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Themba NN, Dondofema F, Cuthbert RN, Munyai LF, Dalu T. Abundance and distribution of microplastics in benthic sediments and Cladocera taxa in a subtropical Austral reservoir. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:2256-2270. [PMID: 39016676 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4977] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Pollution of the natural environment by microplastics has become a global issue in ecosystems as it poses a potential long-term threat to biota. Microplastics can accrue in high abundances in sediments of aquatic ecosystems while also contaminating pelagic filter feeders, which could transfer pollutants up trophic webs. We assess the abundance and distribution of microplastics in benthic sediments and Cladocera taxa in a subtropical Austral reservoir using a combination of geospatial techniques, physicochemical analyses, diversity indices, and multivariate statistics between two seasons (i.e., hot-wet and cool-dry). We found particularly high densities of microplastics during the cool-dry season for both sediments (mean 224.1 vs. 189 particles kg-1 dry weight) and Cladocera taxa (0.3 particles per individual). Cladocera microplastic shapes were dominated by fibers with high densities of the transparent color scheme. Pearson correlation results indicated that sediment microplastic abundances were negatively correlated with chlorophyll-a concentration, temperature, and resistivity, whereas they were positively correlated with pH and salinity during the hot-wet season, with no variables significant in the cool-dry season. Cladocera microplastic abundances were positively correlated with conductivity and salinity during the cool-dry season, but no variables in the hot-wet season. These findings provide insights into the role of reservoirs as microplastic retention sites and the potential for uptake and transfer from lower trophic groups. These insights can be used to strengthen future monitoring and intervention strategies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2256-2270. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nombuso N Themba
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, South Africa
| | - Farai Dondofema
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Linton F Munyai
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, South Africa
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2
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Le Hen G, Masoni A, Manuelli M, Falsini S, Corti E, Balzani P, Renault D, Papini A, Santini G. Ants avoid food contaminated with micro- and nanoplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124625. [PMID: 39069242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124625] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) have recently received particular attention in freshwater and marine ecosystems, but less is known about their impact on terrestrial species. Ants can be used as biological indicators for many types of pollutants and are therefore a good candidate to explore the effects of MNP pollution. In the present study, we investigated the ability of workers from seven colonies of the acrobat ant Crematogaster scutellaris to detect MNP in their food. After two days of starvation, groups of ten ants were tested for their preference toward control and polyethylene-treated solutions. Every 5 min over a total 20 min period, the number of workers feeding on either solution was counted. The results showed that C. scutellaris workers could detect and avoid contaminated food, feeding more often on the uncontaminated solution in the first 10 min. However, after 10 min the food preference was no longer significant between the groups, likely owing to feeding satiation. We then assessed whether this feeding behaviour is sufficient to cause the accumulation of MNP in the ant. We thereby provided a solution containing fluorescent MNP (fMNP) at the same concentration as in the previous experiments. Observation of the ants' mouthparts using fluorescent light microscopy showed that after 10 min dense aggregations of fMNP were visible. Further investigations are needed to understand the mechanisms of detection of MNP by ants, and the accumulation dynamics in ants' bodies. Moreover, the effects of MNP on the integrity and fitness of ant colonies, as well as the potential transfer across terrestrial trophic chains should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendaline Le Hen
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, 35000 Rennes, France; Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Alberto Masoni
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marta Manuelli
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Falsini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| | - Emilio Corti
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| | - Paride Balzani
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - David Renault
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, 35000 Rennes, France; Institut Universitaire de France, 1 Rue Descartes, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Alessio Papini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Santini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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de Nadai BL, Moura L, Castro GB, Silva KJS, Maletzke AG, Corbi JJ, Batista GEAPA, Machado RB. Can microplastic contamination affect the wing morphology and wingbeat frequency of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-35161-1. [PMID: 39348019 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-35161-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly widespread in the environment, which raises questions about their potential effects at different biological levels. It is essential to assess the impacts on biodiversity, and it is also crucial to understand whether the presence of MPs can interfere with the biological traits of species of relevance in public health. Considering that the life-history traits of mosquitoes, such as size and the wingbeat frequency (WBF), are related to its vector competence, here, we study the effects of 106 particles L-1 (as expected concentration of MPs on the environment, using the polyethylene type) on WBF, as well as wing morphology, testing the Culicidae species found across all continents, Aedes aegypti, as an indicator. Results show that larvae survival and development were not affected by the tested concentration of MP. Geometric morphometrics showed some asymmetry in female mosquito wings, which were also smaller for individuals reared in MP suspension. As for WBF, results did not indicate any significant differences between females. Male mosquitoes, however, showed alterations in WBF and wing morphology, suggesting possible sex-specific reactions to microplastic exposure. Also, the combination of morphological parameters analyzed as covariates (wing centroid size and body weight) did not significantly affect WBF for both female and male mosquitoes. Overall, this study shows an inaugural investigation of the effects of MP on wing size and WBF on Ae. aegypti, shedding light on these parameters tested for a current pollution issue and its impact on a virus vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Lepretti de Nadai
- Computational Entomology Laboratory, Department of Engineering and Exact Sciences, Western Paraná State University, Foz Do Iguaçu, Brazil.
| | - Lidia Moura
- Environmental Engineering and Sanitation, Leonardo da Vinci University Center, Indaial, Brazil
| | - Gleyson B Castro
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Applied Ecology, Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil
| | - Kamila Jessie Sammarro Silva
- Environmental Biophotonics Laboratory, São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil
| | - André Gustavo Maletzke
- Computational Entomology Laboratory, Department of Engineering and Exact Sciences, Western Paraná State University, Foz Do Iguaçu, Brazil
| | - Juliano José Corbi
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Applied Ecology, Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil
| | - Gustavo E A P A Batista
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Renato Bobsin Machado
- Computational Entomology Laboratory, Department of Engineering and Exact Sciences, Western Paraná State University, Foz Do Iguaçu, Brazil
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Ullmann CV, Arnone MI, Jimenez-Guri E. Natural sea water and artificial sea water are not equivalent in plastic leachate contamination studies. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2024; 4:59. [PMID: 39347455 PMCID: PMC11427872 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.17112.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Plastic contamination is one of the concerns of our age. With more than 150 million tons of plastic floating in the oceans, and a further 8 million tons arriving to the water each year, in recent times the scientific community has been studying the effects these plastics have on sea life both in the field and with experimental approaches. Laboratory based studies have been using both natural sea water and artificial sea water for testing various aspects of plastic contamination, including the study of chemicals leached from the plastic particles to the water. We set out to test this equivalence, looking at the leaching of heavy metals form plastic particles. Methods We obtained leachates of PVC plastic pre-production nurdles both in natural and artificial sea water and determined the elements in excess from untreated water by Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry. We then used these different leachates to assess developmental success in the tunicate Ciona intestinalis by treating fertilised eggs through their development to hatched larvae. Results Here we report that chemical analysis of PVC plastic pre-production pellet leachates shows a different composition in natural and artificial sea water. We find that the Zn leaching from the plastic particles is reduced up to five times in artificial sea water, and this can have an effect in the toxicological studies derived. Indeed, we observe different effects in the development of C. intestinalis when using leachates in natural or artificial sea water. We also observe that not all artificial sea waters are suitable for studying the development of the tunicarte C. intestinalis. Conclusions Our results show that, at least in this case, both types of water are not equivalent to produce plastic leachaetes and suggest that precaution should be taken when conclusions are derived from results obtained in artificial sea water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Vinzenz Ullmann
- Department for Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn, England, UK
| | - Maria Ina Arnone
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli, Naples, Campania, Italy
| | - Eva Jimenez-Guri
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli, Naples, Campania, Italy
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, England, UK
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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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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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7
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Li JH, Liu XH, Liang GR, Gao HT, Guo SH, Zhou XY, Xing D, Zhao T, Li CX. Microplastics affect mosquito from aquatic to terrestrial lifestyles and are transferred to mammals through mosquito bites. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170547. [PMID: 38296097 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170547] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) transfer from the environment to living organisms is a nonignorable global problem. As a complete metamorphosis insect, the larvae and adult Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito live in aquatic and terrestrial environments, respectively, where they easily access MPs. However, little is known about mosquitoes' potential role in MPs accumulation throughout ecosystems. Therefore, we conducted a study with different MPs particle sizes (0.1/1/10 μm) and concentrations (0.5/5/50 μg/mL) on Cx. quinquefasciatus to address this issue. Once exposed at the young larval stage, MPs could accompany the mosquitoes their entire life. The fluorescence signals of MPs in the larvae were mainly located in the intestines. Its intensity increased (from 3.72 × 106 AU to 5.45 × 107 AU) as the concentrations of MPs increases. The fluorescence signals of MPs were also detected in the blood and skin tissues of mice bitten by adult mosquitoes with MPs containing in their bodies. Mosquitos exposed to MPs showed longer larval pupation and eclosion time as well as lower adult body weight. In addition, MPs significantly reduced the lethal effect of pyrethroid insecticides (97.77 % vs. 48.88 %, p < 0.05) with 15.1 % removal of the deltamethrin concentration. After MPs exposure, the relative abundance of the Cx. quinquefasciatus gut microbiome, such as Wolbachia spp., Elizabethkingia spp., and Asaia spp., changed as the MPs size and concentration changes. Mosquitoes provide a new pathway for MPs accumulation and transfer to higher-level living organisms. Moreover, MPs significantly reduce the control effect of deltamethrin, providing new guidelines for mosquito insecticide application in MPs contamination circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Rui Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - He-Ting Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Han Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Teng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.
| | - Chun-Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.
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Borriello L, Scivicco M, Cacciola NA, Esposito F, Severino L, Cirillo T. Microplastics, a Global Issue: Human Exposure through Environmental and Dietary Sources. Foods 2023; 12:3396. [PMID: 37761106 PMCID: PMC10649135 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic production has grown dramatically over the years. Microplastics (MPs) are formed from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris by combining chemical, physical, and biological processes and can degrade further to form nanoplastics (NPs). Because of their size, MPs and NPs are bioavailable to many organisms and can reach humans through transport along the food chain. In addition to the risk from ingesting MPs themselves, there are risks associated with the substances they carry, such as pesticides, pathogenic microorganisms, and heavy metals, and with the additives added to plastics to improve their characteristics. In addition, bioaccumulation and biomagnification can cause a cumulative exposure effect for organisms at the top of the food chain and humans. Despite the growing scientific interest in this emerging contaminant, the potential adverse effects remain unclear. The aim of this review is to summarize the characteristics (size, shape, color, and properties) of MPs in the environment, the primary sources, and the transport pathways in various environmental compartments, and to shed more light on the ecological impact of MPs and the potential health effects on organisms and humans by identifying human exposure pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Borriello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Marcello Scivicco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Nunzio Antonio Cacciola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lorella Severino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Division of Toxicology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (M.S.); (N.A.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Teresa Cirillo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy;
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Nantege D, Odong R, Auta HS, Keke UN, Ndatimana G, Assie AF, Arimoro FO. Microplastic pollution in riverine ecosystems: threats posed on macroinvertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27839-9. [PMID: 37248351 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants of emerging concern that have been reported in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well as in food items. The increasing production and use of plastic materials have led to a rise in MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems. This review aimed at providing an overview of the abundance and distribution of MPs in riverine ecosystems and the potential effects posed on macroinvertebrates. Microplastics in riverine ecosystems are reported in all regions, with less research in Africa, South America, and Oceania. The abundance and distribution of MPs in riverine ecosystems are mainly affected by population density, economic activities, seasons, and hydraulic regimes. Ingestion of MPs has also been reported in riverine macroinvertebrates and has been incorporated in caddisflies cases. Further, bivalves and chironomids have been reported as potential indicators of MPs in aquatic ecosystems due to their ability to ingest MPs relative to environmental concentration. Fiber and fragments are the most common types reported. Meanwhile, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (polyester), polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride are the most common polymers. These MPs are from materials/polymers commonly used for packaging, shopping/carrier bags, fabrics/textiles, and construction. Ingestion of MPs by macroinvertebrates can physically harm and inhibit growth, reproduction, feeding, and moulting, thus threatening their survival. In addition, MP ingestion can trigger enzymatic changes and cause oxidative stress in the organisms. There is a need to regulate the production and use of plastic materials, as well as disposal of the wastes to reduce MP pollution in riverine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Nantege
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria.
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Robinson Odong
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Helen Shnada Auta
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Unique Ndubuisi Keke
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Gilbert Ndatimana
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Attobla Fulbert Assie
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Francis Ofurum Arimoro
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
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10
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Thormeyer M, Tseng M. No Effect of Realistic Microplastic Exposure on Growth and Development of Wild-caught Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:604-607. [PMID: 36798997 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a threat to environments around the world and mosquitoes are particularly affected because of their high chance of encountering MP as larvae. Mosquitoes have been shown to readily consume microplastics and they have a significant impact on health in society, yet we have limited knowledge on the effects of MP exposure on fitness-related traits. Additionally, the data we do have come primarily from studies that have used unrealistically high microplastic concentrations, or unrealistic methods of exposure. Here we exposed wild-type first instar Culex pipiens and Culex tarsalis larvae to two 4.8-5.8 μm polystyrene microplastic concentrations (0 particles/ml, 200 particles/ml, 20,000 particles/ml) to evaluate the effect of MP exposure on body size, development, and growth rate. We found no effect of microplastics on any of the traits in either species. These results indicate microplastic exposures comparable to levels found in nature have minimal effects on these fitness-related traits. Future directions for this work include examining whether the effects of MP exposure are exacerbated when evaluated in combination with other common stressors, such as warming temperatures, pesticides, and food limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Thormeyer
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 4200-6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Michelle Tseng
- Departments of Botany and Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 3156-6720 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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11
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Alma AM, de Groot GS, Buteler M. Microplastics incorporated by honeybees from food are transferred to honey, wax and larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121078. [PMID: 36642174 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are ubiquitous in the environment, and there is little information available on their impact on terrestrial organisms. Their effect on insects and particularly on honeybees is relevant, given the prevalence of these organisms in the environment and the fact that they provide key ecosystem services. We conducted a field study to assess (1) the fate of these ingested MP within the hive, and (2) MP effect on Apis mellifera population growth during chronic exposure. We aimed to determine if MP ingested by honeybees are incorporated into hive matrices, including honey, and their effect on colony development and honey reserves. We fed beehives with sucrose solutions treated or untreated with 50 mg of Polyester microfibers/L for one month. Microplastic fibers (MF) from treated syrup were incorporated by adult worker bees, remaining in their cuticle, digestive tract, larvae, honey, and wax. Most of the MF were accumulated in wax showing that honey remains as a safe food. At the end of the experiment, no differences in honey reserves or bee population were observed. This is the first study to evaluate in the field the effects and dynamics of MP inside honeybee hives. Our results showed that bees can incorporate MP from the environment and deliver them into the different matrices of the hive. Concentration of MF found in honey of treated hives was like that found in commercial honey, suggesting that honeybees might be exposed to similar MP contamination levels in the environment compared to our experiment. Finally, our results highlight a way in which MP might enter the food chain, with direct implication for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marina Alma
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional Del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Grecia Stefanía de Groot
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional Del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Micaela Buteler
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional Del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina.
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12
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Gopinath PM, Darekar AS, Kanimozhi S, Mukherjee A, Chandrasekaran N. Female mosquito-a potential vector for transporting plastic residues to humans. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 301:134666. [PMID: 35452648 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
With the prodigious use of plastics in the industrial sector and daily life, plastic has become one of the fastest-growing sources of pollution in the aquatic environment. Therefore, ingestion of micro/nanoplastics (MP/NPs) by aquatic organisms is inevitable. But the knowledge on the definite effect, ontogenetic transfer, and translocation of NPs remains incipient. Thus, this study examines the abundance of MPs in mosquito larvae collected from the sewage pit. Additionally, this study demonstrates the MPs-mediated biochemical alterations and effects on development of mosquito, and then ontogenetic transfer and translocation of NPs in Aedes aegypti. Totally 1241 MPs belonging to polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and nylon with sizes ranging from 0.5 μm to 80 μm in diameter were isolated from the mosquito larvae. Indeed all the four stages of mosquito larvae feed on NPs and subsequently transfer them to non-feeding pupa and then to flying adult mosquitoes, further to the offspring. However, the NPs exposure and accumulation did not affect the survival of mosquitoes, but altered the biochemical constituents, thereby delaying the development of mosquitoes. Notably the female mosquitoes that emerged from the NPs treatment group showed increased blood-feeding activity and increased starvation resistance capacity. The puzzling accumulation of NPs/residues in different organs, especially in the salivary gland signifies that female mosquitoes could potentially inject polymer residues into humans and animals. At the outset, these observations emphasize that the mosquitoes act as a vector of NPs in the aqueous environment and transport them to terrestrial animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ankita Shivaji Darekar
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Subramanian Kanimozhi
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Amitava Mukherjee
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natarajan Chandrasekaran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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13
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Loiseau C, Sorci G. Can microplastics facilitate the emergence of infectious diseases? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 823:153694. [PMID: 35143788 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. Small plastic particles (called microplastics) have been reported to have pernicious effects on human and wildlife health, by altering physiological functions (e.g., immunity, metabolism) and interfering with commensal microorganisms. However, in addition to these direct toxic effects, we suggest that microplastic pollution might also exert deleterious effects, modifying (i) the exposure to pathogens (e.g., multi-drug resistant bacteria) and (ii) the dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Therefore, we argue that microplastics should be considered as a ubiquitous environmental hazard, potentially promoting the (re)emergence of infectious diseases. The implementation of multi- and interdisciplinary research projects are crucial to properly evaluate if microplastic pollution should be added to the current list of global health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Loiseau
- CIBIO-InBIO - Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO Associate Laboratory, Campus de Vairão, 7 Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Gabriele Sorci
- Biogéosciences, CNRS UMR 6282, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Boulevard Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France
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14
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Buteler M, Alma AM, Stadler T, Gingold AC, Manattini MC, Lozada M. Acute toxicity of microplastic fibers to honeybees and effects on foraging behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153320. [PMID: 35074382 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are considered emerging and persistent pollutants, although most of the research has been conducted on marine environments. Declines in honeybee populations have been reported globally, and recently, microplastic pollution has been considered a possible cause of this. Thus, we aimed to determine acute toxicity of polyester fibers and their effects on foraging behavior in honeybees. To test this, we conducted an oral acute toxicity bioassay, testing the effect of MPs on individual honeybees, and we studied the foraging behavior of honeybees when exposed to food and water containing MPs. We observed no mortality in honeybees fed with sucrose solution containing 100 mg MP/L after 24 and 48 h. Upon bee dissection of the digestive tract, we found 1.27 ± 1.5 fibers per bee, showing a mean (±SE) of 0.92 (±1.14) and 0.32 (±0.70) in their gut and crop respectively. The length of these microfibers ranged between 0.05 and 1.24 mm with a mean (±SE) of 0.42 (±0.25) mm. Although we did not find any preference or avoidance of MPs when presented in sucrose solutions and water; bees consumed MP-free solutions faster than solutions with 10 and 100 mg MPs/L. This might be due to changes in the viscosity of the solutions containing plastic and has implications for the impact of microplastic pollution on insects. Results suggest that MPS do not pose a threat to honeybees in the short term, based on the lack of acute mortality. However, bee foraging behavior does not prevent them from ingesting MPs present in water or resources which potentially might cause lethal long-term effects of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Buteler
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Andrea Marina Alma
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Teodoro Stadler
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU) -CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ariane Carnebia Gingold
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - María Celeste Manattini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Mariana Lozada
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medio Ambiente y Biodiversidad (INIBIOMA)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina
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15
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Cui Y, Wang Z, Zhang G, Zhao Y, Peng Y, Yun Y. Transmission of nanoplastics from Culex quinquefasciatus to Pardosa pseudoannulata and its impact on predators. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153331. [PMID: 35074384 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have explored the effects of plastic particles on aquatic organisms. To date, however, few studies have reported on the effects of plastic particles on terrestrial invertebrates. Here, Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito, prey) and Pardosa pseudoannulata (wolf spider, predator) were used to explore the transmission of nanoplastics (NPs) from aquatic to terrestrial invertebrates and to verify the effects of NPs in prey on predators. Mosquito larvae were exposed to 0, 200, and 1000 NPs mL-1 polystyrene, respectively, and then fed to spiders when they matured. Results showed that ingestion of NP-exposed mosquitoes affected the growth, development, and behavior of P. pseudoannulata, and the intestinal tissue structure, intestinal flora composition, and related enzymatic activities were also impacted. These results indicate that after spiders ingested NP-exposed mosquitoes, their growth, development, and predation ability were affected. This may prolong time to maturation and decrease the ability of spiders to survive and reproduce in the environment. Thus, plastic particles likely have a wide range of effects on organisms as well as the whole ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjie Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guimin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yueli Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China.
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16
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Ribeiro-Brasil DRG, Brasil LS, Veloso GKO, Matos TPD, Lima ESD, Dias-Silva K. The impacts of plastics on aquatic insects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:152436. [PMID: 34971686 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination by plastics and its negative effect on biodiversity have been well-documented in several types of organisms, especially in marine environments. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the impacts of plastic on other organisms such as aquatic insects, which predominantly inhabit freshwaters. It is widely known that these organisms are sensitive to environmental change, especially by contamination. Therefore, this study aimed at testing the hypothesis that aquatic insects are impacted by plastic contamination. We made a systematic search for international papers related to plastics and aquatic insects in databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. We obtained 1217 studies of which 40 discussed the impacts of contamination by plastics on aquatic insects. We identified two main impacts: the first one is caused by the use of black macroplastic to protect crops from contact with the soil in agriculture. These black macroplastics attract tons of adult aquatic insects (terrestrial stage) that mistake the plastic surface for water because they select oviposition sites through phototaxis or polarotaxis. The second one comes from water contamination that can originate from the inadequate disposal of plastics, which harms young aquatic insects (aquatic phase) when they feed, reproduce, and construct shelters. Our results show the negative impacts of plastics on both larvae and adult aquatic insects. Despite the large knowledge gap regarding the impacts of plastic on aquatic insects, the evidence above is sufficient to consider these organisms important in global discussions regarding the impacts of plastic on biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Regina Gomes Ribeiro-Brasil
- Ecology and Conservation Laboratory (LABECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Ecology (PPGECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Schlemmer Brasil
- Ecology and Conservation Laboratory (LABECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Zoology (PPGZOO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Geysa Kelly Oliveira Veloso
- Aquatic Insect Ecology Laboratory (LEIA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Ecology (PPGECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Talissa Pio de Matos
- Aquatic Insect Ecology Laboratory (LEIA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Conservation (PPGBC), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Silva de Lima
- Aquatic Insect Ecology Laboratory (LEIA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Conservation (PPGBC), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil
| | - Karina Dias-Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Ecology (PPGECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil; Aquatic Insect Ecology Laboratory (LEIA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Conservation (PPGBC), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil
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17
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Abstract
Steadily increasing inputs of microplastics pose a growing threat to aquatic fauna, but laboratory studies potentially lack realism to properly investigate its effects on populations and ecosystems. Our study investigates the trophic and ontogenetic transfer of microplastics in a near-natural exposure scenario. The controlled outdoor freshwater mesocosms were exposed to polyamide (PA) 5–50 µm in size in concentrations of 15 and 150 mg L−1 and a control without microplastic addition. To verify the uptake of particles via the food chain, larvae and imagines of the midges Chaoborus crystallinus and C. obscuripes were examined, which feed on zooplankton during their larval stage. Larvae were captured after 117 days and imagines were caught in emergence traps that were emptied weekly. To detect the microparticles within the organisms, 200 larvae and 100 imagines per application were macerated and treated with fluorescent dye before investigation under a fluorescent microscope. We could detect up to 12 PA particles per individual larvae, while nearly no plastic was found in the imagines. This shows that, while Chaoborus sp. takes up microplastics via predation, most of the pollutant is egested through regurgitation and remains in the water, where it can further accumulate and potentially harm other organisms.
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18
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Ockenden A, Tremblay LA, Dikareva N, Simon KS. Towards more ecologically relevant investigations of the impacts of microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148507. [PMID: 34465042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a major environmental concern and the subject of a rapidly growing body of research. Much of this research has focused on the direct effects of microplastics on single species and there is limited information on how microplastics affect different functional groups of organisms, multi-species interactions, and ecosystem processes. We focused on freshwater systems and reviewed 146 studies of microplastic effects on freshwater biota and recorded features including particle characteristics, study designs, functional types of species tested and ecotoxicological endpoints measured. Study species were categorized based on their ecosystem role/functional feeding group rather than taxonomy. We found that most studies were conducted on single species (95%) and focused on a narrow range of functional groups of organisms (mostly filter feeders, 37% of studies). Very few studies have investigated multi-species interactions and ecosystem processes. In many studies, certain characteristics of microplastics, such as polymer type were not well matched with the feeding and habitat ecology of test species, potentially reducing their ecological relevance. Median laboratory study test concentrations were 5-6 orders of magnitude higher than those reported in the field and few studies considered the effects of chemical additives in plastics (6%). We recommend that studies addressing the ecological effects of microplastics need to address neglected functional groups of organisms, design experiments to better match the ecology of test species, and increase in experimental scale and complexity to identify any indirect effects on species interactions and ecosystem processes. We suggest that examining microplastics through an ecological lens that better integrates the feeding and habitat ecology of test organisms will advance our understanding of the effects microplastics have in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ockenden
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Science Centre, Building 302, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Louis A Tremblay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Building 110, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street, The Wood, Nelson 7010, New Zealand.
| | - Nadia Dikareva
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Science Centre, Building 302, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Kevin S Simon
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Science Centre, Building 302, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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19
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Agathokleous E, Iavicoli I, Barceló D, Calabrese EJ. Ecological risks in a 'plastic' world: A threat to biological diversity? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126035. [PMID: 33992919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is predicted to increase in the coming decades, raising concerns about its effects on living organisms. Although the effects of microplastics on individual organisms have been extensively studied, the effects on communities, biological diversity, and ecosystems remain underexplored. This paper reviews the published literature concerning how microplastics affect communities, biological diversity, and ecosystem processes. Microplastics increase the abundance of some taxa but decrease the abundance of some other taxa, indicating trade-offs among taxa and altered microbial community composition in both the natural environment and animals' gut. The alteration of community composition by microplastics is highly conserved across taxonomic ranks, while the alpha diversity of microbiota is often reduced or increased, depending on the microplastics dose and environmental conditions, suggesting potential threats to biodiversity. Biogeochemical cycles, greenhouse gas fluxes, and atmospheric chemistry, can also be altered by microplastics pollution. These findings suggest that microplastics may impact the U.N. Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) to improve atmospheric, soil, and water quality and sustaining biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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20
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Cunningham EM, Cuthbert RN, Coughlan NE, Kregting L, Cairnduff V, Dick JTA. Microplastics do not affect the feeding rates of a marine predator. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146487. [PMID: 34030230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics may affect the physiology, behaviour and populations of aquatic and terrestrial fauna through many mechanisms, such as direct consumption and sensory disruption. However, the majority of experimental studies have employed questionably high dosages of microplastics that have little environmental relevance. Predation, in particular, is a key trophic interaction that structures populations and communities and influences ecosystem functioning, but rarely features in microplastic research. Here, we quantify the effects of low (~65-114 MP/L) and high (~650-1140 MP/L) microplastic concentrations on the feeding behaviour of a ubiquitous and globally representative key marine predator, the shore crab, Carcinus maenas. We used a functional response approach (predator consumption across prey densities) to determine crab consumption rates towards a key marine community prey species, the blue mussel Mytilus edulis, under low and high microplastic concentrations with acute (8h) and chronic (120h) microplastic exposure times. For both the acute and chronic microplastic exposure experiments, proportional prey consumption by crabs did not differ with respect to microplastic concentration, but significantly decreased over increasing prey densities. The crabs thus displayed classical, hyperbolic Type II functional responses in all experimental groups, characterised by high consumption rates at low prey densities. Crab attack rates, handling times and maximum feeding rates (i.e. functional response curves) were not significantly altered under lower or higher microplastics concentrations, or by acute or chronic microplastic exposures. Here, we show that functional response analyses could be widely employed to ascertain microplastic impacts on consumer-resource interactions. Furthermore, we suggest that future studies should adopt both acute and chronic microplastic exposure regimes, using environmentally-relevant microplastic dosages and types as well as elevated future scenarios of microplastic concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoghan M Cunningham
- Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, UK.
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany; Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, UK
| | - Neil E Coughlan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland; Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, UK
| | - Louise Kregting
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, UK; Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, UK
| | - Victoria Cairnduff
- Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, UK
| | - Jaimie T A Dick
- Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, UK; Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
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21
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Chagas TQ, Araújo APDC, Malafaia G. Biomicroplastics versus conventional microplastics: An insight on the toxicity of these polymers in dragonfly larvae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 761:143231. [PMID: 33138995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The toxicological safety of products developed as alternative for conventional plastics (i.e., petroleum derivatives) inevitably demands conducting (eco)toxicological studies. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the biochemical toxicity of polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) (representative of conventional MPs) and polylactic acid biomicroplastics (PLA BioMPs) in Aphylla williamsoni larvae used as experimental models. Animals subjected to short exposure to both pollutants (48 h), at environmentally relevant concentration (6 mg/L). At the end of the experiment, different toxicity biomarkers were evaluated. To assess the possible impact of pollutants on the nutritional status of the animals, the total protein, total soluble carbohydrate and triglyceride levels were determined. However, we did not observe differences between the groups, which suggests that PE MPs and PLA BioMPs did not affect the animals' energy metabolism, inducing them to a nutritional deficit. However, larvae exposed to PLA BioMPs have shown increased nitrite and lipid peroxidation levels, which supports the hypothesis that these pollutants increase oxidative stress processes in the animals evaluated, which can affect the animals' physiological homeostasis from different changes. In addition, the decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and of total thiols levels, in these same animals, is suggestive of the impact of PLA BioMPs on the antioxidant defenses, causing a REDOX imbalance, never before reported. On the other hand, decreased AChE activity was only observed in larvae exposed to PLA BioMPs, which demonstrates the anticholinergic activity of the tested polymers; the consequences of which include changes in different neurophysiological functions. Thus, the current study has helped improving the scientific knowledge about impacts caused by PLA BioMPs on freshwater ecosystems, as well as corroborated assertions about the risks posed by such biopolymers on these environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thales Quintão Chagas
- Biological Research Laboratory, Post-graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Biological Research Laboratory, Post-graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Goiano Federal Institute and Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil.
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22
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Huang W, Song B, Liang J, Niu Q, Zeng G, Shen M, Deng J, Luo Y, Wen X, Zhang Y. Microplastics and associated contaminants in the aquatic environment: A review on their ecotoxicological effects, trophic transfer, and potential impacts to human health. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124187. [PMID: 33153780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The microplastic pollution and related ecological impacts in the aquatic environment have attracted global attention over the past decade. Microplastics can be ingested by aquatic organisms from different trophic levels either directly or indirectly, and transferred along aquatic food chains, causing different impacts on life activities of aquatic organisms. In addition, microplastics can adsorb various environmental chemical contaminants and release toxic plastic additives, thereby serving as a sink and source of these associated chemical contaminants and potentially changing their toxicity, bioavailability, and fate. However, knowledge regarding the potential risks of microplastics and associated chemical contaminants (e.g., hydrophobic organic contaminants, heavy metals, plastic additives) on diverse organisms, especially top predators, remains to be explored. Herein, this review describes the effects of microplastics on typical aquatic organisms from different trophic levels, and systematically summarizes the combined effects of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic biota. Furthermore, we highlight the research progress on trophic transfer of microplastics and associated contaminants along aquatic food chain. Finally, potential human health concerns about microplastics via the food chain and dietary exposure are discussed. This work is expected to provide a meaningful perspective for better understanding the potential impacts of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic ecology and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qiuya Niu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yuan Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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23
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Zheng H, Wang J, Wei X, Chang L, Liu S. Proinflammatory properties and lipid disturbance of polystyrene microplastics in the livers of mice with acute colitis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:143085. [PMID: 33182181 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous contaminants in the environment and can be transferred along the food chain, thus causing adverse effects in organisms, even human beings. Therefore, it is of practical importance to identify the environmental risks of MPs, which could lead to a significant impact on public health. In addition to the healthy population, there are large numbers of patients with chronic diseases around the world whose responses to MPs are understudied, representing a significant knowledge gap within the health risk assessment of MPs. In this study, the response sensitivity to MPs of mice with acute colitis was compared with that of healthy mice. The mice were fed water containing polystyrene microplastics (PS MP) at a concentration of 500 μg/L for 28 days. The results showed that PS MP exposure induced inflammatory effects and exerted great disturbance on liver metabolites. Moreover, exposure to PS MP exaggerated dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis, as well as lipid disorders, as verified by typical inflammatory factor expression and triglyceride accumulation. The increased intestinal permeability of mice with acute colitis caused by exposure to PS MP may be responsible for the upregulated adverse effects. The results of this study suggest that populations with chronic diseases might be more sensitive to environmental contamination, which should be considered during health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Zheng
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xuanyi Wei
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Le Chang
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Su Liu
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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24
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Is Awareness on Plastic Pollution Being Raised in Schools? Understanding Perceptions of Primary and Secondary School Educators. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12176775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a major global issue and its impacts on ecosystems and socioeconomic sectors lack comprehensive understanding. The integration of plastics issues into the educational system of both primary and secondary schools has often been overlooked, especially in Africa, presenting a major challenge to environmental awareness. Owing to the importance of early age awareness, this study aims to investigate whether plastic pollution issues are being integrated into South African primary and secondary education school curriculums. Using face-to-face interviews with senior educators, we address this research problem by investigating (i) the extent to which teachers cover components of plastic pollution, and (ii) educator understandings of plastic pollution within terrestrial and aquatic environments. The results indicate that plastic pollution has been integrated into the school curriculum in technology, natural science, geography, life science, life skills and life orientation subjects. However, there was a lack of integration of management practices for plastics littering, especially in secondary schools, and understanding of dangers among different habitat types. This highlights the need for better educational awareness on the plastic pollution problem at both primary and secondary school level, with increased environmental programs needed to educate schools on management practices and impacts.
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25
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Mbedzi R, Cuthbert RN, Wasserman RJ, Murungweni FM, Dalu T. Spatiotemporal variation in microplastic contamination along a subtropical reservoir shoreline. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:23880-23887. [PMID: 32301080 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08640-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become a major environmental concern globally due to their potential impact on ecosystem function. They are known to be ubiquitously present, persistent and bio-accumulative, yet there is a lack of abundance quantifications in freshwater shorelines. Furthermore, there is little understanding of combined effects of seasonality and human population density on the extent of microplastic pollution. In this study, we assessed microplastics in sediment along a subtropical reservoir shoreline across three seasons and seven sites to understand microplastic pollution dynamics along a human population gradient. Multivariable analysis was used to assess relationships among substrate embeddedness, sediment organic matter, human population density and microplastic particle densities and characteristics. Microplastic densities were relatively high during the hot-dry season (mean range 120-6417 particles kg-1 dwt) whilst the hot-wet season had the lowest densities (mean range 5-94 particles kg-1 dwt). Microplastic abundances were positively correlated with population density, demonstrating the direct effects of human activity on microplastic contamination. These results highlight the need to further explore microplastic distribution patterns in freshwater ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, our findings suggest particular risk for fauna during low rainfall periods through microplastic concentration effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendani Mbedzi
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Ryan J Wasserman
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
| | - Florence M Murungweni
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
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26
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Aljaibachi R, Laird WB, Stevens F, Callaghan A. Impacts of polystyrene microplastics on Daphnia magna: A laboratory and a mesocosm study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 705:135800. [PMID: 31972940 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Most research into microplastics (MPs) in freshwaters has concentrated on measurements under controlled conditions without any link to the natural environment. Here we studied the effects of a 15 μm polystyrene MP on Daphnia magna survival, growth, and reproduction in the laboratory. We also exposed fifteen 25 L freshwater mesocosms to a high concentration of the same MPs. Five were controls seeded with five species found in all ponds (mosquito, water flea, midge, spire shell and water mite), five identical but treated with 15 μm polystyrene MPs and five seeded with only mosquitoes and water fleas. The laboratory chronic toxicity test for both adults and neonate Daphnia magna revealed that effects were more related to the availability of food rather than the toxicity of MPs. In the mesocosms most of the MPs settled in the sediment after the first week of exposure. After four weeks the D. magna population decreased significantly in the MP mesocosms compared to the control mesocosms, although it subsequently recovered. There was no impact on other organisms added to the mesocosms, other than a difference in timing of lesser water boatman (Corixa punctata) colonisation, which colonised the control mesocosms in week 4 and the treated 4 weeks later. The detrivorous, sediment sifting, mayfly Leptophlebia marginata appeared in mesocosms in the fourth week of sampling and with significantly higher numbers in the MP treated mesocosm. Their activity had no significant impact on MPs in the water column, although numbers did increase above zero. The significant decline of D. magna suggests that their effect in a natural situation is unpredictable where environmental conditions and invertebrate communities may add additional stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Aljaibachi
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AS, United Kingdom
| | - William Bruce Laird
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AS, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Stevens
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AS, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Callaghan
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AS, United Kingdom.
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27
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Zhang X, Zhang H, Yu K, Li N, Liu Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Yang B, Wu W, Gao J, Jiang J. Rapid Monitoring Approach for Microplastics Using Portable Pyrolysis-Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2020; 92:4656-4662. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangnan Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, P. R. China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
| | - Kai Yu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
| | - Na Li
- School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yuning Liu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
| | - Hengnan Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
| | - Bin Yang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
| | - Wenhai Wu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
| | - Jing Gao
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
| | - Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, P. R. China
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong 264209, P. R. China
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28
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Mbedzi R, Dalu T, Wasserman RJ, Murungweni F, Cuthbert RN. Functional response quantifies microplastic uptake by a widespread African fish species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 700:134522. [PMID: 31627047 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ecological impacts of microplastic remain poorly understood, despite their ubiquity across all habitat types globally. Microplastic concentrations vary significantly across spatiotemporal gradients, however we lack quantitative methodologies to predict species-level responses to differential environmental concentrations. In the present study, we expose a key species, the banded tilapia Tilapia sparrmanii Smith, 1940, to different concentrations of microplastic particles. We apply and develop the functional response approach for quantifications of microplastic uptake by the fish across different environmental densities. Tilapia consumed microplastic even when relatively rare in their environment, and consumption rates related negatively to concentrations supplied, conducive with a saturating Type II (i.e., inversely-density-dependent) functional response. Attack rate (i.e., search efficiency), handling time and maximum feeding rate estimates towards microplastic were estimated, providing key information on feeding behaviour in relation to exposure concentrations. We propose the utility of functional response approaches for predictive quantifications of microplastic uptake rates. In turn, this can better-link laboratory exposure studies to environmental concentrations which are known to cause ecological impact, and provide a means of comparing uptakes among species and across environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendani Mbedzi
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Ryan J Wasserman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Florence Murungweni
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- School of Biological Sciences, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
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29
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Dalu T, Malesa B, Cuthbert RN. Assessing factors driving the distribution and characteristics of shoreline macroplastics in a subtropical reservoir. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 696:133992. [PMID: 31461698 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a growing problem that threatens all habitat types globally. However, relatively little is known about the extent of macroplastics in African freshwater ecosystems. This study explored the distribution and concentration of different macroplastic debris types in Nandoni reservoir, South Africa over four sites (2 high household- and 2 low household-density) and two seasons (cool-dry, hot-dry). Similarities were observed for macroplastic debris numbers and weights across sites and seasons. Although slight insignificant differences in macroplastics abundances were observed, no significant relationships were recorded between household density (i.e. as proxy for human population density) and macroplastic debris abundances. The amount of plastic debris and 'species' (i.e. γ-diversity value) decreased with distance from the shoreline, with the highest amount of plastic debris and 'species' being observed at the shoreline in all sites and seasons. Polypropylene was the most dominant (>45%) in terms of abundance for both seasons and sites. The information derived serves as a baseline for future studies on macroplastic distributions along freshwater reservoir shorelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Dalu
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
| | - Bernad Malesa
- Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- School of Biological Sciences, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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30
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Hesler M, Aengenheister L, Ellinger B, Drexel R, Straskraba S, Jost C, Wagner S, Meier F, von Briesen H, Büchel C, Wick P, Buerki-Thurnherr T, Kohl Y. Multi-endpoint toxicological assessment of polystyrene nano- and microparticles in different biological models in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 61:104610. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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31
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Cuthbert RN, Callaghan A, Dick JTA. Differential Interaction Strengths and Prey Preferences Across Larval Mosquito Ontogeny by a Cohabiting Predatory Midge. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1428-1432. [PMID: 31038180 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Understandings of natural enemy efficacy are reliant on robust quantifications of interaction strengths under context-dependencies. For medically important mosquitoes, rapid growth during aquatic larval stages could impede natural enemy impacts through size refuge effects. The identification of biocontrol agents which are unimpeded by ontogenic size variability of prey is therefore vital. We use functional response and prey preference experiments to examine the interaction strengths and selectivity traits of larvae of the cohabiting predatory midge Chaoborus flavicans (Meigen 1830) (Diptera: Chaoboridae) towards larval stages of the Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito complex. Moreover, we examine the influence of search area variation on selectivity traits, given its importance in consumer-resource interactions. Chaoborids were able to capture and consume mosquito prey across their larval ontogeny. When prey types were available individually, a destabilizing Type II functional response was exhibited towards late instar mosquito prey, whereas a more stabilizing Type III functional response was displayed towards early instars. Accordingly, search efficiencies were lowest towards early instar prey, whereas, conversely, maximum feeding rates were highest towards this smaller prey type. However, when the prey types were present simultaneously, C. flavicans exhibited a significant positive preference for late instar prey, irrespective of water volume. Our results identify larval chaoborids as efficacious natural enemies of mosquito prey, with which they frequently coexist in aquatic environments. In particular, an ability to prey on mosquitoes across their larval stages, coupled with a preference for late instar prey, could enable high population-level offtake rates and negate compensatory reductions in intraspecific competition through size refuge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross N Cuthbert
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading, England
| | - Amanda Callaghan
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading, England
| | - Jaimie T A Dick
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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32
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Silva CJM, Silva ALP, Gravato C, Pestana JLT. Ingestion of small-sized and irregularly shaped polyethylene microplastics affect Chironomus riparius life-history traits. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 672:862-868. [PMID: 30978548 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of freshwater ecosystems. Once in aquatic systems, most of these plastic particles undergo processes of fragmentation, biofouling, and sedimentation, resulting in increased concentrations of smaller sized and irregularly-shaped particles in the sediment. High levels of MPs in freshwater sediments can denote a potential threat to benthic and sediment-dwelling organisms such as dipteran larvae. This study evaluates the ecotoxicological effect of three pools of irregularly-shaped polyethylene (PE) microplastics (pools containing 90% of the particles within 32-63 μm (size-class A), 63-250 μm (size-class B) and 125-500 μm (size-class C)), with concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 20 g Kg-1 sediment, on the dipteran Chironomus riparius life-history traits. After ten days of exposure, larvae ingested PE particles typically in the 32-63 μm range, even when 90% of the particles possessed higher size (i.e., in size-classes B and C) and the larvae mandible allowed the ingestion of such bigger-sized particles. Thus, the number of ingested particles was higher in size-class A, followed by B and C, and led to a significant reduction with similar magnitude on larval growth (Lowest Observed Effect Concentrations (LOEC) = 2.5 g Kg-1 sediment DW) and a significant delay on imagoes emergence (e.g., LOEC = 1.5 g Kg-1 sediment DW for females). The results from this study show that the ingestion and persistence of small-sized polyethylene microplastics caused significant impairments on life-history traits of C. riparius. Considering their role on freshwater food-webs and the potential persistence of small-sized PE particles in their larval gut, these results also point for the potential adverse effects of small-sized microplastics at the community and ecosystem level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J M Silva
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences & CESAM, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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