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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. [PMID: 39016676 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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;1-15. © 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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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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3
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Griffith RM, Cuthbert RN, Johnson JV, Hardiman G, Dick JTA. Resilient amphipods: Gammarid predatory behaviour is unaffected by microplastic exposure and deoxygenation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163582. [PMID: 37086992 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a ubiquitous and persistent form of pollution globally, with impacts cascading from the cellular to ecosystem level. However, there is a paucity in understanding interactions between microplastic pollution with other environmental stressors, and how these could affect ecological functions and services. Freshwater ecosystems are subject to microplastic input from anthropogenic activities (eg. wastewater), but are also simultaneously exposed to many other stressors, particularly reduced dissolved oxygen availability associated with climatic warming and pollutants, as well as biological invasions. Here, we employ the comparative functional response method (CFR; quantifying and comparing organism resource use as a function of resource density) to investigate the relative impact of different microplastic concentrations and oxygen regimes on predatory trophic interactions of a native and an invasive alien gammarid (Gammarus duebeni and Gammarus pulex). No significant effect on trophic interaction strengths was found from very high concentrations of microplastics (200 mp/L and 200,000 mp/L) or low oxygen (40 %) stressors on either species. Additionally, both gammarid species exhibited significant Type II functional responses, with attack rates and handling times not significantly affected by microplastics, oxygen or gammarid invasion status. Thus, both species showed resistance to the simultaneous effects of microplastics and deoxygenation in terms of feeding behaviour. Based on these findings, we suggest that the trophic function, in terms of predation rate, of Gammarus spp. may be sustained under acute bouts of microplastic pollution even in poorly‑oxygenated waters. This is the first study to investigate microplastic and deoxygenation interactions and to find no evidence for an interaction on a key invertebrate ecosystem service. We argue that our CFR methods can help understand and predict the future ecological ramifications of microplastics and other stressors across taxa and habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose M Griffith
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK; Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jack V Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Gary Hardiman
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jaimie T A Dick
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; Queen's Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, UK; Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
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4
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Liang W, Li B, Jong MC, Ma C, Zuo C, Chen Q, Shi H. Process-oriented impacts of microplastic fibers on behavior and histology of fish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130856. [PMID: 36753910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has raised global concern for its hazards to biota. To determine the direct impact of microplastics during their contact with fish, we exposed goldfish (Carassius auratus) to 100 and 1000 items/L waterborne microplastic fibers in the short- and long-term. In the presence of 1000 items/L of microplastic fibers, the coughing behavior of fish increased significantly after 2 h of exposure. Predatory behaviors decreased significantly by 53.0% after 45 d of exposure, and the reduction in daily food intake was negatively related to exposure duration in the 1000 items/L group. In addition, microplastic fibers stimulated dynamic mucus secretion across different fish tissues during the different processes evaluated in this study, with 30.0% and 62.9% overall increases in the secretory capacity of mucus cells in the 100 and 1000 items/L groups, respectively. These behavioral and histological alterations were derived from the ventilation, feeding, and swimming processes of goldfish. We regarded these changes as process-oriented impacts, suggesting the effects of microplastics on fish and how fish cope with microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwenhui Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mui-Choo Jong
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Cuizhu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Chencheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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Koutsikos N, Koi AM, Zeri C, Tsangaris C, Dimitriou E, Kalantzi OI. Exploring microplastic pollution in a Mediterranean river: The role of introduced species as bioindicators. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15069. [PMID: 37089351 PMCID: PMC10114205 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies of plastic contamination in freshwater ecosystems and their biota remain scarce, despite the fact that the vast majority of plastic waste initially passes through lotic ecosystems. Biomonitoring provides valuable information regarding plastic pollution and microplastic threats to biota and human health. The aim of this study was to explore the potential use of a non-indigenous fish species as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution in an Eastern Mediterranean River. Our study area is located in a heavily modified and vastly impacted urban river which flows through the largest part of the Metropolitan area of Athens, Greece. We used an introduced chub species (Squalius vardarensis) to assess microplastic ingestion in the river. The results indicated moderate occurrence and abundance of microplastics in the fish gastrointestinal tracts; one-third of specimens (35%) contained microplastics, although the average number of microplastics per specimen was relatively low (1.7 ± 0.2). Overall, the abundance of microplastics in the water confirmed the moderate level of microplastics contamination in our study area. The major polymer types of microplastics identified by FT-IR analysis were: polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polypropylene (PP); reflecting the fragmentation of larger litter from industrial packaging and/or household goods. Surface runoff of the urban environment, via motorways and major road networks, could be the contributing factor to the reported microplastics. Our results suggest that generalist's non-indigenous species such as chubs could be used as bioindicators of microplastics in inland waters. Introduced fishes can be a feasible, nondestructive, and cost-effective option for the assessment of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, while freshwater chubs' high abundance and omnipresence in European rivers further serve this scope. However, it is worth noting that the suitability of any particular species as a bioindicator of microplastics may depend on a variety of factors, including their feeding behavior, habitat, and exposure to microplastics in their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Koutsikos
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Anavyssos, 19013, Attica, Greece
- Corresponding author. Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece.
| | - Angeliki Maria Koi
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Anavyssos, 19013, Attica, Greece
| | - Christina Zeri
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, Anavyssos, 19013, Attica, Greece
| | - Catherine Tsangaris
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, Anavyssos, 19013, Attica, Greece
| | - Elias Dimitriou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Anavyssos, 19013, Attica, Greece
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6
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Microplastic burden in Africa: A review of occurrence, impacts, and sustainability potential of bioplastics. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2022.100402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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7
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Behavioural Responses and Mortality of Mozambique Tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus to Three Commonly Used Macadamia Plantation Pesticides. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14081257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The use of pesticides in agricultural systems may have deleterious effects on surrounding environments. Aquatic systems are no exception and are increasingly polluted through the leaching of pesticides from agricultural activities. However, the pesticide pollution effects on key aquatic species have not been studied in many regions. In southern Africa, increasing pesticide use associated with macadamia tree Macadamia integrifolia farming presents a growing risk to surrounding aquatic ecosystems. This study assessed behavioural responses of an important and widely-distributed freshwater fish, Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus, following exposure to three commonly used macadamia pesticides (i.e., Karate Zeon 10 CS, Mulan 20 SP, Pyrinex 250 CS) at different concentrations (0.7–200 µL, 0.3–1000 mg, and 0.7–8750 µL, respectively) over 24 h. Behavioural responses, i.e., swimming erratically, surfacing, vertical positioning, loss of equilibrium, being motionless and mortality were observed after pesticides exposure. Lethal dose 50 (LD50) values of Karate Zeon 10 CS, Mulan 20 SP and Pyrinex 250 CS were 2.1 µL (per water litre dilution—WLD), 5.2 mg (WLD) and 21.5 µL (WLD), respectively. These concentrations are therefore expressed as a maximal threshold usage in the environment around macadamia farms and a minimum distance of the plantations to water systems should be considered. Further studies should examine effects on other fish species and aquatic invertebrates to inform on pesticide pollution threats and mitigation plans for the region.
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8
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Rozman U, Kalčíková G. Seeking for a perfect (non-spherical) microplastic particle - The most comprehensive review on microplastic laboratory research. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127529. [PMID: 34736190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, much attention has been paid to microplastic pollution, and research on microplastics has begun to grow exponentially. However, microplastics research still suffers from the lack of standardized protocols and methods for investigation of microplastics under laboratory conditions. Therefore, in this review, we summarize and critically discuss the results of 715 laboratory studies published on microplastics in the last five years to provide recommendations for future laboratory research. Analysis of the data revealed that the majority of microplastic particles used in laboratory studies are manufactured spheres of polystyrene ranging in size from 1 to 50 µm, that half of the studies did not characterize the particles used, and that a minority of studies used aged particles, investigated leaching of chemicals from microplastics, or used natural particles as a control. There is a large discrepancy between microplastics used in laboratory research and those found in the environment, and many laboratory studies suffer from a lack of environmental relevance and provide incomplete information on the microplastics used. We have summarized and discussed these issues and provided recommendations for future laboratory research on microplastics focusing on (i) microplastic selection, (ii) microplastic characterization, and (iii) test design of laboratory research on microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ula Rozman
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 113 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gabriela Kalčíková
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 113 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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9
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Nanninga GB, Pertzelan A, Kiflawi M, Holzman R, Plakolm I, Manica A. Treatment-level impacts of microplastic exposure may be confounded by variation in individual-level responses in juvenile fish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:126059. [PMID: 34492894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a key global environmental issue and laboratory exposure studies on aquatic biota are proliferating at an exponential rate. However, most research is limited to treatment-level effects, ignoring that there may be substantial within-population variation in responses to anthropogenic stressors. MP exposure experiments often reveal considerable, yet largely overlooked, inter-individual variation in particle uptake within concentration treatments. Here, we investigated to what degree treatment-level responses to MP exposure may be affected by variation in MP ingestion rates in the early life stages of a marine fish, the Gilt-head seabream, Sparus aurata. First, we tested whether MP ingestion variation is repeatable. Second, we assessed to what degree this variation may determine individual-level effects of MP exposure on fitness-related behavioural performance (i.e., escape response). We found that consistent inter-individual variation in MP ingestion was prevalent and led to differential impacts within exposure treatments. Individuals with high MP ingestion rates exhibited markedly inferior escape responses, a result that was partially concealed in treatment-level analyses. Our findings show that the measured response of populations to environmental perturbations could be confounded by variation in individual-level responses and that the explicit integration of MP ingestion variation can reveal cryptic patterns during exposure experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit B Nanninga
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
| | - Assaf Pertzelan
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel; Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, POB 469, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Moshe Kiflawi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel; Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, POB 469, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Roi Holzman
- Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, POB 469, Eilat 88103, Israel; School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Isolde Plakolm
- Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, POB 469, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Andrea Manica
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
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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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11
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Tang Y, Liu Y, Chen Y, Zhang W, Zhao J, He S, Yang C, Zhang T, Tang C, Zhang C, Yang Z. A review: Research progress on microplastic pollutants in aquatic environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:142572. [PMID: 33183825 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous problems of microplastics in waters are receiving global attention as microplastics can harm aquatic organisms, and finally can accumulate in the human body through biological chain amplification. In addition, microplastics act as a carrier capable of carrying heavy metals, organics, which form complex pollutants. These new combinations of pollutants, once ingested by aquatic organisms, are amplified through the food chain and can have unpredictable ramifications for aquatic organisms and human beings. Therefore, human beings are not only the source of plastic pollution, but also the sink of microplastic pollution. Therefore, this study reviews the source and distribution of microplastics, and their combined ability with heavy metals, antibiotics, and persistent organic pollutants in aquatic environments. Furthermore, it describes the interaction between aquatic organisms and microplastics. Finally, some suggestions are put forward to promote the sustainable application of microplastics. This work provides theoretical guidance for combining microplastics with other pollutants in water, and the accumulation of microplastics in food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqiang Tang
- 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.
| | - Yunguo Liu
- 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.
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Architecture, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Wei 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.
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- School of Architecture, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Shaoyao He
- School of Architecture, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Chunping Yang
- 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; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Pollution Processes and Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, Guangdong 525000, PR China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Qingyuan Agricultural Science and Technology Extension Service Center, Guangdong Province, Qingyuan 511500, PR China
| | - Chunfang Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, PR China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, PR China
| | - Zisong Yang
- College of Resources and Environment of Aba Teachers University, Wenchuan 623002, PR China
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12
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Alimi OS, Fadare OO, Okoffo ED. Microplastics in African ecosystems: Current knowledge, abundance, associated contaminants, techniques, and research needs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142422. [PMID: 33011593 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite Africa ranking top in mismanaged plastic waste, there is insufficient data on the extent of microplastics and its interaction with other contaminants in its ecosystems. Microplastics pollution has been documented globally, however, specific data from the continent is crucial for accurate risk assessment and to drive policies. We critically reviewed 56 articles from 1987 to 2020 and provide an overview of the current knowledge of the abundance and distribution of microplastics and associated contaminants in African aquatic systems and organisms. Most of the studies were carried out in the marine environment and there is currently no available data on the abundance of microplastic pollution in the African terrestrial environment. We show that across all studies, 5-100% of all sampled aquatic organisms contained microplastics. Concerning high levels of microplastics were reported in fish from Egypt compared to other parts of Africa and the world. Across all persistent organic pollutants sampled in microplastics, hopanes and phthalates were present at high concentrations while sodium and zinc were high relative to other trace metals reported. The most frequently occurring plastics were polyethylene followed by polypropylene and polystyrene. We found that most of the studies relied on visual inspection (52%) > FTIR (38%) > Raman spectroscopy (5%) > Scanning electron microscopy (3%) > Differential scanning calorimetry (2%) for identifying microplastics. Major gaps in sampling and identification techniques which may have overestimated or underestimated the current levels were identified. We discuss other research priorities and recommend solutions to address these issues associated with microplastic pollution in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubukola S Alimi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.
| | - Oluniyi O Fadare
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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13
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Mbedzi R, Dalu T, Wasserman RJ, Murungweni F, Cuthbert RN. Corrigendum to "Functional response quantifies microplastic uptake by a widespread African fish species" [Sci. Total Environ. 700 (2020) 134522]. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 742:141377. [PMID: 32763014 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
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 Science 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, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Ding J, Huang Y, Liu S, Zhang S, Zou H, Wang Z, Zhu W, Geng J. Toxicological effects of nano- and micro-polystyrene plastics on red tilapia: Are larger plastic particles more harmless? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 396:122693. [PMID: 32353735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) are a heterogeneous class of pollutants with diverse sizes in aquatic environments. To evaluate the hazardous effects of N/MPs with different sizes, the accumulation, oxidative stress, cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, neurotoxicity, and metabolomics changes were investigated in the red tilapia exposed to three sizes of polystyrene (PS) N/MPs (0.3, 5, and 70 - 90 μm). After 14-d exposures, the largest particles (70 - 90 μm) showed the highest accumulation levels in most cases. Exposures to PS-MPs (5 and 70 - 90 μm) caused a more severe oxidative stress in red tilapia than PS-NPs. The activity of CYP3A-related enzyme was obviously inhibited by PS-NPs, whereas the CYP enzymes in the liver may not be sensitive to MP exposures. In the brain, only 5 μm PS-MPs significantly inhibited the acetylcholinesterase activity. After exposures, the treatments with 0.3, 5, and 70 - 90 μm N/MPs resulted in 31, 40, and 23 significantly differentially expressed metabolites, respectively, in which the pathway of tyrosine metabolism was significantly affected by all the three PS-N/MP exposures. Overall, the PS particles within the μm size posed more severe stress to red tilapia. Our results suggest that the toxicity of N/MPs may not show a simply monotonic negative correlation with their sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Ding
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou, 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Yejing Huang
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Shujiao Liu
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Hua Zou
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou, 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou, 215009, China; Biomass Energy and Biological Carbon Reduction Engineering Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wenbin Zhu
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Centre of Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuxi, 214081, China.
| | - Jinju Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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15
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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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Xia Y, Xiang XM, Dong KY, Gong YY, Li ZJ. Surfactant stealth effect of microplastics in traditional coagulation process observed via 3-D fluorescence imaging. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 729:138783. [PMID: 32498162 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have aroused rising social concerns. Although amounts of surfactants exist in wastewater and are expected to alter the surface properties of MPs significantly as they are designed to be adsorbed by hydrophobic particles. However, rare works have been done on the influence of surfactants on the coagulation removal process of MPs which was thought to be an effective way to remove MPs together with other natural particles, such as clay. We used 3-D fluorescence imaging to track the coagulation removal process of polystyrene MPs. Our results indicate that nonionic surfactant, tween 20 in ppm scale, could inhibit the coagulation removal of polystyrene MPs significantly. Residue MPs in the effluent is proportional with the surfactant concentration and increases up to tens of times, which will lead to a dramatic increase in their potential environmental risks. Apparent size effect exists in the coagulation in which smaller MPs can escape from the coagulation removal more easily. Mechanism study suggests that the steric resistance of the hydrophilic flexible polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer formed by tween 20 adsorbed on MP surface inhibits clay deposition and thus hinders subsequent agglomeration and precipitation. A surfactant stealth effect, which is used in the design of nanomedicine to avoid the human immune recognition and clearance of nano-drugs from blood circulation, also exists in the coagulation removal process of MPs. Our finding not only proves the strong influence of surfactants on MPs but also will stimulate related studies on other latent surfactant effects of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xia
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiang-Mei Xiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Kang-Yu Dong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan-Yan Gong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhan-Jun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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