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Netema BN, Chakraborty TK, Nice MS, Islam KR, Debnath PC, Chowdhury P, Rahman MS, Halder M, Zaman S, Ghosh GC, Islam MS. Appraisal of microplastic pollution and its related risks for urban indoor environment in Bangladesh using machine learning and diverse risk evolution indices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124631. [PMID: 39074686 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of Microplastics (MPs) is increasing in the indoor environment due to increasing annual plastic usage, which is becoming a global threat to human health. Therefore, this is the first research in Bangladesh to identify, and characterize, MP pollution and its allied threats to human health in the indoor urban environment, where 80 household dust samples were collected from the whole study area. The presence of MPs in household dust of the urban indoor environment was 25.8 ± 6.43 particles/g with a significant variety, whereas the fiber shape (73%), 0.5-1.00 mm ranged MPs size (58%), blue color (21%), and polystyrene polymer (34%) was the most ubiquitous MPs category. The pollution load index (1.61-2.96) indicated significant pollution due to the high abundance of MPs. Besides, other risks evaluating indices including contamination factor (1.00-3.51), and Nemerow pollution index (1.60-3.51) represent moderate to high MP-induced pollution. The polymer hazard index (119.54 ± 70.34) indicated significant risks for the selected polymers to the indoor environment living inhabitants. Machine learning approaches, especially random forest and support random vector machine were effective in predicting the number of MPs, where EC, salinity, pH, OC, and texture classes acted as controlling factors. Children and adults might be ingesting 4.12 ± 1.01 and 2.27 ± 0.57 particles/day through the ingestion exposure route, which has significant health effects. Polymer-associated lifetime cancer risk assessment results show that there are moderate risks for both adults and children, but children tend to be more susceptible to MP risks. The overall study found that Dhaka was the most severely MPs induced risky division among the others. This study reveals that high quantities of MPs in indoor environments could pose a serious health hazard' to different exposure groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baytune Nahar Netema
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Tapos Kumar Chakraborty
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Simoon Nice
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Khandakar Rashedul Islam
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Partha Chandra Debnath
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Pragga Chowdhury
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sozibur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Monishanker Halder
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Samina Zaman
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Gopal Chandra Ghosh
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shahnul Islam
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA
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Liang R, Zhang C, Zhang R, Li Q, Liu H, Wang XX. Effects of microplastics derived from biodegradable mulch film on different plant species growth and soil properties. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174899. [PMID: 39043299 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable mulch residues contribute significantly to the presence of microplastics in soil ecosystems. The environmental impact of microplastics, especially biodegradable microplastics (bio-MPs), on soil and plants is of increasing concern. In this study, the responses of five crop species potted in soil treated with different mass concentrations of bio-MPs were assessed for one month. The shoot and root biomasses of cabbages and strawberries were inhibited by bio-MPs treatment. There was little variation in the growth indicators of identical plants with the addition of different mass concentrations of bio-MPs; however, a significant difference was observed among different plants with the addition of the same concentration of bio-MPs. The detrimental effects of bio-MPs were more pronounced in strawberries and cabbages than in the other plant species. Moreover, bio-MPs can affect the availability of soil nutrients and enzyme activities. Structural equation modeling showed that changes in soil properties may indirectly affect plant growth and nutrient uptake when exposed to bio-MPs. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the ecological effects of biodegradable mulch films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China; Mountain Area Research Institute, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Mountain Area Research Institute, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifang Zhang
- Mountain Area Research Institute, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyun Li
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongquan Liu
- College of Urban and Rural Construction, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China; Mountain Area Research Institute, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China; College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China.
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Li Y, Ding BH, Geng X. Effect of biochar on microplastics penetration treatment within soil porous medium under the wetting-drying cycles and optimisation of soil-biochar mixing format. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173194. [PMID: 38744391 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Plant-based biochar was demonstrated promising capability in adsorbing microplastic particles (MPs) within soil porous mediums. However, biochar's function in mitigating MPs' vertical penetration during wetting-drying cycles, typical of seasonal precipitation and evaporation, remains uncertain. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the structures of how biochar combines with soil. This study conducted column tests to assess the MPs retention capabilities of soil-biochar porous media under saturated and wetting-drying conditions. The water retention and hydrophilic properties were investigated to elucidate the impact of wetting-drying cycles. Additionally, different biochar-soil structures were compared to optimise the structural design. Without biochar, wetting-drying cycles resulted in 8.74 % more MPs escaping from samples. However, incorporating 15 % biochar led to only around 2 % more MPs in effluent. Biochar significantly enhanced soil's MP absorption capacity and mitigated the negative effects of wetting-drying cycles. Biochar's alveolate morphology provides ample adsorption sites and creates complex flow paths. The hydrophilic groups of biochar and capillarity by micropores facilitated slower water release during drying, preventing crack propagation and flush on MP particles. This effect was more pronounced with higher biochar content and lower porosity. Moreover, layer structure was found to improve MPs removal, benefiting the long-term performance and management of the biochar functional layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Li
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK
| | | | - Xueyu Geng
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
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4
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Huang F, Chen L, Yang X, Jeyakumar P, Wang Z, Sun S, Qiu T, Zeng Y, Chen J, Huang M, Wang H, Fang L. Unveiling the impacts of microplastics on cadmium transfer in the soil-plant-human system: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135221. [PMID: 39096630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
The co-contamination of soils by microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd), one of the most perilous heavy metals, is emerging as a significant global concern, posing risks to plant productivity and human health. However, there remains a gap in the literature concerning comprehensive evaluations of the combined effects of MPs and Cd on soil-plant-human systems. This review examines the interactions and co-impacts of MPs and Cd in soil-plant-human systems, elucidating their mechanisms and synergistic effects on plant development and health risks. We also review the origins and contamination levels of MPs and Cd, revealing that sewage, atmospheric deposition, and biosolid applications are contributors to the contamination of soil with MPs and Cd. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that MPs significantly (p<0.05) increase the bioavailability of soil Cd and the accumulation of Cd in plant shoots by 6.9 and 9.3 %, respectively. The MPs facilitate Cd desorption from soils through direct adsorption via surface complexation and physical adsorption, as well as indirectly by modifying soil physicochemical properties, such as pH and dissolved organic carbon, and altering soil microbial diversity. These interactions augment the bioavailability of Cd, along with MPs, adversely affect plant growth and its physiological functions. Moreover, the ingestion of MPs and Cd through the food chain significantly enhances the bioaccessibility of Cd and exacerbates histopathological alterations in human tissues, thereby amplifying the associated health risks. This review provides insights into the coexistence of MPs and Cd and their synergistic effects on soil-plant-human systems, emphasizing the need for further research in this critical subject area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Li Chen
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Paramsothy Jeyakumar
- Environmental Sciences Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Environment and Resources, Southwest University of Science & Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Shiyong Sun
- College of Environment and Resources, Southwest University of Science & Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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5
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Li HZ, Li WJ, Wang ZJ, Chen QL, Staal Jensen MK, Qiao M, Cui L. Integrating Multiple Bacterial Phenotypes and Bayesian Network for Analyzing Health Risks of Pathogens in Plastisphere. Anal Chem 2024; 96:11374-11382. [PMID: 38949233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution represents a critical threat to soil ecosystems and even humans, as plastics can serve as a habitat for breeding and refuging pathogenic microorganisms against stresses. However, evaluating the health risk of plastispheres is difficult due to the lack of risk factors and quantification model. Here, DNA sequencing, single-cell Raman-D2O labeling, and transformation assay were used to quantify key risk factors of plastisphere, including pathogen abundance, phenotypic resistance to various stresses (antibiotic and pesticide), and ability to acquire antibiotic resistance genes. A Bayesian network model was newly introduced to integrate these three factors and infer their causal relationships. Using this model, the risk of pathogen in the plastisphere is found to be nearly 3 magnitudes higher than that in free-living state. Furthermore, this model exhibits robustness for risk prediction, even in the absence of one factor. Our framework offers a novel and practical approach to assessing the health risk of plastispheres, contributing to the management of plastic-related threats to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Zhe Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Wen-Jing Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zi-Jian Wang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, United States
| | - Qing-Lin Chen
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Mia Kristine Staal Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Min Qiao
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
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6
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Dogra K, Kumar M, Deoli Bahukhandi K, Zang J. Traversing the prevalence of microplastics in soil-agro ecosystems: Origin, occurrence, and pollutants synergies. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 266:104398. [PMID: 39032427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastics in modern life has made them a significant environmental concern and a marker of the Anthropocene era. The degradation of plastics results in the formation of microplastics (MPs), which measure 5 mm or less. The coexistence of MPs with other pollutants found in sludge, water treatment plant effluents, surface water, and groundwater, shapes the environmental landscape together. Despite extensive investigation, the long-term implications of MPs in soils remain uncertain, underscoring the importance of delving into their transportation and interactions with soil biota and other contaminants. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of MPs contamination in soil, encompassing its sources, prevalence, features, and interactions with soil flora and fauna, heavy metals, and organic compounds. The sources of MPs in soil agroecosystems are mulching, composting, littering, sewage sludge, irrigation water, and fertilizer application. The concentration of MPs reported in plastic mulch, littering, and sewage sludge is 503 ± 2760 items per kg-1, 4483 ± 2315 MPs/kg, and 11,100 ± 570 per/kg. The transport of MPs in soil agroecosystems is due to their horizontal and vertical migration including biotic and abiotic mobility. The article also highlighted the analytical process, which includes sampling planning, collection, purification, extraction, and identification techniques of MPs in soil agroecosystems. The mechanism in the interaction of MPs and organic pollutants includes surface adsorption or adhesion cation bridging, hydrogen bonding, charge transfer, ligand exchange, van der Waals interactions, and ion exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Dogra
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterey, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| | - Kanchan Deoli Bahukhandi
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jian Zang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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7
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Chakraborty TK, Rahman MS, Nice MS, Netema BN, Islam KR, Debnath PC, Chowdhury P, Halder M, Zaman S, Ghosh GC, Rayhan MA, Asif SMH, Biswas A, Sarker S, Hasan MJ, Ahmmed M, Munna A. Application of machine learning and multivariate approaches for assessing microplastic pollution and its associated risks in the urban outdoor environment of Bangladesh. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134359. [PMID: 38691990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134359] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging global concern due to severe toxicological risks for ecosystems and public health. Therefore, this is the first study in Bangladesh to assess MP pollution and its associated risks for ecosystems and human health in the outdoor urban environment using machine learning and multivariate approaches. The occurrences of MPs in the urban road dust were 52.76 ± 20.24 particles/g with high diversity, where fiber shape (77%), 0.1-0.5 mm size MPs (75%), blue color (26%), and low-density polyethylene (24%) polymer was the dominating MPs category. Pollution load index value (1.28-4.42), showed severe pollution by MPs. Additionally, the contamination factor (1.00-5.02), and Nemerow pollution index (1.38-5.02), indicate moderate to severe MP pollution. The identified polymers based on calculated potential ecological risk (2248.52 ± 1792.79) and polymer hazard index (814.04 ± 346.15) showed very high and high risks, respectively. The occurrences of MPs could effectively be predicted by random forest, and support random vector machine, where EC, salinity, pH, OC, and texture classes were the influencing parameters. Considering the human health aspect, children and adults could be acutely exposed to 19259.68 and 5777.90 MP particles/ year via oral ingestion. Monte-Carlo-based polymers associated cancer risk assessment results indicate moderate risk and high risk for adults and children, respectively, where children were more vulnerable than adults for MP pollution risks. Overall assessment mentioned that Dhaka was the most polluted division among the other divisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapos Kumar Chakraborty
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Sozibur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Simoon Nice
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Baytune Nahar Netema
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Khandakar Rashedul Islam
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Partha Chandra Debnath
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Pragga Chowdhury
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Monishanker Halder
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Samina Zaman
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Gopal Chandra Ghosh
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Rayhan
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Sk Mahmudul Hasan Asif
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Aditi Biswas
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Sarajit Sarker
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jahid Hasan
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Mahfuz Ahmmed
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Asadullah Munna
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
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Jiang Y, Zhou C, Khan A, Zhang X, Mamtimin T, Fan J, Hou X, Liu P, Han H, Li X. Environmental risks of mask wastes binding pollutants: Phytotoxicity, microbial community, nitrogen and carbon cycles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135058. [PMID: 38986403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The increasing contamination of mask wastes presents a significant global challenge to ecological health. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the environmental risks that mask wastes pose to soil. In this study, a total of 12 mask wastes were collected from landfills. Mask wastes exhibited negligible morphological changes, and bound eight metals and four types of organic pollutants. Masks combined with pollutants inhibited the growth of alfalfa and Elymus nutans, reducing underground biomass by 84.6 %. Mask wastes decreased the Chao1 index and the relative abundances (RAs) of functional bacteria (Micrococcales, Gemmatimonadales, and Sphingomonadales). Metagenomic analysis showed that mask wastes diminished the RAs of functional genes associated with nitrification (amoABC and HAO), denitrification (nirKS and nosZ), glycolysis (gap2), and TCA cycle (aclAB and mdh), thereby inhibiting the nitrogen transformation and ATP production. Furthermore, some pathogenic viruses (Herpesviridae and Tunggulvirus) were also found on the mask wastes. Structural equation models demonstrated that mask wastes restrained soil enzyme activities, ultimately affecting nitrogen and carbon cycles. Collectively, these evidences indicate that mask wastes contribute to soil health and metabolic function disturbances. This study offers a new perspective on the potential environmental risks associated with the improper disposal of masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Jiang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Centre for Grassland Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Chunxiu Zhou
- Centre for Grassland Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Aman Khan
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xueyao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Tursunay Mamtimin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jingwen Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Pu Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Huawen Han
- Centre for Grassland Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China.
| | - Xiangkai Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
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Iqbal S, Xu J, Saleem Arif M, Shakoor A, Worthy FR, Gui H, Khan S, Bu D, Nader S, Ranjitkar S. Could soil microplastic pollution exacerbate climate change? A meta-analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118945. [PMID: 38631466 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution and climate change are primarily investigated in isolation, despite their joint threat to the environment. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emitted during: the production of plastic and rubber, the use and degradation of plastic, and after contamination of environment. This is the first meta-analysis to assess underlying causal relationships and the influence of likely mediators. We included 60 peer-reviewed empirical studies; estimating GHGs emissions effect size and global warming potential (GWP), according to key microplastics properties and soil conditions. We investigated interrelationships with microbe functional gene expression. Overall, microplastics contamination was associated with increased GHGs emissions, with the strongest effect (60%) on CH4 emissions. Polylactic-acid caused 32% higher CO2 emissions, but only 1% of total GWP. Phenol-formaldehyde had the greatest (175%) GWP via 182% increased N2O emissions. Only polystyrene resulted in reduced GWP by 50%, due to N2O mitigation. Polyethylene caused the maximum (60%) CH4 emissions. Shapes of microplastics differed in GWP: fiber had the greatest GWP (66%) whereas beads reduced GWP by 53%. Films substantially increased emissions of all GHGs: 14% CO2, 10% N2O and 60% CH4. Larger-sized microplastics had higher GWP (125%) due to their 9% CO2 and 63% N2O emissions. GWP rose sharply if soil microplastics content exceeded 0.5%. Higher CO2 emissions, ranging from 4% to 20%, arose from soil which was either fine, saturated or had high-carbon content. Higher N2O emissions, ranging from 10% to 95%, arose from soils that had either medium texture, saturated water content or low-carbon content. Both CO2 and N2O emissions were 43%-56% higher from soils with neutral pH. We conclude that microplastics contamination can cause raised GHGs emissions, posing a risk of exacerbating climate-change. We show clear links between GHGs emissions, microplastics properties, soil characteristics and soil microbe functional gene expression. Further research is needed regarding underlying mechanisms and processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China; Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Honghe, 654400, Yunnan, China.
| | - Jianchu Xu
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China; Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Honghe, 654400, Yunnan, China; East and Central Asia Regional Office, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Muhammad Saleem Arif
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Road, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Awais Shakoor
- Soils West, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6105, Australia; Teagasc, Environment, Soils and Land Use Department, Johnstown Castle, Co, Wexford, Y35 Y521, Ireland; Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Fiona R Worthy
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Heng Gui
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China; Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Honghe, 654400, Yunnan, China
| | - Sehroon Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Bannu Township, 28100, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunhuwa, Pakistan
| | - Dengpan Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China; Joint Laboratory on Integrated Crop-Tree-Livestock Systems, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), And World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Sadia Nader
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Bannu Township, 28100, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunhuwa, Pakistan
| | - Sailesh Ranjitkar
- N. Gene Solution of Natural Innovation, Kathmandu, Nepal; School of Development Studies, Lumbini Buddhist University, Devdaha, Nepal; MICD, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Mid-West University, Lalitpur, Nepal
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10
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Orr G, Niv Y, Barakat M, Boginya A, Dessau M, Afriat-Jurnou L. Streamlined screening of extracellularly expressed PETase libraries for improved polyethylene terephthalate degradation. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2400021. [PMID: 38987219 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202400021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Enzyme-mediated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) depolymerization has recently emerged as a sustainable solution for PET recycling. Towards an industrial-scale implementation of this technology, various strategies are being explored to enhance PET depolymerization (PETase) activity and improve enzyme stability, expression, and purification processes. Recently, rational engineering of a known PET hydrolase (LCC-leaf compost cutinase) has resulted in the isolation of a variant harboring four-point mutations (LCC-ICCG), presenting increased PETase activity and thermal stability. Here, we revealed the enzyme's natural extracellular expression and used it to efficiently screen error-prone genetic libraries based on LCC-ICCG for enhanced activity toward consumer-grade PET. Following multiple rounds of mutagenesis and screening, we successfully isolated variants that exhibited up to a 60% increase in PETase activity. Among other mutations, the improved variants showed a histidine to tyrosine substitution at position 218, a residue known to be involved in substrate binding and stabilization. Introducing H218Y mutation on the background of LCC-ICCG (named here LCC-ICCG/H218Y) resulted in a similar level of activity improvement. Analysis of the solved structure of LCC-ICCG/H218Y compared to other known PETases featuring different amino acids at the equivalent position suggests that H218Y substitution promotes enhanced PETase activity. The expression and screening processes developed in this study can be further used to optimize additional enzymatic parameters crucial for efficient enzymatic degradation of consumer-grade PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Orr
- Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Yoav Niv
- Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Maya Barakat
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | | | - Moshe Dessau
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Livnat Afriat-Jurnou
- Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, Israel
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11
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Wang D, Xiong F, Wu L, Liu Z, Xu K, Huang J, Liu J, Ding Q, Zhang J, Pu Y, Sun R. A progress update on the biological effects of biodegradable microplastics on soil and ocean environment: A perfect substitute or new threat? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118960. [PMID: 38636648 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118960] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Conventional plastics are inherently difficult to degrade, causing serious plastic pollution. With the development of society, biodegradable plastics (BPs) are considered as an alternative to traditional plastics. However, current research indicated that BPs do not undergo complete degradation in natural environments. Instead, they may convert into biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) at an accelerated rate, thereby posing a significant threat to environment. In this paper, the definition, application, distribution, degradation behaviors, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of BPs were reviewed. And the impacts of BMPs on soil and marine ecosystems, in terms of physicochemical property, nutrient cycling, microorganisms, plants and animals were comprehensively summarized. The effects of combined exposure of BMPs with other pollutants, and the mechanism of ecotoxicity induced by BMPs were also addressed. It was found that BMPs reduced pH, increased DOC content, and disrupted the nitrification of nitrogen cycle in soil ecosystem. The shoot dry weight, pod number and root growth of soil plants, and reproduction and body length of soil animals were inhibited by BMPs. Furthermore, the growth of marine plants, and locomotion, body length and survival of marine animals were suppressed by BMPs. Additionally, the ecotoxicity of combined exposure of BMPs with other pollutants has not been uniformly concluded. Exposure to BMPs induced several types of toxicity, including neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity and genotoxicity. The future calls for heightened attention towards the regulation of the degradation of BPs in the environment, and pursuit of interventions aimed at mitigating their ecotoxicity and potential health risks to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lingjie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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12
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Ali MA, Lyu X, Ersan MS, Xiao F. Critical evaluation of hyperspectral imaging technology for detection and quantification of microplastics in soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135041. [PMID: 38941829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we critically evaluated the performance of an emerging technology, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), for detecting microplastics (MPs) in soil. We examined the technology's robustness against varying environmental conditions in five groups of experiments. Our findings show that near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) effectively detects microplastics (MPs) in soil, though detection efficacy is influenced by factors such as MP concentration, color, and soil moisture. We found a generally linear relationship between the levels of MPs in various soils and their spectral responses in the NIR HSI imaging spectrum. However, effectiveness is reduced for certain MPs, like polyethylene, in kaolinite clay. Furthermore, we showed that soil moisture considerably influenced the detection of MPs, leading to nonlinearities in quantification and adding complexities to spectral analysis. The varied responses of MPs of different sizes and colors to NIR HSI present further challenges in detection and quantification. The research suggests pre-grouping of MPs based on size before analysis and proposes further investigation into the interaction between soil moisture and MP detectability to enhance HSI's application in MP monitoring and quantification. To our knowledge, this study is the first to comprehensively evaluate this technology for detecting and quantifying microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansurat A Ali
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115, United States
| | - Xueyan Lyu
- School of Hydrology and Water Resources, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Mahmut S Ersan
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115, United States
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Missouri Water Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
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13
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Hattab S, Cappello T, Boughattas I, Sassi K, Mkhinini M, Zitouni N, Missawi O, Eliso MC, Znaidi A, Banni M. Toxicity assessment of animal manure composts containing environmental microplastics by using earthworms Eisenia andrei. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172975. [PMID: 38705298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, animal manure composting constitutes a sustainable alternative for farmers to enhance the level of nutrients within soils and achieve a good productivity. However, pollutants may be present in manures. This study focuses on the detection of environmental microplastics (EMPs) into composts, as well as on the assessment of their potential toxicity on the earthworm Eisenia andrei. To these aims, animals were exposed to two types of compost, namely bovine (cow) and ovine (sheep) manure, besides to their mixture, for 7 and 14 days. The presence and characterization of EMPs was evaluated in all the tested composts, as well as in tissues of the exposed earthworms. The impact of the tested composts was assessed by a multi-biomarker approach including cytotoxic (lysosomal membrane stability, LMS), genotoxic (micronuclei frequency, MNi), biochemical (activity of catalase, CAT, and glutathione-S-transferase, GST; content of malondialdehyde, MDA), and neurotoxic (activity of acetylcholinesterase, AChE) responses in earthworms. Results indicated the presence of high levels of EMPs in all the tested composts, especially in the sheep manure (2273.14 ± 200.89 items/kg) in comparison to the cow manure (1628.82 ± 175.23 items/kg), with the size <1.22 μm as the most abundant EMPs. A time-dependent decrease in LMS and AChE was noted in exposed earthworms, as well as a concomitant increase in DNA damages (MNi) after 7 and 14 days of exposure. Also, a severe oxidative stress was recorded in animals treated with the different types of compost through an increase in CAT and GST activities, and LPO levels, especially after 14 days of exposure. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider these findings for agricultural good practices in terms of plastic mitigation in compost usage, in order to prevent any risk for environment health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Hattab
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; Regional Research Centre in Horticulture and Organic Agriculture of Chott-Meriem, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Tiziana Cappello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Iteb Boughattas
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; Regional Field Crops Research Center of Beja, IRESA, Tunisia
| | - Khaled Sassi
- Laboratory of Agronomy, National Agronomy Institute of Tunisia (INAT), University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Marouane Mkhinini
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; LEESU, Université Paris Est Créteil, Ecole des ponts, Créteil, France
| | - Nesrine Zitouni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Omayma Missawi
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Maria Concetta Eliso
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Akram Znaidi
- Department of Animal Production, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, ISBM, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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14
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Tayyab M, Kazmi SSUH, Pastorino P, Saqib HSA, Yaseen ZM, Hanif MS, Islam W. Microplastics in agroecosystems: Soil-plant dynamics and effective remediation approaches. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142641. [PMID: 38906184 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Increasing microplastic (MP) pollution, primarily from anthropogenic sources such as plastic film mulching, waste degradation, and agricultural practices, has emerged as a pressing global environmental concern. This review examines the direct and indirect effects of MPs on crops, both in isolation and in conjunction with other contaminants, to elucidate their combined toxicological impacts. Organic fertilizers predominantly contain 78.6% blue, 9.5% black, and 8.3% red MPs, while irrigation water in agroecosystems contains 66.2% white, 15.4% blue, and 8.1% black MPs, ranging from 0-1 mm to 4-5 mm in size. We elucidate five pivotal insights: Firstly, soil MPs exhibit affinity towards crop roots, seeds, and vascular systems, impeding water and nutrient uptake. Secondly, MPs induce oxidative stress in crops, disrupting vital metabolic processes. Thirdly, leachates from MPs elicit cytotoxic and genotoxic responses in crops. Fourthly, MPs disrupt soil biotic and abiotic dynamics, influencing water and nutrient availability for crops. Lastly, the cumulative effects of MPs and co-existing contaminants in agricultural soils detrimentally affect crop yield. Thus, we advocate agronomic interventions as practical remedies. These include biochar input, application of growth regulators, substitution of plastic mulch with crop residues, promotion of biological degradation, and encouragement of crop diversification. However, the efficacy of these measures varies based on MP type and dosage. As MP volumes increase, exploring alternative mitigation strategies such as bio-based plastics and environmentally friendly biotechnological solutions is imperative. Recognizing the persistence of plastics, policymakers should enact legislation favoring the mitigation and substitution of non-degradable materials with bio-derived or compostable alternatives. This review demonstrates the urgent need for collective efforts to alleviate MP pollution and emphasizes sustainable interventions for agricultural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tayyab
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China.
| | - Syed Shabi Ul Hassan Kazmi
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Paolo Pastorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Hafiz Sohaib Ahmed Saqib
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Zaher Mundher Yaseen
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Sajid Hanif
- Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Waqar Islam
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Desert Plant Roots Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
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15
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Adamu H, Haruna A, Zango ZU, Garba ZN, Musa SG, Yahaya SM, IbrahimTafida U, Bello U, Danmallam UN, Akinpelu AA, Ibrahim AS, Sabo A, Aljunid Merican ZM, Qamar M. Microplastics and Co-pollutants in soil and marine environments: Sorption and desorption dynamics in unveiling invisible danger and key to ecotoxicological risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142630. [PMID: 38897321 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and their co-pollutants pose significant threats to soil and marine environments, necessitating understanding of their colonization processes to combat the plastic pandemic and protect ecosystems. MPs can act as invisible carriers, concentrating and transporting pollutants, leading to a more widespread and potentially toxic impact than the presence of either MPs or the pollutants alone. Analyzing the sorption and desorption dynamics of MPs is crucial for understanding pollutants amplification and predicting the fate and transport of pollutants in soil and marine environments. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the sorption and desorption dynamics of MPs, highlighting the importance of considering these dynamics in ecotoxicological risk assessment of MPs pollution. The review identifies limitations of current frameworks that neglect these interactions and proposes incorporating sorption and desorption data into robust frameworks to improve the ability to predict ecological risks posed by MPs and co-pollutants in soil and marine environments. However, failure to address the interplay between sorption and desorption can result in underestimation of the true impact of MPs and co-pollutants, affecting livelihoods and agro-employments, and exacerbate poverty and community disputes (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 16). It can also affect food production and security (SDG 2), life below water and life on land (DSGs 14 and 15), cultural practices, and natural heritage (SDG 11.4). Hence, it is necessary to develop new approaches to ecotoxicological risk assessment that consider sorption and desorption processes in the interactions between the components in the framework to address the identified limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Adamu
- Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yalwa Campus, 740272, Bauchi, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, 740102, Bauchi, Nigeria.
| | - Abdurrashid Haruna
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia; Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, 810107, Zaria, Nigeria; Institute of Contaminant Management, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
| | | | - Zaharadden N Garba
- Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, 810107, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Suleiman Gani Musa
- Department of Chemistry, Al-Qalam University, 2137, Katsina, Nigeria; Institute of Contaminant Management, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
| | | | - Usman IbrahimTafida
- Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, 740102, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Usman Bello
- Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, 740102, Bauchi, Nigeria; Biofuel and Biochemical Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi, PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, 32610, Malaysia
| | | | - Adeola Akeem Akinpelu
- Center of Environment and Marine Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim
- Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yalwa Campus, 740272, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Ahmed Sabo
- Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yalwa Campus, 740272, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Zulkifli Merican Aljunid Merican
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia; Institute of Contaminant Management, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Qamar
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management (IRC-HTCM), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Xu L, Xie W, Dai H, Wei S, Skuza L, Li J, Shi C, Zhang L. Effects of combined microplastics and heavy metals pollution on terrestrial plants and rhizosphere environment: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142107. [PMID: 38657695 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142107] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can enter the soil environment through industry, agricultural production and daily life sources. Their interaction with heavy metals (HMs) poses a significant threat to a variety of terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural ones, thereby affecting crop quality and threatening human health. This review initially addresses the impact of single and combined contamination with MPs and HMs on soil environment, including changes in soil physicochemical properties, microbial community structure and diversity, fertility, enzyme activity and resistance genes, as well as alterations in heavy metal speciation. The article further explores the effects of this pollution on the growth characteristics of terrestrial plants, such as plant biomass, antioxidant systems, metabolites and photosynthesis. In general, the combined contaminants tend to significantly affect soil environment and terrestrial plant growth, i.e., the impact of combined contaminants on plants weight ranged from -87.5% to 4.55%. Similarities and differences in contamination impact levels stem from the variations in contaminant types, sizes and doses of contaminants and the specific plant growth environments. In addition, MPs can not only infiltrate plants directly, but also significantly affect the accumulation of HMs in terrestrial plants. The heavy metals concentration in plants under the treatment of MPs were 70.26%-36.80%. The co-occurrence of these two pollution types can pose a serious threat to crop productivity and safety. Finally, this study proposes suggestions for future research aiming to address current gaps in knowledge, raises awareness about the impact of combined MPs + HMs pollution on plant growth and eco-environmental security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Wenjun Xie
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China.
| | - Huiping Dai
- College of Biological Science & Engineering, Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Bio-resources, Qinling-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C.I.C, State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment Jointly Built By Qinba Province and Ministry, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Shuhe Wei
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Lidia Skuza
- Institute of Biology, Centre for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, 71-415, Poland
| | - Jianan Li
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Cailing Shi
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Lichang Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
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17
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Yu Z, Xu X, Guo L, Yuzuak S, Lu Y. Physiological and biochemical effects of polystyrene micro/nano plastics on Arabidopsis thaliana. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133861. [PMID: 38430596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics have garnered global attention due to their potential ecological risks. Research shows micro/nano-plastics pollution has adverse effects on plant growth, development, and physiological characteristics. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. The study examined the effects of polystyrene micro/nano-plastics with varying sizes and concentrations on different physiological and biochemical markers of A. thaliana. The indicators assessed include seed viability, growth, chlorophyll content, accumulation of root reactive oxygen species, and root exudates. Using fluorescence labeling, we investigated the absorption and translocation processes of micro/nano-plastics in A. thaliana. We also performed transcriptomic analysis to better understand the particular mechanisms of micro/nano-plastics. It indicated that micro/nano-plastics had an adverse effect on seed germination, especially under high concentration and small particle size treatments. This effect diminished with prolonged exposure. High concentrations at 50 nm and 100 nm treatment groups significantly inhibited the growth. Conversely, low concentrations of 1000 nm had a promoting effect. Exposure to micro/nano-plastics potentially resulted in decreased chlorophyll content, the accumulation of H2O2 in roots, and stimulated root secretion of oxalic acid. Through transcriptomic analysis, the gene expression linked to micro/nano-plastic treatments of varying sizes enriched multiple metabolic pathways, impacting plant growth, development, environmental adaptation, metabolism, pigment synthesis, and stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhefu Yu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China; College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Xiaolu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Liang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Seyit Yuzuak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur 15030, Turkey
| | - Yin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
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18
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Klemmensen NDR, Chand R, Blanco MS, Vollertsen J. Microplastic abundance in sludge-treated fields: Variance and estimated half-life. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171394. [PMID: 38431170 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the abundance of microplastic (MP) in agricultural soil fertilised with sludge, assessing the variation in MP count and estimated mass in three long-term field trials treated excessively with sludge in 2003-2012. Ten samples were taken from each of the three fields with concentrations ranging from 2392 to 48,791 counts kg-1, where over 50 % of the MPs were polyester and acrylic. Due to the considerable variation in concentration, the impact of the number of sub-samples on the predicted measured concentration was estimated applying a Monto Carlo simulation approach. Choosing the number of sampling points is a compromise between acceptable sampling error and available resources. The simulations showed an increasingly high risk of obtaining an outlier when taking less than approx. ten subsamples. When ending fertilisation with sludge, the estimated half-life for the MPs measured by counts was approx. 2.5 years, whereas the half-life for the MP estimated mass was approx. 4 years. Hence, smaller particles seemed to degrade and/or migrate elsewhere the fastest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna D R Klemmensen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark.
| | - Rupa Chand
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - María S Blanco
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark
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19
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Du L, Wu D, Yang X, Xu L, Tian X, Li Y, Huang L, Liu Y. Joint toxicity of cadmium (II) and microplastic leachates on wheat seed germination and seedling growth. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:166. [PMID: 38592562 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) pollution ranks first in soils (7.0%) and microplastics usually have a significant adsorption capacity for it, which could pose potential threats to agricultural production and human health. However, the joint toxicity of Cd and microplastics on crop growth remains largely unknown. In this study, the toxic effects of Cd2+ and two kinds of microplastic leachates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), on wheat seed germination and seedlings' growth were explored under single and combined conditions. The results showed that Cd2+ solution and two kinds of microplastic leachates stimulated the wheat seed germination process but inhibited the germination rate by 0-8.6%. The combined treatments promoted wheat seed germination but inhibited the seedlings' growth to different degrees. Specifically, the combination of 2.0 mg L-1 Cd2+ and 1.0 mgC L-1 PVC promoted both seed germination and seedlings' growth, but they synergistically increased the antioxidant enzyme activity of seedlings. The toxicity of the PVC leachate to wheat seedlings was stronger than LDPE leachate. The addition of Cd2+ could alleviate the toxicity of PVC leachate on seedlings, and reduce the toxicity of LDPE leachate on seedlings under the same concentration class combinations but aggravated stress under different concentration classes, consistent with the effect on seedlings' growth. Overall, Cd2+, PVC, and LDPE leachates have toxic effects on wheat growth, whether treated under single or combined treatments. This study has important implications for the joint toxicity of Cd2+ solution and microplastic leachates in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Du
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Dongming Wu
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Xi Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Li Xu
- Cuiping Ecological Environment Bureau of Yibin City, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Xu Tian
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Youping Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Guangyuan Ecological Environment Monitoring Center Station, Guangyuan, 628040, China
| | - Yanmei Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China.
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20
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Redondo-Hasselerharm PE, Rico A, Huerta Lwanga E, van Gestel CAM, Koelmans AA. Source-specific probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics in soils applying quality criteria and data alignment methods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133732. [PMID: 38350316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The risk characterization of microplastics (MP) in soil is challenging due to the non-alignment of existing exposure and effect data. Therefore, we applied data alignment methods to assess the risks of MP in soils subject to different sources of MP pollution. Our findings reveal variations in MP characteristics among sources, emphasizing the need for source-specific alignments. To assess the reliability of the data, we applied Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) screening tools. Risk assessment was carried out probabilistically, considering uncertainties in data alignments and effect thresholds. The Hazardous Concentrations for 5% (HC5) of the species were significantly higher compared to earlier studies and ranged between 4.0 × 107 and 2.3 × 108 particles (1-5000 µm)/kg of dry soil for different MP sources and ecologically relevant metrics. The highest risk was calculated for soils with MP entering via diffuse and unspecified local sources, i.e., "background pollution". However, the source with the highest proportion of high-risk values was sewage, followed by background pollution and mulching. Notably, locations exceeding the risk threshold obtained low scores in the QA/QC assessment. No risks were observed for soils with compost. To improve future risk assessments, we advise to primarily test environmentally relevant MP mixtures and adhere to strict quality criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula E Redondo-Hasselerharm
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081H Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
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21
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Wang Y, Zhao J, Fu Z, Guan D, Zhang D, Zhang H, Zhang Q, Xie J, Sun Y, Wang D. Innovative overview of the occurrence, aging characteristics, and ecological toxicity of microplastics in environmental media. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123623. [PMID: 38387545 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), pollutants detected at high frequency in the environment, can be served as carriers of many kinds of pollutants and have typical characteristics of environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. The potential risks of MPs ecological environment and health have been widely concerned by scholars and engineering practitioners. Previous reviews mostly focused on the pollution characteristics and ecological toxicity of MPs, but there were few reviews on MPs analysis methods, aging mechanisms and removal strategies. To address this issue, this review first summarizes the contamination characteristics of MPs in different environmental media, and then focuses on analyzing the detection methods and analyzing the aging mechanisms of MPs, which include physical aging and chemical aging. Further, the ecotoxicity of MPs to different organisms and the associated enhanced removal strategies are outlined. Finally, some unresolved research questions related to MPs are prospected. This review focuses on the ageing and ecotoxic behaviour of MPs and provides some theoretical references for the potential environmental risks of MPs and their deep control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Jianwei Zhao
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China.
| | - Zhou Fu
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Dezheng Guan
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Qingdao Jiebao Ecological Technology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, 266000, PR China
| | - Jingliang Xie
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- Qingdao Solid Waste Pollution Control and Recycling Engineering Research Center, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
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Nandi S, Kumar RN, Dhandapani A, Iqbal J. Characterization of microplastics in outdoor and indoor air in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India: First insights from the region. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123543. [PMID: 38367691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The study focused on detecting and characterizing microplastics in outdoor and indoor air in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India during post-monsoon (2022) and winter (2023). Stereo microscopic analysis showed that plastic fibres had a dominant presence, fragments were less abundant, whereas fewer films could be detected in indoor and outdoor air. The atmospheric deposition of microplastics outdoors observed 465 ± 27 particles/m2/day in PM10 and 12104 ± 665 and 13833 ± 1152 particles/m2/day in PM2.5 in quartz and PTFE, respectively during the post-monsoon months. During winter, microplastic deposition rates in PM10 samples were found to be 689 ± 52 particles/m2/day and 19789 ± 2957 and 30087 ± 13402 in quartz and PTFE particles/m2/day respectively in PM2.5. The mean deposition rate in indoor environment during post-monsoon was 8.3 × 104 and 1.03 × 105 particles/m2/day in winter. During the post-monsoon period in PM10, there were fibres from 7.7 to 40 μm and fragments from 2.3 μm to 8.6 μm. Indoor atmospheric microplastics, fibres ranged from 1.2 to 47 μm and fragments from 0.9 to 16 μm present respectively during the post-monsoon season. Fibres and fragment sizes witnessed during winter were 3.6-6.9 μm and 2.3-34 μm, respectively. Indoor air films measured in the range of 4.1-9.6 μm. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that outdoor air contained polyethylene, polypropylene, Polystyrene, whereas indoor air had polyvinyl chloride. Polyethylene mainly was present in outdoor air, with lesser polypropylene and polystyrene than indoors, where polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene were in dominant proportions. Elemental mapping of outdoor and indoor air samples showed the presence of elements on the microplastics. The HYSPLIT models suggest that the particles predominantly were coming from North-West during the post-monsoon season. Principal component analysis indicated wind speed and direction influencing the abundance of microplastics. Microplastics concentration showed strong seasonal influence and potential to act as reservoir of contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Nandi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi, 835215, Jharkhand, India.
| | - Radhakrishnan Naresh Kumar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi, 835215, Jharkhand, India.
| | - Abisheg Dhandapani
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi, 835215, Jharkhand, India.
| | - Jawed Iqbal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi, 835215, Jharkhand, India.
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23
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Circelli L, Cheng Z, Garwood E, Yuksel K, Di Iorio E, Angelico R, Colombo C. Comparison of ATR-FTIR and NIR spectroscopy for identification of microplastics in biosolids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170215. [PMID: 38262536 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Biosolids are considered a potentially major input of microplastics (MPs) to agricultural soils. Our study aims to identify the polymeric origin of MPs extracted from biosolid samples by comparing their Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) - Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra with the corresponding near-infrared (NIR) spectra. The reflectance spectra were preprocessed by Savitzky-Golay (SG), first derivative (FD) and compared with analogous spectra acquired on a set of fifty-two selected commercial plastic (SCP) materials collected from readily available products. According to the results portrayed in radar chart and built from both ATR-FTIR and NIR spectral datasets, the MPs showed high correlations with polymers such as polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyamide (PA), determined in SCP samples. Each unknown MP sample had on average three or more links to several types of SCP, according to the correlation coefficients for each polymer ranging from 0.7 up to 1. The comparison analysis classified the majority of MPs as composed mainly by LDPE/HDPE, according to the top correlation coefficients (r > 0.90). PP and PET were better identified with NIR than ATR-FTIR. In contrast to ATR-FTIR analysis, NIR was unable to identify PS. Based on these results, the primary sources of MPs in the biosolids could be identified as discarded consumer packaging (containers, bags, bottles) and fibers from laundry, disposable glove, and cleaning cloth. SYNOPSIS: Microplastics (MPs) are considered contaminants of emerging concern. This study compares two simple and fast spectroscopy techniques to identify microplastics in the biosolid matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Circelli
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Zhongqi Cheng
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA; Graduate Center and Advanced Science Research Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evan Garwood
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Kerem Yuksel
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Erika Di Iorio
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Ruggero Angelico
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Claudio Colombo
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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24
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Chai B, Yin H, Xiao T, Xiao E, Dang Z, Pan K. Effects of Microplastics on Endophytes in Different Niches of Chinese Flowering Cabbage ( Brassica campestris). JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:4679-4688. [PMID: 38383292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are present in soil as emerging contaminants and pose a threat to soil as well as plants. Here, the effects of MPs on Chinese flowering cabbage from a microbiology perspective were explored. MP size and concentration significantly affected endophytic communities of plant root and petiole (p < 0.05). Under MP treatments, the root, petiole, and leaf exhibited a substantial abundance of pathogenic biomarkers, such as Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Ralstonia, and Escherichia, resulting in the slow growth and morbidity of the plant. Difference analysis of metabolic pathways revealed that MPs significantly upregulated the pathogenic metabolic pathways (p < 0.05), and the presence of Vibrio infectious and pathogenic metabolic pathways was detected in all three niches of the plant. Moreover, MPs significantly inhibited the contents of carotenoids, iron, vitamin C, and calcium in edible niches of the plant (p < 0.05), and most of the high-abundant biomarkers were negatively correlated with their nutritional qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingwen Chai
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Yin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Tangfu Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Enzong Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Dang
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, People's Republic of China
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25
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Bai R, Liu H, Cui J, Wu Y, Guo X, Liu Q, Liu Q, Gao H, Yan C, He W. The characteristics and influencing factors of farmland soil microplastic in Hetao Irrigation District, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133472. [PMID: 38219587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution, a major global concern, has garnered increasing attention in agricultural ecosystem research. China's Hetao Irrigation District, vital for grain production in the Yellow River Basin, lacks sufficient research on microplastic pollution of agricultural soils. This study, based on a detailed background investigation and testing of 47 samples, is the first to elucidate the characteristics and potential influencing factors of microplastics in the Hetao Irrigation District. The abundance of microplastics in the farmland soil ranged from 1810 to 86331 items/kg, with 90% measuring below 180 µm and mainly in film and fragment forms. Predominant polymers were polyethylene (PE, 43.0%) and polyamide (PA, 27.8%). Key pollution influencers were identified as agricultural inputs, with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) being the most extensively used plastic type. The carbonyl index and hydroxyl indices of the detected LDPE microplastics ranged from 0.041 to 0.96 and 0.092 to 1.20, respectively. The study highlights the significance of mulching management and agronomic practices in shaping microplastic characteristics. Potential pollution sources include agricultural inputs, irrigation equipment, domestic waste, and tire wear. Proposed effective strategies include responsible plastic use, robust waste management, and irrigation system upgrades, establishing a foundation for future ecological risk assessments and effective management approaches in the Hetao Irrigation District. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The harmful substances studied in this paper are microplastics, which are widely distributed in the environment and have potential ecological risks. This study is the first to investigate the characteristics of microplastics in farmland soil within the Hetao Irrigation Area, a region that is of critical importance to agricultural production in the Yellow River Basin of China. The study provides comprehensive insights into the factors influencing the characteristics of microplastics and speculates on their sources. These findings offer a novel perspective on the assessment of microplastic contamination in the area and provide valuable recommendations for prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhao Bai
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hongjin Liu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Jixiao Cui
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China.
| | - Yan Wu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Xiaoyu Guo
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Haihe Gao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changrong Yan
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Wenqing He
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China.
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26
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Lin B, Wang L, Chen Q, Liu Z, Liu B, Wen S, Liu F, Chen X, Zhang Z, Wu L, Wei C. Health assessment based on exposure to microplastics in tropical agricultural soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133372. [PMID: 38159519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution of agricultural soils has caused global alarm over its widespread distribution and potential risks to terrestrial ecosystems and human health. This study assessed human health based on exposure to soil MPs through a comprehensive investigation of the factors influencing their occurrence and spatial distribution on Hainan Island, South China. The results showed that the abundance of soil MPs was 1128.6 ± 391.5 items·kg-1, whereas the normalized abundance of MPs based on using a power-law function was 19,261.4 items·kg-1. Regarding the extent of population exposure to agricultural soil MPs, the average daily exposure dose (pADD) model revealed that using mass as an indicator to assess the health risks associated with MP intake is more reliable than using abundance. However, abundance-based exposure assessments are also relevant because MPs with smaller particle sizes are more harmful to human health. Moreover, for adults, the normalized pADD values based on abundance and mass were 1.68E-02 item MPs·kg BW-1·d-1 and 7.23E-02 mg MPs·kg BW-1·d-1, respectively. Although the multidimensionality of MPs should be further aligned and quantified, the preliminary findings of this study contribute to the development of human health risk assessment frameworks for soil MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bigui Lin
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China
| | - Luya Wang
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China
| | - Qiyu Chen
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Zhilei Liu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China
| | - Shaobai Wen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Tropical and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xichao Chen
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Zongyao Zhang
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China.
| | - Chaoxian Wei
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Danzhou 571737, China.
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Hu M, Huang Y, Liu L, Ren L, Li C, Yang R, Zhang Y. The effects of Micro/Nano-plastics exposure on plants and their toxic mechanisms: A review from multi-omics perspectives. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133279. [PMID: 38141304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, plastic pollution has become a global environmental problem, posing a potential threat to agricultural ecosystems and human health, and may further exacerbate global food security problems. Studies have revealed that exposure to micro/nano-plastics (MPs/NPs) might cause various aspects of physiological toxicities, including plant biomass reduction, intracellular oxidative stress burst, photosynthesis inhibition, water and nutrient absorption reduction, cellular and genotoxicity, seed germination retardation, and that the effects were closely related to MP/NP properties (type, particle size, functional groups), exposure concentration, exposure duration and plant characteristics (species, tissue, growth stage). Based on a brief review of the physiological toxicity of MPs/NPs to plant growth, this paper comprehensively reviews the potential molecular mechanism of MPs/NPs on plant growth from perspectives of multi-omics, including transcriptome, metabolome, proteome and microbiome, thus to reveal the role of MPs/NPs in plant transcriptional regulation, metabolic pathway reprogramming, protein translational and post-translational modification, as well as rhizosphere microbial remodeling at multiple levels. Meanwhile, this paper also provides prospects for future research, and clarifies the future research directions and the technologies adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mangu Hu
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yongxiang Huang
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Lin Liu
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510640, China
| | - Lei Ren
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Rongchao Yang
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Yueqin Zhang
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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28
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Chen L, Zhou S, Zhang Q, Su B, Yin Q, Zou M. Global occurrence characteristics, drivers, and environmental risk assessment of microplastics in lakes: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123321. [PMID: 38185354 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in lakes has received much attention as an increasing amount of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the global distribution patterns, environmental hazards, factors driving their presence, and the relationships between sources and sinks of MPs. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of drivers of lake MP pollution based on 42 articles on MP pollution from three different aspects: geographical distribution, driving factors and environmental risks. The results revealed differences in the MP pollution levels across the different sampling sites in the global lakes. Moreover, there is significant heterogeneity in the abundance of MPs among various lakes, whose distribution pattern is affected by geographical location, sampling method and extraction method. The size of the MPs differed significantly between water and sediment, and the proportion of small (<1 mm) MPs in sediment was significantly greater than that in water (72% > 46%). Environmental risk assessment reveals that the risk level of MP pollution in most lakes worldwide is low, and the environmental risk of pollution in lake water is higher than that in sediment. Based on the risk assessment and geographical location of the lake, the risk of MP pollution is related not only to human activities and economic development but also to local waste management practices, which directly impact the accumulation of MPs. Therefore, we suggest that the production of biodegradable low-risk polymer plastics instead of high-risk materials, and plastic solid waste recycling management should be strengthened to effectively mitigate the presence of MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Bo Su
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Qiqi Yin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Mengmeng Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
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29
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Pratiwi OA, Achmadi UF, Kurniawan R. Microplastic pollution in landfill soil: Emerging threats the environmental and public health. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2024; 39:e2024009-0. [PMID: 38631401 PMCID: PMC11079410 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2024009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Insufficient knowledge about the decomposition of microplastics from plastic waste in landfills hinders community involvement in waste management and sorting, posing a new threat to the environment and public health. The present study identifies, characterizes, and quantifies the microplastics in landfills soil sample to determine the latest threats posed by microplastics in the environment, particularly in landfills that are close to residential areas. This research is a descriptive study, with soil samples taken from six points in landfill site in Depok City. The abundance and shape of microplastics were characterized using a microscope, while the microplastic types were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in the Depok City landfill soil was 60,111.67 particles/kg, with the largest percentage being fragments at 63 %. FTIR functional group characterization showed the presence of plastic types, such as Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and Polyamide. The differences in waste types entering the Depok Landfill caused variations in the number, shape, and type of microplastic samples, and this study provides a foundation for mitigating and biodegrading microplastics in the landfill to minimize environmental impact and protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okky Assetya Pratiwi
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Indonesia
| | - Umar Fahmi Achmadi
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Indonesia
| | - Rico Kurniawan
- Department of Biostatistic and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Indonesia
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30
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Khan AR, Ulhassan Z, Li G, Lou J, Iqbal B, Salam A, Azhar W, Batool S, Zhao T, Li K, Zhang Q, Zhao X, Du D. Micro/nanoplastics: Critical review of their impacts on plants, interactions with other contaminants (antibiotics, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and management strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169420. [PMID: 38128670 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) contamination is not only emerging threat to the agricultural system but also constitute global hazard to the environment worldwide. Recent review articles have addressed the environmental distribution of MPs/NPs and their single-exposure phytotoxicity in various plant species. However, the mechanisms of MPs/NPs-induced phytotoxicity in conjunction with that of other contaminants remain unknown, and there is a need for strategies to ameliorate such phytotoxicity. To address this, we comprehensively review the sources of MPs/NPs, their uptake by and effects on various plant species, and their phytotoxicity in conjunction with antibiotics, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other toxicants. We examine mechanisms to ameliorate MP/NP-induced phytotoxicity, including the use of phytohormones, biochar, and other plant-growth regulators. We discuss the effects of MPs/NPs -induced phytotoxicity in terms of its ability to inhibit plant growth and photosynthesis, disrupt nutrient metabolism, inhibit seed germination, promote oxidative stress, alter the antioxidant defense system, and induce genotoxicity. This review summarizes the novel strategies for mitigating MPs/NPs phytotoxicity, presents recent advances, and highlights research gaps, providing a foundation for future studies aimed at overcoming the emerging problem of MPs/NPs phytotoxicity in edible crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Raza Khan
- School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Zaid Ulhassan
- Zhejiang Key Lab of Crop Germplasm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanlin Li
- School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiabao Lou
- School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Babar Iqbal
- School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Abdul Salam
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Wardah Azhar
- Zhejiang Key Lab of Crop Germplasm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Sundas Batool
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Pakistan
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Kexin Li
- School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Daolin Du
- Jingjiang College, Institute of Enviroment and Ecology, School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Agricultural Engineering,Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Wang W, Yao S, Zhao Z, Liu Z, Li QX, Yan H, Liu X. Degradation and potential metabolism pathway of polystyrene by bacteria from landfill site. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123202. [PMID: 38128711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution has garnered significant attention in recent years. The unique cross-linked structure of polystyrene microplastics makes them difficult to biodegrade. In this study, we investigated the microbial community in landfill soil that has the ability to degrade polystyrene, as well as two isolated strains, named Lysinibacillus sp. PS-L and Pseudomonas sp. PS-P. The maximum weight loss of polystyrene film and microplastic in 30 days is 2.25% and 6.99% respectively. The water contact angle of polystyrene film decreased by a maximum of 35.70% during biodegradation. The increase in hydrophilicity is attributed to the oxidation reaction and formation of hydroxyl groups during the degradation of polystyrene. The carbon and oxygen element contents of polystyrene decreased and increased by a maximum of 3.81% and 0.79% respectively. The peak intensity changes at wavelengths of 3285-3648 cm-1 and 1652 cm-1 in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. Furthermore, quantitative PCR revealed the gene expression levels of alkane monooxygenase and alcohol dehydrogenase were upregulated by 8.8-fold and 8.5-fold respectively in PS biodegradation. Additionally, genome annotation of Pseudomonas sp. PS-P identified nine genes associated with polystyrene metabolism. These findings highlight Pseudomonas sp. PS-P as a potential candidate strain for polystyrene degradation enzymes or genes. Thus, they lay the groundwork for understanding the potential metabolic mechanisms and pathways involved in polystyrene degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wang
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Shunyu Yao
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zixi Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhimin Liu
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Qing X Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Hai Yan
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaolu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China.
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32
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Thacharodi A, Hassan S, Meenatchi R, Bhat MA, Hussain N, Arockiaraj J, Ngo HH, Sharma A, Nguyen HT, Pugazhendhi A. Mitigating microplastic pollution: A critical review on the effects, remediation, and utilization strategies of microplastics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119988. [PMID: 38181686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are found ubiquitous in the natural environment and are an increasing source of worry for global health. Rapid industrialization and inappropriate plastic waste management in our daily lives have resulted in an increase in the amount of microplastics in the ecosystem. Microplastics that are <150 μm in size could be easily ingested by living beings and cause considerable toxicity. Microplastics can aggregate in living organisms and cause acute, chronic, carcinogenic, developmental, and genotoxic damage. As a result, a sustainable approach to reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste is required to manage microplastic pollution in the environment. However, there is still a significant lack of effective methods for managing these pollutants. As a result, the purpose of this review is to convey information on microplastic toxicity and management practices that may aid in the reduction of microplastic pollution. This review further insights on how plastic trash could be converted as value-added products, reducing the load of accumulating plastic wastes in the environment, and leading to a beneficial endeavor for humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Thacharodi
- Dr. Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Saqib Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Ramu Meenatchi
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Naseer Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centre of Bioengineering, NatProLab, Plant Innovation Lab, School of Engineering and Sciences, Queretaro, 76130, Mexico
| | - H T Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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33
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Zambrano-Pinto MV, Tinizaray-Castillo R, Riera MA, Maddela NR, Luque R, Díaz JMR. Microplastics as vectors of other contaminants: Analytical determination techniques and remediation methods. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168244. [PMID: 37923271 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168244] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous and persistent presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems has raised global concerns due to their detrimental effects on human health and the natural environment. These minuscule plastic fragments not only threaten biodiversity but also serve as vectors for contaminants, absorbing organic and inorganic pollutants, thereby causing a range of health and environmental issues. This review provides an overview of microplastics and their effects. This work highlights available analytical techniques for detecting and characterizing microplastics in different environmental matrices, assessing their advantages and limitations. Additionally, this review explores innovative remediation approaches, such as microbial degradation and other advanced methods, offering promising prospects for combatting microplastic accumulation in contaminated environments. The focus on environmentally-friendly technologies, such as the use of microorganisms and enzymes for microplastic degradation, underscores the importance of sustainable solutions in plastic pollution management. In conclusion, this article not only deepens our understanding of the microplastic issue and its impact but also advocates for the urgent need to develop and implement effective strategies to mitigate this critical environmental challenge. In this context, the crucial role of advanced technologies, like quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (qNMR), as promising tools for rapid and efficient microplastic detection, is emphasized. Furthermore, the potential of the enzyme PETase (polyethylene terephthalate esterase) in microplastic degradation is examined, aiming to address the growing plastic pollution, particularly in saline environments like oceanic ecosystems. These innovations offer hope for effectively addressing microplastic accumulation in contaminated environments and minimizing its adverse impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Veronica Zambrano-Pinto
- Departamento de Procesos Químicos, Facultad de Ciencias Matemáticas, Físicas y Químicas, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Ecuador; Laboratorio de Análisis Químicos y Biotecnológicos, Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, S/N, Avenida Urbina y Che Guevara, Portoviejo 130104, Ecuador.
| | - Rolando Tinizaray-Castillo
- Departamento de Construcciones Civiles, Facultad de Ciencias Matemáticas, Físicas y Químicas, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Ecuador.
| | - María A Riera
- Laboratorio de Análisis Químicos y Biotecnológicos, Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, S/N, Avenida Urbina y Che Guevara, Portoviejo 130104, Ecuador.
| | - Naga Raju Maddela
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo 130105, Ecuador.
| | - Rafael Luque
- Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho Maklaya str., 117198 Moscow, Russian Federation; Universidad ECOTEC, Km. 13.5 Samborondón, Samborondón EC092302, Ecuador.
| | - Joan Manuel Rodríguez Díaz
- Departamento de Procesos Químicos, Facultad de Ciencias Matemáticas, Físicas y Químicas, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Ecuador; Laboratorio de Análisis Químicos y Biotecnológicos, Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, S/N, Avenida Urbina y Che Guevara, Portoviejo 130104, Ecuador.
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Shanmugam SD, Praveena SM, Wahid SA, Liew JYC. Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics pollution in tropical agricultural soils in Klang Valley, Malaysia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:144. [PMID: 38214797 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12330-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Presently, microplastic pollution has emerged as a growing environmental risk around the world. Nevertheless, knowledge of the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in tropical agricultural soil is limited. This study investigated the pollution of surface soil microplastics in two agricultural farms located at Klang Valley, Malaysia. An extraction method based on density separation by using saturated extraction solution (sodium sulfate, ρ = 2 g cm-3 and sucrose, ρ = 1.59 g cm-3 with a ratio 1:1, v/v) was carried out. The study revealed the mean particle size of soil microplastics with 3260.76 ± 880.38 μm in farm A and 2822.31 ± 408.48 μm in farm B. The dominant types of soil microplastics were fragments and films with major colors of white (59%) and transparent (28%) in farm A, while black (52%) and white (37.6%) in farm B. Representatives of soil microplastics detected polymers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene (PS). The sources of plastic products were black and white plastic pipes, black plastic films for vegetation, fertilizer bottles, plastic water containers and polystyrene storage boxes, and the breakdown processes, contributed to the microplastic pollution in these farms. The outcomes of this study will establish a better understanding of microplastic pollution in tropical agricultural soil in the Southeast Asian region. The findings would be beneficial as supportive reference for the endeavor to reduce microplastic pollution in agricultural soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyamala Devi Shanmugam
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sarva Mangala Praveena
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
| | - Samsuri Abdul Wahid
- Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Josephine Ying Chyi Liew
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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35
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Yu Z, Xu X, Guo L, Jin R, Lu Y. Uptake and transport of micro/nanoplastics in terrestrial plants: Detection, mechanisms, and influencing factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168155. [PMID: 37898208 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168155] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
The pervasive dispersion of micro/nanoplastics in various environmental matrices has raised concerns regarding their potential intrusion into terrestrial ecosystems and, notably, plants. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the interaction between these minute plastic particles and plants. We delve into the current methodologies available for detecting micro/nanoplastics in plant tissues, assess the accumulation and distribution of these particles within roots, stems, and leaves, and elucidate the specific uptake and transport mechanisms, including endocytosis, apoplastic transport, crack-entry mode, and stomatal entry. Moreover, uptake and transport of micro/nanoplastics are complex processes influenced by multiple factors, including particle size, surface charge, mechanical properties, and physiological characteristics of plants, as well as external environmental conditions. In conclusion, this review paper provided valuable insights into the current understanding of these mechanisms, highlighting the complexity of the processes and the multitude of factors that can influence them. Further research in this area is warranted to fully comprehend the fate of micro/nanoplastics in plants and their implications for environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhefu Yu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China; College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Xiaolu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Liang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Rong Jin
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, College of Biological and Environment Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
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36
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Zeb A, Liu W, Ali N, Shi R, Wang Q, Wang J, Li J, Yin C, Liu J, Yu M, Liu J. Microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems: Global implications and sustainable solutions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132636. [PMID: 37778309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132636] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution has become a global environmental concern with significant impacts on ecosystems and human health. Although MPs have been widely detected in aquatic environments, their presence in terrestrial ecosystems remains largely unexplored. This review examines the multifaceted issues of MPs pollution in terrestrial ecosystem, covering various aspects from additives in plastics to global legislation and sustainable solutions. The study explores the widespread distribution of MPs worldwide and their potential antagonistic interactions with co-occurring contaminants, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of their environmental implications. The influence of MPs on soil and plants is discussed, shedding light on the potential consequences for terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural productivity. The aging mechanisms of MPs, including photo and thermal aging, are elucidated, along with the factors influencing their aging process. Furthermore, the review provides an overview of global legislation addressing plastic waste, including bans on specific plastic items and levies on single-use plastics. Sustainable solutions for MPs pollution are proposed, encompassing upstream approaches such as bioplastics, improved waste management practices, and wastewater treatment technologies, as well as downstream methods like physical and biological removal of MPs. The importance of international collaboration, comprehensive legislation, and global agreements is underscored as crucial in tackling this pervasive environmental challenge. This review may serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, providing a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact and potential risks associated with MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Nouman Ali
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianling Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chuan Yin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinzheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Miao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianv Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
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Ma X, Shan J, Chai Y, Wei Z, Li C, Jin K, Zhou H, Yan X, Ji R. Microplastics enhance nitrogen loss from a black paddy soil by shifting nitrate reduction from DNRA to denitrification and Anammox. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167869. [PMID: 37848146 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are frequently detected emerging pollutants in soil that can endanger farmland ecosystems; however, little is known about their impacts on dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes in paddy soil. Here, using the 15N-tracer and microbial molecular techniques, we investigated the effects of MPs (200-400 μm) made of polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE) on denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox), and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) and the associated microbial community in a black paddy soil. All MPs increased the Anammox rate by 6.6 %-745 % and decreased the DNRA rate by 15.1 %-74.2 %, while MPs of PS and PE significantly increased the denitrification rate by 79.3 %-102.3 % and 34.8 %-62.1 %, respectively. The MPs promoted the partitioning of NO3- towards denitrification and Anammox while inhibiting DNRA, as suggested by the decreased relative contributions of DNRA from 24.1 % to 5.4 %-14.2 % following MPs amendment. This was attributed to the increased denitrification gene abundance and the enriched specific denitrifier taxa, as well as the decreased DNRA gene abundance. Our findings suggest that the stimulated denitrification and Anammox by MPs, accompanied by the suppression of DNRA, may lead to substantial nitrogen loss in paddy fields, underscoring the need to further evaluate the environmental behaviors of MPs in agricultural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jun Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Yanchao Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhijun Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chenglin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ke Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Han Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Rong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Qiu Y, Zhou S, Zhang C, Chen L, Qin W, Zhang Q. Vertical distribution and weathering characteristic of microplastics in soil profile of different land use types. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166902. [PMID: 37709069 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
After deposition on the topsoil, microplastics (MPs) may be vertically migrated to deeper soil layers over time or eventually enter the groundwater system, leading to more widespread environmental and ecological issues. However, the vertical distribution of MPs in natural soils are not yet fully understood. In this study, we collected soil profiles (0-100 cm) from four different land use types on the west bank of Taihu Lake in China to investigate the vertical distribution and weathering characteristics of MPs. The average abundance of soil MPs followed the pattern of paddy field (490 ± 82 items/kg) > dryland (356 ± 55 items/kg) > tea garden (306 ± 32 items/kg) > woodland (171 ± 27 items/kg) in the 0-10 cm layer, and the abundance of MPs decreased linearly with soil depth (r = -0.89, p < 0.01). Compared to tea garden and woodland, MPs in dryland and paddy field have migrated to deeper soil layers (80-100 cm). The carbonyl index of polyethylene and polypropylene MPs increased significantly with soil depth (r = 0.96, p < 0.01), with values of 0.58 ± 0.30 and 0.54 ± 0.33, respectively. The significant negative correlation between MPs size and carbonyl index confirmed that small-sized MPs in deeper soil layers originated from the weathering and fragmentation of MPs in topsoil. The results of structural equation model showed that roots and soil aggregates may act as filters during the vertical migration of MPs. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental fate of MPs in soil and the assessment of associated ecological risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Qiu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China.
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Wendong Qin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
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Li J, Zhu B, Huang B, Ma J, Lu C, Chi G, Guo W, Chen X. Vertical distribution and characteristics of soil microplastics under different land use patterns: A case study of Shouguang City, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166154. [PMID: 37572903 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Soil microplastic pollution is ubiquitous, but the vertical distribution characteristics of microplastics in different land use types are unclear. In this study, the microplastic abundance, particle size, shape, color, and polymer type in 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm soil layers of seven land use types (woodland, grassland, maize, wheat, cotton, polytunnel, and greenhouse) were systematically investigated in Shouguang City, a typical agricultural city in China. The results showed that the average microplastic abundance from top to deep for the three soil layers of Shouguang City were 1948.1 ± 992.5, 1349.4 ± 654, and 670.1 ± 341.6 items kg-1. In the top soil layer (0-20 cm), the abundance of microplastics in facility soils was significantly higher than in other land use types. In agricultural soils, microplastics were predominantly small size (<0.5 mm), films and fragments, PE and PP. The average microplastic abundance in deep soils (40-60 cm) of the seven land use types was 349.1 ± 62.8 (woodland), 284.9 ± 113.9 (grassland), 657.1 ± 127.1 (maize), 537.8 ± 137.4 (wheat), 851.4 ± 204.2 (cotton), 878.5 ± 295.7 (polytunnel), 1132.2 ± 304.5 (greenhouse) items kg-1, respectively, accounting for 11 % to 19 % in all three soil layers. The percentage of small size and pellet microplastics increased in deep soils (40-60 cm). Correlation analysis showed that soil environmental factors (pH, EC, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and organic carbon) influenced to different extents the distribution, fragmentation, and transport of microplastics. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of contamination and vertical distribution of soil microplastics in agricultural and non-agricultural soils, as well as provide important data for the development of preventive and management policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jizhi Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Caiyan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Guangyu Chi
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Liu Y, Ben Y, Che R, Peng C, Li J, Wang F. Uptake, transport and accumulation of micro- and nano-plastics in terrestrial plants and health risk associated with their transfer to food chain - A mini review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166045. [PMID: 37544454 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166045] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Waste plastics enter the environment (water, soil, and atmosphere) and degrade into micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) through physical, chemical, or biological processes. MNPs are ubiquitous in the environment and inevitably interact with terrestrial plants. Terrestrial plants have become important potential sinks, and subsequently, the sources of MNPs. At present, many studies have reported the effects of MNPs on plant physiology, biochemistry, and their phototoxicity. However, the source, detection method, and the absorption process of MNPs in terrestrial plants have not been systematically studied. In order to better understand the continuous process of MNPs entering terrestrial plants, this review introduces the sources and analysis methods of MNPs in terrestrial plants. The uptake pathways of MNPs in terrestrial plants and their influencing factors were systematically summarized. Meanwhile, the transport pathways and the accumulation of MNPs in different plant organs (roots, stems, leaves, calyxes, and fruits) were explored. Finally, the transfer of MNPs through food chains to humans and their health risks were discussed. The aim of this work is to provide significant theoretical knowledge to understand the uptake, transport, and accumulation of MNPs in terrestrial plants and the potential health risks associated with their transfer to humans through food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Liu
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210094, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Response Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Yue Ben
- Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Weifang, 261325, China
| | - Ruijie Che
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210094, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Response Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Chunqing Peng
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210094, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Response Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Jining Li
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210094, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Response Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Fenghe Wang
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210094, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Response Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
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Zhou Y, Jia Z, Zheng G, Chen L, Zhang Q, Su B, Zhou S. Microplastics in agricultural soils on the coastal plain: Spatial characteristics, influencing factors and sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165948. [PMID: 37532042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Farmland is a major sink for microplastics (MPs), but research on MPs in coastal plain soil, particularly their occurrence in agricultural areas with changing coastlines, is limited. Here, we investigated the distribution, influencing factors and sources of MPs in a typical agricultural county near the southeast coast of China considering different human activities and soil property changes. The average MP concentration in farmland soils was 314 items/kg, ranging from 70.2 to 851.3 items/kg. MPs increased first and then decreased from inland to the coast, and this trend was greatly affected by coastline expansion. Bulk density, clay and textile points of interest (POIs) are the major factors affecting MPs in farmland. Network analysis was used to divide the whole MP community into two modules, and the average similarity between each MP community and the other 25.5 MP communities was >0.5. Overall, the similarity of the MP community tended to decrease with increasing geographical distance (P < 0.01). In the soil environmental factors group, bulk density and clay affected the total MP abundance, accounting for 14.7 % and 9.4 % of MPs, respectively. After fitting 8 types of POIs and the total MP diversity integrated index (MDII) of farmland, washing POIs (R2 = 0.65, P < 0.01) displayed the greatest and most significant fit with MDII, followed by clothing POIs (R2 = 0.29, P < 0.01). The MDII-POI results showed that the major POI sources of soil MPs were clothing manufacturing and washing POIs. Unlike in urban areas, automobile service POIs, packaging POIs and textile POIs had no significant relationship with the MDII, which may be related to the population and economic development scale. The results emphasize the importance of investigating MP occurrence and sources in coastal agricultural areas to promote the effective management of MPs and plastic emissions in land-sea transition zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhou
- School of Geographic Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Zhenyi Jia
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Gunghui Zheng
- School of Geographic Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Bo Su
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China.
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Verma KK, Song XP, Xu L, Huang HR, Liang Q, Seth CS, Li YR. Nano-microplastic and agro-ecosystems: a mini-review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1283852. [PMID: 38053770 PMCID: PMC10694274 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1283852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Plastics' unavoidable and rampant usage causes their trash to be extensively dispersed in the atmosphere and land due to its numerous characteristics. Because of extensive plastic usage and increased manufacturing, there is insufficient recycling and a large accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. In addition to their wide availability in the soil and atmosphere, micro- and nanoplastics are becoming contaminants worldwide. Agro-ecosystem functioning and plant development are being negatively impacted in several ways by the contamination of the environment and farmland soils with MPs (<5 mm) and nanoplastics (<1 µm). The contributions of some recyclable organic waste and plastic film mulching and plastic particle deposition in agroecosystems may be substantial; therefore, it is crucial to understand any potentially hazardous or undesirable impacts of these pollutants on agroecosystems. The dissolution of bioplastics into micro- and nano-particles (MBPs and NBPs) has not been considered in recent studies, which focus primarily on agro-ecosystems. It is essential to properly understand the distribution, concentration, fate, and main source of MPs, NPS, MBPs, and NBPs in agroecosystems. Based on the limited findings, understanding the knowledge gap of environmental impact from micro and nanoplastic in farming systems does not equate to the absence of such evidence. It reveals the considerations for addressing the gaps to effectively protect global food safety and security in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan K. Verma
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiu-Peng Song
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hai-Rong Huang
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiang Liang
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | | | - Yang-Rui Li
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Chai L, Zhou Y, Dong H, Gong P, Wang X. Soil contamination and carrying capacity across the Tibetan plateau using structural equation models. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122640. [PMID: 37769704 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122640] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Soil contamination is a major environmental issue worldwide. Compared with Arctic, European Alps and Rocky Mountains, the soil contamination and soil environment carrying capacity (SECC) of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is not systematic and multidimensional. In this study, the levels, influencing factors including climate factors [(i.e., mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT)], socio-economic factors [(i.e., population, population density and gross domestic product (GDP)], vegetation coverage factor, soil factors [(i.e., pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus and total nitrogen] and topographic factors [(i.e., longitude, latitude and digital elevation model (DEM)] and carrying capacity of multiple soil contaminants [persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals (HMs) and microplastics (MPs)] was systematically studied. Results show that the spatial distribution of POPs in the eastern was higher than that in the western region, and the structural equation model (SEM) demonstrate that SOC and MAT were the key factors influencing distribution. Regarding HMs, except As, moderate and heavy pollution of the remaining elements were found in the northern and eastern TP regions, and pH and MAP were the main influencing factors. The MPs showed that the distribution of the patches was influenced by GDP and MAP. Furthermore, a higher SECC in the eastern region that gradually decreased from east to west. pH is the primary factors affecting SECC, followed by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). An increase of pH and NDVI by one unit is likely to make SECC scores decrease by 0.8 and increase by 0.32, respectively. Taken together, these studies provide a system, cost-effective, and quantitative framework for soil contamination and carrying capacity in the TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huike Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ping Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Lee SY, An J, Kwon JH. Sequential quantification of number and mass of microplastics in municipal wastewater using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122452. [PMID: 37633435 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental concern because microplastics (MPs) accumulate in various ecosystems; therefore, the accurate identification and quantification of MPs in environmental samples is crucial. This study presents a new sequential analytical method that combines Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS) to characterize and quantify MPs. FTIR with a microscope allows the identification of the polymer type and physical dimensions of MPs, whereas Pyr-GC/MS enables determining the chemical composition of MPs with plastic additives. Pretreated wastewater influent samples spiked with reference MPs were filtered through an Al2O3 disk for FTIR analysis, and the surface contents were collected and subjected to Pyr-GC/MS analysis. The mass of the reference MPs estimated using FTIR were in good agreement but were slightly lower than those obtained using Pyr-GC/MS. This finding supports the notion that the proposed sequential method can be used to determine both the number and the mass of MPs in environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Young Lee
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; Knoell Korea, 37 Gukjegeumyung-ro 2-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 07327, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyul An
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Chan WT, Medriano CA, Bae S. Unveiling the impact of short-term polyethylene microplastics exposure on metabolomics and gut microbiota in earthworms (Eudrilus euganiae). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132305. [PMID: 37672993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132305] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant environmental concern, particularly for terrestrial fauna. In this study, earthworms were used as a model organism to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of short-term exposure to virgin MPs on changes in metabolome and gut microbiota. High-throughput untargeted metabolomics showed significant internal reactions in the earthworms' metabolic processes due to MPs exposure, even when no visible stress signs, such as changes in growth or mortality rates, were present. Earthworms exposed to different concentrations of polyethylene (PE) MP exhibited significant disruption in 39 and 199 molecular features related to energy and lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory, cell signaling, and membrane integrity. The activities of enzymes and transport proteins in earthworms were dysregulated when exposed to PE. Changes in the gut microbiota's community structure and complexity were observed in response to PE MPs exposure. Despite the relative stability in alpha-diversity and relative abundance, shifts in beta-diversity and network analysis in the PE-exposed group were indicative of an adaptive response to MPs. Earthworms exhibited resilience or adaptation in response to MPs exposure, potentially maintaining their functionality. This study provides preliminary insights into the impact of MPs on soil invertebrates like earthworms and highlights the need for further exploration of long-term effects and underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Ting Chan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Carl Angelo Medriano
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Sungwoo Bae
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore.
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46
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Zhou Y, Zhou S. Role of microplastics in microbial community structure and functions in urban soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132141. [PMID: 37506647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from the laboratory suggests that microplastics (MPs) can harm soil microorganisms, affecting the structures and functions of microbial communities. The impact of soil MPs on microbes in actual urban environments with high human activity levels, however, has not been well reported. To investigate the MP effect on urban soil microorganisms under complex scenarios, we analyzed 42 soil samples from standardized plots of 7 urban functional zones. We report that urban green spaces are important for studying microbial diversity in the study area, and they also contribute to the global homogenization of soil microbes and genes. Bacterial communities in soils enriched with various MPs showed greater differences in OTUs than fungi. Compared to low-MP soils, most ARGs and nutrient cycling genes had similar or slightly lower abundances in soils with high levels of MPs. The coupling of pollutant factors with MPs as independent variables had significant explanatory power for both positive and negative correlations in PLS-PM analysis. Specifically, PET and PP MPs explained 3.54% and 6.03%, respectively, of the microbial community and functional genes. This study fills knowledge gaps on the effects of MPs on urban soil microbial communities in real environments, facilitating better management of urban green spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhou
- School of Geographic Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China.
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China.
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47
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Yu F, Qu C, Ding Z, Wang X, Zheng L, Su M, Liu H. Liquid Interfacial Coassembly of Plasmonic Arrays and Trace Hydrophobic Nanoplastics in Edible Oils for Robust Identification and Classification by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:14342-14350. [PMID: 37729664 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of micro-/nanoplastics poses a visible threat to the environment, aquatic organisms, and human beings and has become a global concern. Here, we proposed a liquid interface-based strategy using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to coassemble nanoplastics and gold nanoparticles into a dense and homogeneous plasmonic array, thereby enabling the rapid and sensitive detection of trace nanoplastics. In addition, due to the uniqueness of the oil-water immiscible two-phase interface, we achieved ideal results for the detection of nanoplastics in a complex matrix (e.g., aqueous environment and edible oil) with a detection limit of μg/mL. With the aid of the principal component analysis algorithm, the differentiation and identification of multiple nanoplastic components (e.g., polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate) in aqueous environments and common hazards (e.g., Bap and Phe) in edible oil were achieved. Therefore, our self-assembled plasmonic arrays are expected to be used for monitoring environmental pollution and food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanfan Yu
- China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Meat Microbial Control and Utilization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Qu
- China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Meat Microbial Control and Utilization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Zhongxiang Ding
- China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Meat Microbial Control and Utilization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xian Wang
- China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Meat Microbial Control and Utilization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Liqin Zheng
- China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Meat Microbial Control and Utilization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Mengke Su
- China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Meat Microbial Control and Utilization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Honglin Liu
- China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Meat Microbial Control and Utilization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
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48
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Zhang J, Zou Y, Hu L, Zhao Y, Fen Y, Xu H. TiO 2 nanoparticles combined with polystyrene nanoplastics aggravated reproductive toxicity in female mice via exacerbating intestinal barrier disruption. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2023; 103:6452-6462. [PMID: 37209239 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), a widely used food additive in the food industry, have been shown to aggravate the progress of metabolic diseases. Nanoplastics (NPLs) are an emerging contaminant widely present in the food system and have been shown to induce ovarian disorders in mammals. Noteworthy, they can be ingested by humans through 'contaminated' food, whereas the potential toxicity of NPLs and TiO2 NPs combined remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of co-exposure to polystyrene (PS) NPLs and TiO2 NPs on the ovary in female mice. RESULTS Our results revealed that the co-exposure of TiO2 NPs and PS NPLs caused significant injury to ovarian structure and function, but individual exposure had no effect. Moreover, compared to the TiO2 NPs group, co-exposure aggravated the intestinal barrier damage in mice, increasing the bioaccumulation of TiO2 NPs in the ovary. After being supplemented with the oxidative stress inhibitor N-acetyl-l-cysteine, the expression of ovarian antioxidant genes increased, and the ovarian structural and functional injury in co-exposure mice reverted to normal levels. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that co-exposure to PS NPLs and TiO2 NPs can cause more severe female reproductive dysfunction and deepens the toxicological insights between NPLs and NPs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuying Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Liehai Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yueying Fen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Huang J, Sun X, Wang Y, Su J, Li G, Wang X, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Li B, Zhang G, Li J, Du J, Nanjundappa RH, Umeshappa CS, Shao K. Biological interactions of polystyrene nanoplastics: Their cytotoxic and immunotoxic effects on the hepatic and enteric systems. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115447. [PMID: 37690176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
As emerging pollutants in the environment, nanoplastics (NPs) can cross biological barriers and be enriched in organisms, posing a greatest threat to the health of livestock and humans. However, the size-dependent toxic effects of NPs in higher mammals remain largely unknown. To determine the size-dependent potential toxicities of NPs, we exposed mouse (AML-12) and human (L02) liver cell lines in vitro, and 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice (well-known preclinical model) in vivo to five different sizes of polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) (20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 nm). We found that ultra-small NPs (20 nm) induced the highest cytotoxicity in mouse and human liver cell lines, causing oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane potential loss on AML-12 cells. Unexpectedly in vivo, after long-term oral exposure to PS-NPs (75 mg/kg), medium NPs (200 nm) and large NPs (500 nm) induced significant hepatotoxicity, evidenced by increased oxidative stress, liver dysfunction, and lipid metabolism disorders. Most importantly, medium or large NPs generated local immunotoxic effects via recruiting and activating more numbers of neutrophils and monocytes in the liver or intestine, which potentially resulted in increased proinflammatory cytokine secretion and the tissue damage. The discrepancy in in vitro-in vivo toxic results might be attributed to the different properties of biodistribution and tissue accumulation of different sized NPs in vivo. Our study provides new insights regarding the hepatotoxicity and immunotoxicity of NPs on human and livestock health, warranting us to take immense measures to prevent these NPs-associated health damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xinbo Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jianlong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Guangzhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yuning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Bangjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Guanyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jinrong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jing Du
- Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, 50# Heishijiao Road, Shahekou District, Dalian 116023, China
| | | | - Channakeshava Sokke Umeshappa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, IWK Research Center, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Kun Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
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50
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Ivy N, Bhattacharya S, Dey S, Gupta K, Dey A, Sharma P. Effects of microplastics and arsenic on plants: Interactions, toxicity and environmental implications. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139542. [PMID: 37474031 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emerging pollutants that are ubiquitously present in environment. Occurrence and dispersion of microplastics in the soil can pose a considerable risk to soil health and biodiversity, including the plants grown in the soil. Uptake and bioaccumulation of microplastics can have detrimental effects on different plant species. Additionally, the co-presence of microplastics and arsenic can cause synergistic, antagonistic, or potentiating toxic impacts on plants. However, limited studies are available on the combined effects of microplastics and arsenic on plants. This paper elucidates both the individual and synergistic effects of microplastics and arsenic on plants. At the outset, the paper highlighted the presence and degradation of microplastics in soil. Subsequently, the interactions between microplastics and plants, accumulation, and influences of microplastics on plant growth and metabolism were explained with underlying mechanisms. Combined effects of microplastics and arsenic on plant growth, metabolism, and toxicity were discussed thereafter. Combined toxic effects of microplastics and arsenic on plants can have detrimental implications on environment, ecosystems and biodiversity. Further investigations on food chain and human health are needed in the context of microplastic-arsenic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishita Ivy
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharya
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, India.
| | - Satarupa Dey
- Department of Botany, Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Kaushik Gupta
- Belur High School (H.S.), Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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