyethylene terephthalate (47.8%) and polypropylene (34.7%) being the most prevalent. The detection of MPs in penile tissue raises inquiries on the ramifications of environmental pollutants on sexual health. Our research adds a key dimension to the discussion on man-made pollutants, focusing on MPs in the male reproductive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Codrington
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexandra Aponte Varnum
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lars Hildebrandt
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Joginder Bidhan
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kajal Khodamoradi
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anke-Lisa Höhme
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Martin Held
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Aymara Evans
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David Velasquez
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christina C Yarborough
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bahareh Ghane-Motlagh
- Dr. J.T. MacDonald Foundation BioNIUM, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ashutosh Agarwal
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Justin Achua
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Edoardo Pozzi
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Urology, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Mesquita
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Francis Petrella
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David Miller
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Primpke S, Meyer B, Falcou-Préfol M, Schütte W, Gerdts G. At second glance: The importance of strict quality control - A case study on microplastic in the Southern Ocean key species Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170618. [PMID: 38325470 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170618] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The stomach content of 60 krill specimens from the Southern Ocean were analyzed for the presence of microplastic (MP), by testing different sample volumes, extraction approaches, and applying hyperspectral imaging Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR). Strict quality control was applied on the generated results. A high load of residual materials in pooled samples hampered the analysis and avoided a reliable determination of putative MP particles. Individual krill stomachs displayed reliable results, however, only after re-treating the samples with hydrogen peroxide. Before this treatment, lipid rich residues of krill resulted in false assignments of polymer categories and hence, false high MP particle numbers. Finally, MP was identified in 4 stomachs out of 60, with only one MP particle per stomach. Our study highlights the importance of strict quality control to verify results before coming to a final decision on MP contamination in the environment to aid the establishment of suitable internationally standardized protocols for sampling and analysis of MP in organisms including their habitats in Southern Ocean and worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Shelf Sea System Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany.
| | - Bettina Meyer
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Division Polar Biological Oceanography, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany; Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) at the Carl-von-Ossietzky University, Oldenburg 26111, Germany.
| | - Mathilde Falcou-Préfol
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Shelf Sea System Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany; Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Division Polar Biological Oceanography, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany; Nantes Université, 1 Quai de Tourville, 44035 Nantes Cedex 1, France
| | - Wyona Schütte
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Division Polar Biological Oceanography, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany; Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Shelf Sea System Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ge A, Zhao S, Sun C, Yuan Z, Liu L, Chen L, Li F. Comparison of three digestion methods for microplastic extraction from aquaculture feeds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168919. [PMID: 38030012 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants found in aquaculture animals that may threaten human health through the food chain. However, there is a lack of effective methods for extracting MPs from aquaculture feeds containing complex components such as organic matter and fish bones. Therefore, in the present study, the extraction efficiency of three digestion methods using 30 % H2O2, Fenton reagent, and 30 % H2O2 + HNO3 for different particle sizes and types of MPs in aquaculture feeds was investigated and compared. The total digestion efficiency of the aquaculture feeds by 30 % H2O2 was 97.3 ± 0.1 %, while the recovery efficiency of MPs was 91.3 ± 1.1 % -103.1 ± 0.9 %. However, there was a large deviation in the extraction efficiency of MPs from aquaculture feeds by the Fenton reagent and 30 % H2O2 + HNO3. Notably, the surface morphology, particle size distribution, and oxidation degree of MPs hardly changed after 30 % H2O2 digestion. More importantly, the changes in the spectral features and carbonyl index of MPs after 30 % H2O2 digestion were smaller than those of the Fenton reagent and 30 % H2O2 + HNO3, which did not affect the identification of MPs. Overall, 30 % H2O2 was more efficient in extracting MPs from aquaculture feeds, and no significant effect on the characteristics of MPs was observed. This work provides novel insights into the effect of chemical pretreatment on the extraction of MPs in aquaculture feeds and provides an optimal protocol for the detection of MPs in aquaculture feeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Ge
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Shasha Zhao
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Green and High-value Marine Fine Chemical, School of Chemical Engineering and Environment, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Cuizhu Sun
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Zixi Yuan
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Liuqingqing Liu
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Lingyun Chen
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Fengmin Li
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lopes C, Ambrosino AC, Figueiredo C, Caetano M, Santos MM, Garrido S, Raimundo J. Microplastic distribution in different tissues of small pelagic fish of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166050. [PMID: 37543340 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of microplastics (MP) by marine species of ecological and commercial interest represents a major concern, particularly for those present in human diet. This study analysed the accumulation of MP in three species of coastal pelagic fish with high commercial value, European sardine (Sardina pilchardus), European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), collected along the Western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The gastrointestinal tract (GT), gills and muscle were analysed and a total of 504 particles were observed. MP were found in all target tissues of the studied species. Horse mackerel exhibited significantly higher concentrations of microplastics in GT compared to other tissues. On the other hand, anchovies and sardines had significantly lower microplastic concentrations in their muscle tissue. The accumulation of microplastics in the gills showed a significant difference between species, with anchovy having significantly higher concentrations compared to horse mackerel. Horse mackerel had the highest percentage of individuals with microplastics in their GT (92 %), followed by sardine (75 %) and anchovy (50 %). Horse mackerel was also the species that registered the highest percentage of individuals with particles in the muscle (63 %), followed by anchovy (40 %) and finally sardine (39 %). MP in the gills of European sardines and anchovies were similar to those found in water samples. The majority of MP found measured <0.5 mm and were blue fibers. Furthermore, the presence of MP in the GT showed a weak and moderated significant negative correlation with the Fulton Condition Index in horse mackerel and European sardine. Our study confirms the ubiquitous extent of MP contamination in the ocean and provides baseline evidence of MP tissue distribution in three small pelagic fish species with distinct feeding behaviour, while correlating this with the presence of MP in water. Importantly, the results of this study contribute to improve the understanding of biological partitioning of MP in open sea fish species with high commercial relevance, and the potential deleterious effects of our increasingly MP contaminated world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lopes
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006 Lisbon, Portugal; CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana C Ambrosino
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cátia Figueiredo
- CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Miguel Caetano
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006 Lisbon, Portugal; CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Garrido
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006 Lisbon, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Raimundo
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006 Lisbon, Portugal; CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lopes C, Figueiredo C, Baptista M, Caetano M, Santos MM, Raimundo J. First evidence of microplastic ingestion in the ocean giant sunfish (Mola mola). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 190:106064. [PMID: 37344267 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Mola mola is the largest teleost inhabiting our ocean and the presence of microplastics (MP) in this flagship species was, before this study, never described. Thus, this investigation focused on analysing MP ingestion in 53 ocean giant sunfish in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. A total of 116 MP were found in 79% of the specimens, with a median of 1 MP.ind-1, ranging from 0 to 11 MP.ind-1. Seasonal differences were observed, with more fibers registered in specimens caught in autumn. Among the different size classes observed, the smallest category (<300 μm) was the most frequent (43%). Blue (43%) was the most prevalent color, followed by green (29%) and black (10%). The majority of fragments were styrene acrylic copolymer (53%), while most fibers were rayon (78%). These findings emphasize that the ocean sunfish population crossing the southern waters of Portugal is exposed to microplastic pollution and highlight the need for effective management policies to address plastic pollution in marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lopes
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006, Lisbon, Portugal; CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Cátia Figueiredo
- CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Baptista
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Caetano
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006, Lisbon, Portugal; CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Raimundo
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006, Lisbon, Portugal; CIIMAR/CIIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhong Y, Bao Q, Yuan L, Liu J, Cai Y, Chen X. Analysis of Microplastics in Aquatic Shellfish by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry after Alkali Digestion and Solvent Extraction. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14183888. [PMID: 36146034 PMCID: PMC9500840 DOI: 10.3390/polym14183888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are harmful to both marine life and humans. Herein, a pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) technique for the detection of microplastics in aquatic shellfish is demonstrated. The organic matter in aquatic shellfish was removed by alkali digestion. Subsequently, using hexafluoroisopropanol as the extraction solvent, the extraction method was optimized. The influence of the digestion process on the nature of microplastics was investigated by analyzing the samples before and after the alkali treatment via infrared spectrometry, laser particle sizing, and scanning electron microscopy. Spiked recovery experiments and an analysis of actual samples were performed using PA6 and PA66 as analytes. A quantitative analysis of the characteristic ion fragment produced by high-temperature cracking was performed after chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry identification. The linear range of this method for PA6 and PA66 was 2-64 μg. The limits of detection of PA6 and PA66 were 0.2 and 0.6 μg, while the limits of quantitation were 0.6 and 2.0 μg, respectively. Recovery ranged from 74.4 to 101.62%, with a precision of 4.53-7.56%. The results suggest that the Py-GC/MS technique is suitable for the analysis and detection of trace microplastics in aquatic shellfish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Qibei Bao
- Ningbo College of Health Sciences, Ningbo 315100, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Lifeng Yuan
- Ningbo Customs Technology Center, Ningbo 315012, China
| | - Jiawen Liu
- College of Biology and Environment, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Yan Cai
- College of Biology and Environment, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Xianfeng Chen
- Ningbo Customs Technology Center, Ningbo 315012, China
| |
Collapse
|