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Zhang Y, Shi P, Cui L. Microplastics in riverine systems: Recommendations for standardized sampling, separation, digestion and characterization. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116950. [PMID: 39243470 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116950] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a global concern, prompting numerous studies on MP detection. Due to the remaining methodological challenges, it affects the accuracy and reliability of MP's impact assessment on river systems. To address this, the establishment of standardized operating protocols is crucial, encompassing sampling, separation, digestion, and characterization methods. This study evaluates the current tools used for identifying and quantifying MPs in riverine ecosystems, aiming to offer harmonized guidelines for future protocols. Recommendations include adopting a consistent format for reporting MP concentrations and providing improved information on sampling, separation, and digestion for enhanced cross-study comparisons. The importance of quality assurance and quality control is also discussed. Furthermore, we highlight unresolved issues, proposing avenues for further investigation. Suggestions encompass standardizing river sampling methods, optimizing technical steps and analysis processes, and enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of detection data to advance our understanding of MPs in river environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China.
| | - Lingzhou Cui
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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Xiao X, Liu S, Li L, Li R, Zhao X, Yin N, She X, Peijnenburg W, Cui X, Luo Y. Seaweeds as a major source of dietary microplastics exposure in East Asia. Food Chem 2024; 450:139317. [PMID: 38636378 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) occurrence in marine ecosystems is well known, but their accumulation in seaweeds and subsequent human exposure remain understudied. This research quantifies MPs presence in two commonly consumed seaweeds, kelp (Saccharina japonica) and nori (Pyropia yezoensis), in East Asia, revealing widespread contamination dominated by microfibers (<500 μm). Based on dietary patterns, human uptake through seaweed consumption was estimated and quantified. Notably, Chinese people consume an estimated 17,034 MPs/person/year through seaweed consumption, representing 13.1% of their total annual MPs intake. This seaweeds-derived exposure surpasses all other dietary sources, contributing up to 45.5% of overall MPs intake. The highest intake was in South Korea, followed by North Korea, China, and Japan. This research identifies seaweeds as a major, previously overlooked route of dietary MPs exposure. These findings are crucial for comprehensive risk assessments of seaweed consumption and the development of mitigation strategies, particularly for populations in East Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Xiao
- College of Resources and Environment, National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Shaochong Liu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Lianzhen Li
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Ruijie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Na Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xilin She
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Willie Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, RA Leiden 2300, the Netherlands; National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Xiumin Cui
- College of Resources and Environment, National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China.
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Falakdin P, Lopez-Rosales A, Andrade J, Terzaghi E, Di Guardo A, Muniategui-Lorenzo S. Comparison of microplastic type, size, and composition in atmospheric and foliage samples in an urban scenario. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123911. [PMID: 38604308 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The rising trend of plastic production in last years and the inadequate disposal of related waste has raised concerns regarding microplastic-related environmental issues. Microplastic particles disperse by means of transport and deposition processes to different ecosystems and enter food chains. In this paper, atmospheric deposition and foliage samples of two species (i.e., Hedera helix and Photinia glabra) were collected and analysed for the quantity and identity of microplastics (MPs). A preliminary methodology to treat foliage samples and subsequently identify MPs using a quantum cascade laser IR spectrophotometer is presented. The treatment of airborne samples involved filtration, mild digestion, concentration, and transfer onto reflective slides whereas that for foliage involved washing, concentration, and transference of putative MPs onto reflective slides. Fibers and fragments were differentiated according to their physical features (size, width, height, etc.) and calculating derived characteristics (namely, circularity and solidity). The preliminary results obtained suggest a good agreement between atmospheric-deposited and foliage-retained MPs, showing the capability of leaves to act as passive samplers for environmental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Falakdin
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Adrian Lopez-Rosales
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry. Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jose Andrade
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry. Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Elisa Terzaghi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Guardo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry. Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071, A Coruña, Spain.
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López-Rosales A, Ferreiro B, Andrade J, Fernández-Amado M, González-Pleiter M, López-Mahía P, Rosal R, Muniategui-Lorenzo S. A reliable method to determine airborne microplastics using quantum cascade laser infrared spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169678. [PMID: 38159775 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The number of studies dealing with airborne microplastics (MPs) is increasing but sampling and sample treatment are not standardized, yet. Here, a fast and reliable method to characterize MPs is presented. It involves the study of two passive sampling devices to collect atmospheric bulk deposition (wet and dry deposition) and three digestion methods (two alkaline-oxidative and an oxidative) to treat the samples. The alkaline-oxidative method based on KOH and NaClO was selected for a mild organic matrix digestion. In addition, some operational parameters of a high-throughput quantum cascade laser-based infrared device (LDIR) were optimized: an effective automatic tiered approach to differentiate fibres from particles (>90 % success in validation) and a criterion to establish positive matches when comparing an unknown spectrum against the spectral database (proposed match index > 0.85). The procedural analytical recoveries were very good for particles (82-90 %) and slightly lower for fibres (62-73 %). Finally, the amount and type of MPs deposited at a sub-urban area NW Spain were evaluated. Most common polymers were Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The deposition rates ranged 98-1220 MP/m2/day, ca. 1.7 % of the total collected particles. More than 50 % of the total MPs deposited were in the 20-50 μm size range, whereas fibres were mostly in the 50-500 μm size range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián López-Rosales
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Borja Ferreiro
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - José Andrade
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - María Fernández-Amado
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Purificación López-Mahía
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain.
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Di Fiore C, Carriera F, Russo MV, Avino P. Are Microplastics a Macro Issue? A Review on the Sources of Contamination, Analytical Challenges and Impact on Human Health of Microplastics in Food. Foods 2023; 12:3915. [PMID: 37959034 PMCID: PMC10647536 DOI: 10.3390/foods12213915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, human populations' exposure to microplastics via foods is becoming a topic of concern. Although microplastics have been defined as "emerging contaminants", their occurrence in the environment and food is quite dated. This systematic review aims to investigate the discrepancies which are characterizing the research in the microplastics field in foods, with particular regard to sample preparations, microplastics' concentrations and their effect on humans. For the selection of papers, the PRISMA methodology was followed. Discrepancies in the methodological approaches emerged and in the expression of the results as well, underlying the urgency in the harmonization of the methodological approaches. Uncertainties are still present regarding the adverse effects of microplastics on the human body. The scientific evidence obtained thus far is, in fact, not sufficient to demonstrate a concrete negative effect. This review has clearly underlined the need to standardise laboratory approaches to obtain useful results for better food safety management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Di Fiore
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.R.); (P.A.)
| | - Fabiana Carriera
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.R.); (P.A.)
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Mario Vincenzo Russo
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.R.); (P.A.)
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.R.); (P.A.)
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Division of Rome, c/o Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, 00147 Rome, Italy
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Yücel N, Kılıç E. Presence of microplastic in the Patella caerulea from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114684. [PMID: 36731374 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114684] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study reports first evidence of microplastic detection in the Patella caerulea collected from 5 different stations located in İskenderun Bay and Mersin Bay. A total of 160 P. caerulea specimens were examined and 40 of them contained MPs in their soft tissues. The number of microplastics extracted per sample varied from 0.20 ± 0.5 items/ind to 0.45 ± 0.7 items/ind depending on station. Fibers were predominant type of MPs and accounted for 75 % to 87.5 % of total extracted MPs, followed by fragments (12.5-25 %). Majority of MPs were 0.5-1 mm size and black in color. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the extracted MPs were polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE). This study contributes to the knowledge of the transfer of microplastics to the marine food web and highlights the need for protective measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebil Yücel
- Iskenderun Technical University, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Department of Water Resources Management and Organization, Hatay, Turkey.
| | - Ece Kılıç
- Iskenderun Technical University, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Department of Water Resources Management and Organization, Hatay, Turkey.
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