1
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Wang X, Ding N, Liu H. Effect of microplastics on sodium hypochlorite disinfection and changes in its toxicity on zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142594. [PMID: 38871186 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in water may affect the efficacy of the disinfection process and induce toxicity changes to MPs themselves during disinfection. Therefore, this study evaluated the two-way effects of polyethylene microplastic (MP) particles in water and wastewater during sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) disinfection. On the one hand, it has been confirmed that the presence of MPs reduced the disinfection efficiency of NaClO. The required CT (concentration of the disinfection × contact time) for a 2-4-log inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in different water samples was in the order of deionized water < turbid water (1 NTU) < water with MPs (1 mg/L) < turbid water (10 NTU). On the other hand, although exposure to MPs did induce significant changes in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, compared to pristine MPs, the MPs treated by NaClO at current conditions (0.3 and 3.0 mg/L for 30 min) did not show significant changes in their toxicity on zebrafish, at an MP exposure concentration of 1 mg/L. There was no significant difference in the survival rate and weight growth rate, neither as in the activities of the oxidative stress-related enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione s-transferase) in both gut and muscle tissues of the zebrafish, between exposure to the pristine and NaClO-treated MPs. It is indicated that NaClO disinfection commonly applied for water and wastewater treatment would not pose a serious concern to effluent safety in the presence of mild levels of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wang
- Environmental Testing and Experiment Center, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Ning Ding
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Hong Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Province 215000, China
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2
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Kteeba SM, Guo L. Photodegradation Processes and Weathering Products of Microfibers in Aquatic Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39215709 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, particularly microfibers (MFs), pose a significant threat to the environment. Despite their widespread presence, the photochemical reactivity, weathering products, and environmental fate of MFs remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, photodegradation experiments were conducted on three prevalent MFs: polyester (POL), nylon (NYL), and acrylic (ACR), to elucidate their degradation pathways, changes in surface morphology and polymer structure, and chemical and colloidal characterization of weathering products during photochemical degradation of MFs. The results showed that concentrations of dissolved organic carbon, chromophoric dissolved organic matter (DOM), and fluorescent components consistently increased during weathering, exhibiting a continuous release of DOM. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed changes in the surface morphology and polymer spectra of the MFs. During the weathering experiments, DOM aromaticity (SUVA254) decreased, while spectral slope increased, indicating concurrent DOM release and degradation of aromatic components. The released DOM or nanoplastics were negatively charged with sizes between 128 and 374 nm. The production rate constants of DOM or the photochemical reactivity of MFs followed the order ACR > NYL ≥ POL, consistent with their differences in chemical structures. These findings provide an improved understanding of the photochemical reactivity, degradation pathways, weathering products, and environmental fate of microfibers in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa M Kteeba
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin─Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, United States
- Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, Damietta 34511, Egypt
| | - Laodong Guo
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin─Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, United States
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3
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Yang L, Yuan L, Wang WX. Visible Combined Near-Infrared in Situ Imaging Revealed Dynamic Effects of Microplastic Fibers and Beads in Zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39213526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants are widely present in the environment and are ubiquitously ingested and accumulated by aquatic organisms. MPs may be quickly eliminated after a brief retention in aquatic animals (such as the digestive tract); thus, understanding the damage caused by MPs during this process and whether the damage can be recovered is important. Here, we proposed the use of visible light imaging to track MPs combined with near-infrared (NIR) imaging to reveal the in situ impacts of MPs. The combination of these two techniques allows for the simultaneous investigation of the localization and functionality of MPs in vivo. We investigated the effects of two types of MPs on zebrafish, microplastic fibers (MFs) and microplastic beads (MBs). The results showed that MPs larger than 10 μm primarily accumulated in the intestines of zebrafish. Both MFs and MBs disrupted the redox balance of the intestine, and the location of the damage was consistent with the heterogeneous accumulation of MPs. MFs caused greater and more difficult-to-recover damage compared to MBs, which was closely related to the slower elimination rate of MFs. Our study highlights the importance of capturing the dynamic toxicological effects of MPs on organisms. Fibrous MPs and spherical MPs clearly had distinct effects on their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanpeng Yang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
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4
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Washihira N, Murakami M, Nakamura M, Fujii S, Matsushima T, Asahara H, Kishida A, Tanabe T, Kimura T, Kobayashi M, Yamamoto M. Application of a genetically engineered macrophage cell line for evaluating cellular effects of UV/US-treated poly(ethylene terephthalate) microplastics. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 234:113735. [PMID: 38218136 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global environmental problem. To understand the biological effects of MPs on humans, it is essential to evaluate the response of human cells to model plastic particles that mimic environmental MPs in a sensitive and non-invasive manner. In this study, we investigated the preparation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fragments with properties similar to those of environmental MPs by combining photo-oxidative degradation via ultraviolet (UV) irradiation with mechanical pulverization and hydrolysis via ultrasound (US) exposure. Combination of UV and US treatments decreased the particle size of PET fragments to 10.2 µm and increased their crystallinity and Young's modulus to 35.7 % and 0.73 GPa, respectively, while untreated PET fragments showed the particle size of 18.9 µm, the crystallinity of 33.7 %, and Young's modulus of 0.48 GPa. In addition, an increase in negative surface potential and O/C ratio were observed for UV/US-treated PET fragments, suggesting surface oxidation via UV/US treatment. Cytokine secretion from human macrophages was evaluated by a highly sensitive inflammation evaluation system using the HiBiT-based chemiluminescence detection method developed by genome editing technology. UV/US-treated PET fragments induced a 1.4 times higher level of inflammatory cytokine secretion on inflammatory macrophages than untreated ones, suggesting that the biological responses of PET fragments could be influenced by changes in material properties via oxidation. In conclusion, UV/US treatment enables efficient preparation of model plastic particles and is expected to provide new insights into the evaluation of biological effects using human cells. (240 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Washihira
- Department of Materials Processing, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-02 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Mika Murakami
- Department of Materials Processing, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-02 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Miho Nakamura
- Department of Materials Processing, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-02 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan; Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Sho Fujii
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Institute of Technology, Kisarazu College, 2-11-1 Kiyomidai Higashi, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0041, Japan
| | - Takahide Matsushima
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Asahara
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Akio Kishida
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 2-3-10, Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Tadao Tanabe
- Department of Engineering and Design, Shibaura Institute of Technology, 3-7-5, Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo 1358548, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kimura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 2-3-10, Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Mako Kobayashi
- Department of Materials Processing, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-02 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Masaya Yamamoto
- Department of Materials Processing, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-02 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan; Biomedical Engineering for Diagnosis and Treatment, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-02 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan.
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5
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Lu HC, Smith JL, Ziajahromi S, Leusch FDL. Microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres in large apex shark species: Abundance, characteristics, and recommendations for future research. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140957. [PMID: 38128742 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and microfibres are found ubiquitously in global oceans as well as marine organisms from different trophic levels. However, little is known about the presence of microplastics and microfibres in marine megafauna, such as sharks. This study provided the first investigation of the presence of microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres (i.e., cellulose based fibres) in intestine and muscle samples of four large apex shark species in Australian coastal waters. Microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres were found in 82% of the analysed intestine samples. The mean abundance in intestine samples was 3.1 ± 2.6 particles/individual, which corresponded to 0.03 ± 0.02 particles/g of intestine, across all shark species. The size of particles ranged from 190 to 4860 μm in length with 92% being fibrous in shape and the rest fragments. FTIR spectroscopy identified that 70% of fibres were cellulose-based followed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET), while the fragments were polyethylene and polypropylene. In shark muscles, 60% of samples contained microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres, again with the majority being cellulose-based fibres followed by PET fibres. Methodological differences hinder a more comprehensive assessment of microplastic contamination across studies. Additionally, we identified some challenges which should be factored in for future studies looking at the presence of microplastics as well as other anthropogenic fibres in these large marine organisms. Overall, the findings provide first evidence of microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres not only in the intestines, but also in muscle tissues of large apex shark species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Cheng Lu
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport QLD 4222, Australia.
| | - Julia L Smith
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
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Cheng S, Jessica, Yoshikawa K, Cross JS. Influence of synthetic and natural microfibers on the growth, substance exchange, energy accumulation, and oxidative stress of field-collected microalgae compared with microplastic fragment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:167936. [PMID: 37875192 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167936] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic microfibers (MFs), which are Microplastics (MPs), have not received attention commensurate with their abundance in the environment. Currently, limited studies on MFs have focused on their effects on marine organisms. It is therefore necessary to conduct exposure experiments of MFs on freshwater organisms to provide reference data for the ecological risk assessment of MFs. As a primary producer in freshwater ecosystems, microalgae have an ecological niche that is highly overlapping with that of MFs. In this study, we examined the effects of MFs on the growth of Chlorella and indicators of oxidative stress to examine their potential risk on the microalgae population. The results showed that inhibition rate of microalgae increased with MF concentration in the range of 0.01-100 mg/L. Compared with natural fibers such as cotton and wool, PET and PP fibers showed significant growth inhibition, but less so when in fragment form with the same material and concentration. PP and PET particles, whether fibers or fragments, increased the total antioxidant capacity of microalgal cells and caused oxidative damage. To determine the influence of MFs on the interaction of cells in the environment, the exchanged substances and accumulated energy of microalgae cells were also detected. The results indicated that PP and PET fibers, as well as fragments, increased the diameter and membrane permeability of microalgae cell, thus interfering with the cell division and substance exchange processes. PET fibers and fragments showed different interactions at the level of individual cells and populations. This suggests that the evaluation of MPs should consider examinations from cells to population and even community levels in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Cheng
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Jessica
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunio Yoshikawa
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jeffrey S Cross
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Liu L, Wang Y, He Z, Cai Y, Meng K, Zhang KQ, Zhao H. Turning Waste into Treasure: The Full Technological Process and Product Performance Characterization of Flushable Wet Wipes Prepared from Corn Stalk. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:7189. [PMID: 38005119 PMCID: PMC10672815 DOI: 10.3390/ma16227189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
As a daily consumable, wet wipes are mostly synthetic fibers, which are incinerated or landfilled after use. The nanoplastics generated during this process will lead to environmental pollution. The application of flushable wet wipes, which are dispersible and fully degradable, is of great significance. The main raw material for flushable wipes is wood pulp, which has a long growth cycle and high cost. Corn is widely planted and has a short growth cycle. Currently most corn stalk is treated by incineration, which produces a lot of smoke that pollutes the environment. Therefore, using corn stalk as the raw material for flushable wet wipes, replacing wood pulp, is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. In this study, aiming at industrial production, we explored the full process of producing flushable wet wipes from corn stalk to pulp board, then to the final wipes. The corn stalk was treated using alkali and a bleaching agent to obtain corn stalk pulp, which was then made into pulp board through the nonwoven wet-laid process. The optimal parameters for the alkali treatment and bleaching were obtained. The properties of the corn stalk pulp board were compared with the commercial wood pulp board. Further, we mixed the corn stalk pulp with Lyocell fiber to prepare wet-laid webs, which were then bonded using a chemical binder poloxamer. Then, the evenness of the web, mechanical properties, absorption, and dispersibility of the flushable wipes were characterized. Results showed that the pulp obtained using the optimal treatment process has a high yield and better whiteness. The properties of the corn stalk pulp board are comparable with the commercial wood pulp board, which can therefore potentially be replaced by the corn stalk board prepared in our study. The prepared flushable wet wipes had good evenness and their water absorption rate was more than 600%. The mechanical strength in dry and wet states achieved 595.94 N/m and 179.00 N/m, respectively. Most importantly, the wet wipes can completely disperse under the standardized testing method. A good balance of dispersibility and wet strength of the wet wipes was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Huijing Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, No. 199 Ren’ai Road, Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China; (L.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (K.M.); (K.-Q.Z.)
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8
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Hossain MB, Pingki FH, Azad MAS, Nur AAU, Banik P, Paray BA, Arai T, Yu J. Microplastics in Different Tissues of a Commonly Consumed Fish, Scomberomorus guttatus, from a Large Subtropical Estuary: Accumulation, Characterization, and Contamination Assessment. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1422. [PMID: 37998021 PMCID: PMC10669230 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) ingestion by fish signifies a worldwide threat to human health but limited research has examined their existence within the consumable portions (muscle) of fish. Thus, this study was undertaken to unveil the prevalence, characterization, and contamination extent of MPs across various body tissues, including the muscle of the king mackerel (S. guttatus) from the lower Meghna estuary in Bangladesh-a pioneering investigation in this region. In our analysis, we identified a total of 487 MPs, with an average abundance of 48.7 ± 20.3 MPs/individual. These MPs were distributed across different tissues, with respective concentrations of 0.84 ± 0.45 items/g in the digestive tract, 2.56 ± 0.73 items/g in the gills, and 0.3 ± 1.72 items/g in the muscle tissue. The observed variations among these tissue types were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant positive correlation indicated that fish with higher weight had higher MPs in their gills and DT (digestive tract). The majority were <0.5 mm in size (97.74%) and exhibited a fiber-like shape (97.74%), with a notable prevalence of transparent (25.87%) and a pink coloration (27.92%). Remarkably, the majority of MPs were discovered within the size range of <0.5-1 mm (100%), particularly in the muscle tissue, signifying a substantial transfer of MPs into the human diet. Besides, we discovered only three polymer types of microplastics which could be attributed to the extensive use of food packaging, plastic containers, wrapping plastics, residential garbage, and plastic pipes that end up in the aquatic environment via river discharges. The contamination factor (CF) values of fish muscle (5.75) and the digestive tract (5.50) indicated that these fish organs were considerably contaminated (3 < CF < 6) with MPs. The pollution index of MPs (PLI > 1) indicated a high contamination level for MPs pollution of S. guttatus in the lower Meghna River estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Belal Hossain
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Farjana Haque Pingki
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abdus Samad Azad
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - As-Ad Ujjaman Nur
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Partho Banik
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Bilal Ahamad Paray
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Takaomi Arai
- Environmental and Life Sciences Programme, Faculty of Science, University Brunei Darussalam, Jala Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Jimmy Yu
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
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Aslan H, Yılmaz O, Benfield MC, Becan SA. Temporal trends in personal protective equipment (PPE) debris during the COVID-19 pandemic in Çanakkale (Turkey). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165377. [PMID: 37422228 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
This study examines trends in PPE (masks, gloves) and disinfecting wipes over three years of the pandemic. The densities of discarded masks, wet wipes, and gloves (personal protective equipment: PPE), were quantified on the streets of Canakkale, Turkey during similar time periods in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Geotagged images of PPE on the streets and sidewalks were documented with a smartphone, while the track of an observer was recorded using a fitness tracker app along a 7.777 km long survey route in the city center, parallel to the Dardanelles Strait. A total of 18 surveys were conducted over three years, and the survey route was subdivided into three zones based on utilization patterns: pedestrian zone, traffic zone and a recreational park zone. The combined densities of all types of PPE density were high in 2020, lower in 2021 and highest in 2022. The within year trend showed an increase over the three study years. The average density of gloves declined from an initially high level in 2020, when the SARS-CoV-2 virus was thought to be transmitted by contact, to near zero in 2021 and to zero in 2022. Densities of wipes were similar in 2020 and 2021 and higher in 2022. Masks were initially difficult to procure in 2020, and their densities progressively increased during that year reaching a plateau in 2021 with similar densities in 2022. PPE densities were significantly lower in the pedestrian route relative to the traffic and park routes, which were not different from each other. The partial curfews implemented by the Turkish government and the effects of prevention measures taken on the PPE concentration in the streets are discussed along with the importance of waste management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herdem Aslan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey.
| | - Okan Yılmaz
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Mark C Benfield
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - S Ahmet Becan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
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Lee YH, Kim MS, Lee Y, Wang C, Yun SC, Lee JS. Synergistic adverse effects of microfibers and freshwater acidification on host-microbiota interactions in the water flea Daphnia magna. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132026. [PMID: 37473567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Microfibers are the most common type of microplastics in freshwater environments. Anthropogenic climate stressors, such as freshwater acidification (FA), can interact with plastic pollution to disrupt freshwater ecosystems. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the interactive effects of microfibers and FA on aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated individual Daphnia magna-microbiota interactions affected by interactions between microfibers and FA (MFA). We found that the accumulated amount of microfibers in pH-treatment groups was significantly higher than in the control groups, resulting in negative consequences on reproduction, growth, and sex ratio. We also observed that MFA interactions induced immunity- and reproduction-related biological processes. In particular, the abundance of pathogenic bacteria increased only in MFA groups, indicating that MFA interactions can cause intestinal damage. Our integrated analysis of microbiomes and host transcriptomes revealed that synergistic adverse effects of MFAs are closely related to changes in microbial communities, suggesting that D. magna fitness and the microbial community are causally linked. These finding may help elucidate the toxicity mechanisms governing the responses of D. magna to microfibers and acidification interactions, and to host-microbiome-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hwan Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Min-Sub Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Yoseop Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Chuxin Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Seong Chan Yun
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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Détrée C, Labbé C, Paul-Pont I, Prado E, El Rawke M, Thomas L, Delorme N, Le Goic N, Huvet A. On the horns of a dilemma: Evaluation of synthetic and natural textile microfibre effects on the physiology of the pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121861. [PMID: 37245792 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fast fashion and our daily use of fibrous materials cause a massive release of microfibres (MF) into the oceans. Although MF pollution is commonly linked to plastics, the vast majority of collected MF are made from natural materials (e.g. cellulose). We investigated the effects of 96-h exposure to natural (wool, cotton, organic cotton) and synthetic (acrylic, nylon, polyester) textile MF and their associated chemical additives on the capacity of Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas to ingest MF and the effects of MF and their leachates on key molecular and cellular endpoints. Digestive and glycolytic enzyme activities and immune and detoxification responses were determined at cellular (haemocyte viability, ROS production, ABC pump activity) and molecular (Ikb1, Ikb2, caspase 1 and EcSOD expression) levels, considering environmentally relevant (10 MF L-1) and worst-case scenarios (10 000 MF L-1). Ingestion of natural MF perturbed oyster digestive and immune functions, but synthetic MF had few effects, supposedly related with fibers weaving rather than the material itself. No concentration effects were found, suggesting that an environmental dose of MF is sufficient to trigger these responses. Leachate exposure had minimal effects on oyster physiology. These results suggest that the manufacture of the fibres and their characteristics could be the major factors of MF toxicity and stress the need to consider both natural and synthetic particles and their leachates to thoroughly evaluate the impact of anthropogenic debris. Environmental Implication. Microfibres (MF) are omnipresent in the world oceans with around 2 million tons released every year, resulting in their ingestion by a wide array of marine organisms. In the ocean, a domination of natural MF- representing more than 80% of collected fibres-over synthetic ones was observed. Despite MF pervasiveness, research on their impact on marine organisms, is still in its infancy. The current study aims to investigate the effects of environmental concentrations of both synthetic and natural textile MF and their associated leachates on a model filter feeder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Détrée
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France.
| | - Clémentine Labbé
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Ika Paul-Pont
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Enora Prado
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Maria El Rawke
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Lena Thomas
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France; Ifremer, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Nicolas Delorme
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux Du Mans, UMR,, CNRS-Le Mans Université, Av. O. Messiaen, 72085, 6283, Le Mans, Cedex 9, France
| | - Nelly Le Goic
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Arnaud Huvet
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
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12
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Hazlehurst A, Tiffin L, Sumner M, Taylor M. Quantification of microfibre release from textiles during domestic laundering. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:43932-43949. [PMID: 36680713 PMCID: PMC10076413 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25246-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Domestic laundering of textiles is being increasingly recognised as a significant source of microfibre pollution. Reliable quantification of microfibre release is necessary to understanding the scale of this issue and to evaluate the efficacy of potential solutions. This study explores three major factors that influence the quantification of microfibres released from the domestic laundering of textiles: test methodologies, laundering variables, and fabric variables.A review of different test methods is presented, highlighting the variation in quantification created by using different methodologies. A reliable and reproducible method for quantifying microfibre release from domestic laundering is used to explore the impact of laundering and fabric variables experimentally. The reproducibility and reliability of the method used was validated through inter-laboratory trials and has informed the development of European and international testing standards. Our results show that increasing the wash liquor ratio and wash agitation results in a greater mass of microfibres released, but we found that fabric variables can have a greater influence on microfibre release than the laundering variables tested in this study. However, no single fabric variable appeared to have a dominant influence.Using the data obtained and assumptions for washing load size and frequency, results were scaled to reflect possible annual microfibre release from untreated domestic laundering in the UK. Depending on different laundering and fabric variables, these values range from 6490 tonnes to 87,165 tonnes of microfibre discharged in the UK each year.
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13
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Lu X, Hu H, Li J, Li J, Wang L, Liu L, Tang Y. Microplastics existence affected heavy metal affinity to ferrihydrite as a representative sediment mineral. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160227. [PMID: 36400290 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The coexistence of minerals, heavy metals and microplastics in sediment has been widely reported, while the interactions between minerals and heavy metals may be affected by the presence of microplastics. Therefore, to elucidate the effect of microplastics on the interactions between heavy metals and sediment minerals, this study conducted a series of experiments using polystyrene (PS) microplastics, Pb/Cr/Cd and ferrihydrite (Fh). The presence of PS microplastics with ferrihydrite (Fh-MPs200, mass ratio of ferrihydrite to PS of 200:1) improved the adsorption capacity of ferrihydrite, especially with an increase of 36 % for Pb. Morphological characterization demonstrated that the nano-ferrihydrite particles were dispersed on the surface of the PS microplastics, increasing the available reaction sites of the ferrihydrite particles. Furthermore, the results of zeta potential and pH effect showed that the reduction in electrostatic repulsion after adding PS was another critical reason for the increase in Pb adsorption by Fh-MP200. As a result, the presence of PS microplastics enhanced the complexation of Pb ions and the hydroxyl groups on the ferrihydrite surface. This study demonstrated that the presence of microplastics in the sedimentary environment can alter the dispersion and surface properties of minerals, thereby affecting the accumulation and transportation of heavy metals at the water-sediment interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Hongwei Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, PR China
| | - Jiawei Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jiangpeng Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Lili Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
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14
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Li Y, Lu Q, Xing Y, Liu K, Ling W, Yang J, Yang Q, Wu T, Zhang J, Pei Z, Gao Z, Li X, Yang F, Ma H, Liu K, Zhao D. Review of research on migration, distribution, biological effects, and analytical methods of microfibers in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158922. [PMID: 36155038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been proven to be one of the critical environmental pollution issues. Moreover, microfibers, the most prominent form of microplastics in the environment, have likewise attracted the attention of various countries. With the increase in global population and industrialization, the production and use of fibers continue to increase yearly. As a result, a large number of microfibers are formed. If fiber products are not used or handled correctly, it will cause direct/indirect severe microfiber environmental pollution. Microfibers will be further broken into smaller fiber fragments when they enter the natural environment. Presently, researchers have conducted extensive research in the identification of microfibers, laying the foundation for further resourcefulness research. This work used bibliometric analysis to review the microfiber contamination researches systematically. First, the primary sources of microfibers and the influencing factors are analyzed. We aim to summarize the influence of the clothing fiber preparation and care processes on microfiber formation. Then, this work elaborated on the migration in/between water, atmosphere, and terrestrial environments. We also discussed the effects of microfiber on ecosystems. Finally, microfibers' current and foreseeable effective treatment, disposal, and resource utilization methods were explained. This paper will provide a structured reference for future microfiber research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China; School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qingbin Lu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Kai Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wei Ling
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qizhen Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Tianqi Wu
- Human Resources Department, Yangquan Power Supply Company of State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company, Yangquan 045000, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zengxin Pei
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ziyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Iron and Steel Industry Environmental Protection, No. 33, Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Hongjie Ma
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Kehan Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ding Zhao
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
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15
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Cohen N, Radian A. Microplastic Textile Fibers Accumulate in Sand and Are Potential Sources of Micro(nano)plastic Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17635-17642. [PMID: 36475681 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural soils have been identified as sinks for microplastic fibers; however, little information is available on their long-term fate in these soils. In this study, polyester and nylon fibers were precisely cut to relevant environmental lengths, using novel methodology, and their behavior in sand columns was studied at environmental concentration. The longer fibers (>50 μm) accumulated in the upper layers of the sand, smaller fibers were slightly more mobile, and nylon showed marginally higher mobility than polyester. Previous studies have overlooked changes in microplastic morphology due to transport in soil. Our study is the first to show that fibers exhibited breakage, peeling, and thinning under flow conditions in soil, releasing smaller, more mobile fragments. Furthermore, the peelings exhibited different adsorption properties compared to the core fiber. This suggests that microplastic fibers can become a source of smaller micro(nano)plastics and potential vectors for certain molecules, risking continuous contamination of nearby soils, surfaces, and groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirrit Cohen
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Adi Radian
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa 32000, Israel
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16
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Huang X, Gao H, Li Z, Wu F, Gong Y, Li Y. Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in blue shark (Prionace glauca) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114138. [PMID: 36162290 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We quantified the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the blue shark, Prionace glauca, found in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and investigated the potential microplastic pollution risks. Microplastics (MPs) were detected in 39.1 % of specimens, up to 0.15 ± 0.38 items/g wet weight of the posterior part of the pylorus, and were sized 45.87 to 3220.12 μm. The majority were fibrous in shape (83.3 %) and blue in color (72.2 %). Both sexes of sharks had similar MP abundance and characteristics, except for polymers, with polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene representing the dominant type in males and females, respectively. Most individuals experienced low pollution, but one male P. glauca exhibited a high ecological risk level owing to the high MP abundance and detection of polyvinyl chloride. This study provides an important baseline for the ingestion of microplastics by pelagic shark species and is a preliminary quantitative measure that could be used in future studies of the risk of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Huang
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huachen Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zezheng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Wu
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Uncontrolled Disposal of Used Masks Resulting in Release of Microplastics and Co-Pollutants into Environment. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14152403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The global panic caused by COVID-19 has continued to increase people’s demand for masks. However, due to inadequate management and disposal practice, these masks have, unfortunately, entered the environment and release a large amount of microplastics (MPs), posing a serious threat to the environment and human health. Understanding the occurrence of mask waste in various environments, release of mask-origin MPs, and related environmental risk is essential to mask-waste management in current and future epidemic prevention and control. This paper focuses on the global distribution of mask waste, the potential release of waste-origin MPs, and the impact on the environment. Specifically, the physical and chemical properties of polypropylene (the most common plastic material in a mask), which show a high adsorption capacity for heavy metals and organic pollutants and play a role as a support for microbial growth, were extensively reported. In addition, several important issues that need to be resolved are raised, which offers a direction for future research. This review focuses on the essentiality of handling masks to avoid potential environmental issues.
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18
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Pérez-Guevara F, Roy PD, Kutralam-Muniasamy G, Shruti VC. Coverage of microplastic data underreporting and progress toward standardization. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154727. [PMID: 35331761 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of microplastics in various environmental matrices is becoming more prevalent in almost every region of the world. Microplastics are underreported depending on how they are extracted and analyzed, and their magnitude and impacts are unknown or unstudied. This paper aims to synthesize a concrete assessment of the important factors that underpin microplastics data underreporting. Our analysis revealed that there is considerable evidence to highlight data underreporting on microplastic abundance and characteristics, which stems from a combination of partial evaluation, economic constraints, recovery efficiency of microplastic extraction, filter pore size used for microplastic separation, and the detection limit of the quantification and characterization method. The majority of unreported data fell into the category of significantly smaller-sized microplastic particles (1-300 μm), which are known to be more harmful to the environment and human health. Recommendations toward the improvement of methodologies for improving microplastic data, as well as the critical areas that will drive standardization ahead, are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Priyadarsi D Roy
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - V C Shruti
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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19
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Schell T, Martinez‐Perez S, Dafouz R, Hurley R, Vighi M, Rico A. Effects of Polyester Fibers and Car Tire Particles on Freshwater Invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1555-1567. [PMID: 35353397 PMCID: PMC9324906 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic ingestion has been shown for various organisms, but knowledge of the potential adverse effects on freshwater invertebrates remains limited. We assessed the ingestion capacity and the associated effects of polyester fibers (26-5761 µm) and car tire particles (25-75 µm) on freshwater invertebrates under acute and chronic exposure conditions. A range of microplastic concentrations was tested on Daphnia magna, Hyalella azteca, Asellus aquaticus, and Lumbriculus variegatus using water only (up to 0.15 g/L) or spiked sediment (up to 2 g/kg dry wt), depending on the habitat of the species. Daphnia magna did not ingest any fibers, but low levels of fibers were ingested by all tested benthic invertebrate species. Car tire particle ingestion rose with increasing exposure concentration for all tested invertebrates and was highest in D. magna and L. variegatus. In most cases, no statistically significant effects on mobility, survival, or reproductive output were observed after acute and chronic exposure at the tested concentrations. However, fibers affected the reproduction and survival of D. magna (no-observed-effect concentration [NOEC]: 0.15 mg/L) due to entanglement and limited mobility under chronic conditions. Car tire particles affected the reproduction (NOEC: 1.5 mg/L) and survival (NOEC: 0.15 mg/L) of D. magna after chronic exposure at concentrations in the same order of magnitude as modeled river water concentrations, suggesting that refined exposure and effect studies should be performed with these microplastics. Our results confirm that microplastic ingestion by freshwater invertebrates depends on particle shape and size and that ingestion quantity depends on the exposure pathway and the feeding strategy of the test organism. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1555-1567. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Schell
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical EngineeringUniversity of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Sara Martinez‐Perez
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical EngineeringUniversity of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Raquel Dafouz
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | | | - Marco Vighi
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ValenciaPaternaSpain
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20
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Athey SN, Erdle LM. Are We Underestimating Anthropogenic Microfiber Pollution? A Critical Review of Occurrence, Methods, and Reporting. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:822-837. [PMID: 34289522 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic microfibers, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, can be categorized as synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural according to material of origin and production process. Although natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, originated from natural sources, they often contain chemical additives, including colorants (e.g., dyes, pigments) and finishes (e.g., flame retardants, antimicrobial agents, ultraviolet light stabilizers). These additives are applied to textiles during production to give textiles desired properties like enhanced durability. Anthropogenically modified "natural" and semisynthetic fibers are sufficiently persistent to undergo long-range transport and accumulate in the environment, where they are ingested by biota. Although most research and communication on microfibers have focused on the sources, pathways, and effects of synthetic fibers in the environment, natural and semisynthetic fibers warrant further investigation because of their abundance. Because of the challenges in enumerating and identifying natural and semisynthetic fibers in environmental samples and the focus on microplastic or synthetic fibers, reports of anthropogenic microfibers in the environment may be underestimated. In this critical review, we 1) report that natural and semisynthetic microfibers are abundant, 2) highlight that some environmental compartments are relatively understudied in the microfiber literature, and 3) report which methods are suitable to enumerate and characterize the full suite of anthropogenic microfibers. We then use these findings to 4) recommend best practices to assess the abundance of anthropogenic microfibers in the environment, including natural and semisynthetic fibers. By focusing exclusively on synthetic fibers in the environment, we are neglecting a major component of anthropogenic microfiber pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:822-837. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Athey
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Erdle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The 5 Gyres Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA
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21
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De Felice B, Antenucci S, Ortenzi MA, Parolini M. Laundering of face masks represents an additional source of synthetic and natural microfibers to aquatic ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150495. [PMID: 34844332 PMCID: PMC8457919 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
From the onset of Covid-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has been adapted as one of the main measures to slow down the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide. The inadequate handling and management of face masks lead to a massive dispersal in the environment, resulting in a new source of microfibers because of their breakdown and/or degradation. In addition, the laundering of reusable face masks of different polymeric composition can represent an additional sources of microfibers to natural ecosystems, but it was largely neglected. The present study explored the release of synthetic or natural microfibers from reusable and disposable face masks of five different fabrics when subjected to a cycle of laundering in a domestic washing machine. After a single wash, face masks released an average (± SE) of 284.94 ± 73.66 microfibers, independently of the fabrics. Focusing on the fabrics composing the face masks, polyurethane (541.33 ± 51.84 microfibers) and cotton-based (823.00 ± 112.53 microfibers) face masks released the highest amount of synthetic and natural microfibers, respectively. Considering the crucial role of face masks to counteract the pandemic and the increasing trend of their use, further studies represent a priority to estimate the contribution of face mask-derived microfibers to freshwater contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Antenucci
- Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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22
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Villanova-Solano C, Díaz-Peña FJ, Hernández-Sánchez C, González-Sálamo J, González-Pleiter M, Vega-Moreno D, Fernández-Piñas F, Fraile-Nuez E, Machín F, Hernández-Borges J. Microplastic pollution in sublittoral coastal sediments of a North Atlantic island: The case of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132530. [PMID: 34653476 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the microplastic content of sediments collected in July 2020 between 5 and 7 m depth was studied in four locations of La Palma island (Canary Islands, Spain). At each sampling location, three samples were taken parallel to the shoreline. The microplastic content in each sampling corer was studied every 2.5 cm depth after digestion with a H2O2 solution followed by flotation in a saturated NaCl solution. Visualization of the final filtrates under a stereomicroscope revealed that all the sediment samples evaluated contained mostly microfibers (98.3%) which were mainly white/colorless (86.0%) and blue (9.8%), with an average length of 2423 ± 2235 (SD) mm and an average concentration of 2682 ± 827 items per kg of dry weight, being the total number of items found 1,019. Fourier Transform Infrared microscopy analysis of 13.9% (n = 139) of the microfibers also showed that they were mainly cellulosic (81.3%). No significant differences were found between the depths of the sediment. However, significant differences were found between the number of fibers from the sampling sites at the east and west of the island. Such variability could be driven by the winds and ocean mesoscale dynamics in the area. This study confirms the wide distribution of microfibers in sediments from an oceanic island like La Palma, providing their first report in marine sediments of the Canary Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Villanova-Solano
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Francisco J Díaz-Peña
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Cintia Hernández-Sánchez
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Forense y Legal y Parasitología, Área de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Sección de Náutica, Máquinas y Radioelectrónica Naval, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Vía Auxiliar Paso Alto, 2, 38001, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier González-Sálamo
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daura Vega-Moreno
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eugenio Fraile-Nuez
- Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Calle Farola del Mar, 22, 38180, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Francisco Machín
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
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23
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Ren X, Wang L, Tang J, Sun H, Giesy JP. Combined effects of degradable film fragments and micro/nanoplastics on growth of wheat seedling and rhizosphere microbes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 294:118516. [PMID: 34864099 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sources of microplastics (MPs) in farmland could result in the changing of microbial community and the plant growth. Most studies of MPs in agricultural system have focused on the effects of single types of MPs on growth of plants, while neglect interactions between multiple types of MPs. In this study a pot-experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of multiple types of MPs, including polystyrene beads: M1, 5 μm, M2, 70 nm and degradable mulching film (DMF) fragments on growth of wheat seedlings and associated rhizosphere microbial community. CKD (adding DMF) significantly reduced plant height and base diameter of wheat seedlings. DMF in combination with M2, significantly increased plant height and aboveground biomass, but decreased the base diameter. Actinobacteria was the dominant taxa in the rhizosphere bacterial community in various treatments. PCoA analysis showed that the bacterial composition in M2HD (100 mg kg-1 M2 with DMF) was significantly different from that of CKD and M2LD (10 mg kg-1 M2 with DMF). At the level of genera, the dominant fungi in CKD and M2LD were in the genus Fusarium, which is the cause of wheat fusarium blight and Alternaria, which results in decreased base diameter. In CK (control group) and M2HD, Blastobotrys exhibited the greatest abundance, which assisted wheat seedlings in resisting Verticillium disease. Cluster and PCoA analysis showed the fungal composition in CKD was significantly different from CK, M2LD and M2HD. These findings suggest MPs potentially have selective effects on pathogens that affect growth of plants and potentially safety of the food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China; School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai, 200240, China; Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science and Technology, 800 Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai, 200240, China; Shanghai Urban Forest Ecosystem Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - John P Giesy
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, And Toxicology Program, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Department of Zoology and Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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24
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Wu P, Li J, Lu X, Tang Y, Cai Z. Release of tens of thousands of microfibers from discarded face masks under simulated environmental conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150458. [PMID: 34592275 PMCID: PMC9752784 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
While mechanical abrasion by water and sediment is a primary and critical step in weathering process, the upsurge of discarded face masks will undoubtedly become a potential source of micro-/nanofibers owing to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia. However, effects of mechanical abrasion on discarded face masks have neither been seriously addressed nor understood. Therefore, we conducted a simulated experiment to explore abundance, size distribution and morphology of microfibers released from common, surgical and face filtering piece (FFP) masks after mechanical abrasion. Technologies such as Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used. Results showed that the abundance of released microfibers followed order of surgical > common > FFP in both water and sediment environments, and the maximum abundance reached 272 ± 12.49 items per square centimeter of mask (items·cm-2) after sediment abrasion. Taking surgical mask for further investigation, the length of released fiber was observed to vary from 47.78 μm to 3.93 mm, and 72.41-89.58% of the total number of released microfibers fell in the range of 0.1-1 mm. However, microfibers with a very small length (1-100 μm) can occupy 0.09-13.59% of the total number of released fibers in sediment environment. The roughness of fiber surface after sediment abrasion was successively increased. Furthermore, the morphology analysis showed significant changes with countless cracks and many prominent protrusions on fiber surface after sediment abrasion. The cracks and protrusions may further accelerate mask decomposition, thereby potentially resulting in the adsorption of other contaminants and the release of self-containing chemicals. This study provides a valuable database of microfibers released from discarded face masks at the primary but critical stage, and further contributes knowledge on environmental impact of discarded personal protective equipment due to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Jiangpeng Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Xiao Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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25
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Kutralam-Muniasamy G, Pérez-Guevara F, Shruti VC. A critical synthesis of current peer-reviewed literature on the environmental and human health impacts of COVID-19 PPE litter: New findings and next steps. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 422:126945. [PMID: 34449351 PMCID: PMC8372437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the emergence of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the threat of plastic waste pollution has grown exponentially, with a strong attention on the environmental and human health consequences of millions of personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., face masks, shields, gloves, and wipes) being used and discarded. In response, a massive research effort has been launched to understand, characterize, and estimate the exposure risks of PPE associated contaminants. While the number of studies examining the impacts of PPE is increasing, this review aimed to provide a quick update on the research conducted to date of this topic, as well as to identify priorities for future research. Specifically, we analyzed recent global peer-reviewed articles on PPE to synthesize methods, control measures, and documented evidence to (1) investigate the discarded PPE in a variety of environments; (2) determine the microplastics discharge in the aquatic environment; (3) examine the intentionally or unintentionally added chemicals in the production of PPE; and (4) assess potential human health hazards and exposure pathways. Despite progress, more research is needed in the future to fully understand the chemical emissions from PPE degradation mechanisms (mechanical, chemical, and biological), as well as the magnitude and density of PPE pollution in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - V C Shruti
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340 Mexico.
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26
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Shruti VC, Pérez-Guevara F, Kutralam-Muniasamy G. Wet wipes contribution to microfiber contamination under COVID-19 era: An important but overlooked problem. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 5:100267. [PMID: 38620870 PMCID: PMC8411576 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2021.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Wet wipes for disinfection, sanitizing, and medical purposes, like personal protective equipment, have witnessed an upsurge in production and use as a result of COVID-19 outbreak. They are a potential source of microfibers and have recently been found in COVID-19 plastic litter survey campaigns conducted in a few marine environments around the world. This mini-review highlights wet wipes as a one of the key debris items contributing to the growing COVID-19-related microplastic pollution, and there are significant gaps in our understanding of microfiber release under different environmental conditions, morphological, and chemical degradation signatures, necessitating a comprehensive study of disinfectant wipes. Thus, we urge microplastic researchers to investigate the environmental implications of wet wipes in order to keep the total estimate of the plastic problem up to date and manage the associated environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- V C Shruti
- Instituto de Geologíía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
- Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
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27
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Kim D, Kim H, An YJ. Effects of synthetic and natural microfibers on Daphnia magna-Are they dependent on microfiber type? AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 240:105968. [PMID: 34583288 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microfibers, which are sourced from textiles and some products from the fishery industry, are the biggest contributors to microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems. In addition to these synthetic microfibers, naturally derived microfibers can also be found in aquatic environments. However, there are limited studies on the ecotoxicity of natural microfibers. To shed light on this topic, this study assessed and compared the toxicity of natural and synthetic microfibers on Daphnia magna, using lyocell, polyester (PET) and polypropylene (PP) microfibers. To evaluate the adverse effect of microfibers on D. magna, after effects including depuration, food intake, growth, mortality, and immobilization rate were continually observed for up to 96 h after the initial 48 h of exposure to the microfibers. Immobilization rate decreased in the following order: PP, PET, and lyocell. However, the depuration of microfibers in the lyocell and PET treatment groups was similar, with higher mortality rates than in the PP treatment group. Furthermore, despite the high rates of food intake following exposure, the lyocell and PET exposed groups exhibited growth inhibition during the same period. This growth inhibition corresponded with, and was likely due to, reductions in the length of gut microvilli, probably an expression of gut damage, which is believed to have reduced nutrient absorption in the affected individuals. Based on the results of this study, it was confirmed that even natural microfibers, and not just synthetic microfibers, can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms. This study confirmed not only the toxicity of microfibers, but also the consequences of their after effects. These results could be the basis for future research on the after effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms and provide directions for further microplastic ecotoxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dokyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Haemi Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea.
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28
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Hodkovicova N, Hollerova A, Caloudova H, Blahova J, Franc A, Garajova M, Lenz J, Tichy F, Faldyna M, Kulich P, Mares J, Machat R, Enevova V, Svobodova Z. Do foodborne polyethylene microparticles affect the health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 793:148490. [PMID: 34174619 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Due to the fact that plastic pollution is a global environmental problem of modern age, studies on the impact of these synthetic materials on aquatic, and especially fish organisms, are an important part of the ecosystem and human nutrition. In our study, the toxicity of pristine polyethylene (PE) microparticles (approx. 50 μm) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was tested in three different dietary concentrations - 0.5%, 2% and 5%. After six weeks of exposure, various health indices were evaluated. Electron microscopy of the intestine revealed the disintegration of PE particles to <5 μm in size, and thus we concluded that microplastics are able to reach tissues. The haematological profile revealed changes in total red blood cells count and haematocrit (5% PE) which could be associated with spleen congestion observed histologically. The marker of lipid peroxidation was increased in gills suggesting the disruption of balance in antioxidant enzymes capacity and histopathological imaging revealed inflammation in higher PE concentrations. In addition, ammonia was decreased and calcium elevated in biochemical profile, confirming the gill damage. Electron microscopy of the gills showed lesions of lamellae and visible rings around the mucinous cell opening indicating their higher activity. Another injured was the liver tissue, as confirmed by hepatodystrophies and increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes in 2% PE. Impaired innate immunity was confirmed by an increased presence of mucinous cells and a decrease in leukocytes. Kidney damage manifested itself by higher expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and histopathology. The damage in gills, liver and kidney together correlated with the increased antioxidant capacity of plasma. In conclusion, PE microparticles are able to affect health indices of O. mykiss. The potential problem for aquatic ecosystems and even human consumption should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hodkovicova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - A Hollerova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - H Caloudova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Blahova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - A Franc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Garajova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Lenz
- Department of Pathology, Znojmo Hospital, Czech Republic; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - F Tichy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Faldyna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - P Kulich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Mares
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic
| | - R Machat
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - V Enevova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Z Svobodova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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29
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Mouneyrac C, Barcelò D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Risks of Covid-19 face masks to wildlife: Present and future research needs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148505. [PMID: 34465061 PMCID: PMC8217904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148505] [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: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The use of disposable face masks became essential to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented rise in their production and, unfortunately, to a new form of environmental contamination due to improper disposal. Recent publications reported the abundance of COVID-19-related litter in several environments, wildlife interaction with such items, and the contaminants that can be released from such protective equipment that has the potential to induce ecotoxicological effects. This paper provides a critical review of COVID-19 face mask occurrence in diverse environments and their adverse physiological and ecotoxicological effects on wildlife. It also outlines potential remediation strategies to mitigate the environmental challenge impose by COVID-19-related litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catherine Mouneyrac
- Mer Molécules Sante (MMS), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 3 place André Leroy, BP10808, 49008 Angers CEDEX 01, France
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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30
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Yao S, Cao H, Arp HPH, Li J, Bian Y, Xie Z, Cherubini F, Jiang X, Song Y. The role of crystallinity and particle morphology on the sorption of dibutyl phthalate on polyethylene microplastics: Implications for the behavior of phthalate plastic additives. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117393. [PMID: 34034021 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The sorption behavior of phthalate additives in plastic and microplastic litter is an important process controlling the exposure, net health risk and ecotoxicity of these co-occurring pollutants. Plastic crystallinity and particle morphology are hypothesized to be important variables for microplastics sorption behavior, but to date there have been few direct studies to explicitly test for the influence of these parameters. To address this, in this study we explored the sorption of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a probe molecule to diverse polyethylene microplastics including irregularly-shaped pure polyethylene microplastics (IPPM), black plastic film microplastics (BPFM), white plastic film microplastics (WPFM), and commercial microspheres (CM), which had crystallinities ranging from 17 to 99%. Sorption kinetics for all materials could be well represented with both a pseudo-first-order (R2 = 0.87-0.93) and pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.87-0.93). Further, sorption was highly linear in the concentration range of 0.5-10 mg L-1, with no greater performance from a linear sorption model (R2 = 0.96-0.99) than the non-linear Freundlich or Temkin sorption models. The partition coefficient (Kd) of DBP sorption onto IPPM, BPFM, WPFM and CMs were 1974.55 L kg-1, 1483.85 L kg-1, 1477.45 L kg-1 and 509.37 L kg-1, respectively, showing a significant decrease with increasing crystallinity (r2 = 0.98). The particle size of microplastics (27-1000 μm) is, however, an indecisive factor affecting their sorption behavior for DBP in this study. This study provides new insight that crystallinity plays a governing role on the sorption of phthalate from microplastic. This should be considered in future exposure studies and assessments of phthalates from plastics and microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Huihui Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806, Oslo, Norway; Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jia Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225127, PR China
| | - Yongrong Bian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Zubin Xie
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, PR China
| | - Francesco Cherubini
- Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Xin Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yang Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China.
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Kutralam-Muniasamy G, Pérez-Guevara F, Martínez IE, Shruti VC. Overview of microplastics pollution with heavy metals: Analytical methods, occurrence, transfer risks and call for standardization. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 415:125755. [PMID: 34088209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The identification and quantification of metals in microplastics are necessary to determine their exposure levels as well as to understand their potential toxicity in the environment linked to the ubiquity of microplastics. The readiness of effective protocols and measurement techniques for accurate metal quantification is of utmost importance. This first review, based on 28 original articles, provides a systematic assessment of the current protocols for extraction, detection and quantification of metals in microplastics and the challenges associated with them. Quality assurance and quality control measures are also summarized. Great variations of microplastic samples in terms of characteristics, number, mass and unit were noted. Wet acid and microwave acid digestion methods were commonly employed for metal extraction from microplastics using a combination of acids such as HF, HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4 at different concentrations and reaction conditions. Adaptation of one or multiple characterization techniques including, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy has been considered. The discrepancies in methodology and elements analyzed between studies produce variable results and troublesome comparison. Having considered the need for a standard procedure, this review highlighted several suggestions towards standardization and recommended perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - I Elizalde Martínez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México, D.F., Mexico
| | - V C Shruti
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México, D.F., Mexico.
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32
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Abstract
In the modern world, plastic has become a major commodity on global scale and is presented in all life aspects. The production of plastics is increasing dramatically throughout the world and is considered to be a serious threat for the aquatic environment. Scientists started to raise questions as to where all the disappeared plastic debris had gone, as the plastic material is a persistent synthetic polymer. The disappearance of plastic suggests that microplastics are generated by fragmentation of larger plastic debris. They also enter the aquatic environment from the cosmetics, clothing, and other industrial manufacturing. Microplastic particles spread in the aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments due to their small size and ubiquity, showing their high bioavailability. The presence of microplastics has been demonstrated in the digestive tracts of most aquatic organisms at various trophic levels. Evidence of negative effects of microplastics has been found in relation to fertility, mortality, oxidative stress, immune system or metabolic processes.
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33
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Ranjani M, Veerasingam S, Venkatachalapathy R, Mugilarasan M, Bagaev A, Mukhanov V, Vethamony P. Assessment of potential ecological risk of microplastics in the coastal sediments of India: A meta-analysis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111969. [PMID: 33515857 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.111969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Abundance, chemical composition and ecological risk of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial and marine environments have merited substantial attention from the research communities. This is the first attempt to comprehend the ecological risk of MPs in sediments along the Indian coast using meta-data. Polymer hazard index (PHI), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were used to evaluate the quality of sediments. Areas have high PHI values (>1000) due to the presence of polymers with high hazard scores such as polyamide (PA) and polystyrene (PS). According to PLI values, sediments along the west coast of India (WCI) are moderately contaminated with MPs (PLI: 3.03 to 15.5), whereas sediments along the east coast of India (ECI) are less contaminated (PLI: 1 to 6.14). The PERI values of sediments along the Indian coast showed higher ecological risk for the metropolitan cities, river mouths, potential fishing zones and the remote islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ranjani
- Department of Physics, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Veerasingam
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Qatar.
| | - R Venkatachalapathy
- Department of Physics, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Mugilarasan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Andrei Bagaev
- Department of Shelf Hydrophysics, Federal Research Center Marine Hydrophysical Institute of RAS, Sevastopol 299011, Russia
| | - Vladimir Mukhanov
- A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of RAS, Sevastopol, Russia
| | - P Vethamony
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Qatar
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Anagnosti L, Varvaresou A, Pavlou P, Protopapa E, Carayanni V. Worldwide actions against plastic pollution from microbeads and microplastics in cosmetics focusing on European policies. Has the issue been handled effectively? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111883. [PMID: 33310543 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Microbeads are solid primary microplastics < 5 mm in diameter that are added to cosmetic products for cleansing and/or exfoliation of the skin. After use, they are discharged into the drain and end up in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), from which they can escape into waters. Once disposed, there is no efficient method of recovery and the environmental conditions do not allow full biodegradation. Focusing mainly on the possible effect of microbeads on the environment and the human health, and taking into account that there have always been alternatives with similar cost, scientists suggested banning microbeads from cosmetic products. Despite the increasing knowledge on the microplastics' effects, the pressure from non-governmental organizations (NGO's) and the increasing public concern, few European and other countries worldwide have taken legislative steps against microbeads, and even fewer against other microplastics used in cosmetic products, mainly because it is a common belief that cosmetic industries responded massively to the call for a phase-out. Although EU acted soon after scientists focused on microbeads' effects by restricting cosmetics with microbeads to bare the EU Ecolabel in 2014, there is still no European-wide ban, which will probably take place as of 2022. Present study offers a thorough literature review on the presence of microbeads in cosmetics up to date, focusing primarily on the actions against their use, and questioning whether future pollution from microbeads or/and microplastics in cosmetics has been successfully handled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamprini Anagnosti
- Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasia Varvaresou
- Division of Aesthetics and Cosmetic Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 28 Ag. Spyridonos Str., Egaleo, Greece; Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Cosmetic Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 28 Ag. Spyridonos Str., Egaleo, Greece.
| | - Panagoula Pavlou
- Division of Aesthetics and Cosmetic Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 28 Ag. Spyridonos Str., Egaleo, Greece.
| | - Evangelia Protopapa
- Division of Aesthetics and Cosmetic Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 28 Ag. Spyridonos Str., Egaleo, Greece; Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Cosmetic Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 28 Ag. Spyridonos Str., Egaleo, Greece
| | - Vilelmine Carayanni
- Director of the Laboratory of Statistical Modeling and Educational Technology in Public and Environmental Health, School of Public and Community Health, University of West Attica, 28 Ag. Spyridonos Str., Egaleo, Greece
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35
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Shruti VC, Pérez-Guevara F, Elizalde-Martínez I, Kutralam-Muniasamy G. Toward a unified framework for investigating micro(nano)plastics in packaged beverages intended for human consumption. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115811. [PMID: 33099200 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The continuously increasing presence of micro- and nanoplastics contamination in numerous food products for human consumption is threatening and their potential health effects towards humans remain uncertain. At present, investigations on packaged beverages (e.g. bottled drinking water, beer, milk and refreshments) have received scientific attention and represent an important part of microplastic research as humans are orally exposed to these anthropogenic contaminants every day. Rapid and effective detection methods are important to quantify micro- and nanoplastic particles with a great accuracy as well as to identify their sources and characteristics. A number of methods are currently in use to assess microplastics in packaged beverages; however, the great variations in methods and data acquisition render difficulties when comparing the results and developing the protocols. Based on the challenges, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of emerging technological approaches, points out the current limitations from sample preparation to quantification and present recommendations. From the results of our analysis, we postulate an example framework that can be applied to different types of drinking products for investigating micro- and nanoplastics. Overall, this review will serve as a first step towards harmonization of micro- and nanoplastic monitoring efforts and a point of reference to help direct future researches focusing on drinking products intended for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- V C Shruti
- Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P, 07340, México City, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - I Elizalde-Martínez
- Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P, 07340, México City, Mexico
| | - Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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36
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Shruti VC, Pérez-Guevara F, Elizalde-Martínez I, Kutralam-Muniasamy G. Reusable masks for COVID-19: A missing piece of the microplastic problem during the global health crisis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111777. [PMID: 33099058 PMCID: PMC7574683 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- V C Shruti
- Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México City, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - I Elizalde-Martínez
- Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México City, Mexico
| | - Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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