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Kim T, Eo S, Shim WJ, Kim M. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of microplastics derived from antifouling paint in effluent from ship hull hydroblasting and their emission into the marine environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135258. [PMID: 39047565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
This study focused on microplastic (MP) contamination originating from ship paint, particularly during the hydroblasting of ship hull, to understand the emission characteristics of MPs into the marine environment. We evaluated paint particles generated from the hydroblasting of an ocean-going vessel based on their number, size, polymer type, and mass. Hydroblasting a vessel produced 4.3 × 1015 particles, predominantly comprising acrylic particles, 99.9 % of which were smaller than 5 mm. Of the 44.1 kg of antifouling (AF) paint particles generated, 36.5 kg consisted of particles smaller than 5 mm, with 18.2 kg being identified as plastic emissions. Furthermore, we calculated the MP emission factor (8.43 g/m2) for hydroblasting on AF paint by dividing the total emission by the wetted surface area (WSA) of the vessel. This factor was then extrapolated by multiplying it with the total WSA of global ships and their hull cleaning frequency to preliminarily estimate the annual global MP emissions. Consequently, a total of 665.6 tons of plastics was generated globally by hydroblasting, with approximately 550.2 tons of these being in the form of MPs. This study highlights the need for developing stricter regulations governing hydroblasting operations and waste disposal practices to protect marine environments from MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taekhyun Kim
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Soeun Eo
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkoo Kim
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Wang MH, Chen CF, Lim YC, Albarico FPJB, Tsai WP, Chen CW, Dong CD. Microplastics and phthalate esters contamination in top oceanic predators: A study on multiple shark species in the Pacific Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116769. [PMID: 39059223 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116769] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Marine organisms, especially top predators such as sharks, are susceptible to environmental pollutants like microplastics (MPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs), leading to ecosystem risks. Research on contamination in these apex species is, however, still limited. This study investigated MPs and PAEs in multiple shark species (Isurus oxyrinchus, Alopias superciliosus, Alopias pelagicus, Carcharhinus brevipinna, and Sphyrna zygaena) off Taiwan's eastern coast. Gastric tissue analyses revealed ubiquitous microplastics (2-31 particles), which positively correlated with body lengths and weights for Isurus oxyrinchus. Blue, fiber-shaped (1-2 mm), and rayon-based MPs are likely associated with textile fiber pollution. The PAEs concentration mean was 7035 ± 6829 ng/g, ww, having DEHP and DiNP as primary compounds. This study highlights pervasive contamination in Pacific Ocean sharks, emphasizing anthropogenic impact on top oceanic predators and providing essential insights for food safety and MP accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Huang Wang
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yee Cheng Lim
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Frank Paolo Jay B Albarico
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Pei Tsai
- Department of Fisheries Production and Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan.
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Li Y, Kong L, Li Z, Su Q, Qu L, Wang X, Han J, Cheng J, Wu L, Zhang N. Distribution characteristics and ecological risk analysis of microplastics in sediments and effluents related to offshore oil and gas activities in the Bohai Sea, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116731. [PMID: 39067233 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116731] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Oil and gas activities are sources of marine microplastics (MPs) but have received less attention globally. This study assessed the distribution characteristics and ecological risks of MPs in 31 sediment samples and effluent samples of 5 oil and gas platforms related to offshore oil and gas activities in the Bohai Sea. The results showed that the mean abundance of MPs in sediment, produced water, and domestic sewage was 205.7 ± 151.5 items/kg d.w., 18 ± 11 items/L, and 26 ± 39 items/L, respectively. The MPs in sediments and effluents were dominated by transparent, rayon, and fibers <1 mm. Oil and gas activities may influence the abundance of MPs in the sediments. The sediments in the area were at a low level of risk, but some samples exhibited indexes beyond low levels. The mass of MPs carried by the effluents from oil and gas platforms in the Bohai Sea was less than that of other sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Lingna Kong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Zhongxiu Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Qing Su
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Ling Qu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Jianbo Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jiayi Cheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Liang Wu
- China Offshore Environmental Service Ltd., Tianjin 300450, China
| | - Naidong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
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Su Q, Li Y, Lu N, Qu L, Zhou X, Yu Y, Lu D, Han J, Han J, Xu X, Wang X. Abundance, characteristics and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in ship ballast water in ports around Liaodong Peninsula, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116812. [PMID: 39154576 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The development of the shipping industry has led to a large volume of ballast water discharge annually. This accelerates pollutants' transfer and dispersion, such as microplastics. Currently, empirical data on microplastics in ballast water are rarely available. This study innovatively investigated the abundance, morphological characteristics (particle size, shape, and color), and polymer composition of microplastics in ballast water from ports surrounding the Liaodong Peninsula. The results revealed that the average abundance of microplastics in 13 ships' ballast water was 6071.30 ± 1313.85 items/m3. Notably, the small microplastics (0.06-2.50 mm) were most abundant, accounting for 94.52 % of the total microplastics. Transparent, fiber, and polyethylene glycol terephthalate were the most prevalent color, shape, and polymer composition of microplastics detected in the ballast water. The risk assessment indicated that these microplastics present ecological risks to organisms. These findings suggest that ship ballast water is the potential "hotspot" for marine microplastics transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Su
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yuxia Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Na Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Ling Qu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yue Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Daping Lu
- Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration, PRC, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Junsong Han
- Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration, PRC, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Jianbo Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaotong Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Restoration, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China.
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Pinar O, Rodríguez-Couto S. Advancements in bilge wastewater treatment: A review for current and future trends. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175587. [PMID: 39159695 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Bilge wastewater (BW) from ships poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems due to its recalcitrant nature. BW is mainly composed of organic hydrocarbons and oils together with surfactants, heavy metals, and other organic compounds but oil is the sole compound regulated by international law with a discharge limit of 15 mg/L. Therefore, BW treatment is a crucial aspect of marine pollution control and environmental protection. In this sense, BW must be treated on board or shipped to treatment plants on land. While conventional methods like gravity separation and adsorption have been used to treat BW, their inability to effectively treat complex mixtures has encouraged researchers to investigate advanced alternatives. Thus, new, cost-efficient, and sustainable technologies to treat BW are required such as those based on biological approaches. Moreover, integrating bio-based methods with existing technologies can provide comprehensive and eco-friendly treatment solutions. This review compiles various documents published regarding the treatment of BW, pointing out the necessity of developing new cost-efficient and environmentally friendly approaches to treat it. To the best knowledge of the authors this is the first comprehensive review on this very latest topic. Therefore, this review will be a significant contribution to the literature in terms of conservation of the environment, reduction in water pollution, and protection of the marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orkun Pinar
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli, Finland.
| | - Susana Rodríguez-Couto
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli, Finland
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Sahoo MM. Microplastic pollution in surface sediments of Coromandel coastline, South-East Coast, India: Diversity index, carbonyl index, pollution load index, risk fraction and MPs inventory. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124179. [PMID: 38763293 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124179] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The investigation along the Coromandel coastline of South-east India focused on assessing microplastics abundance using Simpson's diversity index (DIMP), Degradation-carbonyl index (DgCIMP), Pollution load index (PLIMP) and Ecological risk fraction (RfMP). These indices evaluated the dissemination and transportation of MPs across a 1076 km stretch divided into five zones from Chennai to Kanyakumari. During the wet season, average microplastics abundance (101 ± 36.6 items/kg dw) was lower compared to the dry season (143 ± 56.2 items/kg dw). Notably, 54% and 45% of microplastics were found in the 0.1-0.5 mm size range, with 45% and 64% being colored microplastics, and 80% and 71% being fibers during the wet and dry seasons respectively. Micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR) analysis showed rayon (34%) and PE (64%) dominance in ports and estuaries during both seasons. Kottaipattinam Port exhibited higher diversity indices (DIMPsh=0.56,DIMPsz=0.66,DIMPco=0.50andDIMPpo=0.65) compared to other zones, with an overall diversity index IDIMP of 0.57. Notably, among the DgCIMP values (n = 96), only 12 fell within the moderate photo-chemical oxidation range (0.16-0.35), while the majority (n = 60) surpassed 0.35 indicating higher oxidation levels, with some (n = 24) exceeding 0.50, signifying extreme oxidation. PLIMP revealed that 42% of sampling stations had very low to negligible MP contamination levels in ports and estuaries. However, ecological risk fraction RfMP values ranged from 10.2 to 13,670, with 27% of values exceeding 1500, indicating higher coastal ecological risk in 13 sampling stations.
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Lin H, Li X, Hu W, Yu S, Li X, Lei L, Yang F, Luo Y. Landscape and risk assessment of microplastic contamination in farmed oysters and seawater along the coastline of China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134169. [PMID: 38565022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134169] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystem and seafood safety. However, comprehensive and comparable assessments of MP profiles and their ecological and health in Chinese farming oysters are lacking. This study utilized laser infrared imaging spectrometer (LDIR) to quantify MPs in oysters and its farming seawater at 18 sites along Chinese coastlines. Results revealed a total of 3492 MPs in farmed oysters and seawater, representing 34 MP types, with 20-100 µm MP fragments being the dominant. Polyurethane (PU) emerged as the predominant MP type in oysters, while polysulfones were more commonly detected in seawater. Notably, oysters from the Bohai Sea exhibited a higher abundance of MPs (13.62 ± 2.02 items/g) and estimated daily microplastic intake (EDI, 2.14 ± 0.26 items/g/kg·bw/day), indicating a greater potential health risk in the area. Meanwhile, seawater from the Yellow Sea displayed a higher level (193.0 ± 110.7 items/L), indicating a greater ecological risk in this region. Given the pervasiveness and abundance of PU and its high correlation with other MP types, we proposed PU as a promising indicator for monitoring and assessing the risk MP pollution in mariculture in China. These findings provide valuable insights into the extent and characteristics of MP pollution in farmed oysters and seawater in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wenjin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Shenbo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Liusheng Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Fengxia Yang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Tural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China.
| | - Yi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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Valdiviezo-Gonzales L, Ortiz Ojeda P, Espinoza Morriberón D, Colombo CV, Rimondino GN, Forero López AD, Fernández Severini MD, Malanca FE, De-la-Torre GE. Influence of the geographic location and house characteristics on the concentration of microplastics in indoor dust. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170353. [PMID: 38296076 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170353] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are known for their ubiquity, having been detected in virtually any environmental compartment. However, indoor MPs concentrations are poorly studied despite being closely related to human exposure. The present study aims to evaluate the presence of MPs in settled atmospheric dust in 60 houses distributed in 12 districts of the metropolitan city of Lima, Peru, and investigate the influence of their geographical location and house characteristics. MPs concentration ranged from 0.01 to 33.9 MPs per mg of dust. Fibers and blue were the most frequent shape and color (98 % and 69 %, respectively). Also, 82 % of the particles were between 500 μm - 5 mm in size. A higher concentration of MPs was identified in the center-south of the city. The houses located on the highest floors (levels 4 to 13 to ground) displayed higher concentrations. MPs were primarily composed of polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), among others. The polymers identified suggest that MPs derived from the fragmentation of components frequently found in houses, such as synthetic clothing, food storage containers, toys, carpets, floors, and curtains. The incorporation of MPs from the outside into dwellings is not ruled out. Future studies should evaluate the influence of consumption habits and housing characteristics on the abundance of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorgio Valdiviezo-Gonzales
- Carrera Profesional de Ingeniería en Seguridad Laboral y Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Lima, Peru.
| | - Paola Ortiz Ojeda
- Carrera Profesional de Ingeniería en Seguridad Laboral y Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Lima, Peru
| | - Dante Espinoza Morriberón
- Universidad Tecnológica del Perú (UTP), Facultad de Ingeniería, Jirón Hernán Velarde 260, Cercado de Lima, 15046 Lima, Peru
| | - Carolina V Colombo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guido Noé Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana D Forero López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa D Fernández Severini
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabio Ernesto Malanca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
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Maharjan KK. Microplastics research in Nepal: Present scenario and current gaps in knowledge. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24956. [PMID: 38318064 PMCID: PMC10838786 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The topic of microplastics has drawn considerable scholarly interest in recent times. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the current state of microplastic pollution research in Nepal and to make future research recommendations. To achieve the objective, three popular databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS and Google Scholar) were used. The results showed that the current scenario for microplastic research in Nepal is in its early stage, which commenced in 2020. A total of six papers were recorded over the period from 2020 to 2023. The research conducted in the fields were rivers, lakes, snow, and sediments. Studies have provided evidence of the occurrence of microplastics in diverse aquatic ecosystems. Lakeshore sediments show concentrations of 100.5 ± 58.6 items/kg dry weight, while shoreline sediments of Phewa lake exhibit variability between 55 and 122.5 items/kg. The lake water in winter records 2.96 ± 1.83 Microplastics per Liter (MPs/L), river water indicates 202 ± 100 items/m3, and snow demonstrates 30 MP/L. In freshwater ecosystems, microplastics, specifically fibers, were found to be the prevailing type, while fragments were recorded in road dust. The study conducted in Nepal provided evidence of the presence of a wide range of polymers. The polymers encompassed polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polystyrene (PS), and polyester. Microplastic research in Nepal, initiated in 2020, covered rivers, lakes, snow, and sediments. Diverse aquatic ecosystems reveal microplastic presence, emphasizing the need for continued study and awareness. Although extensive research has been carried out on the subject of microplastic contamination and its effects on various creatures on a global scale, an examination of the implications of microplastics on animals, plants, and humans in Nepal has not been found in any scholarly publications. There exists a noticeable deficit of research investigating the consumption of microplastics by human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishor Kumar Maharjan
- Department of Environmental Science, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
- Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
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