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Seong HJ, Kim H, Ko YJ, Yao Z, Baek SB, Kim NJ, Jang YS. Enhancing polyethylene degradation: a novel bioprocess approach using Acinetobacter nosocomialis pseudo-resting cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:86. [PMID: 38189951 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12930-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of several bacteria capable of interacting with polymers, the activity of the natural bacterial isolates is limited. Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the development of bioprocesses for polyethylene (PE) degradation. Here, we report a bioprocess using pseudo-resting cells for efficient degradation of PE. The bacterial strain Acinetobacter nosocomialis was isolated from PE-containing landfills and characterized using low-density PE (LDPE) surface oxidation when incubated with LDPE. We optimized culture conditions to generate catalytic pseudo-resting cells of A. nosocomialis that are capable of degrading LDPE films in a bioreactor. After 28 days of bioreactor operation using pseudo-resting cells of A. nosocomialis, we observed the formation of holes on the PE film (39 holes per 217 cm2, a maximum diameter of 1440 μm). This study highlights the potential of bacteria as biocatalysts for the development of PE degradation processes. KEY POINTS: • New bioprocess has been proposed to degrade polyethylene (PE). • Process with pseudo-resting cells results in the formation of holes in PE film. • We demonstrated PE degradation using A. nosocomialis as a biocatalyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Jeong Seong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Department of Applied Life Chemistry, Institute of Agriculture & Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Department of Applied Life Chemistry, Institute of Agriculture & Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joon Ko
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, 54875, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhuang Yao
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Department of Applied Life Chemistry, Institute of Agriculture & Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Bum Baek
- Transportation and Environment Bureau, Jinju City Hall, Jinju, 52789, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Jung Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, 54875, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yu-Sin Jang
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Department of Applied Life Chemistry, Institute of Agriculture & Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Barboza LGA, Lourenço SC, Aleluia A, Senes GP, Otero XL, Guilhermino L. Are microplastics a new cardiac threat? A pilot study with wild fish from the North East Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 261:119694. [PMID: 39068971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119694] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Global environmental contamination by microplastics (MPs) is a growing problem with potential One Health impacts. The presence of MPs in vital organs, such as the heart, is of particular concern, but the knowledge is still limited. The goal of the present pilot study was to investigate the potential presence of MPs in the heart of wild specimens of three commercial fish species (Merluccius merluccius, Sardina pilchardus, and Trisopterus luscus) from the North East Atlantic Ocean. Heart samples from 154 fish were analysed for MP content (one heart sample per fish). A total of 44 MPs were recovered from heart samples from the three species. MPs had varied chemical composition (5 polymers), shapes (4) and colours (5). Differences in the profile of the MPs among species was observed (p ≤ 0.05). Thirty fish (19%) had MPs in their hearts, with a total mean (±SD) concentration of 0.286 ± 0.644 MPs/fish. S. pilchardus had the highest heart contamination (p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between M. merluccius and T. luscus. These findings in fish with different biological and ecological traits together with literature data suggest that heart contamination likely is a disseminated phenomenon. Therefore, further research on the presence of MPs in the cardiovascular system and its potential health effects is very much needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Gabriel A Barboza
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Aquatic Ecotoxicology and One Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Estudos de Populações, Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia e Ecologia (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara Couto Lourenço
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Aquatic Ecotoxicology and One Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Estudos de Populações, Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia e Ecologia (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Aleluia
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Aquatic Ecotoxicology and One Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Estudos de Populações, Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia e Ecologia (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Giovanni Paolo Senes
- CRETUS, Department of Edaphology and Agricultural Chemistry - Faculty of Biology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Xosé L Otero
- CRETUS, Department of Edaphology and Agricultural Chemistry - Faculty of Biology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain; REBUSC, Network of biological stations of the University of Santiago de Compostela, Marine Biology Station A Graña, Ferrol, Spain; RIAIDT, The Network of Infrastructures to Support Research and Technological Development of the University of Santiago de Compostela, Edificio Cactus, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain.
| | - Lúcia Guilhermino
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Aquatic Ecotoxicology and One Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Estudos de Populações, Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia e Ecologia (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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3
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Courtene-Jones W, Cheung SWH, Thompson RC, Hanley ME. Effect of biodegradable and conventional microplastic exposure in combination with seawater inundation on the coastal terrestrial plant Plantago coronopus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124573. [PMID: 39029863 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124573] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems face a multitude of pressures including plastic pollution and increased flood risk due to sea level rise and the frequency and severity of storms. Experiments seldom examine multiple stressors such as these, but here we quantified the effect of microplastics (polyethylene terephthalate (PET): a durable plastic and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT): a biodegradable polymer), in combination with simulated seawater inundation on the coastal species Plantago coronopus. After 35-days exposure to plastic (0.02 g.Kg-1, <300 μm diameter), P. coronopus were flooded to pot height with artificial seawater for 72-h, drained and grown for a further 24-days. Plant mortality, necrosis and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) were recorded throughout, with root:shoot biomass and scape production (flower stalks) quantified at harvest. There were significant interactions between microplastics and seawater on the root:shoot ratio; a measure of resource allocation. The allocation to belowground biomass increased significantly under the PET + inundation treatment compared to the PBAT + inundation and the no plastic + inundation treatments, with potential consequences on the capture of water, nutrients and sunlight, which can affect plant performance. Plant necrosis significantly increased, and Fv/Fm declined as a result of seawater inundation. While not significant, plant Fv/Fm responses were influenced by microplastics (17% and 7% reduction in PBAT and PET exposure respectively compared to the no plastic control). Plants mediated this stress response with no discernible treatment-specific effects detected in Fv/Fm 14-days after seawater introduction. Plastic exposure significantly influenced potential reproductive output, with lower average scape numbers across PBAT treatments, but higher in PET treatments. This study highlights the complex interactions and potential for microplastics to present an elevated risk when in combination with additional stressors like seawater flooding; establishing the threat presented to ecosystem resilience in a changing world is a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Courtene-Jones
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - S W H Cheung
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - R C Thompson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - M E Hanley
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK
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Titov I, Semerád J, Boháčková J, Beneš H, Cajthaml T. Microplastics meet micropollutants in a central european river stream: Adsorption of pollutants to microplastics under environmentally relevant conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124616. [PMID: 39067740 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124616] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have emerged as pervasive pollutants in aquatic environments, and their interaction with organic contaminants poses a significant environmental challenge. This study aimed to explore the adsorption of micropollutants onto microplastics in a river, examining different plastic materials and the effect of aging on adsorption capacity. Microplastics (low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) were introduced into a river stream, and a comprehensive analysis involving 297 organic pollutants was conducted. Passive samplers were deployed to monitor micropollutant presence in the river. Sixty-four analytes were identified in the river flow, with telmisartan being the most prevalent. Nonaged PVC showed the highest telmisartan concentration at 279 ng/g (168 ng/m2 regarding the microplastic surface), while aged PVC exhibited a fourfold decrease. Conversely, aged LDPE preferentially adsorbed metoprolol and tramadol, with concentrations increasing 12- and 3-fold, respectively, compared to nonaged LDPE. Azithromycin and clarithromycin, positively charged compounds, exhibited higher sorption to PET microplastics, regardless of aging. Diclofenac showed higher concentrations on nonaged PVC compared to aged PVC. Aging induced structural changes in microplastics, including color alterations, smaller particle production, and increased specific surface area. These changes influenced micropollutant adsorption, with hydrophobicity, dissociation constants, and the ionic form of pollutants being key factors. Aged microplastics generally showed different sorption properties. A comparison of microplastics and control sand particles indicated preferential micropollutant sorption to microplastics, underscoring their role as vectors for contaminant transport in aquatic ecosystems. Analysis of river sediment emphasized the significance of contact time in pollutant accumulation. Overall, this study provides insights into the complex interactions between microplastics and organic pollutants under environmental conditions and contributes to a better understanding of the fate and behavior of these two types of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Titov
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, 128 01, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Semerád
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Boháčková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, 128 01, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Beneš
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského náměstí 2, Prague, 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Cajthaml
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, 128 01, Prague, Czech Republic.
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5
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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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6
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Lee JH, Cheon SJ, Kim CS, Joo SH, Choi KI, Jeong DH, Lee SH, Yoon JK. Nationwide evaluation of microplastic properties in municipal wastewater treatment plants in South Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 358:124433. [PMID: 38925216 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124433] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered a significant microplastic discharge source. To evaluate the amount and characteristics of microplastics discharged from WWTPs in South Korea, we selected 22 municipal WWTPs nationally and investigated microplastics at each treatment stage. The mean microplastic removal efficiency by WWTPs was >99%, and most of the microplastics were removed by sedimentation with the second clarifier during wastewater treatment. Consequently, the microplastic removal efficiency of WWTPs did not significantly differ from that of the adopted wastewater treatment technology because a second clarifier was applied in most WWTPs. However, for WWTPs operating a tertiary treatment process, the removal efficiency was enhanced compared with that of WWTPs discharging after a second clarifier. Although the microplastic removal efficiency was high by WWTP, the discharge contribution to the water environment could not be ignored because of the amount of treated wastewater, resulting in an increase of 5.8-270.9 items/m3 of microplastics in the receiving water. The characteristics of microplastics in WWTPs, including their components, shape, and size, were also evaluated. The most detected components included polytetrafluoroethylene and polyester. Most microplastics detected were categorized as fragments and fibers, while other types were hardly detected. The size of more than 70% of the microplastics detected in WWTPs was under 300 μm, implying that the size of microplastics required to control in WWTPs was much smaller than the defined size of microplastics. An evaluation of the correlation between other pollution factors and microplastic abundance did not reveal positive correlations, and microplastic occurrence was not affected by changing seasons, which may need to be evaluated with further studies. Research should also be performed on the effect of influent sources on the level of microplastic abundance and fate of ultrafine plastics in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Ho Lee
- Water Supply and Sewerage Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea.
| | - So-Jeong Cheon
- Water Supply and Sewerage Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Soo Kim
- Water Supply and Sewerage Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Joo
- Analysis Technical Center, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, 14502, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-In Choi
- Analysis Technical Center, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, 14502, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hwan Jeong
- Water Supply and Sewerage Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyung Lee
- Water Supply and Sewerage Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ki Yoon
- Water Supply and Sewerage Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
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Zhang M, Jin Y, Fan C, Xu Y, Li J, Pan W, Lou Z, Chen H, Jin B. Exploring the trophic transfer and effects of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: A focus on Bellamya aeruginosa to Mylopharyngodon piceus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124426. [PMID: 38917945 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124426] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can enter aquatic food webs through direct ingestion from the environment or indirectly via trophic transfer, but their fate and biological effects within local freshwater food chains remain largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted the first investigation on the trophic transfer and impacts of fluorescently labeled polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) (100-nm and 10-μm) in a model freshwater food chain consisting of the snail Bellamya aeruginosa and the commercially important fish Mylopharyngodon piceus, both prevalent in Chinese freshwater ecosystems. Quantitative analysis revealed substantial accumulation of MPs in B. aeruginosa, reaching an equilibrium state within 12 h of exposure. While steady-state was not observed, a pronounced time-dependent bioaccumulation of MPs was evident in M. piceus over a five-week period following dietary exposure through the consumption of contaminated B. aeruginosa. Notably, MPs of both sizes underwent translocation from the gastrointestinal tract to the muscle tissue in M. piceus. High-throughput sequencing of the gut microbiota revealed that exposure to 100-nm MPs significantly altered the microbial community composition in M. piceus, and both particle sizes led to increased relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera. Our findings provide novel insights into the trophic transfer, tissue accumulation, and biological impacts of MPs in a model freshwater food chain, highlighting the need for further research to assess the ecological and food safety risks associated with microplastic pollution in freshwater environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, 2318 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Yijie Jin
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, 2318 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Cenyi Fan
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, 2318 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Yiwen Xu
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, 2318 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Jiateng Li
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, 2318 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Wenjing Pan
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, 2318 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Ziyang Lou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Huili Chen
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, 2318 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Binsong Jin
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, 2318 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China.
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8
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Graham PM, Pattinson NB, Bakir A, McGoran AR, Nel HA. Determination of microplastics in sediment, water, and fish across the Orange-Senqu River basin. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 266:122394. [PMID: 39265218 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are increasingly recognised as posing a significant environmental threat across systems. Their pervasive presence in freshwater poses a serious concern, given the heavy reliance of both humans and biodiversity on healthy, functioning freshwater ecosystems. Acknowledgment of the potential risks led the transboundary Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) to include sampling for microlitter (primarily microplastics) in riverine sediment, surface water, and fishes, across Southern Africa as part of the third Joint Basin Survey (JBS3) in 2021. The aim was to establish a first, basin-wide estimate of microlitter contamination across compartments, setting a baseline for further monitoring. The survey showed that the abundance of microlitter in riverine sediment (0 - 4000 particles.kg-1 dry weight (dw)) and riverine water (1.00 ± 0.71 - 69.75 ± 68.55 SD items.L-1) varied considerably between sample sites, with no correlation between the two. The abundance of microlitter in fishes was low (average of 0.7 ± 0.4 items.individual-1). Course resolution analyses suggested that microlitter concentrations in riverine sediment and riverine water at each site did not correlate with land use directly upstream, though variation in microlitter abundance did isolate some hotspots of contamination. Discharge data collected from nine gauging stations near sampling sites confirmed that low flows prevailed in the system during the study, with high flows occurring approximately 5 months prior during the summer months. There is some variation in river flow across the catchment which is a likely driver of microlitter transport. This was evident in the polymer composition for sediment and water samples. Based on the average discharge at each gauging station and microlitter concentrations measured in riverine water, the estimated microlitter load ranged from ∼889 particles.s-1 to ∼17.9 million particles.s-1, with a substantial amount ending likely up in the mudbelt adjacent to the Orange River mouth. This assessment provides a first insight into the characterisation and distribution of microlitter in multiple compartments across the Orange-Senqu River basin. Overall, the findings highlight the need for continued monitoring across compartments at catchment scales to improve our understanding of microplastic pathways into and within riverine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Graham
- GroundTruth, Hilton, Kwa-Zulu Natal 3245, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Centre for Water Resources Research, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal 3201, South Africa.
| | - N B Pattinson
- GroundTruth, Hilton, Kwa-Zulu Natal 3245, South Africa
| | - A Bakir
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Rd, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - A R McGoran
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Rd, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - H A Nel
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Rd, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
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9
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Blasco N, Ibeas M, Aramendia J, Castro K, Soto M, Izagirre U, Garcia-Velasco N. Depuration kinetics and accumulation of microplastics in tissues of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 202:106731. [PMID: 39276752 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) constitute the predominant plastic type in marine environments. Since they occupy the same size fraction of sediment particles and planktonic organisms they are potentially bioavailable to a broad scope of organisms, such as filter feeders, which are particularly vulnerable to MP ingestion. To understand the potential impact of MPs in filter feeders it is essential to clarify the uptake, accumulation patterns and elimination rates with time of MPs. The aim of this study was to determine the depuration dynamics and accumulation in tissues of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed during 24 h to different size polystyrene MPs (1 μm and 10 μm), and depurated for a maximum of 7 days (T = 24 h, T = 48 h and T = 7 d). Mussels were chemically digested with KOH 10% and filtered to quantify the number of MP ingested, and they were cryostat sliced for MP localization in tissues. Both MP sizes were quantified in all depuration times, but mussels accumulated significantly higher quantities of 10 μm MP throughout depuration compared to 1 μm MP. A significant decrease was observed after 7 d depuration in mussels exposed to 10 μm. Mussels removed the same amount of 1 and 10 μm MP after 7 days depuration. However, the depuration dynamics differed for each size-MPs and showed to be size-dependent. Most of both size MPs were eliminated in the first 24 h, but 1 μm MP showed to pass faster through the digestive tract than 10 μm MP. MPs of 1 μm and 10 μm were localized mainly in the lumen and a few in the epithelium of the digestive tract (stomach, intestine and digestive gland) during the depuration and in the gills after the exposure; as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The usage of chemical digestion and histological analysis as complementary techniques show to be suitable to infer the depuration dynamics of MPs in mussels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagore Blasco
- CBET+ Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), Spain.
| | - Mikel Ibeas
- CBET+ Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), Spain
| | - Julene Aramendia
- IBeA Research Group, Dept. Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain
| | - Kepa Castro
- IBeA Research Group, Dept. Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain
| | - Manu Soto
- CBET+ Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), Spain
| | - Urtzi Izagirre
- CBET+ Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), Spain
| | - Nerea Garcia-Velasco
- CBET+ Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), Spain
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10
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Minaz M, Ipek ZZ, Bayçelebi E, Oral M, Mutlu T, Karsli B, Kayis S. Effect of parasitic infection on microplastic ingestion in a native leuciscid hybrid species (Alburnus derjugini x Squalius orientalis) from Kürtün Dam Lake, Türkiye. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142978. [PMID: 39084304 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142978] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is currently one of the most serious environmental issues. MPs were investigated in the Kürtün Dam Lake in healthy individuals of the native leuciscid hybrid (Alburnus derjugini x Squalius orientalis) species and individuals infected with the Ligula intestinalis parasite. Although MP abundance appeared to be higher in non-infected fish (NIF) than in L. intestinalis (L) and infected fish (IF), the MP abundance in IF was higher, because the parasite theoretically belongs to IF. In addition to the observation of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish, the diffusion of MPs by parasites settled in the body cavity indicates that MPs are not only present in the GIT. Therefore, predation on existing fish by birds causes MP dispersion. In the present study, the most common MP shape was fiber (100% for NIF and IF, 85.7% for L), the MP color was black (57.1% for IF and L) and orange (50% for NIF), and the polymer type was polyamide (57.1% for IF, 50% for NIF) and polyethylene terephthalate (28.5% for L). These MP compositions led us to believe that textile effluents and aquaculture operations in dam lakes could be sources of pollution. Therefore, this study provides insights for future research to elucidate the connection between MP consumption and parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Minaz
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey.
| | - Zeynep Zehra Ipek
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Esra Bayçelebi
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Munevver Oral
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Tanju Mutlu
- Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Baris Karsli
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Sevki Kayis
- Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
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11
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Nam SE, Haque MN, Lee S, Kim CH, Kim TH, Rhee JS. Negligible additive effect of environmental concentrations of fragmented polyethylene terephthalate microplastics on the growth and reproductive performance of Java medaka exposed to 17β-estradiol and bisphenol A. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 274:107052. [PMID: 39163697 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.107052] [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: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
To investigate whether environmental concentrations of fragmented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics (MPs) have additional or combined effects on endocrine-disrupting activity, Java medaka (Oryzias javanicus) were exposed to 17β-estradiol (E2; 5, 10, 50, and 100 ng L-1), bisphenol A (BPA; 5, 10, 50, and 100 µg L-1), and E2 and BPA combined with PET MPs (1 and 100 particles L-1) for 200 days. The growth parameters, such as body length and weight, were significantly decreased by the highest concentrations of E2 and BPA. A significant reduction in egg production was observed in female fish exposed to BPA, with an additive toxic effect of PET MPs. A female-biased sex ratio was observed in fish exposed to both chemicals. Exposure to E2 significantly increased the hepatosomatic index (HSI) in both sexes, while no significant effect was observed in the gonadosomatic index (GSI). Exposure to BPA significantly increased the HSI in female fish and decreased the GSI in both sexes of fish. An additive effect of PET MPs was observed on the GSI value of female exposed to BPA. Significant elevations in vitellogenin (VTG) levels were observed in both sexes due to exposure to E2 and BPA. Additive effects of PET MPs were observed on VTG levels in males exposed to E2 and BPA. Taken together, even long-term treatment with PET MPs induced only a negligible additive effect on the endocrine-disrupting activity in Java medaka at environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Eun Nam
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Niamul Haque
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Somyeong Lee
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Hwa Kim
- Textile Innovation R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hee Kim
- Textile Innovation R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Rhee
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; Yellow Sea Research Institute, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Najibzadeh M, Kazemi A, Hassan HU, Esmaeilbeigi M. Hazard assessment of microplastics and heavy metals contamination in Levant frogs (Pelophylax bedriagae): A bioindicator in Western Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119774. [PMID: 39151558 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The increasing pollution of aquatic ecosystems caused by microplastics (MPs) and heavy metal ions worldwide threatens the life of aquatic organisms, including amphibians. In this study, we investigated the presence and accumulation of MPs and heavy metal ions in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the Levant frog (Pelophylax bedriagae) as a bioindicator in contaminated sites of Western Iran. A total of 192 adult frogs from 16 locations in the west and northwest of Iran were collected. We measured the accumulation of MPs and heavy metal ions in the collected frogs and determined the characteristics of MPs in the samples. Our findings revealed widespread MPs and heavy metal ions contamination in the frog GIT across all sampled stations. We found 742 MP particles in the digestive system of frogs, with the highest (7.09 MP/individual) and lowest (2.37 MP/individual) number observed in stations 10 and 9, respectively. Fibers were the most common MPs and polyester (PES) (42.5%) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (17.2%) were found to be the most common polymers in the GIT of frogs. The average accumulation of heavy metal ions showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among 16 sampling stations, and zinc (II) and mercury (II) showed the highest and lowest concentrations in frogs. We also found moderate to strong positive correlations between the detected MPs and heavy metal ions in the frog samples across all sampling stations. Our findings confirm the contamination of frogs by MPs and heavy metal ions and the potential capacity of MPs to increase the toxicity of heavy metals in P. bedriagae as a bioindicator in contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Najibzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, 384817758, Iran.
| | - Ali Kazemi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Arak University, Arak, Iran.
| | - Habib Ul Hassan
- Department of Zoology, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Milad Esmaeilbeigi
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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13
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Lee YM, Choi KM, Mun SH, Yoo JW, Jung JH. Gut microbiota composition of the isopod Ligia in South Korea exposed to expanded polystyrene pollution. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308246. [PMID: 39110709 PMCID: PMC11305568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics pose a considerable challenge to aquatic ecosystems because of their increasing global usage and non-biodegradable properties. Coastal plastic debris can persist in ecosystems; however, its effects on resident organisms remain unclear. A metagenomic analysis of the isopoda Ligia, collected from clean (Nae-do, ND) and plastic-contaminated sites (Maemul-do, MD) in South Korea, was conducted to clarify the effects of microplastic contamination on the gut microbiota. Ligia gut microbiota's total operational taxonomic units were higher in ND than in MD. Alpha diversity did not differ significantly between the two Ligia gut microbial communities collected from ND and MD, although richness (Observed species) was lower in MD than in ND. Proteobacteria (67.47%, ND; 57.30%, MD) and Bacteroidetes (13.63%, ND; 20.76%, MD) were the most abundant phyla found at both sites. Significant different genera in Ligia from EPS-polluted sites were observed. Functional gene analysis revealed that 19 plastic degradation-related genes, including those encoding hydrogenase, esterase, and carboxylesterase, were present in the gut microbes of Ligia from MD, indicating the potential role of the Ligia gut microbiota in plastic degradation. This study provides the first comparative field evidence of the gut microbiota dynamics of plastic detritus consumers in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Mi Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Convergence Engineering, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Min Choi
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Hee Mun
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Won Yoo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Convergence Engineering, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Hyun Jung
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea
- Department of Marine Environmental Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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14
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Barthelemy N, Mermillod-Blondin F, Krause S, Simon L, Mimeau L, Devers A, Vidal JP, Datry T. The Duration of Dry Events Promotes PVC Film Fragmentation in Intermittent Rivers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12621-12632. [PMID: 38954776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The majority of microplastics (MPs) found in the environment originate from plastic fragmentation occurring in the environment and are influenced by environmental factors such as UV irradiation and biotic interactions. However, the effects of river drying on plastic fragmentation remain unknown, despite the global prevalence of watercourses experiencing flow intermittence. This study investigates, through laboratory experiments, the coupled effects of drying duration and UV irradiation on PVC film fragmentation induced by artificial mechanical abrasion. This study shows that PVC film fragmentation increases with drying duration through an increase in the abundance and size of formed MPs as well as mass loss from the initial plastic item, with significant differences for drying durations >50% of the experiment duration. The average abundance of formed MPs in treatments exposed to severe drying duration was almost two times higher than in treatments nonexposed to drying. Based on these results, we developed as a proof of concept an Intermittence-Based Plastic Fragmentation Index that may provide insights into plastic fragmentation occurring in river catchments experiencing large hydrological variability. The present study suggests that flow intermittence occurring in rivers and streams can lead to increasing plastic fragmentation, unraveling new insights into plastic pollution in freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nans Barthelemy
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, LEHNA UMR 5023, CNRS, ENTPE, Villeurbanne F-69622, France
- Lyon-Grenoble Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, UR RiverLy, INRAE, Villeurbanne 69625, France
| | | | - Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Laurent Simon
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, LEHNA UMR 5023, CNRS, ENTPE, Villeurbanne F-69622, France
| | - Louise Mimeau
- Lyon-Grenoble Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, UR RiverLy, INRAE, Villeurbanne 69625, France
| | - Alexandre Devers
- Lyon-Grenoble Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, UR RiverLy, INRAE, Villeurbanne 69625, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Vidal
- Lyon-Grenoble Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, UR RiverLy, INRAE, Villeurbanne 69625, France
| | - Thibault Datry
- Lyon-Grenoble Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, UR RiverLy, INRAE, Villeurbanne 69625, France
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15
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Parker B, Britton JR, Green ID, Jackson MC, Andreou D. Microplastic-stressor responses are rarely synergistic in freshwater fishes: A meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174566. [PMID: 38986705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic exposure can cause a range of negative effects on the biochemistry, condition and ecology of freshwater fishes depending on aspects of the exposure and the exposed fish. However, fishes are typically exposed to microplastics and additional multiple stressors simultaneously, for which the combined effects are poorly understood and may have important management consequences. Additive effects are those where the combined effect is equal to the sum, antagonistic where combined effects are less than the sum and for synergistic effects the combined effect is greater to the sum of the individual effects. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of studies recording freshwater fish responses to microplastic-stressor exposures to test if interactions were primarily non-additive (synergistic or antagonistic), and factors impacting the net response. Individual responses were classified (antagonistic/additive/synergistic) and the fit of net responses to a null additive model determined for 838 responses (36 studies) split by categorical variables for the microplastic exposure (environmental relevance, interacting stressor, microplastic morphology and response category measured), as well as the exposed fish (lifestage, ecology and family). Most responses were classified as antagonistic (48 %) and additive (34 %), with synergistic effects least frequent (17 %). Net responses fitted null additive models for all levels of interacting stressor, fish family and microplastic morphology. In contrast, net antagonism was present for biochemical responses, embryo lifestages, environmentally relevant microplastic exposures and fish with benthopelagic ecology, while synergism was identified for fishes with demersal ecology. While substantial knowledge gaps remain and are discussed, the data thus far suggest microplastic-stressor responses in freshwater fishes are rarely synergistic and, therefore, addressing either or both stressors will likely result in positive management and biological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Parker
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - J Robert Britton
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Iain D Green
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK
| | | | - Demetra Andreou
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK
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16
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Xue H, Wang J, Chen R, Wu W, Dong Y, Yuan X, Li Z, Gao X, Liu J. Physiological and transcriptomic analysis reveals the toxicological mechanisms of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174660. [PMID: 38986693 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
With the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, the toxicity of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) to microalgae has attracted increasing attention. However, the underlying toxic mechanisms of MNPs remain to be elucidated. In this study, we synthesized micro- and nano-scale of polystyrene MNPs (PS MNPs) to investigate their toxicity and toxic mechanisms in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We found that PS MNPs significantly inhibit the production of photosynthetic pigments and increase soluble protein content. The detailed analysis of results shows that both materials affect photosynthetic efficiency by damaging the donor side, reaction center, and electron transfer of photosystem II. Moreover, compared to PS MPs, PS NPs have a greater negative impact on algal cells. Analyzing the transcriptome of cells suggests that the most sensitive metabolic pathways in response to PS MNPs involve oxidative phosphorylation, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and photosynthesis. Especially, genes related to photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation showed significant changes in expression after exposure to PS MNPs. This study provided molecular-level insights into the toxic mechanisms of PS MNPs on microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidan Xue
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710012, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Ruifei Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Center of Advanced Lubrication and Seal Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Yibei Dong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Xiaolong Yuan
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Zhengke Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Jianxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Center of Advanced Lubrication and Seal Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China.
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17
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Chen K, Chen L, Shao H, Li J, Wang H, Mao C, Xu G. Investigation into the characteristics of electron beam-aged microplastics and adsorption behavior of dibutyl phthalate. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 360:142342. [PMID: 38754492 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142342] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are increasingly prevalent in the environment, and their ability to adsorb various organic additives, posing harm to organisms, has attracted growing attention. Currently, there are no effective methods to age microplastics, and there is limited discussion on the subsequent treatment of aged microplastics. This study focuses on micro polyethylene (PE) and employs electron beam technology for aging treatment, investigating the adsorption and leaching behavior between PE and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) before and after aging. Experimental results indicate that with increasing doses of electron beam irradiation, the surface microstructure of PE worsens, inducing the generation of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of polyethylene. Comparative evaluations between electron beam aging and existing methods show that electron beam technology surpasses existing aging methods, achieving a level of aging exceeding 0.7 within an extremely short period of 1 min at doses exceeding 350 kGy. Adsorption experiments demonstrate that the adsorption between PE and DBP conforms to pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich model both before and after aging. The adsorption capacity of microplastics for DBP increases from 76.8 mg g-1 to 167.0 mg g-1 after treatment, exceeding that of conventional DBP adsorbents. Electron beam irradiation causes aging of microplastics mainly through the generation of ·OH, which lead to the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups on the microplastics' surface, thereby enhancing their adsorption capacity for DBP. This provides a new perspective for the degradation of aged microplastics and composite pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Lei Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Haiyang Shao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China.
| | - Jiayuan Li
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Hongyong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Chengkai Mao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Gang Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China; Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200444, PR China.
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18
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Rojoni SA, Ahmed MT, Rahman M, Hossain MMM, Ali MS, Haq M. Advances of microplastics ingestion on the morphological and behavioral conditions of model zebrafish: A review. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106977. [PMID: 38820743 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106977] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Concerns have been conveyed regarding the availability and hazards of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic biota due to their widespread presence in aquatic habitats. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely used as a model organism to study the adverse impacts of MPs due to their several compelling advantages, such as their small size, ease of breeding, inexpensive maintenance, short life cycle, year-round spawning, high fecundity, fewer legal restrictions, and genetic resemblances to humans. Exposure of organisms to MPs produces physical and chemical toxic effects, including abnormal behavior, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, immune toxicity, reproductive imbalance, and histopathological effects. But the severity of the effects is size and concentration-dependent. It has been demonstrated that smaller particles could reach the gut and liver, while larger particles are only confined to the gill, the digestive tract of adult zebrafish. This thorough review encapsulates the current body of literature concerning research on MPs in zebrafish and demonstrates an overview of MPs size and concentration effects on the physiological, morphological, and behavioral characteristics of zebrafish. Finding gaps in the literature paves the way for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraiya Alam Rojoni
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mer Mosharraf Hossain
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sadek Ali
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Monjurul Haq
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh.
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19
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Morgan SE, Romanick SS, DeLouise L, McGrath J, Elder A. Understanding Human Health Impacts Following Microplastic Exposure Necessitates Standardized Protocols. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1104. [PMID: 39018010 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs; 1 µm to 5 mm) are a persistent and pervasive environmental pollutant of emergent and increasing concern. Human exposure to MPs through food, water, and air has been documented and thus motivates the need for a better understanding of the biological implications of MP exposure. These impacts are dependent on the properties of MPs, including size, morphology, and chemistry, as well as the dose and route of exposure. This overview offers a perspective on the current methods used to assess the bioactivity of MPs. First, we discuss methods associated with MP bioactivity research with an emphasis on the variety of assays, exposure conditions, and reference MP particles that have been used. Next, we review the challenges presented by common instrumentation and laboratory materials, the lack of standardized reference materials, and the limited understanding of MP dosimetry. Finally, we propose solutions that can help increase the applicability and impact of future studies while reducing redundancy in the field. The excellent protocols published in this issue are intended to contribute toward standardizing the field so that the MP knowledge base grows from a reliable foundation. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Morgan
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Samantha S Romanick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, 480 Intercampus Drive, Rochester, New York
| | - Lisa DeLouise
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York
| | - James McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, 480 Intercampus Drive, Rochester, New York
| | - Alison Elder
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York, United States
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20
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Gonzalez-Pineda M, Salvadó H, Avila C. Do Antarctic bivalves present microdebris? The case of Livingston Island. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124086. [PMID: 38692387 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124086] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Marine microdebris (MD) seem to be widespread in benthic invertebrates, even in the most remote areas of the planet such as Antarctica, although the information available is still very scarce. Here we provide a detailed quantification and characterization of the MD found on three common bivalve species (Aequiyoldia eightsii, Thracia cf. meridionalis, and Cyclocardia astartoides) inhabiting shallow areas in Johnsons' Bay, Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica) as a snapshot of the MD present. On average, these bivalves contained 0.71 ± 0.89 items per individual and 1.49 ± 2.35 items per gram, being comparable to the few previous existing studies in other Antarctic areas. Nearly half of the organisms analysed here (45.6 %), contained at least one item. No significant differences were found in the three bivalve species. As far as we know, this is the first study to analyse and compare MD in three bivalve species in the Antarctic Peninsula. Although our results indicate bivalves are as not as polluted as in other areas of the planet, this is remarkable since this is considered one of the last pristine areas of the world. Our results point to local activities as the main source of MD pollution in Livingston Island, although global pollution cannot be discarded. We believe this research provides a useful baseline for future studies and will contribute to develop policies and strategies to preserve Antarctic marine ecosystems from MD pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariona Gonzalez-Pineda
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Humbert Salvadó
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Conxita Avila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain
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21
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Jones CM, Hughes GL, Coleman S, Fellows R, Quilliam RS. A perspective on the impacts of microplastics on mosquito biology and their vectorial capacity. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:138-147. [PMID: 38469658 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (plastic particles <5 mm) permeate aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and constitute a hazard to animal life. Although much research has been conducted on the effects of microplastics on marine and benthic organisms, less consideration has been given to insects, especially those adapted to urban environments. Here, we provide a perspective on the potential consequences of exposure to microplastics within typical larval habitat on mosquito biology. Mosquitoes represent an ideal organism in which to explore the biological effects of microplastics on terrestrial insects, not least because of their importance as an infectious disease vector. Drawing on evidence from other organisms and knowledge of the mosquito life cycle, we summarise some of the more plausible impacts of microplastics including physiological, ecotoxicological and immunological responses. We conclude that although there remains little experimental evidence demonstrating any adverse effect on mosquito biology or pathogen transmission, significant knowledge gaps remain, and there is now a need to quantify the effects that microplastic pollution could have on such an important disease vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Jones
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sylvester Coleman
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rosie Fellows
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Richard S Quilliam
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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22
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Bertucci JI, Blanco Osorio A, Vidal-Liñán L, Bellas J. Developmental and biochemical markers of the impact of pollutant mixtures under the effect of Global Climate Change. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142162. [PMID: 38697568 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142162] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the combined impact of microplastics (MP) and Chlorpyriphos (CPF) on sea urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus) under the backdrop of ocean warming and acidification. While the individual toxic effects of these pollutants have been previously reported, their combined effects remain poorly understood. Two experiments were conducted using different concentrations of CPF (EC10 and EC50) based on previous studies from our group. MP were adsorbed in CPF to simulate realistic environmental conditions. Additionally, water acidification and warming protocols were implemented to mimic future ocean conditions. Sea urchin embryo toxicity tests were conducted to assess larval development under various treatment combinations of CPF, MP, ocean acidification (OA), and temperature (OW). Morphometric measurements and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the effects comprehensively. Results indicate that combined stressors lead to significant morphological alterations, such as increased larval width and reduced stomach volume. Furthermore, biochemical biomarkers like acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GRx) activities were affected, indicating oxidative stress and impaired detoxification capacity. Interestingly, while temperature increase was expected to enhance larval growth, it instead induced thermal stress, resulting in lower growth rates. This underscores the importance of considering multiple stressors in ecological assessments. Biochemical biomarkers provided early indications of stress responses, complementing traditional growth measurements. The study highlights the necessity of holistic approaches when assessing environmental impacts on marine ecosystems. Understanding interactions between pollutants and environmental stressors is crucial for effective conservation strategies. Future research should delve deeper into the impacts at lower biological levels and explore adaptive mechanisms in marine organisms facing multiple stressors. By doing so, we can better anticipate and mitigate the adverse effects of anthropogenic pollutants on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Bertucci
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain.
| | - A Blanco Osorio
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain
| | - L Vidal-Liñán
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain
| | - J Bellas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain
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23
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König Kardgar A, Doyle D, Warwas N, Hjelleset T, Sundh H, Carney Almroth B. Microplastics in aquaculture - Potential impacts on inflammatory processes in Nile tilapia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30403. [PMID: 38726173 PMCID: PMC11079099 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30403] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquaculture is essential for meeting the growing global demand for fish consumption. However, the widespread use of plastic and the presence of microplastics in aquaculture systems raise concerns about their impact on fish health and the safety of aquaculture products. This study focused on the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), one of the most important aquaculture fish species globally. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary exposure to a mixture of four conventional fossil fuel-based polymers (microplastics) on the health of adult and juvenile Nile tilapia. Two experiments were conducted, with 36 juvenile tilapia (10-40 g weight) exposed for 30 days and 24 adult tilapia (600-1000 g) exposed for 7 days, the former including a natural particle (kaolin) treatment. In the adult tilapia experiment, no significant effects on intestinal health (Ussing chamber method), oxidative stress, or inflammatory pathways (enzymatic and genetic biomarkers) were observed after exposure to the microplastic mixture. However, in the juvenile tilapia experiment, significant alterations in inflammatory pathways were observed following 30 days of exposure to the microplastic mixture, indicating potential adverse effects on fish health. These results highlight the potential negative impacts of microplastics on fish health and the economics and safety of aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azora König Kardgar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Darragh Doyle
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Niklas Warwas
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Terese Hjelleset
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Sundh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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24
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Ali W, Buriro RS, Gandahi JA, Chen Y, Aabdin ZU, Bhutto S, Sun J, Zhu J, Liu Z, Zou H. A critical review on male-female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics through different signaling pathways. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:110976. [PMID: 38552764 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110976] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that humans are constantly exposed to micro-plastics and nano-plastics through various routes, including inhalation of airborne particles, exposure to dust, and consumption of food and water. It is estimated that humans may consume thousand to millions of micro-plastic particles, equating to several milligrams per day. Prolonged exposure to micro-plastics and nano-plastics has been linked to negative effects on different living organisms, including neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity, and developmental toxicities. The main purpose of this review is to explore the effect of micro-plastics and nano-plastics on the male and female reproductive system, as well as their offspring, and the associated mechanism implicated in the reproductive and developmental toxicities. Micro-plastics and nano-plastics have been shown to exert negative effects on the reproductive system of both male and female mammals and aquatic animals, including developmental impacts on gonads, gametes, embryo, and their subsequent generation. In addition, micro-plastics and nano-plastics impact the hypothalamic-pituitary axes, leading to oxidative stress, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity, developmental abnormalities, poor sperm quality, diminishes ovarian ovulation and immune toxicity. This study discusses the so many different signaling pathways associated in the male and female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Rehana Shahnawaz Buriro
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jameel Ahmed Gandahi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zain Ul Aabdin
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
| | - Sahar Bhutto
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
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25
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Ladewig SM, Bianchi TS, Coco G, Ferretti E, Gladstone-Gallagher RV, Hillman J, Hope JA, Savage C, Schenone S, Thrush SF. Polyester microfiber impacts on coastal sediment organic matter consumption. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116298. [PMID: 38581733 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116298] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
As plastic pollution continues to accumulate at the seafloor, concerns around benthic ecosystem functionality heightens. This research demonstrates the systematic effects of polyester microfibers on seafloor organic matter consumption rates, an important benthic ecosystem function connected to multiple reactions and processes. We used a field-based assay to measure the loss of organic matter, both with and without polyester microfiber contamination. We identified sediment organic matter content, mud content, and mean grain size as the main drivers of organic matter consumption, however, polyester microfiber contamination decoupled ecosystem relationships and altered observed organic matter cycling dynamics. Organic matter consumption rates varied across horizontal and vertical spaces, highlighting that consumption and associated plastic effects are dependent on environmental heterogeneity at both small (within sites) and larger (between sites) scales. Our results emphasize the important role habitat heterogeneity plays in seafloor organic matter consumption and the associated effects of plastic pollution on ecosystem function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Ladewig
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Thomas S Bianchi
- University of Florida, Dept. of Geological Sciences, Gainesville, FL 32611-2120, USA
| | - Giovanni Coco
- University of Auckland, School of Environment, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Eliana Ferretti
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | | | - Jenny Hillman
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Julie A Hope
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, The University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Candida Savage
- University of Otago, Department of Marine Science, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; University of Cape Town, Marine Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa
| | - Stefano Schenone
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Simon F Thrush
- University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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26
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Garrard SL, Clark JR, Martin N, Nelms SE, Botterell ZLR, Cole M, Coppock RL, Galloway TS, Green DS, Jones M, Lindeque PK, Tillin HM, Beaumont NJ. Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171282. [PMID: 38412875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171282] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive use of plastic in modern society has led to plastic litter becoming ubiquitous within the ocean. Land-based sources of plastic litter are thought to account for the majority of plastic pollution in the marine environment, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found. In the marine environment, plastic is a transboundary pollutant, with the potential to cause damage far beyond the political borders from where it originated, making the management of this global pollutant particularly complex. In this study, the risks of land-derived plastic litter (LDPL) to major groups of marine megafauna - seabirds, cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, turtles, sirenians, tuna and billfish - and a selection of productive and biodiverse biogenic habitats - coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds - were analysed using a Spatial Risk Assessment approach. The approach combines metrics for vulnerability (mechanism of harm for megafauna group or habitat), hazard (plastic abundance) and exposure (distribution of group or habitat). Several potential high-risk zones (HRZs) across the North Atlantic were highlighted, including the Azores, the UK, the French and US Atlantic coasts, and the US Gulf of Mexico. Whilst much of the modelled LDPL driving risk in the UK originated from domestic sources, in other HRZs, such as the Azores archipelago and the US Gulf of Mexico, plastic originated almost exclusively from external (non-domestic) sources. LDPL from Caribbean islands - some of the largest generators of marine plastic pollution in the dataset of river plastic emissions used in the study - was noted as a significant input to HRZs across both sides of the Atlantic. These findings highlight the potential of Spatial Risk Assessment analyses to determine the location of HRZs and understand where plastic debris monitoring and management should be prioritised, enabling more efficient deployment of interventions and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Garrard
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - James R Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Martin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Zara L R Botterell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L Coppock
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Jones
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - Pennie K Lindeque
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi M Tillin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
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27
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Cuthbert RN, Nkosi MS, Dalu T. Field and laboratory microplastics uptake by a freshwater shrimp. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11198. [PMID: 38571809 PMCID: PMC10985367 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are widespread pollutants, but few studies have linked field prevalence in organisms to laboratory uptakes. Aquatic filter feeders may be particularly susceptible to microplastic uptake, with the potential for trophic transfer to higher levels, including humans. Here, we surveyed microplastics from a model freshwater shrimp, common caraidina (Caridina nilotica) inhabiting the Crocodile River in South Africa to better understand microplastic uptake rates per individual. We then use functional response analysis (feeding rate as a function of resource density) to quantify uptake rates by shrimps in the laboratory. We found that microplastics were widespread in C. nilotica, with no significant differences in microplastic abundances among sampled sites under varying land uses, with an average abundance of 6.2 particles per individual. The vast majority of microplastics found was fibres (86.1%). Shrimp microplastic accumulation patterns were slightly higher in the laboratory than the field, where shrimp exhibited a hyperbolic Type II functional response model under varying exposure concentrations. Maximum feeding rates of 20 particles were found over a 6 h feeding period, and uptake evidenced at even the lowest laboratory concentrations (~10 particles per mL). These results highlight that microplastic uptake is widespread in field populations and partly density dependent, with field concentrations corroborating uptake rates recorded in the laboratory. Further research is required to elucidate trophic transfer from these taxa and to understand potential physiological impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross N. Cuthbert
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Masimini S. Nkosi
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental SciencesUniversity of MpumalangaNelspruitSouth Africa
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental SciencesUniversity of MpumalangaNelspruitSouth Africa
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28
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Du Y, Teng J, Zhao J, Ren J, Ma H, Zhang T, Xia B, Sun S, Wang Q. Effects of ocean acidification and polystyrene microplastics on the oysters Crassostrea gigas: An integrated biomarker and metabolomic approach. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106434. [PMID: 38460223 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106434] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The adverse impacts of microplastics (MPs) or ocean acidification (OA) on mollusks have been widely reported, however, little is known about their combined effects on mollusks. The oysters Crassostrea gigas were exposed to two sizes of polystyrene MPs with 1 × 104 particles/L (small polystyrene MPs (SPS-MPs): 6 μm, large polystyrene MPs (LPS-MPs): 50-60 μm) at two pH levels (7.7 and 8.1) for 14 days. The antagonistic effects between MPs and OA on oysters were mainly observed. Single SPS-MPs exposure can induce CAT enzyme activity and LPO level in gills, while LPS-MPs exposure alone can increase PGK and PEPCK gene expression in digestive glands. Ocean acidification can increase clearance rate and inhibit antioxidant enzyme activity, whereas combined exposure of OA and SPS-MPs can affect the metabolomic profile of digestive glands. This study emphasized that the potential toxic effects of MPs under the scene of climate change should be concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchao Du
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Jia Teng
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Jingying Ren
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Hengyuan Ma
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, 264209 16, PR China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Bin Xia
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, PR China
| | - Shan Sun
- Shandong Marine Resource and Environment Research Institute, Yantai, 264006, PR China.
| | - Qing Wang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China.
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Li M, Ha B, Li Y, Vrieling K, Fu Z, Yu Q, Rasmann S, Wei X, Ruan W. Toxicological impacts of microplastics on virulence, reproduction and physiological process of entomopathogenic nematodes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116153. [PMID: 38422790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116153] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have emerged as significant and concerning pollutants within soil ecosystems. Among the soil biota, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are lethal parasites of arthropods, and are considered among the most effective biological agents against pests. Infective juveniles (IJs) of EPNs, as they navigate the soil matrix scavenging for arthropod hosts to infect, they could potentially encounter microplastics. Howver, the impact of microplastics on EPNs has not been fully elucidated yet. We addressed this gap by subjecting Steinernema feltiae EPNs to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) with various sizes, concentrations, and exposure durations. After confirming PS-MP ingestion by S. feltiae using fluorescent dyes, we found that the PS-MPs reduced the survival, reproduction, and pathogenicity of the tested EPNs, with effects intensifying for smaller PS-MPs (0.1-1 μm) at higher concentrations (105 μg/L). Furthermore, exposure to PS-MPs triggered oxidative stress in S. feltiae, leading to increased reactive oxygen species levels, compromised mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased antioxidative enzyme activity. Furthermore, transcriptome analyses revealed PS-MP-induced suppression of mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. In conclusion, we show that ingestion of PS-MPs by EPNs can compromise their fitness, due to multple toxicity effects. Our results bear far-reaching consequences, as the presence of microplastics in soil ecosystems could undermine the ecological role of EPNs in regulating pest populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingge Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Bingjun Ha
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Klaas Vrieling
- Plant Cluster, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, P. O. Box 9505, Leiden 2300 RA, the Netherlands
| | - Zhen Fu
- Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Qilin Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Sergio Rasmann
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel CH-2000, Switzerland
| | - Xianqin Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Weibin Ruan
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China.
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30
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Bucci K, Bayoumi M, Stevack K, Watson-Leung T, Rochman CM. Microplastics may induce food dilution and endocrine disrupting effects in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), and decrease offspring quality. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123551. [PMID: 38350533 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123551] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are a complex environmental contaminant that have been reported to cause a variety of impacts, although the mechanism of these impacts remains unclear. Many studies have investigated either sub-organismal or apical endpoints, while very few have attempted to integrate and link endpoints seen at multiple levels of organization. Here, we exposed fathead minnows to microplastics for their entire lifecycle, from the egg stage through to reproduction, and raised a subset of the offspring in clean water. We show that both preconsumer and environmentally sourced microplastics impact adult growth, lipid storage, and external colouration, suggesting a potential food dilution effect. Environmentally sourced microplastics, but not preconsumer microplastics, had further endocrine disrupting impacts on the parental generation and their offspring in the low concentration treatments such that egg production began later, eggs were less viable, and the offspring had higher rates of malformation. Low dose effects are a typical dose-response for endocrine disrupting contaminants. These results suggest that microplastic exposure, at concentrations relevant to what is being found in the environment, has potential implications for forage fish populations. Our findings also highlight the importance of using an integrative approach to understanding the mechanisms behind how and why microplastics impact organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Bucci
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, M5S 3B1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Malak Bayoumi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, M5S 3B1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathleen Stevack
- Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, M9P 3V6, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trudy Watson-Leung
- Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, M9P 3V6, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, M5S 3B1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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31
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Nardi A, Pittura L, d'Errico G, Cesaroni D, Mongera F, Gorbi S, Benedetti M, Regoli F. Cellular effects of microplastics are influenced by their dimension: Mechanistic relationships and integrated criteria for particles definition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123327. [PMID: 38190878 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123327] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The definition of microplastics (MPs) is nowadays too generic from a biological perspective, since different characteristics of these particles might influence their effects. To provide experimental evidence that size is an important factor to be considered, Mediterranean mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis were exposed to five size classes of polyethylene fragments (PE-MPs, 20-50 μm, 50-100 μm, 100-250 μm, 250-500 μm, 500-1000 μm). After 10 days of exposure, MPs ingestion and mechanistic relationships between particles size and cellular effects were analysed through a wide panel of biological alterations, including immune system responses, cholinergic function, antioxidant system, lipid metabolism and peroxidation. Results were further elaborated through a Weight of Evidence approach, summarizing the overall biological significance of obtained results in a hazard index based on the number and magnitude of variations and their toxicological relevance. PE-MPs 500-1000 μm were identified as the less biologically reactive size class due to the limited ingestion of particles coupled with the lack of biological effects, followed by PE-MPs 250-500 μm, which slightly altered the cholinergic function and lysosomal membranes. Conversely, PE-MPs smaller than 250 μm provoked a more consistent onset of biological alterations in terms of immune system composition and functioning, redox homeostasis, and lipid metabolism. The overall findings of this study highlight the importance of considering the size of particles for monitoring and risk assessment of MPs, introducing a more integrated evaluation of plastic pollution that, beside particles concentration, should adequately weigh those characteristics triggering the onset of biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Nardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90131, Italy
| | - Lucia Pittura
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90131, Italy
| | - Giuseppe d'Errico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Deborah Cesaroni
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Mongera
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Gorbi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90131, Italy
| | - Maura Benedetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90131, Italy
| | - Francesco Regoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90131, Italy.
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Munno K, Hoopes L, Lyons K, Drymon M, Frazier B, Rochman CM. High microplastic and anthropogenic particle contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) caught in the western North Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123185. [PMID: 38147950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have documented microplastics (<5 mm) in shark gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. Here, we report microplastic contamination in the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), an apex predator and generalist feeder, at several different life stages. We examined seven stomachs and one spiral valve from eight individuals captured off the United States Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts (eastern US) and conducted a literature review of publications reporting anthropogenic debris ingestion in elasmobranchs. Specimens were chemically digested in potassium hydroxide (KOH) and density separated using calcium chloride (CaCl2) before quantifying and categorizing suspected anthropogenic particles (>45 μm) by size, morphology, and colour. Anthropogenic particles were found in the stomachs and spiral valve of all sharks. A total of 3151 anthropogenic particles were observed across all stomachs with 1603 anthropogenic particles observed in a single specimen. A subset of suspected anthropogenic particles (14%) were chemically identified using Raman spectroscopy and μ-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy to confirm anthropogenic origin. Overall, ≥95% of particles analyzed via spectroscopy were confirmed anthropogenic, with 45% confirmed as microplastics. Of the microplastics, polypropylene (32%) was the most common polymer. Diverse microparticle morphologies were found, with fragments (57%) and fibers (41%) most frequently observed. The high occurrence and abundance of anthropogenic particle contamination in tiger sharks is likely due to their generalist feeding strategy and high trophic position compared to other marine species. The literature review resulted in 32 studies published through 2022. Several methodologies were employed, and varying amounts of contamination were reported, but none reported contamination as high as detected in our study. Anthropogenic particle ingestion studies should continue in the tiger shark, in addition to other elasmobranch species, to further understand the effects of anthropogenic activities and associated pollution on these predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Munno
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lisa Hoopes
- Georgia Aquarium, IUCN Center for Species Survival, 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Kady Lyons
- Georgia Aquarium, IUCN Center for Species Survival, 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Marcus Drymon
- Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS, 39532, USA; Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564, USA
| | - Bryan Frazier
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Liza AA, Ashrafy A, Islam MN, Billah MM, Arafat ST, Rahman MM, Karim MR, Hasan MM, Promie AR, Rahman SM. Microplastic pollution: a review of techniques to identify microplastics and their threats to the aquatic ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:285. [PMID: 38374279 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12441-4] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), small synthetic particles, have emerged as perilous chemical pollutants in aquatic habitats, causing grave concerns about their disruptive effects on ecosystems. The fauna and flora inhabiting these specific environments consume these MPs, unwittingly introducing them into the intricate web of the food chain. In this comprehensive evaluation, the current methods of identifying MPs are amalgamated and their profound impacts on marine and freshwater ecosystems are discussed. There are many potential risks associated with MPs, including the dangers of ingestion and entanglement, as well as internal injuries and digestive obstructions, both marine and freshwater organisms. In this review, the merits and limitations of diverse identification techniques are discussed, including spanning chemical analysis, thermal identification, and spectroscopic imaging such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescent microscopy. Additionally, it discusses the prevalence of MPs, the factors that affect their release into aquatic ecosystems, as well as their plausible impact on various aquatic ecosystems. Considering these disconcerting findings, it is imperative that appropriate measures should be taken to assess the potential risks of MP pollution, protect aquatic life and human health, and foster sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroza Akter Liza
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources and International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Asifa Ashrafy
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nazrul Islam
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Morsaline Billah
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Shaikh Tareq Arafat
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-847, Japan
| | - Md Moshiur Rahman
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
- Fish Conservation and Culture Lab, Biological & Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mehedi Hasan
- Global Sanitation Graduate School, Institute of Disaster Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sheikh Mustafizur Rahman
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
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34
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Klasios N, Kim JO, Tseng M. No Effect of Realistic Concentrations of Polyester Microplastic Fibers on Freshwater Zooplankton Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:418-428. [PMID: 38018737 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Zooplankton are a conduit of energy from autotrophic phytoplankton to higher trophic levels, and they can be a primary point of entry of microplastics into the aquatic food chain. Investigating how zooplankton communities are affected by microplastic pollution is thus a key step toward understanding ecosystem-level effects of these global and ubiquitous contaminants. Although the number of studies investigating the biological effects of microplastics has grown exponentially in the last decade, the majority have used controlled laboratory experiments to quantify the impacts of microplastics on individual species. Given that all organisms live in multispecies communities in nature, we used an outdoor 1130-L mesocosm experiment to investigate the effects of microplastic exposure on natural assemblages of zooplankton. We endeavored to simulate an environmentally relevant exposure scenario by manually creating approximately 270 000 0.015 × 1- to 1.5-mm polyester fibers and inoculating mesocosms with zero, low (10 particles/L), and high (50 particles/L) concentrations. We recorded zooplankton abundance and community composition three times throughout the 12-week study. We found no effect of microplastics on zooplankton abundance, Shannon diversity, or Pielou's evenness. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling plots also revealed no effects of microplastics on zooplankton community composition. Our study provides a necessary and realistic baseline on which future studies can build. Because numerous other stressors faced by zooplankton (e.g., food limitation, eutrophication, warming temperatures, pesticides) are likely to exacerbate the effects of microplastics, we caution against concluding that polyester microfibers will always have no effect on zooplankton communities. Instead, we encourage future studies to investigate the triple threats of habitat degradation, climate warming, and microplastic pollution on zooplankton community health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:418-428. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Klasios
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jihyun O Kim
- Department of Botany, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michelle Tseng
- Departments of Botany and Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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35
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Carter G, Ward J. Independent and synergistic effects of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the reproductive social behavior of fathead minnows ( Pimephales promelas). Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10846. [PMID: 38327688 PMCID: PMC10847624 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become an environmental concern in recent years, with most research focused on the physiological effects of exposure. Comparatively little consideration has been given to the potential behavioral impacts of exposure, which may also have fitness consequences for individuals. Moreover, MPs can serve as vectors for endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other locally co-occurring contaminants known to impair behavioral responses. This project aimed to determine whether MPs alone or in association with a common environmental EDC (17-alpha ethinyl estradiol; EE2) alter reproductive behavior and decision-making in fish. Male and female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to MPs associated with either a low (10 ng/L; MPEE2 10) or high (50 ng/L, MPEE2 50) concentration of EE2, or MPs without EE2 (MPvirgin) for 30 days via a dietary feeding protocol. Behavioral trials were conducted on Day 31 to determine the effects of exposure on male-female social interactions. The expression of male sexually selected traits, including courtship, was unaffected by exposure. However, non-exposed females in all treatment groups trended toward discrimination against exposed males, which reached statistical significance for the MPEE2 50 group. Female fish exposed to MPs, alone or in association with EE2, were equally likely to approach and associate with non-exposed and exposed males. The results from this study suggest that MPs may alter social behavior in fishes and that the behavioral impacts of exposure may be more strongly pronounced in females than males. Such individual-level changes in fitness have the potential to impact population size, with downstream effects on the broader aquatic community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Carter
- Biology DepartmentBall State UniversityMuncieIndianaUSA
| | - Jessica Ward
- Biology DepartmentBall State UniversityMuncieIndianaUSA
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36
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Blanluet A, Game ET, Dunn DC, Everett JD, Lombard AT, Richardson AJ. Evaluating ecological benefits of oceanic protected areas. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:175-187. [PMID: 37778906 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.09.003] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Oceans beyond the continental shelf represent the largest yet least protected environments. The new agreement to increase protection targets to 30% by 2030 and the recent United Nations (UN) High Seas Treaty try to address this gap, and an increase in the declaration of oceanic Marine Protected Areas (oMPAs) in waters beyond 200 m in depth is likely. Here we find that there is contradictory evidence concerning the benefits of oMPAs in terms of protecting pelagic habitats, providing refuge for highly mobile species, and potential fisheries benefits. We discover a mismatch between oMPA management objectives focusing on protection of pelagic habitats and biodiversity, and scientific research focusing on fisheries benefits. We suggest that the solution is to harness emerging technologies to monitor inside and outside oMPAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Blanluet
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; The Nature Conservancy, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
| | - Edward T Game
- The Nature Conservancy, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Daniel C Dunn
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason D Everett
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Environment, Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP), St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia; Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda T Lombard
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Anthony J Richardson
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, QLD, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Environment, Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP), St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
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37
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Malinowski CR, Searle CL, Schaber J, Höök TO. Microplastics impact simple aquatic food web dynamics through reduced zooplankton feeding and potentially releasing algae from consumer control. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166691. [PMID: 37659532 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166691] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of microplastics in aquatic environments continue to rise due to industrial production and pollution. While there are various concerns regarding potential deleterious effects of microplastics on ecosystems, several knowledge gaps remain, including the potential for microplastics to directly and indirectly affect biotic interactions and food web dynamics. We explored the effects of environmentally relevant microplastic concentrations on two co-exposed species of herbaceous freshwater crustaceous zooplankton, filter feeding Daphnia dentifera and selective phytoplankton grazers Arctodiaptomus dorsalis. Study organisms were exposed to different concentrations of microplastics (plastic polyethylene microspheres; low = 2.38 × 10-8 mg/L, medium = 0.023 mg/L, high = 162 mg/L), phytoplankton prey, and predator cues, simulating a simple freshwater food web. Microplastic uptake was greater by D. dentifera, but both species were characterized by decreased algal consumption in the highest microplastic concentration treatment. Importantly, aqueous chlorophyll-a concentrations at the conclusion of the experiment were greater for the high microplastic treatment than all controls and other microplastic treatments. Finally, a predator effect was only apparent for D. dentifera, with greater microplastic uptake in the presence of a predator. We conclude that microplastics may adversely impact the ability of zooplankton to feed on algae and potentially release algae from consumptive control by herbivorous zooplankton. SYNOPSIS: This research aimed to better understand the broader food web effects of environmentally relevant microplastic concentrations on aquatic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Malinowski
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 195 Marsteller St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Ocean First Institute, 51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA.
| | - Catherine L Searle
- Purdue University, Department of Biological Sciences, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - James Schaber
- Purdue University, Bindley Bioscience Center, 1275 3(rd) St., West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Tomas O Höök
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 195 Marsteller St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program, 195 Marsteller St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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38
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Ma YF, You XY. Modeling the effect of fish migration on the horizontal distribution of microplastics in freshwater and ecological risks in the food web: Influence of habitat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166265. [PMID: 37591398 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166265] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs < 5 mm) pollution is a widespread phenomenon in freshwater ecosystems. While the role of physiochemical factors in the migration and distribution of MPs is understood, the impact of biological migration remains less clear. The influence of nekton migration determined by habitat suitability on the distribution of MPs and the consequent ecological risks to the regional food web is investigated in the freshwater environment by using Baiyangdian Lake (China) as a case study. The key findings reveal that fish migration significantly alters the horizontal distribution of MPs in the water environment, with a higher degree of fish aggregation in high suitability habitats leading to an increased presence of MPs due to their ingestion and excretion behaviors. In both high and low suitability habitats, MPs are found to bioconcentrate in fish, suggesting a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems. Despite the lack of evidence supporting MPs biomagnification, the results indicate that MPs are more likely to be biomagnified within the food web of high suitability habitats due to the enhanced foraging capabilities of aquatic organisms. These findings highlight the critical need to consider biological factors, such as nekton migration, in understanding and addressing MPs pollution in freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fei Ma
- Tianjin Engineering Center of Urban River Eco-purification Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xue-Yi You
- Tianjin Engineering Center of Urban River Eco-purification Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Schür C, Beck J, Lambert S, Scherer C, Oehlmann J, Wagner M. Effects of microplastics mixed with natural particles on Daphnia magna populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166521. [PMID: 37640069 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of microplastics on Daphnia magna as a key model for freshwater zooplankton is well described. While several studies predict population-level effects based on short-term, individual-level responses, only very few have validated these predictions experimentally. Thus, we exposed D. magna populations to irregular polystyrene microplastics and diatomite as natural particle (both ≤63 μm) over 50 days. We used mixtures of both particle types at fixed particle concentrations (50,000 particles mL-1) and recorded the effects on overall population size and structure, the size of the individual animals, and resting egg production. Particle exposure adversely affected the population size and structure and induced resting egg production. The terminal population size was 28-42 % lower in exposed compared to control populations. Interestingly, mixtures containing diatomite induced stronger effects than microplastics alone, highlighting that natural particles are not per se less toxic than microplastics. Our results demonstrate that an exposure to synthetic and natural particles has negative population-level effects on zooplankton. Understanding the mixture toxicity of microplastics and natural particles is important given that aquatic organisms will experience exposure to both. Just as for chemical pollutants, better knowledge of such joint effects is essential to fully understand the environmental impacts of complex particle mixtures. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: While microplastics are commonly considered hazardous based on individual-level effects, there is a dearth of information on how they affect populations. Since the latter is key for understanding the environmental impacts of microplastics, we investigated how particle exposures affect the population size and structure of Daphnia magna. In addition, we used mixtures of microplastics and natural particles because neither occurs alone in nature and joint effects can be expected in an environmentally realistic scenario. We show that such mixtures adversely affect daphnid populations and highlight that population-level and mixture-toxicity designs are one important step towards more environmental realism in microplastics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schür
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Joana Beck
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Scott Lambert
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Scherer
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56002, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Jörg Oehlmann
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Lin Q, Pang L, Ngo HH, Guo W, Zhao S, Liu L, Chen L, Li F. Occurrence of microplastics in three types of household cleaning products and their estimated emissions into the aquatic environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:165903. [PMID: 37524188 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in household cleaning products are a significant source of primary MPs. However, their presence in these products remain largely unknown. In this study, three types of common household cleaning products (laundry detergents, toilet bowl cleaners, and dishwashing detergents) were examined to assess the presence of MPs. The potential global emissions of MPs into aquatic environments resulting from the use of these products were estimated using statistics on global wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and household cleaning product markets. The average abundance of MPs in household cleaning products was 564.97 ± 327.83 n·kg-1, with toilet bowl cleaners having a significantly higher abundance than the other two products. The most commonly detected polymers in these products were polyamide (PA), silicone, polyurethane (PU), acrylate copolymer (ACR), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), while the size of the MPs ranged from 21.34 to 442.97 μm, with 81.52 % being <50 μm and 87.32 % being fragment-shaped. The estimated annual MP emissions from these three types of household cleaning products were 3.88 × 1013 ± 1.35 × 1013, with toilet bowl cleaners accounting for 56.44 % of the total emissions. MPs directly released without treatment in WWTPs (2.46 × 1013 n year-1) accounted for 63.40 % of the total emissions, highlighting the importance of increasing the treated rate of wastewater to reduce MP emissions. Sensitivity tests indicated that increasing the MP removal rates of secondary and tertiary WWTPs could also effectively reduce MP emissions. Moreover, gross and per capita MP emissions in 149 countries showed significant differences, which could be attributed to population, market size, demand for household cleaning products, and the level of MP removal among different countries. The findings of this study provide important insights into controlling MP contamination in household cleaning products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Lin
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Lihua Pang
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS 2007, Australia
| | - Wenshan Guo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS 2007, Australia
| | - Shasha Zhao
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Liuqingqing Liu
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Lingyun Chen
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Fengmin Li
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China; Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
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41
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Barry J, Rindorf A, Gago J, Silburn B, McGoran A, Russell J. Top 10 marine litter items on the seafloor in European seas from 2012 to 2020. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:165997. [PMID: 37536608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
We studied the ten most frequently encountered litter items from the seafloor in European seas to advance actions and inform future mitigation measures to reduce marine litter and the associated social, economic and environmental impacts it has on European seas and beyond. Data were collected during trawl surveys from 2012 to 2020 as part of national and regional marine litter monitoring programmes in the Greater North Sea (5652 trawls), Celtic Seas (3505), Bay of Biscay (651), and Baltic Sea (3688). A Bayesian approach is used to quantify the variation in the item rankings. Overall, plastic items predominate in the top positions in each area. Synthetic rope, plastic sheets, monofilament fishing line and plastic bags occupy four of the top five positions for each of the Greater North Sea, Celtic Seas and the Bay of Biscay. Items from fishing and rope (representing mainly other maritime activities) are strongly represented in the top ten lists from three of our four areas, with synthetic rope, fishing nets, and tangled and untangled monofilament fishing line listed in the top seven positions for the Greater North Sea, Celtic Seas and the Bay of Biscay. The top ten items in the Baltic Sea are of a different profile to the other regions, but the most commonly caught items are still predominantly plastic, with plastic sheets, other plastic items and plastic bags occupying three of the top four positions. The findings in this study highlight the need to address sea-based sources to try and eliminate litter from fishing and maritime activities. Measures such as improved port reception facilities, marking of fishing gear, promoting reporting of the loss of fishing gear and increasing public awareness should be introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Barry
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Anna Rindorf
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Jesus Gago
- Centro Nacional-IEO (CSIC) Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Briony Silburn
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Alex McGoran
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Josie Russell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Abd-Elkader A, Hamed ESAE, Mahdy A, Shabaka S. Microplastics in marine invertebrates from the Red Sea Coast of Egypt: Abundance, composition, and risks. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115760. [PMID: 37984088 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115760] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This study marked the first exploration of microplastics in marine invertebrates in the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. 110 individuals from 11 different species, including Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Echinoidea, and Holothuroidrea, were collected near a popular tourist destination. The average concentrations of microplastics varied among species, ranging from 8.2 to 136.5 items per individual or 0.2 to 18.1 items per gram of tissue wet weight, with 100 % occurrence. Bivalves had higher concentrations per gram of tissue compared to sediment dwellers and grazers, with Brachidontes pharaonis showing the highest levels. Actinopyga crassa, a sea cucumber, displayed the highest abundance per individual due to its large size and behavior. The identified plastic polymers suggested sources associated with tourism and maritime activities. The estimated human exposure to microplastics through bivalve consumption was minimal. Further research is needed to examine microplastics contamination in the Red Sea and its potential impacts on ecosystems and human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Abd-Elkader
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | | | - Aldoushy Mahdy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt.
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43
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Zhang Z, Yu H, Tao M, Lv T, Li D, Yu D, Liu C. Shifting enzyme activity and microbial composition in sediment coregulate the structure of an aquatic plant community under polyethylene microplastic exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166497. [PMID: 37611699 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
It has been shown that microplastics (MPs) interfere with critical biological processes (including development, growth and fitness); however, there is no information about the impact of MPs on plant productivity and community structure in freshwater ecosystems. Here, we investigated the effects of two sizes (MIC: 20-300 μm, MAC: 2-3 mm) and three concentrations (0.03 %, 0.3 %, and 0.6 %) of low-density polyethylene MPs on submerged plant communities. The results showed that plant responses to MPs were species specific, which can affect plant community structure. For canopy-forming species (Hydrilla verticillata), total biomass increased by 4 %-46 % and relative abundance increased by 23 %-34 % under MP exposure, while rosette-forming species (Vallisneria natans) decreased by 44 %-67 % in total biomass and relative abundance decreased by 54 %-71 %. Myriophyllum spicatum growth was largely unaffected by MPs. Community diversity was negatively correlated with MAC treatments, and the community root to shoot ratio decreased by 40 %, while community productivity increased by 41 % at a 0.6 % MAC concentration. Although MPs did not change the microbial community composition, alpha diversity was reduced at the 0.6 % concentration. It is worth noting that 0.6 % is a higher concentration than most field sediment investigations. During the experiment, the activity of functional enzymes related to carbon and nitrogen increased under most MP treatments. Structural equation modelling showed that MIC changed the community structure mainly by driving sediment enzyme activity, while MAC changed the community structure mainly by driving plant growth. The results implied that MPs may affect sediment enzymatic activities, microbial alpha diversity and aquatic plant growth, potentially altering the diversity and stability of aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhang
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Hongwei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Min Tao
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Tian Lv
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Dexiang Li
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Dan Yu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Chunhua Liu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.
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Abdel Ghani SA, Shobier AH, El-Sayed AAM, Shreadah MA, Shabaka S. Quantifying microplastics pollution in the Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba: Insights from chemical analysis and pollution load assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166031. [PMID: 37541508 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) constitute the majority of marine plastic litter. The pollution caused by MPs has been categorized as a gradual and persistent crisis, but little is known about its extent along the shores of the Red Sea, particularly on the Egyptian side. The Red Sea is a rapidly developing region and home to critical ecosystems with high levels of endemism. This study represents the first comprehensive survey investigating the extent of MP pollution along the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea, including the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba. Mean concentrations ranged from 23.3 ± 15.28 to 930.0 ± 181.9 MPs/kg DW. Out of 17 beaches surveyed, 12 had mean concentrations of <200 items/kg, indicating a low occurrence of MPs compared to the shores of the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. The pollution load index varied from low to medium levels in most locations. Ras Mohamed, a marine protected area, showed high vulnerability to MP pollution. All the investigated particles were fragments of secondary MPs. The sources of pollution mainly come from maritime activities, including cargo shipping and intense recreational activities. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy identified four plastic polymers, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common. The surface morphology of plastic particles was examined using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. All the particles exhibited signs of degradation, which could generate countless plastic pieces with possible deleterious impacts. This work has highlighted the importance of conducting region-specific assessments of mismanaged plastic waste, focusing on the role of tourism and recreational navigation as contributors to plastic litter, to estimate plastic waste inputs into the waters of the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. Efforts are needed to develop strategic plans to reduce the disposal of plastic waste in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aida H Shobier
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt
| | | | - M A Shreadah
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt
| | - Soha Shabaka
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Niof, Egypt.
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45
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Liu W, Xu C, Li Z, Chen L, Wang X, Li E. Reducing Dietary Protein Content by Increasing Carbohydrates Is More Beneficial to the Growth, Antioxidative Capacity, Ion Transport, and Ammonia Excretion of Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) under Long-Term Alkalinity Stress. AQUACULTURE NUTRITION 2023; 2023:9775823. [PMID: 38023982 PMCID: PMC10667043 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9775823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Alkalinity stress is the main stress experienced by aquatic animals in saline-alkali water, which hinders the aquaculture development and the utilization of water resources. The two-factor (2 × 3) test was adopted to study the influence of dietary protein to carbohydrate ratios on the energy metabolism of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under different alkalinity stress levels. Three diets with different protein-carbohydrate ratios (P27/C35, P35/C25, and P42/C15) were fed to fish cultured in freshwater (FW, 1.3 mmol/L carbonate alkalinity) or alkaline water (AW, 35.7 mmol/L carbonate alkalinity) for 50 days. Ambient alkalinity decreased tilapia growth performance. Although ambient alkalinity caused oxidative stress and enhanced ion transport and ammonia metabolism in tilapia, tilapia fed the P27/C35 diet showed better adaptability than fish fed the other two diets in alkaline water. Further metabolomic analysis showed that tilapia upregulated all the pathways enriched in this study to cope with alkalinity stress. Under alkalinity stress, tilapia fed the P27/C35 diet exhibited enhanced pyruvate metabolism and purine metabolism compared with tilapia fed the P42/C15 diet. This study indicated that ambient alkalinity could significantly decrease growth performance and cause oxidative stress and osmotic regulation. However, reducing dietary protein content by increasing carbohydrates could weaken stress and improve growth performance, ion transport, and ammonia metabolism in tilapia under long-term hyperalkaline exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Liqiao Chen
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Erchao Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Hainan Aquaculture Breeding Engineering Research Center, School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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46
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Brawn C, Hamilton BM, Savoca MS, Bardarson B, Vermaire JC, Provencher J. Suspected anthropogenic microparticle ingestion by Icelandic capelin. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115551. [PMID: 37769403 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115551] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Documented ingestion of microplastics and other anthropogenic microparticles (AMP) by marine fishes has increased over the last decade. However, baseline datasets on AMP ingestion in Arctic fish species are limited. This study documents AMP ingestion in Icelandic capelin (Mallotus villosus) and investigates how this relates to several biological variables. A total of 160 capelin gastrointestinal tracts were sampled and digested using 10 % potassium hydroxide and visual inspection protocols. A total frequency of occurrence (%FO) of 52.5 % and a mean AMP abundance of 1.33 ± 2.37 per individual was found (particles > 45 μm). The colour of AMP detected was significantly different between sampling locations. However, no differences in %FO or mean AMP abundance were detected between sampling locations or related to body size, gut fullness, or sex. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on AMP ingestion by Arctic marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Brawn
- University Centre of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður 400, Iceland.
| | - Bonnie M Hamilton
- University of Toronto, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Matthew S Savoca
- Hopkins Marine Station, Department of Oceans, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Birkir Bardarson
- Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Reykjavík 220, Iceland
| | - Jesse C Vermaire
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Environmental Change Laboratory, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and Institute for Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Jennifer Provencher
- Environment Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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47
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Reichelt S, Gorokhova E. Aggregation in experimental studies with microparticles: Experimental settings change particle size distribution during exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122369. [PMID: 37597735 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics is raising broad concerns and motivating effect studies. In these studies, however, particle behaviour in the water and aggregation are rarely considered leading to contradictory results reported by different studies. Using an environmentally relevant experimental setup with Daphnia magna as a test organism, we investigated how experimental conditions affect particle aggregation and the aggregate heterogeneity in terms of the particle size distribution. The experimental factors considered were (1) exposure duration (48 h vs 120 h), (2) the total mass of suspended solids (0-10 mg/l) composed of natural mineral particles (kaolin) and microplastics, (3) the proportion of the microplastics in the particle suspension (0-10% by mass), (4) dissolved organic matter (DOM; 0 vs 20 mg agarose/l), and (5) presence of the test organism (0 and 5 daphnids/vial). We found that particle aggregation occurs within the first 48 h of incubation in all treatments, no substantial change in the aggregate heterogeneity is observed afterwards. The median aggregate size was ∼2-fold higher than the nominal average particle size of clay and microplastics in the stock suspensions used to prepare the experimental mixtures. The strongest positive driver of the aggregate size and heterogeneity was DOM, followed by the presence of daphnids and the concentration of the suspended solids in the system. Also, microplastics were found to facilitate aggregation, albeit they were the weakest contributor. Moreover, besides directly increasing the aggregation, DOM relaxed the effects of the total solids and daphnids on the aggregate size. Thus, the particle size distribution was established early during the exposure and shaped by all experimental factors and their interactions. These findings improve our understanding of the processes occurring in the exposure systems when conducting effect studies with microplastics and other particulates and demonstrate the necessity to access the particle size distribution to characterise the exposure. Aslo, relevant experimental designs with microplastics must include relevant natural particulates and DOM to ensure environmentally realistic particle behaviour and adequate particle-biota interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Reichelt
- Department of Environmental Science (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Elena Gorokhova
- Department of Environmental Science (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Goyal T, Singh S, Das Gupta G, Verma SK. Microplastics in environment: a comprehension on sources, analytical detection, health concerns, and remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:114707-114721. [PMID: 37897575 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30526-4] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of ecosystems by microplastics (MPs) has been reported intensively worldwide in the recent decade. A trend of reports indicated their presence in the atmosphere; food items and soil ecosystems are rising continuously. Literature evidenced that MPs are abundant in seawater, beach sand, drinking water, agricultural soils, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, and the atmosphere. The greater abundance of MPs in the environment has led to their invasion of seafood, human-consumed food items such as table salts, beverages, takeout food containers, and disposable cups, marine biological lives, and creating serious health hazards in humans. Moreover, the absence of guidelines and specifications for controlling MPs in the environment makes the situation alarming, and the human toxicity data of MPs is scarce. Thereby, the toxicity assessment of MPs in humans is of greater concern. This review compiles the updated information on the potential sources of MPs in different components of the environment (viz. soil, water, and air), their analysis methods, effects on human health, and remediation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanish Goyal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhwinder Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India
| | - Ghanshyam Das Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India
| | - Sant Kumar Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India.
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49
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Mosur Nagarajan A, Subramanian A, Prasad Gobinathan K, Mohanakrishna G, Sivagami K. Electrochemical-based approaches for the treatment of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in wastewater. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118385. [PMID: 37392690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118385] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent times, emerging contaminants (ECs) like pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water and wastewater have become a major concern in the environment. Electrochemical treatment technologies proved to be more efficient to degrade or remove PPCPs present in the wastewater. Electrochemical treatment technologies have been the subject of intense research for the past few years. Attention has been given to electro-oxidation and electro-coagulation by industries and researchers, indicating their potential to remediate PPCPs and mineralization of organic and inorganic contaminants present in wastewater. However, difficulties arise in the successful operation of scaled-up systems. Hence, researchers have identified the need to integrate electrochemical technology with other treatment technologies, particularly advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Integration of technologies addresses the limitation of indiviual technologies. The major drawbacks like formation of undesired or toxic intermediates, s, energy expenses, and process efficacy influenced by the type of wastewater etc., can be reduced in the combined processes. The review discusses the integration of electrochemical technology with various AOPs, like photo-Fenton, ozonation, UV/H2O2, O3/UV/H2O2, etc., as an efficient way to generate powerful radicals and augment the degradation of organic and inorganic pollutants. The processes are targeted for PPCPs such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, polyparaben and carbamezapine. The discussion concerns itself with the various advantages/disadvantages, reaction mechanisms, factors involved, and cost estimation of the individual and integrated technologies. The synergistic effect of the integrated technology is discussed in detail and remarks concerning the prospects subject to the investigation are also stated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Mosur Nagarajan
- Industrial Ecology Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India; Faculty of Process and Systems Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aishwarya Subramanian
- Industrial Ecology Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India; School of Process Engineering, Technische Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Krishna Prasad Gobinathan
- Industrial Ecology Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India; School of Process Engineering, Technische Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunda Mohanakrishna
- Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Hubli, India.
| | - Krishnasamy Sivagami
- Industrial Ecology Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
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Li J, Li Y, Maryam B, Chen X, Zong Y, Tu J, Zhang P, Liu X. Microplastic aging alters the adsorption-desorption behaviors of sulfamethoxazole in marine animals: A study in simulated biological liquids. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115473. [PMID: 37659385 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs) coexisting as unique environmental contaminants may cause unintended environmental issues. In this study, the adsorption-desorption behaviors of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) on both original and UV-aged MPs were examined. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polyethylene (PE), which represent degradable and refractory MPs, respectively, were chosen as two distinct types of MPs. Furthermore, simulated fish intestinal fluids (SFIF) and simulated mammalian stomach fluids (SMGF) were employed to evaluate the desorption behaviors of SMX from aged MPs. Our findings demonstrate that UV-aging altered the polarity, hydrophilicity, and structure of the MPs. Aged MPs showed a higher adsorption capacity than the original MPs and they have a higher desorption capacity than original MPs in simulated body fluids. PE has a higher SMX desorption capacity in SFIF and the opposite happened in SMGF. Our results highlight the importance of considering the different adsorption-desorption behaviors of antibiotics on MPs when evaluating their environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Yunxue Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Bushra Maryam
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Xiaochen Chen
- College of Environment & Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Yanping Zong
- Tianjin Marine Environment Monitoring Center Station of State Oceanic Administration, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Jianbo Tu
- Tianjin Marine Environment Monitoring Center Station of State Oceanic Administration, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- College of Food Science and Bioengineering, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, PR China.
| | - Xianhua Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China.
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