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Imasha HUE, Babel S. Unveiling the abundance and potential impacts of microplastic contamination in commercial organic fertilizers/compost produced from different solid waste. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34554-6. [PMID: 39102146 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34554-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
This study comprehensively investigated the abundance, morphologies, and polymer types of plastics, larger (1-5 mm) and smaller (< 1 mm) microplastics (MPs), in organic fertilizers using spectroscopic and microscopic methods. MPs abundance varied depending on the type of waste employed. MPs were detected in 80% of the investigated compost samples, while macro/meso plastics were found in only four samples. Compost from mixed municipal solid waste exhibited the highest MPs contamination (23100 ± 3615 items/kg dry weight), whereas compost produced from canteen waste had the lowest contamination (100 ± 65 items/kg dry weight). Smaller MPs were dominant in all samples. The estimated loads of MPs introduced into agricultural soil exceeded the previous studies. Common morphologies observed were sheet, film, fragment, and fiber, while dominant polymer types were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Heavy metals, including Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb, were identified in association with MPs. Results indicate that the utilization of appropriate waste for composting and upgrading fertilizer regulations is crucial to protect the environment and human health from smaller MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hewawasam Udumullage Erangi Imasha
- School of Biochemical Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, P.O. Box 22, Pathum Thani, 12121, Thailand
| | - Sandhya Babel
- School of Biochemical Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, P.O. Box 22, Pathum Thani, 12121, Thailand.
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Naeem A, Farooq MA, Shafiq M, Arshad M, Din AA, Alazba AA. Quantification and polymeric characterization of microplastics in composts and their accumulation in lettuce. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142520. [PMID: 38834092 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Organic fertilizers have become a vector for the transport of microplastics (MPs), which pose human health concerns through the food chain. This study aimed to quantify and characterize MPs in eight different compost samples of various raw materials and their subsequent translocation to lettuce (Lacuta sativa) grown on contaminated composts. The results revealed that the MP abundance ranged from 3810 to 16530 MP/kg. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) had highest abundance (16082 ± 632 MP/kg), followed by leaf compost (LC) and organic compost (OC) (6299 ± 1011 and 3680 ± 419 MP/kg, respectively). MPs of <100 μm in size were most dominant in MSWC and LC. Fragments and fibers were the prevalent shape types, with white/transparent colored MPs being more abundant. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the dominant polymers. MPs accumulation in the lettuce leaves was greatest in the lettuce plants grown on MSWC, followed by those grown on LC and OC, indicating that MSWC grown lettuce is not suitable for human consumption. The decrease in the growth (leaf length, number of leaves, leaf fresh and weights) and physiological (membrane stability index, relative water contents) parameters of lettuce was in line with the trend of MP accumulations. Hence, it is highly important to regulate the plastic contents in compost because it is a threat to ecosystems and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamna Naeem
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ansar Farooq
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Arshad
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Alaud Din
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Abdulrahman Ali Alazba
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Courtene-Jones W, Burgevin F, Munns L, Shillam MBT, De Falco F, Buchard A, Handy RD, Thompson RC, Hanley ME. Deterioration of bio-based polylactic acid plastic teabags under environmental conditions and their associated effects on earthworms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:172806. [PMID: 38772795 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
In response to the plastic waste crisis, teabag producers have substituted the petrochemical-plastic content of their products with bio-based, biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA). Despite widespread use, the degradation rate of PLA/PLA-blended materials in natural soil and their effects on soil biota are poorly understood. This study examined the percentage mass deterioration of teabags with differing cellulose:PLA compositions following burial (-10 cm depth) in an arable field margin for 7-months, using a suite of analytical techniques, such as size exclusion chromatography, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, dynamic scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of 28-d exposure to teabag discs at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.02 %, 0.04 % and 0.07 % w/w) on the survival, growth and reproduction (OECD TG 222 protocol) of the key soil detritivore Eisenia fetida was assessed in laboratory trials. After 7-month burial, Tbag-A (2.4:1 blend) and Tbag-B (3.5:1 cellulose:PLA blend) lost 66 ± 5 % and 78 ± 4 % of their total mass, primarily attributed to degradation of cellulose as identified by FTIR spectroscopy and a reduction in the cellulose:PLA mass ratio, while Tbag-C (PLA) remained unchanged. There were clear treatment and dose-specific effects on the growth and reproductive output of E. fetida. At 0.07 % w/w of Tbag-A adult mortality marginally increased (15 %) and both the quantity of egg cocoons and the average mass of juveniles also increased, while at concentrations ≥0.04 % w/w of Tbag-C, the quantity of cocoons was suppressed. Adverse effects are comparable to those reported for non-biodegradable petrochemical-based plastic, demonstrating that bio-based PLA does not offer a more 'environmentally friendly' alternative. Our study emphasises the necessity to better understand the environmental fate and ecotoxicity of PLA/PLA-blends to ensure interventions developed through the UN Plastic Pollution Treaty to use alternatives and substitutes to conventional plastics do not result in unintended negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Courtene-Jones
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - F Burgevin
- Institute for Sustainability, Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - L Munns
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
| | - M B T Shillam
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
| | - F De Falco
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - A Buchard
- Institute for Sustainability, Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - R D Handy
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
| | - R C Thompson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
| | - M E Hanley
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
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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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Premarathna KSD, Gayara Degamboda N, Fernando BHR, Sandanayake S, Pathirana C, Jayarathna L, Ranasinghe CS, Vithanage M. Plastics and plastic-bound toxic metals in municipal solid waste compost from Sri Lanka. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:306. [PMID: 39002030 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
This study examined plastics and toxic metals in municipal solid waste compost from various regions in Sri Lanka. Plastics were extracted using density separation, digested using wet peroxidation, and identified using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflection mode. Compost and plastics were acid-digested to quantify total Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn concentrations and analyzed for the bioavailable fraction using 0.01 M CaCl2. Notably, plastics were highly abundant in most compost samples. The main plastic types detected were polyethylene, polypropylene, and cellophane. However, the average Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn levels were 0.727, 60.78, 3.670, 25.44, 18.95, and 130.7 mg/kg, respectively, which are well below the recommended levels. Zn was the most bioavailable (2.476 mg/kg), and Cd was the least bioavailable (0.053 mg/kg) metal associated with compost. The Contamination factor data show that there is considerable enhancement of Cd and Cu, however, Cr, Cu, Co, and Pb are at low contamination levels. Mean geo accumulation index values were 1.39, 1.07, - 1.06, - 0.84, - 0.32, and 0.08 for Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn. Therefore, the contamination level of compost samples with Cd and Cu ranges from uncontaminated to contaminated levels, whereas Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn are at uncontaminated levels. Despite no direct metal-plastic correlation, plastics in compost could harm plants, animals, and humans due to ingestion. Hence, reducing plastic and metal contamination in compost is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S D Premarathna
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - N Gayara Degamboda
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - B H R Fernando
- Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Bandirippuwa Estate, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka
| | - Sandun Sandanayake
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Chaamila Pathirana
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Lakmal Jayarathna
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | - C S Ranasinghe
- Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Bandirippuwa Estate, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
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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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Sharmin S, Wang Q, Islam MR, Wang W, Enyoh CE. Microplastic Contamination of Non-Mulched Agricultural Soils in Bangladesh: Detection, Characterization, Source Apportionment and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:812-826. [PMID: 38921655 PMCID: PMC11204539 DOI: 10.3390/jox14020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastic contamination in agricultural soil is an emerging problem worldwide as it contaminates the food chain. Therefore, this research investigated the distribution of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils without mulch at various depths (0-5, 5-10, and 10-15 cm) across different zones: rural, local market, industrial, coastal, and research areas. The detection of MP types and morphology was conducted using FTIR and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Eight types of MPs were identified, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with concentrations ranging from 0.6 ± 0.21 to 3.71 ± 2.36 MPs/g of soil. The study found no significant trends in MP concentration, with ranges of 0-2.1 ± 0.38, 0-2.87 ± 0.55, and 0-2.0 ± 0.34 MPs/g of soil at depths of 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, and 10-15 cm, respectively. The highest MP quantity was recorded at 8.67 in coastal area, while the lowest was 6.44 in the local market area. Various MP shapes, e.g., fiber, film, pellet, fragment, and irregular, were observed across all layers. PCA suggested irrigation and organic manure as potential sources of MPs. The estimated concentrations of MPs possessed low non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the farming community of Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaya Sharmin
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; (M.R.I.); (W.W.); (C.E.E.)
- Department of Agricultural Extension, Khamarbari, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh
| | - Qingyue Wang
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; (M.R.I.); (W.W.); (C.E.E.)
| | - Md. Rezwanul Islam
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; (M.R.I.); (W.W.); (C.E.E.)
- Department of Agricultural Extension, Khamarbari, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh
| | - Weiqian Wang
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; (M.R.I.); (W.W.); (C.E.E.)
| | - Christian Ebere Enyoh
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; (M.R.I.); (W.W.); (C.E.E.)
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Brťková H, Růžičková J, Slamová K, Raclavská H, Kucbel M, Šafář M, Gikas P, Juchelková D, Švédová B, Flodrová Š. Plastic particles in urban compost and their grain size distribution. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124025. [PMID: 38670428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124025] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Gathering information on plastic particles in composts and the processes they undergo is important in terms of potentially limiting their further entry into the environment, for example, in improving the fertilising properties of soils. Microplastics (MPs) were determined in composts produced from urban greenery. They are present in decreasing order: polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene. The determination of polymers and additives used to improve their properties was performed by pyrolysis and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (Py-GC/MS). Additives and microplastics are most concentrated in composts in the 0.315-0.63 and 0.63-1.25 mm grain size class, together with the carbon contained in the compost dry matter. Additives form 0.11-0.13% of MPs in dry matter of compost. The average concentration of microplastics in the particle size class from 0.63 to 1.25 mm is 2434 ± 224 mg/kg; in the total sample of composts, it is 1368 ± 286 mg/kg of P-MPs. For composts with particle size <2.5 mm, a relationship between the C/N ratio and the plastic particle concentration was statistically significant. It documents a similar behaviour of lignocellulose and plastic particles during the degradation processes. A relationship between the concentration of polymer markers and additives in the compost dry matter and their concentrations in the leachate has been demonstrated. The leachability from compost is higher for additives than for chemical compounds originating from the decomposition of the main components of MPs. The suitability of the use of the compost for agricultural purposes was monitored by the germination index (GI) for watercress. The lowest value of the GI was determined in the particle size class from 0.63 to 1.25 mm. The leachability of polymer markers and additives alone cannot explain the low GI value in this grain size class. The GI value is also influenced by the leachability of chemical compounds characterised by the value of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and water-leachable nitrogen (Nw). A statistically significant dependence between DOC/Nw and the germination index value was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Brťková
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Růžičková
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Slamová
- Institute of Foreign Languages, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Raclavská
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kucbel
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Michal Šafář
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Petros Gikas
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Kounoupidiana, Akrotiri, 731 00 Chania, Greece
| | - Dagmar Juchelková
- Department of Electronics, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Švédová
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Flodrová
- Department of Power Engineering, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
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Magni S, Fossati M, Pedrazzani R, Abbà A, Domini M, Menghini M, Castiglioni S, Bertanza G, Binelli A, Della Torre C. Plastics in biogenic matrices intended for reuse in agriculture and the potential contribution to soil accumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123986. [PMID: 38636833 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123986] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The spread of biogenic matrices for agricultural purposes can lead to plastic input into soils, raising a question on possible consequences for the environment. Nonetheless, the current knowledge concerning the presence of plastics in biogenic matrices is very poor. Therefore, the objective of the present study was a quali-quantitative characterization of plastics in different matrices reused in agriculture as manures, digestate, compost and sewage sludges. Plastics were quantified and characterized using a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy coupled with an optical microscope (μFT-IR) in Attenuated Total Reflectance mode. Our study showed the presence of plastics in all the investigated samples, albeit with differences in the content among the matrices. We measured a lower presence in animal matrices (0.06-0.08 plastics/g wet weight w.w.), while 3.14-5.07 plastics/g w.w. were measured in sewage sludges. Fibres were the prevalent shape and plastic debris were mostly in the micrometric size. The most abundant polymers were polyester (PEST), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The worst case was observed in the compost sample, where 986 plastics/g w.w. were detected. The majority of these plastics were compostable and biodegradable, with only 8% consisting of fragments of PEST and PE. Our results highlighted the need to thoroughly evaluate the contribution of reused matrices in agriculture to the plastic accumulation in the soil system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Magni
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Fossati
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCSS, Italy
| | - Roberta Pedrazzani
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Industriale, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Abbà
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio, Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Domini
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio, Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Italy
| | - Michele Menghini
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Industriale, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Bertanza
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio, Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Binelli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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10
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Groß M, Mail M, Wrigley O, Debastiani R, Scherer T, Amelung W, Braun M. Plastic Fruit Stickers in Industrial Composting─Surface and Structural Alterations Revealed by Electron Microscopy and Computed Tomography. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7124-7132. [PMID: 38599582 PMCID: PMC11044595 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08734] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Often large quantities of plastics are found in compost, with price look-up stickers being a major but little-explored component in the contamination path. Stickers glued to fruit or vegetable peels usually remain attached to the organic material despite sorting processes in the composting plant. Here, we investigated the effects of industrial composting on the structural alterations of these stickers. Commercial polypropylene (PP) stickers on banana peels were added to a typical organic material mixture for processing in an industrial composting plant and successfully resampled after a prerotting (11 days) and main rotting step (25 days). Afterward, both composted and original stickers were analyzed for surface and structural changes via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and micro- and nano-X-ray computed tomography (CT) combined with deep learning approaches. The composting resulted in substantial surface changes and degradation in the form of microbial colonization, deformation, and occurrence of cracks in all stickers. Their pore volumes increased from 16.7% in the original sticker to 26.3% at the end of the compost process. In a similar way, the carbonyl index of the stickers increased. Micro-CT images additionally revealed structural changes in the form of large adhesions that penetrated the surface of the sticker. These changes were accompanied by delamination after 25 days of composting, thus overall hinting at the degradation of the stickers and the subsequent formation of smaller microplastic pieces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Groß
- Institute
of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and
Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Mail
- Institute
of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Karlsruhe
Nano Micro Facility (KNMFi), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Olivia Wrigley
- Institute
of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and
Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rafaela Debastiani
- Institute
of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Karlsruhe
Nano Micro Facility (KNMFi), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Torsten Scherer
- Institute
of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Karlsruhe
Nano Micro Facility (KNMFi), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Wulf Amelung
- Institute
of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and
Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Melanie Braun
- Institute
of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and
Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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11
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Estoppey N, Castro G, Slinde GA, Hansen CB, Løseth ME, Krahn KM, Demmer V, Svenni J, Tran TVAT, Asimakopoulos AG, Arp HPH, Cornelissen G. Exposure assessment of plastics, phthalate plasticizers and their transformation products in diverse bio-based fertilizers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170501. [PMID: 38307289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170501] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) produced from organic waste have the potential to reduce societal dependence on limited and energy-intensive mineral fertilizers. BBFs, thereby, contribute to a circular economy for fertilizers. However, BBFs can contain plastic fragments and hazardous additives such as phthalate plasticizers, which could constitute a risk for agricultural soils and the environment. This study assessed the exposure associated with plastic and phthalates in BBFs from three types of organic wastes: agricultural and food industry waste (AgriFoodInduWaste), sewage sludge (SewSludge), and biowaste (i.e., garden, park, food and kitchen waste). The wastes were associated with various treatments like drying, anaerobic digestion, and vermicomposting. The number of microplastics (0.045-5 mm) increased from AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs (15-258 particles g-1), to SewSludge-BBFs (59-1456 particles g-1) and then to Biowaste-BBFs (828-2912 particles g-1). Biowaste-BBFs mostly contained packaging plastics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), with the mass of plastic (>10 g kg-1) exceeding the EU threshold (3 g kg-1, plastics >2 mm). Other BBFs mostly contained small (< 1 mm) non-packaging plastics in amounts below the EU limit. The calculated numbers of microplastics entering agricultural soils via BBF application was high (107-1010 microplastics ha-1y-1), but the mass of plastic released from AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs and SewSludge-BBFs was limited (< 1 and <7 kg ha-1y-1) compared to Biowaste-BBFs (95-156 kg ha-1y-1). The concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP; < 2.5 mg kg-1) and phthalate transformation products (< 8 mg kg-1) were low (< benchmark of 50 mg kg-1 for DEHP), attributable to both the current phase-out of DEHP as well as phthalate degradation during waste treatment. The Biowaste-BBF exposed to vermicomposting indicated that worms accumulated phthalate transformation products (4 mg kg-1). These results are overall positive for the implementation of the studied AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs and SewSludge-BBFs. However, the safe use of the studied Biowaste-BBFs requires reducing plastic use and improving sorting methods to minimize plastic contamination, in order to protect agricultural soils and reduce the environmental impact of Biowaste-BBFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Estoppey
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Gabriela Castro
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7024 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Institute for Research in Chemical and Biological Analysis (IAQBUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gøril Aasen Slinde
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Caroline Berge Hansen
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Engvig Løseth
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Viona Demmer
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørgen Svenni
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, OsloMet, 0176 Oslo, Norway
| | - Teresa-Van-Anh Thi Tran
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, OsloMet, 0176 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7024 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gerard Cornelissen
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1432 Ås, Norway
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12
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Feng T, Wei Z, Agathokleous E, Zhang B. Effect of microplastics on soil greenhouse gas emissions in agroecosystems: Does it depend upon microplastic shape and soil type? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169278. [PMID: 38092197 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169278] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have emerged as a significant pollutant in terrestrial ecosystems, with their accumulation in agricultural fields influencing soil greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, the specific impact of microplastics, particularly in relation to their varying shapes, and how this effect manifests across diverse soil types, remains largely unexplored. In this study, a 56-day incubation experiment was conducted to assess the influence of microplastic shapes (fibers, films, and spheres) on CO2 and N2O emissions in three types of soils (Chernozems, Luvisols, and Ferralsols), while also investigating potential associations with the compositional and functional characteristics of soil bacterial communities. When compared to the control group, the introduction of microplastic fibers resulted in an increase of 21.7 % in cumulative CO2 emissions and a 31.4 % rise in cumulative N2O emissions in Ferralsols. This increase was closely linked to the proliferation of the Actinobacteria and Bacilli classes and the orders of Catenulisporales, Bacillales, Streptomycetales, Micrococcales, and Burkholderiales within the bacterial communities of Ferralsols, alongside an observed elevation in N-acetyl-glucosaminidase enzyme activity. The inclusion of microplastic fibers did not result in significant alterations in greenhouse gas emissions within Chernozems and Luvisols. This is likely attributed to the inherent buffering capacity of these soils, which helps stabilize substrate and nutrient availability for microbial communities. These findings highlight that the response of greenhouse gas emissions to microplastic additions is contingent upon the shape of the microplastics and the specific soil types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Feng
- Changwang School of Honors, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Zhanbo Wei
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Evgenios Agathokleous
- School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.
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13
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Bünemann EK, Reimer M, Smolders E, Smith SR, Bigalke M, Palmqvist A, Brandt KK, Möller K, Harder R, Hermann L, Speiser B, Oudshoorn F, Løes AK, Magid J. Do contaminants compromise the use of recycled nutrients in organic agriculture? A review and synthesis of current knowledge on contaminant concentrations, fate in the environment and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168901. [PMID: 38042198 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Use of nutrients recycled from societal waste streams in agriculture is part of the circular economy, and in line with organic farming principles. Nevertheless, diverse contaminants in waste streams create doubts among organic farmers about potential risks for soil health. Here, we gather the current knowledge on contaminant levels in waste streams and recycled nutrient sources, and discuss associated risks. For potentially toxic elements (PTEs), the input of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) from mineral feed supplements remains of concern, while concentrations of PTEs in many waste streams have decreased substantially in Europe. The same applies to organic contaminants, although new chemical groups such as flame retardants are of emerging concern and globally contamination levels differ strongly. Compared to inorganic fertilizers, application of organic fertilizers derived from human or animal feces is associated with an increased risk for environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance. The risk depends on the quality of the organic fertilizers, which varies between geographical regions, but farmland application of sewage sludge appears to be a safe practice as shown by some studies (e.g. from Sweden). Microplastic concentrations in agricultural soils show a wide spread and our understanding of its toxicity is limited, hampering a sound risk assessment. Methods for assessing public health risks for organic contaminants must include emerging contaminants and potential interactions of multiple compounds. Evidence from long-term field experiments suggests that soils may be more resilient and capable to degrade or stabilize pollutants than often assumed. In view of the need to source nutrients for expanding areas under organic farming, we discuss inputs originating from conventional farms vs. non-agricultural (i.e. societal) inputs. Closing nutrient cycles between agriculture and society is feasible in many cases, without being compromised by contaminants, and should be enhanced, aided by improved source control, waste treatment and sound risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Bünemann
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, 5070 Frick, Switzerland.
| | - M Reimer
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, Fruwirthstr. 20, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Aarhus University, Department of Agroecology, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - E Smolders
- Division Soil and Water Management, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - S R Smith
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - M Bigalke
- Department of Soil Mineralogy and Soil Chemistry, Institute for Applied Geosciences, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 9, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - A Palmqvist
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - K K Brandt
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - K Möller
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, Fruwirthstr. 20, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - R Harder
- Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - L Hermann
- Proman Management GmbH, Weingartenstrasse 92, 2214 Auersthal, Austria
| | - B Speiser
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, 5070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - F Oudshoorn
- Innovation Centre for Organic Farming (ICOEL), Agro Food Park 26, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A K Løes
- Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture (NORSØK), Gunnars veg 6, N-6630 Tingvoll, Norway
| | - J Magid
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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14
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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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15
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Bottausci S, Magrini C, Tuci GA, Bonoli A. Plastic impurities in biowaste treatment: environmental and economic life cycle assessment of a composting plant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:9964-9980. [PMID: 37405605 PMCID: PMC10850183 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28353-8] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The study focuses on an Italian composting plant and aims to investigate the impact of the presence of plastic impurities in the collected biowaste on the environmental and economic performance of the plant. The study is divided into two main steps: firstly, a material flow analysis was conducted to quantify the number of impurities (e.g., conventional plastics and compostable plastics) before and after the composting process. Secondly, a life cycle assessment (LCA) and a complementary life cycle costing (LCC) of the composting process were conducted. The results of the material flow analysis confirmed the initial assumption that conventional plastic remains almost constant before and after the composting treatment, while compostable plastic almost disappears. As far as the life cycle analyses are concerned, the most environmentally damaging phases of the process were the shredding and mixing phases, while the operating costs (OPEX) contributed the most to the total annual costs of the company. Finally, a further scenario analysis was performed, assuming that the plastic contaminants in the treated biowaste consisted exclusively of compostable plastics. The comparison with this ideal scenario can support decision-makers to understand the potential improvements achievable by addressing the presence of plastic impurities in the biowaste. The results show that the treatment of plastic impurities causes relevant environmental and economic impacts, being responsible for 46% of the total waste to treat at the end of the process, almost 7% of the total annual costs covered by the plant owners, and about 30% of all negative externalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bottausci
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, 40131, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Chiara Magrini
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, 40131, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Adele Tuci
- Department of Environmental Science, Informatics and Statistics, University of Venice Ca' Foscari, 30172, Venice Mestre, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bonoli
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, 40131, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Steiner T, Leitner LC, Zhang Y, Möller JN, Löder MGJ, Greiner A, Laforsch C, Freitag R. Detection and specific chemical identification of submillimeter plastic fragments in complex matrices such as compost. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2282. [PMID: 38280916 PMCID: PMC10821947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on the plastic contamination of organic fertilizer (compost) has largely concentrated on particles and fragments > 1 mm. Small, submillimeter microplastic particles may be more hazardous to the environment. However, research on their presence in composts has been impeded by the difficulty to univocally identify small plastic particles in such complex matrices. Here a method is proposed for the analysis of particles between 0.01 and 1.0 mm according to number, size, and polymer type in compost. As a first demonstration of its potential, the method is used to determine large and small microplastic in composts from eight municipal compost producing plants: three simple biowaste composters, four plants processing greenery and cuttings and one two-stage biowaste digester-composter. While polyethylene, PE, tends to dominate among fragments > 1 mm, the microplastic fraction contained more polypropylene, PP. Whereas the contamination with PE/PP microplastic was similar over the investigated composts, only composts prepared from biowaste contained microplastic with a signature of biodegradable plastic, namely poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate), PBAT. Moreover, in these composts PBAT microplastic tended to form the largest fraction. When the bulk of residual PBAT in the composts was analyzed by chloroform extraction, an inverse correlation between the number of particles > 0.01 mm and the total extracted amount was seen, arguing for breakdown into smaller particles, but not necessarily a mass reduction. PBAT oligomers and monomers as possible substrates for subsequent biodegradation were not found. Remaining microplastic will enter the environment with the composts, where its subsequent degradability depends on the local conditions and is to date largely uninvestigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Steiner
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Yuanhu Zhang
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Julia N Möller
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Andreas Greiner
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Ruth Freitag
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany.
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17
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Wahl A, Davranche M, Rabiller-Baudry M, Pédrot M, Khatib I, Labonne F, Canté M, Cuisinier C, Gigault J. Condition of composted microplastics after they have been buried for 30 years: Vertical distribution in the soil and degree of degradation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132686. [PMID: 37866145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in soils are a growing concern. Composting household wastes can introduce microplastics to agroecosystems, because when unsorted compost is used as a fertilizer, the plastic debris it contains degrades to microplastics. This paper examines the distribution and degradation of microplastics in agricultural soil samples to investigate their potential mobility. The source of microplastics was a household waste compost added to the soil more than 30 years before the study. The microplastics were sorted from a plot-composite soil and characterised by Attenuated Total Reflectance combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The microplastics are present in the cultivated depth but have not been transferred deeper (2.9 g kg-1 in the 0-5 cm soil depth against 0.9 g kg-1 in the 30-35 cm soil depth). Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and Polyvinylchloride (PVC) were identified in the forms of heterogeneous fragments, films, and fibres and accounted for 90% of the total microplastics. Advanced degradation observed was mainly assumed to be due to composting, though the plastic may have degraded further in the soil matrix. Highly degraded plastics are a greater danger for further leaching of contaminants into soil and our food supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Wahl
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Geosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Mélanie Davranche
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Geosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Murielle Rabiller-Baudry
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes) - UMR 6226, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Mathieu Pédrot
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Geosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Imane Khatib
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Geosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Fabian Labonne
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Geosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Marion Canté
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Geosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Candice Cuisinier
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Geosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Julien Gigault
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Geosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, F-35000 Rennes, France; TAKUVIK CNRS/ULaval, UMI3376, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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18
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Surendran D, Varghese GK, Zafiu C. Characterization and source apportionment of microplastics in Indian composts. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:5. [PMID: 38044370 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12177-7] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP), small plastic particles under 5 mm, are pollutants known to carry heavy metals in ecosystems. Composts are a significant source of soil microplastics. This study examined MSW composts from Kochi and Kozhikode in India for microplastic concentrations and heavy metals' accumulation thereon. Microplastics were isolated using zinc chloride density separation, with Fenton's reagent used for organic matter oxidation. Resin types were identified using FTIR analysis that showed the presence of PE, PP, PS, nylon, PET, and allyl alcohol copolymer. In Kozhikode's compost, the average concentration of microplastics was 840 ± 30 items/kg, while Kochi had 1600 ± 111 items/kg, mainly polyethylene films. PE was the most prevalent resin, comprising 58.3% in Kozhikode and 73.37% in Kochi. Heavy metal analysis of MP showed significant concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, and manganese adsorbed on the surface of microplastics. The concentrations of heavy metals in the MP before Fenton oxidation ranged from 1.02 to 2.02 times the corresponding concentrations in compost for Kozhikode and 1.23 to 2.85 times for Kochi. Source apportionment studies revealed that 64% of microplastics in Kozhikode and 77% in Kochi originated from single-use plastics. Ecological risk indices, PLI and PHI, showed that composts from both locations fall under hazard level V. The study revealed that compost from unsegregated MSW can act as a significant source of microplastics and heavy metals in the soil environment, with single-use plastics contributing major share of the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Zafiu
- Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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19
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Zhao H, Zhou Y, Lu Z, Ren X, Barcelo D, Zhang Z, Wang Q. Microplastic pollution in organic farming development cannot be ignored in China: Perspective of commercial organic fertilizer. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132478. [PMID: 37688868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Commercial organic fertilizer, an essential fertilizer for developing organic farming in China, has been identified as a potentially important source of microplastics (MPs) on farmland. However, little is known about the occurrence of MPs in commercial organic fertilizers and their potential ecological risks nationwide. Here, stereoscopy and laser-infrared imaging spectrometry were used to comprehensively investigate the abundance, size, type and morphology of MPs in commercial organic fertilizers collected from mainland China, assess the ecological risks, and predict MP contamination. Commercial organic fertilizers contained many MPs (8.88 ×103 to 2.88 ×105 items/kg), especially rich in small-size MPs (<100 µm), accounting for 76.53%. The highest MP pollution load value was observed in fertilizers collected from East China. Chlorinated polyethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene were the dominant MPs with the shape of film and fragment, concentrated in small sizes (<100 µm). The risk index (H-index) of the MPs was used to quantify the ecological risk of the MPs in the different samples, and most of the fertilizers were at level Ⅲ with high risk. Predictably, 2.32 × 1013 - 2.81 × 1016 MPs will accumulate in orchard soils after five years of fertilization, especially in South, Southwest and East China. This study provides primary scientific data on MP pollution in commercial fertilizer and the health development of organic farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Yanting Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Zonghui Lu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Xiuna Ren
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Quan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
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20
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Wang T, Hosseinzadeh M, Cuccagna A, Alakenova R, Casademunt P, Reyes Rovatti A, López-Rubio A, Porte C. Comparative toxicity of conventional versus compostable plastic consumer products: An in-vitro assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132123. [PMID: 37499498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the toxicity of methanolic extracts obtained from compostable plastics (BPs) and conventional plastics (both virgin and recycled). Additionally, it explores the potential influence of plastic photodegradation and composting on toxic responses using a battery of in vitro assays conducted in PLHC-1 cells. The extracts of BPs, but not those of conventional plastics, induced a significant decrease in cell viability (<70%) in PLHC-1 cells after 24 h of exposure. Toxicity was enhanced by either photodegradation or composting of BPs. Extracts of conventional plastics, and particularly those of recycled plastics, induced 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and micronucleus formation in exposed cells, indicating the presence of significant amounts of CYP1A inducers and genotoxic compounds in the extracts, which was enhanced by photodegradation. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the effects of degradation mechanisms such as sunlight and composting on the toxicity of BPs. It is also crucial to investigate the composition of newly developed formulations for BPs, as they may be more harmful than conventional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wang
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain.
| | - Mahboubeh Hosseinzadeh
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alice Cuccagna
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Rakhat Alakenova
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Paula Casademunt
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Alcira Reyes Rovatti
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Amparo López-Rubio
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cinta Porte
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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21
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Le VR, Nguyen MK, Nguyen HL, Lin C, Rakib MRJ, Thai VA, Le VG, Malafaia G, Idris AM. Organic composts as A vehicle for the entry of microplastics into the environment: A comprehensive review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 892:164758. [PMID: 37308024 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a widespread issue that poses a threat to agroecosystems. Recent data on microplastic (MP) pollution from compost and its application to soil have highlighted the potential impact of micropollutants that may be transferred from compost. Thus, we aim with this review to elucidate the distribution-occurrence, characterization, fate/transport, and potential risk of MPs from organic compost to gain comprehensive knowledge and mitigate the adverse impacts of compost application. The concentration of MPs in compost was up to thousands of items/kg. Among micropollutants, fibers, fragments, and films are the most common, with small MPs having a higher potential to absorb other pollutants and cause harm to organisms. Various synthetic polymers, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester (PES), and acrylic polymers (AP), have been widely used of plastic items. MPs are emerging pollutants that can have diverse effects on soil ecosystems, as they can transfer potential pollutants from MPs to compost and then to the soil. Following the microbial degradation scheme, the transfer chain from plastics to compost to soil can be broken down into main stages, i.e., colonization - (bio)fragmentation - assimilation - and mineralization. Microorganisms and adding biochar play an essential role during composting, which can be an effective solution to enhance MP degradation. Findings have shown that stimulating free radical generation could promote the biodegradation efficacy of MPs and possibly remove their occurrence in compost, thereby reducing their contribution to ecosystem pollution. Furthermore, future recommendations were discussed to reduce ecosystem risks and health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Re Le
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry (HUFI), 140 Le Trong Tan Street, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Hoang-Lam Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Van-Anh Thai
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Van-Giang Le
- Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi 111000, Viet Nam
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil.
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61431 Abha, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Jia L, Liu L, Zhang Y, Fu W, Liu X, Wang Q, Tanveer M, Huang L. Microplastic stress in plants: effects on plant growth and their remediations. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1226484. [PMID: 37636098 PMCID: PMC10452891 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1226484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is becoming a global problem due to the resilience, long-term persistence, and robustness of MPs in different ecosystems. In terrestrial ecosystems, plants are exposed to MP stress, thereby affecting overall plant growth and development. This review article has critically analyzed the effects of MP stress in plants. We found that MP stress-induced reduction in plant physical growth is accompanied by two complementary effects: (i) blockage of pores in seed coat or roots to alter water and nutrient uptake, and (ii) induction of drought due to increased soil cracking effects of MPs. Nonetheless, the reduction in physiological growth under MP stress is accompanied by four complementary effects: (i) excessive production of ROS, (ii) alteration in leaf and root ionome, (iii) impaired hormonal regulation, and (iv) decline in chlorophyll and photosynthesis. Considering that, we suggested that targeting the redox regulatory mechanisms could be beneficial in improving tolerance to MPs in plants; however, antioxidant activities are highly dependent on plant species, plant tissue, MP type, and MP dose. MP stress also indirectly reduces plant growth by altering soil productivity. However, MP-induced negative effects vary due to the presence of different surface functional groups and particle sizes. In the end, we suggested the utilization of agronomic approaches, including the application of growth regulators, biochar, and replacing plastic mulch with crop residues, crop diversification, and biological degradation, to ameliorate the effects of MP stress in plants. The efficiency of these methods is also MP-type-specific and dose-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia
- College of Food and Drug, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Lining Liu
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Wenxuan Fu
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xing Liu
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Mohsin Tanveer
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Liping Huang
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
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23
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Astner AF, Gillmore AB, Yu Y, Flury M, DeBruyn JM, Schaeffer SM, Hayes DG. Formation, behavior, properties and impact of micro- and nanoplastics on agricultural soil ecosystems (A Review). NANOIMPACT 2023; 31:100474. [PMID: 37419450 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Micro and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs, respectively) in agricultural soil ecosystems represent a pervasive global environmental concern, posing risks to soil biota, hence soil health and food security. This review provides a comprehensive and current summary of the literature on sources and properties of MNPs in agricultural ecosystems, methodology for the isolation and characterization of MNPs recovered from soil, MNP surrogate materials that mimic the size and properties of soil-borne MNPs, and transport of MNPs through the soil matrix. Furthermore, this review elucidates the impacts and risks of agricultural MNPs on crops and soil microorganisms and fauna. A significant source of MPs in soil is plasticulture, involving the use of mulch films and other plastic-based implements to provide several agronomic benefits for specialty crop production, while other sources of MPs include irrigation water and fertilizer. Long-term studies are needed to address current knowledge gaps of formation, soil surface and subsurface transport, and environmental impacts of MNPs, including for MNPs derived from biodegradable mulch films, which, although ultimately undergoing complete mineralization, will reside in soil for several months. Because of the complexity and variability of agricultural soil ecosystems and the difficulty in recovering MNPs from soil, a deeper understanding is needed for the fundamental relationships between MPs, NPs, soil biota and microbiota, including ecotoxicological effects of MNPs on earthworms, soil-dwelling invertebrates, and beneficial soil microorganisms, and soil geochemical attributes. In addition, the geometry, size distribution, fundamental and chemical properties, and concentration of MNPs contained in soils are required to develop surrogate MNP reference materials that can be used across laboratories for conducting fundamental laboratory studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton F Astner
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Alexis B Gillmore
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Yingxue Yu
- Department of Crops and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, and Puyallup, WA 98371, United States of America
| | - Markus Flury
- Department of Crops and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, and Puyallup, WA 98371, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M DeBruyn
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Sean M Schaeffer
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Douglas G Hayes
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America.
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24
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Zhang J, Guo N, Ding W, Han B, Zhao M, Wang X, Wang J, Cao B, Zou G, Chen Y. Microplastic pollution and the related ecological risks of organic composts from different raw materials. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131911. [PMID: 37356176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Organic composts are considered emerging contributors to microplastics (MPs) accumulation in agricultural soils. However, MPs pollution in organic compost from different raw materials is unknown. This study investigated MPs occurrence and characteristics in 124 organic compost samples, including single feedstock (livestock manure, poultry manure, crop straw, and solid waste) and compound organic composts, and quantitatively assessed related ecological risks of MPs pollution. The highest and lowest MPs abundances were observed in solid waste (6615 items kg-1) and crop straw (1500 items kg-1) composts, respectively. Compost MPs were mainly 0.5-1 mm (39.5%), colorful polypropylene and polyethylene fragments and films, and polyethylene terephthalate fibers, and the input to farmland soils was 6.96 × 107 to 1.88 × 108 items ha-1 yr-1. Regardless of feedstock, compost-based MPs of different shapes exhibited complicated weathering morphologies and adhered to some mineral colloids. The highest and lowest MPs-induced risk indices in solid waste (H = 134.3) and crop straw (H = 8.9) composts yielded hazard levels IV (high risk) and II (low risk), respectively, due to the different abundance of polymers with diverse hazard scores. These findings provide insights into MPs pollution in organic composts and a theoretical basis for the safe production and application of compost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Zhang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Ning Guo
- Beijing Cultivated Land Construction and Protection Center, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wencheng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bao Han
- Fangshan Planting Technology Promotion Station of Beijing, Beijing 102412, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Xuexia Wang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jiachen Wang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Bing Cao
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Guoyuan Zou
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
| | - Yanhua Chen
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
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25
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Zafiu C, Binner E, Beigl P, Vay B, Ebmer J, Huber-Humer M. The dynamics of macro- and microplastic quantity and size changes during the composting process. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 162:18-26. [PMID: 36921437 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.03.002] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The quantity and type of macro- and microplastics was investigated in rotting material during the composting process of two state-of-the-art composting plants in Austria. Microplastics >0.2 mm, were found already after the first turning event in both facilities. The generation of microplastics was more extensive in the plant that used shorter turning intervals during the first four weeks and generated approx. 21 particles per week and kg-1 DM. After 4 weeks of operation less microplastic particles were detected, which suggested that particles were fractionated to smaller sizes during processing. In addition, a total of nine composts from three different facilities that were operated in various settlement structures were compared. 7 to 232 macro- and microplastic particles per kg DM were found, whereas the highest plastic burden was observed in the composts made from biowaste that originated from the most densely populated area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Zafiu
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Erwin Binner
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Beigl
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Vay
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Ebmer
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Huber-Humer
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria
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26
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Zhou Y, Ren X, Tsui TH, Barcelo D, Wang Q, Zhang Z, Yongzhen D. Microplastics as an underestimated emerging contaminant in solid organic waste and their biological products: Occurrence, fate and ecological risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130596. [PMID: 37055952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as an emerging pollutant, have been widely detected in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric ecosystems. Recently, more researchers indicated that solid organic waste is also a crucial repository of MPs and has become a vital pollution source in ecosystems. Although the occurrence and fate of MPs in solid organic waste and the interaction between MPs and biological treatments have been explored, there still needs to be comprehensive summaries. Hence, this study reviewed the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in solid organic waste and organic fertilizers. Meanwhile, this study summarized the influence of MPs on biological treatments (composting and anaerobic digestion) and their degradation characteristics. MPs are abundant in solid organic waste (0-220 ×103 particles/kg) and organic fertilizer (0-30 ×103 particles/kg), PP and PE are the prominent MPs, and fibers and fragments are the main shapes. MPs can affect the carbon and nitrogen conversion during biological treatments and interfere with microbial communities. The MP's characteristics changed after biological treatments, which should further consider their potential ecological risks. This review points out the existing problems of MPs in organic waste recycling and provides directions for their treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiuna Ren
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - To-Hung Tsui
- NUS Environment Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Quan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Ding Yongzhen
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China.
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27
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Porterfield KK, Hobson SA, Neher DA, Niles MT, Roy ED. Microplastics in composts, digestates, and food wastes: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2023; 52:225-240. [PMID: 36645846 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Diverting food waste from landfills to composting or anaerobic digestion can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enable the recovery of energy in usable forms, and create nutrient-rich soil amendments. However, many food waste streams are mixed with plastic packaging, raising concerns that food waste-derived composts and digestates may inadvertently introduce microplastics into agricultural soils. Research on the occurrence of microplastics in food waste-derived soil amendments is in an early phase and the relative importance of this potential pathway of microplastics to agricultural soils needs further clarification. In this paper, we review what is known and what is not known about the abundance of microplastics in composts, digestates, and food wastes and their effects on agricultural soils. Additionally, we highlight future research needs and suggest ways to harmonize microplastic abundance and ecotoxicity studies with the design of related policies. This review is novel in that it focuses on quantitative measures of microplastics in composts, digestates, and food wastes and discusses limitations of existing methods and implications for policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine K Porterfield
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Sarah A Hobson
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Deborah A Neher
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Meredith T Niles
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences & Food Systems Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Eric D Roy
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
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28
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Johansen JL, Dam M, Kudjordjie EN, Santos SS, Palmqvist A, Magid J, Vestergård M. Effects of long-term fertilization with contemporary Danish human urine, composted household waste and sewage sludge on soil nematode abundance and community structure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160485. [PMID: 36436626 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
It is desirable to recycle the urban waste products human urine, composted household waste and sewage sludge as fertilizers to agricultural fields. This could minimize the use of NPK fertilizer, improve soil structure and store carbon. However, waste products may contain heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POP) and plastics, and there are concerns that long-term build-up of these substances will cause unwanted effects on soil health. Nematodes are ubiquitous and numerous in soil ecosystems. Abundance and community structure of soil nematodes can be used as indicators of soil health, as some species are vulnerable to pollution. There are well-developed methods for detecting environmental changes based on nematode community structure. At the long-term CRUCIAL field experiment, where alternative fertilizer products have been applied since 2003, we measured effects of long-term fertilization with human urine, composted household waste and sewage sludge on soil properties (pH, soil organic matter and nitrogen availability), abundance of soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, small protozoa and ciliates) and nematode trophic groups compared to plots with unfertilized, NPK and cattle manure treatment. Sampling and assessments were done three times during a growth season. Further, we assessed the composition of nematode communities using metabarcoding. Treatments with a high input of organic matter (cattle manure, composted household waste and sewage sludge) had high abundances of bacteria and thus bacterial grazers (small protozoa, ciliates, and bacterial feeding nematodes). We found a significant correlation between nematode community structure and pH and organic matter. We calculated the nematode Maturity Index 2-5 (pollution indicator) based on metabarcoding data, which did not differ significantly between the treatments. We conclude that long-term fertilization with different types of contemporary Danish urban waste products affects both soil properties and abundance of soil organisms, the latter largely reflecting the organic matter input of the fertilizer treatments. We found no adverse effect on nematode communities that could indicate pollution-induced stress on nematofauna or decreased soil fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Liengaard Johansen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK1871 København, Denmark; Department of Agroecology, AU-Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK4200 Slagelse, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, PO Box 260, DK4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Marie Dam
- Danish Agricultural Agency, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark, Nyropsgade 30, DK1780 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Enoch Narh Kudjordjie
- Department of Agroecology, AU-Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK4200 Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Susana Silva Santos
- Department of Agroecology, AU-Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK4200 Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Annemette Palmqvist
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, PO Box 260, DK4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jakob Magid
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK1871 København, Denmark
| | - Mette Vestergård
- Department of Agroecology, AU-Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK4200 Slagelse, Denmark
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Colombini G, Rumpel C, Houot S, Biron P, Dignac MF. A long-term field experiment confirms the necessity of improving biowaste sorting to decrease coarse microplastic inputs in compost amended soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120369. [PMID: 36228852 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) input into agroecosystems is of particular concern as their sources are diverse (mulching films, biosolid application, wastewater irrigation, flooding, atmospheric input, road runoff). Compost application, which is needed to sustain soil ecosystem services in the context of a circular economy, may be a source of microplastics. The aim of this study was to evaluate how different composts derived from urban wastes impact the nature and quantity of coarse (2-5 mm) microplastics (CMP) in soils, using a long-term field experiment in France. Composts resulting from different levels of urban waste sorting were investigated. Our approach included the isolation of microplastics from composts and amended soils followed by their characterization using pyrolysis GC/MS spectrometry. We found that coarse microplastic concentrations varied from 26.9 to 417 kg per hectare depending on the compost type, after 22 years of bi-annual application. These values may be higher than for conventional agricultural practices, as application rate was twice as high as for normal practices. Composts made from municipal solid waste were by far the organic amendments leading to the highest quantity of plastic particles in soils, emphasizing the urgent need for limiting plastic use in packaging and for improving household biowaste sorting. Our results strongly suggest that standards regulating organic matter amendment application should take microplastics into account in order to prevent contamination of (agricultural) soils. Moreover, although no impacts on the soil bio-physico-chemical parameters has been noted so far. However, given the huge microplastic inputs, there is an urgent need to better evaluate their effect on soil functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabin Colombini
- ECOSYS, INRAE, 78850, Thiverval-Grignon, France; INRAE, CNRS, UMR Institute for Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris (iEES-Paris), 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Cornelia Rumpel
- INRAE, CNRS, UMR Institute for Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris (iEES-Paris), 75005, Paris, France
| | | | - Philippe Biron
- INRAE, CNRS, UMR Institute for Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris (iEES-Paris), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Marie-France Dignac
- INRAE, CNRS, UMR Institute for Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris (iEES-Paris), 75005, Paris, France
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30
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Cydzik-Kwiatkowska A, Milojevic N, Jachimowicz P. The fate of microplastic in sludge management systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157466. [PMID: 35868371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge (SS) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is commonly used as a soil amendment on agricultural land; however, this sludge contains microplastics (MPs) which harm soil ecosystems and can leach into aquatic environments. This review aims to assess the fate of MPs in SS systems and, in the context of a changing agricultural scene, present alternatives for sustainable SS disposal that are consistent with the practices of a clean, circular economy. Anaerobic digestion and composting, which are commonly used to stabilize SS before land application, were not reported to substantially affect MP removal, although process efficiency and the microbiome were affected by MPs. Alternatively, MPs can be destroyed or removed by mono-incineration or combustion, but unfortunately, some MPs may remain in the ash after these processes. Therefore, the most desirable solutions would prevent MPs from entering the environment and remove them before they enter the biological part of a WWTP, where they build up in SS. Additionally, the management of MP-containing sludge must be adapted to the geographical context and the local economy, and it should begin with legislation addressing MPs in SS. The information presented here will help to develop good practices in waste management for preventing or decreasing the transfer of MPs into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Cydzik-Kwiatkowska
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Natalia Milojevic
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Piotr Jachimowicz
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
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31
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Liu N, Cheng S, Wang X, Li Z, Zheng L, Lyu Y, Ao X, Wu H. Characterization of microplastics in the septic tank via laser direct infrared spectroscopy. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119293. [PMID: 36323216 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that have been widely detected in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Such wide spread of MPs indicates that the effective control in different environmental sectors is in an urgent need, and the first step in meeting this need is to identify the occurrence of MPs in the relevant environment. However, research on MPs in septic tanks has not been reported so far. This study investigated the distribution characteristics of MPs in septic tanks with a size detection limit of as low as 20 μm detected by laser direct infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that the number of MPs in the septic tank was reached 2803 (1489-4816) particles/g dry sludge, and the amount detected in the sediments was one order of magnitude higher than that in the scums. A total of 36 types of MPs were found in the septic tank, and 26 types were found in both sediments and scums, but the type in the scums was 21% higher than that in the sediments. The size was mostly 20-100 μm, accounting for 86.3% and 91.2% in the sediments and scums, respectively. Four shapes of MPs were detected in the septic tank, namely, fiber, bead, granule, and fragment. Our study revealed that septic tanks are both sinks and sources of MPs, which are reflected in the fact that MPs are not only large in number but also abundant in types. Thus, significant attention should be paid to septic tank-based microplastic pollution, which may lead to environmental and health risks without proper control and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Liu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shikun Cheng
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zifu Li
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Lei Zheng
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yaping Lyu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiuwei Ao
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haiwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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32
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Zhang S, Li Y, Chen X, Jiang X, Li J, Yang L, Yin X, Zhang X. Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in organic fertilizers in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157061. [PMID: 35780892 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of organic fertilizers is becoming a routine measure of soil improvement in China, and therefore organic fertilizers are considered an emerging contributor to microplastic accumulation in farmland soils. However, little is known regarding the microplastic contents in organic fertilizers used across China. Here, we investigated the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in 102 organic fertilizer samples across 22 provincial administrative regions of China to serve as a basis for the development of better microplastic management strategies. Organic fertilizers are made of a wide variety of feedstocks, including livestock manure (chicken, cow, goat, and pig manure) and bacterial residues etc., and are mainly produced via aerobic composting. In present study, microplastics within a 0.1-5 mm range in different types of organic fertilizers were separated using a general sequential density flotation method. Microplastic abundances ranged from undetectable to 2550 items/kg, with an average value of 325 ± 511 items/kg and a detection frequency of 80.4 %. The highest microplastic abundances were detected in Beijing City (758 items/kg) and in compound organic fertilizers (average of 386 items/kg). The microplastics in organic fertilizer were primarily white/transparent (75.9 %), 1-3 mm in size (55 %), and film-shaped (39 %). Interestingly, microplastics were not detected in cow dung fertilizer, suggesting that cow dung-based fertilizers might generally contain lower microplastic levels. Moreover, organic fertilizer microplastics tended to be concentrated in provincial areas with intensive agriculture, and the input flux of microplastics from organic fertilizer into fertilized soils reached an average of 5.07 × 1012 items per year. Collectively, our findings provide key insights into the current state of microplastic levels in organic fertilizers in China and serve as a basis for the creation of novel microplastic mitigation strategies in farmland soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yanxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Xingcai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaoman Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Liu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaoqi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- Beijing Soil and Fertilizer Extension Service Station, Beijing 100029, China
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33
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Martín de la Fuente A, Marhuenda-Egea FC, Ros M, Pascual JA, Saez-Tovar JA, Martinez-Sabater E, Peñalver R. Thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry successfully used to quantify polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics in organic amendments. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113583. [PMID: 35691386 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The global consumption of plastic is growing year by year, producing small plastic pieces known as microplastics (MPs) that adversely affect ecosystems. The use of organic amendments (compost and manure) polluted with MPs affects the quality of agricultural soils, and these MPs can be incorporated into the food chain and negatively impact human health. Current European legislation only considers large plastic particles in organic amendments. There is no information regarding MP pollution. Thus, the development of a methodology to support future legislation ensuring the quality of agricultural soils and food safety is necessary. This proposed methodology is based on thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry to quantify polyethylene and polystyrene (PE and PS) MPs through their mass spectrometry signal intensity of characteristic PE (m/z 41, 43 and 56) and PS (m/z 78 and 104) ions. This method has been validated with several organic amendments where the MP content ranged from 52.6 to 4365.7 mg kg-1 for PE-MPs and from 1.1 to 64.3 mg kg-1 for PS-MPs. The proposed methodology is a quick and robust analytical method to quantify MPs in organic amendments that could support new legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Martín de la Fuente
- Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Organic Waste Management, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 4195, Murcia, 30080, Spain
| | - Frutos C Marhuenda-Egea
- Department of Agrochemistry and Biochemistry, Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies Ramon Margalef, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Margarita Ros
- Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Organic Waste Management, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 4195, Murcia, 30080, Spain
| | - Jose A Pascual
- Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Organic Waste Management, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 4195, Murcia, 30080, Spain
| | - Jose A Saez-Tovar
- GIAAMA Research Group, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Agrochemistry and Environment Department, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, 03312, Alicante, Spain
| | - Encarnación Martinez-Sabater
- GIAAMA Research Group, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Agrochemistry and Environment Department, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, 03312, Alicante, Spain
| | - Rosa Peñalver
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
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34
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Liu P, Shao L, Li Y, Jones T, Cao Y, Yang CX, Zhang M, Santosh M, Feng X, BéruBé K. Microplastic atmospheric dustfall pollution in urban environment: Evidence from the types, distribution, and probable sources in Beijing, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155989. [PMID: 35580670 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics (MPs) pollution is an environmental problem of increasing concern, due to the ubiquity, persistence and potential toxicity of plastics in the atmosphere. In recent years, most studies on MPs have focused on aquatic and sedimentary environments, but little research has been done on MPs in the urban atmosphere. In this study, a total of ten dustfall samples were collected in a transect from north to south across urban Beijing. The compositions, morphologies, and sizes of the MPs in these dustfall samples were determined by means of Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) imaging and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The number concentrations of MPs in the Beijing dustfall samples show an average of 123.6 items/g. The MPs concentrations show different patterns in the central, southern, and northern zones of Beijing. The number concentration of MPs was the highest in the central zone (224.76 items/g), as compared with the southern zone (170.55 items/g), and the northern zone (24.42 items/g). The LDIR analysis revealed nine compositional types of MPs, including Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Silicone, Polycarbonate (PC), Polyurethane (PU) and Polyvinylchloride (PVC), among which PP was overall dominant. The PP dominates the MPs in the central zone (76.3%), and the PA dominates the MPs in the southern zone (55.86%), while the northern zone had a diverse combination of MPs types. The morphological types of the individual MPs particle include fragments, pellets, and fibers, among which fragments are dominant (70.9%). FESEM images show the presence of aged MPs in the Beijing atmosphere, which could pose a yet unquantified health risk to Beijing's residents. The average size of the MPs in the Beijing samples is 66.62 μm. Our study revealed that the numbers of fibrous MPs increase with the decrease in size. This pollution therefore needs to be carefully monitored, and methods of decreasing the sources and mitigations developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Longyi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Hebei Center for Ecological and Environmental Geology Research, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang 050031, China
| | - Tim Jones
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10, 3YE, Wales, UK
| | - Yaxin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Cheng-Xue Yang
- Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - M Santosh
- School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geoscience Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Department of Earth Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Xiaolei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining & College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Kelly BéruBé
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, Wales, UK
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35
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Beale DJ, Shah RM, Marcora A, Hulthen A, Karpe AV, Pham K, Wijffels G, Paull C. Is there any biological insight (or respite) for insects exposed to plastics? Measuring the impact on an insects central carbon metabolism when exposed to a plastic feed substrate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154840. [PMID: 35367264 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Insects used to treat organic waste streams and produce valuable protein products are increasingly exposed to plastic contaminated source material assimilating plastic carbon into organic biomass, which is pervasive and hazardous to organisms. Our understanding of this increased insect-plastic interaction remains limited and needs urgent scientific attention if plastic biodegradation and production rates of quality protein are to be improved. Herein, we investigated the biochemical impact of various plastics using three insect models. Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Mealworm (MW), and Wax Moth (WM) larva were each exposed to a plastic substrate (PET, PE, PS, Expanded PE, PP, and PLA) as the primary carbon source for five days to explore any positive metabolic benefits in terms of insect performance and plastic degradation potential. Central carbon metabolism (CCM) metabolites were analyzed via a targeted tMRM liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ-MS) method. Unique expressed pathways were observed for each insect model. When reared on PET, BSF larvae were found to have an elevated pyrimidine metabolism, while the purine metabolism pathway was strongly expressed on other plastics. BSF also exhibited a downregulated Vitamin B6 metabolism across all plastics, indicating a likely gut-symbiont breakdown. The MW and WM model insects were metabolically more active on PLA and expanded foam plastics. Further, WM exhibited an elevation in Vitamin B6 metabolism. This data suggests a positive insect-specific interaction towards certain plastic types that warrants further investigation. It is anticipated that through deeper insight into the metabolic impact and benefits afforded from certain plastics, an insect biotransformation pipeline can be established that links fit-for-purpose insect models to individual plastic types that address our growing plastic waste issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Beale
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Rohan M Shah
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Anna Marcora
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Andrew Hulthen
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Avinash V Karpe
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Khoa Pham
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, VIC 4067, Australia
| | - Gene Wijffels
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Cate Paull
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
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36
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O'Connor J, Mickan BS, Siddique KHM, Rinklebe J, Kirkham MB, Bolan NS. Physical, chemical, and microbial contaminants in food waste management for soil application: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118860. [PMID: 35114306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, 1.3 billion tonnes of food are thrown away each year, most of which are incinerated or landfilled causing large environmental, social, and economic issues. Therefore, the utilisation of food waste as biofertilisers, such as composts and digestates, is a solution to reduce the problems created by incineration and landfilling whilst simultaneously amending soils. The improper disposal of food wastes and bulking materials can contribute to high levels of contaminants within the end-product. Moreover, the food waste and bulking materials, themselves, may contain trace amounts of contaminants. These contaminants tend to have long half-lives, are easily mobile within soil and plants, can accumulate within the food supply chain, and have moderate to high levels of toxicity. This review aims to examine the current and emerging contaminants of high concern that impact the quality of food-waste fertilisers. The paper presents the volume of current and emerging contaminants of plastics, other physical (particulate) contaminants, heavy metals, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and pathogens within food-waste composts and digestates. Due to the large extent of organic chemical contaminants and the unknown level of toxicity and persistence, the risk assessment of organic chemical contaminants in the food-supply chain remains largely unknown. This study has presented available data from literature of various contaminants found in food waste, and composts and digestates derived from food waste, and evaluated the data with current regulations globally. Overall, to reduce contaminants in composts and digestates, more studies are required on the implementation of proper disposal separation, effective composting and digestion practices, increased screening of physical contaminants, development of compostable plastics, and increased regulatory policies on emerging, problematic contaminants. Moreover, examination of emerging contaminants in food-waste composts and digestates is needed to ensure food security and reduce future human-health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- James O'Connor
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soil (Soil CRC), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Bede S Mickan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia
| | - Kadambot H M Siddique
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water and Waste Management, Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, United States
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soil (Soil CRC), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia
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37
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Weber CJ, Opp C, Prume JA, Koch M, Andersen TJ, Chifflard P. Deposition and in-situ translocation of microplastics in floodplain soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:152039. [PMID: 34856256 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The microplastic (MP) contamination of oceans, freshwaters, and soils has become one of the major challenges within the Anthropocene. MP is transported in large quantities through river systems from land to sea and is deposited in river sediments and floodplains. As part of the river system, floodplains and their soils are known for their sink function with respect to sediments, nutrients, and pollutants. However, the questions remain: To what extend does this deposition occur in floodplain soils? Which spatial distribution of MP accumulations, resulting from possible environmental drivers, can be found? The present study analyzes the spatial distribution of large (L-MP, 2000-1000 μm) and medium (M-MP, 1000-500 μm) MP particles in floodplain soils of the Lahn River (Germany). Based on a geospatial sampling concept, the MP contents in floodplain soils are investigated down to a depth of 2 m through a combined method approach, including MP analyses, soil surveys, properties, and sediment dating. The analysis of the plastic particles was carried out by density separation, visual fluorescence identification, and ATR-FTIR analysis. In addition, grain-size analyses and 210Pb and 137Cs dating were performed to reconstruct the MP deposition conditions. The results prove a more frequent accumulation of MP in upper floodplain soils (0-50 cm) deposited by flood dynamics since the 1960s than in subsoils. The first MP detection to a depth of 2 m and below recent (>1960) sediment accumulation indicates in-situ vertical transfer of mobile MP particles through natural processes (e.g., preferential flow, bioturbation). Furthermore, the role of MP as a potential marker of the Anthropocene is assessed. This study advances our understanding of the deposition and relocation of MP at the aquatic-terrestrial interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Weber
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Geography, Germany.
| | - C Opp
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Geography, Germany
| | - J A Prume
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Physics, Germany; Bayreuth Graduate School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences (BayNAT), University of Bayreuth, Germany
| | - M Koch
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Physics, Germany
| | - T J Andersen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Denmark
| | - P Chifflard
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Geography, Germany
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38
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Investigating the dispersal of macro- and microplastics on agricultural fields 30 years after sewage sludge application. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6401. [PMID: 35430621 PMCID: PMC9013367 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10294-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic contamination of terrestrial ecosystems and arable soils pose potentially negative impacts on several soil functions. Whereas substantial plastic contamination is now traceable in agro-landscapes, often internal-caused by the application of fertilizers such as sewage sludge, questions remain unanswered concerning what happens to the plastic after incorporation. Based on a combined surface and depth sampling approach, including density separation, fluorescence staining and ATR-FTIR or µFTIR analyses, we quantified macro- and microplastic abundance on two agricultural fields—34 years after the last sewage sludge application. By sub-dividing the study area around sludge application sites, we were able to determine spatial distribution and spreading of plastics. Past sewage sludge application led to a still high density of macroplastics (637.12 items per hectare) on agricultural soil surfaces. Microplastic concentration, measured down to 90 cm depth, ranged from 0.00 to 56.18 particles per kg of dry soil weight. Maximum microplastic concentrations were found in regularly ploughed topsoils. After 34 years without sewage sludge application, macro- and microplastic loads were significantly higher on former application areas, compared to surrounding areas without history of direct sewage application. We found that anthropogenic ploughing was mainly responsible for plastic spread, as opposed to natural transport processes like erosion. Furthermore, small-scale lateral to vertical heterogeneous distribution of macro- and microplastics highlights the need to determine appropriate sampling strategies and the modelling of macro- and microplastic transport in soils.
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39
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Scopetani C, Chelazzi D, Cincinelli A, Martellini T, Leiniö V, Pellinen J. Hazardous contaminants in plastics contained in compost and agricultural soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 293:133645. [PMID: 35051512 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Macro-, meso- and microplastic (MAP, MEP, MP) occurrence in compost is an environmental issue whose extent and effects are not yet understood. Here, we studied the occurrence of MAPs, MEPs and MPs in compost samples, and the transfer of hazardous contaminants from plastics to compost and soil. MAPs/MEPs and MPs concentrations in compost were 6.5 g/kg and 6.6 ± 1.5 pieces/kg; from common recommendations for compost application, we estimated ∼4-23 × 107 pieces MPs and 4-29 × 104 g MAPs/MEPs ha-1 per year ending into agricultural soils fertilized with such compost. Regarding contaminants, bis(ethylhexyl) phthalate, acetyl tributyl citrate, dodecane and nonanal were extracted in higher concentrations from plastics and plastic-contaminated compost than from compost where MAPs/MEPs had been removed prior to extraction and analysis. However, some contaminants were present even after MAPs/MEPs removal, ascribable to short- and long-term release by MAPs/MEPs, and to the presence of MPs. DEHP concentration was higher in soils where compost was applied than in fields where it was not used. These results, along with estimations of plastic load to soil from the use of compost, show that compost application is a source of plastic pollution into agricultural fields, and that plastic might transfer hazardous contaminants to soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Scopetani
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Niemenkatu 73, FI-15140, Lahti, Finland.
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Ville Leiniö
- Muovipoli Ltd, Niemenkatu 73, 15140, Lahti, Finland
| | - Jukka Pellinen
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Niemenkatu 73, FI-15140, Lahti, Finland
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40
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Sholokhova A, Ceponkus J, Sablinskas V, Denafas G. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in treated organic wastes of Kaunas and Alytus regional waste management centres, Lithuania. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:20665-20674. [PMID: 34743309 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of plastic without the sustainable management of the plastic waste has led to its accumulation in the environment. The presence of microplastics even in drinking water and food products is of immense concern. This situation is getting even more complicated due to the limited knowledge about the sources of microplastics and their impact on the environment and human health. This article focuses on a poorly understood but potentially significant source of microplastic-treated organic waste. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of microplastics down to 50 µm in the stabilised organic waste (SOW) output after mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) processing and green and food composts are presented in the article. Nile Red staining and FTIR analysis were adopted for the identification of microplastics. The highest average microplastic abundance was found in the SOW: 17407 ± 1739 particles kg-1 in autumn and 15400 ± 1217 particles kg-1 in winter. Nevertheless, even separately collected treated organic waste contained a significant amount of microplastics. Green compost contained 5733 ± 850 particles kg-1 in autumn and 6433 ± 751 particles kg-1 in winter, while food compost 3783 ± 351 particles kg-1 in autumn and 4066 ± 658 particles kg-1 in winter. Microplastics < 1 mm accounted for 83.8-94.9% of all microplastics, which reflects the need to control not only large but also small microplastics in organic waste fertilisers to prevent soil pollution. The dominant shape of microplastics in compost samples was films, while in the SOW, it was fragments. Based on morphological and FTIR analyses, the majority of microplastics in green and food composts were considered as the residuals of plastic bags and packaging materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Sholokhova
- Department of Environmental Technology, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų pl. 19, LT-50254, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Justinas Ceponkus
- Institute of Chemical Physics, Vilnius University, Sauletekio av.3, LT-10357, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Valdas Sablinskas
- Institute of Chemical Physics, Vilnius University, Sauletekio av.3, LT-10357, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gintaras Denafas
- Department of Environmental Technology, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų pl. 19, LT-50254, Kaunas, Lithuania
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41
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Spatial Connections between Microplastics and Heavy Metal Pollution within Floodplain Soils. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Soils contain an increasing number of different pollutants, which are often released into the environment by human activity. Among the “new” potential pollutants are plastics and microplastics. “Recognized” pollutants such as heavy metals, of geogenic and anthropogenic origin, now meet purely anthropogenic contaminants such as plastic particles. Those can meet especially in floodplain landscapes and floodplain soils, because of their function as a temporary sink for sediments, nutrients, and pollutants. Based on a geospatial sampling approach, we analyzed the soil properties and heavy metal contents (ICP-MS) in soil material and macroplastic particles, and calculated total plastic concentrations (Ptot) from preliminary studies. Those data were used to investigate spatial connections between both groups of pollutants. Our results from the example of the Lahn river catchment show a low-to-moderate contamination of the floodplain soils with heavy metals and a wide distribution of plastic contents up to a depth of two meters. Furthermore, we were able to document heavy metal contents in macroplastic particles. Spatial and statistical correlations between both pollutants were found. Those correlations are mainly expressed by a comparable variability in concentrations across the catchment and in a common accumulation in topsoil and upper soil or sediment layers (0–50 cm). The results indicate comparable deposition conditions of both pollutants in the floodplain system.
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42
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Friege H, Eger Y. Best practice for bio-waste collection as a prerequisite for high-quality compost. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2022; 40:104-110. [PMID: 34407712 PMCID: PMC8832568 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x211033714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to its high content of humic substances, compost from bio-waste improves the structure and fertility of soils serving also as a sink for CO2. But compost is also contaminated with numerous compounds, for example, plastics, glass particles, etc., mostly due to incorrect sorting by the waste producer, that is, households. The contamination even increases when covering areas of a high population density as is also evident from experience in Germany with a steadily increasing proportion of bio-waste. Only compost with high quality and minimum contamination is an acceptable fertilizer. A structured interview of experts investigated which measures or combinations of measures are best suitable to reduce the rate of misplaced materials in the organic waste. Only responsible persons were interviewed whose municipalities extensively collect separately bio-waste since years and have a low rate of unwanted materials. The questions focus on the identification of the misplacements according to their kind and quantity, the respective collection system, the regional statutes and their enforcement as well as the kind and extent of public awareness measures. The respective necessary measures are being discussed. This systemic approach can be transferred to other regions that intend to collect large quantities of bio-waste separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Friege
- N³ Thinking Ahead Dr. Friege & Partners, Voerde, Germany
- Leuphana University, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Yasmin Eger
- GAB Umwelt Service GmbH, Kummerfeld, Germany
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43
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Meng J, Xu B, Liu F, Li W, Sy N, Zhou X, Yan B. Effects of chemical and natural ageing on the release of potentially toxic metal additives in commercial PVC microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131274. [PMID: 34182647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Various chemical substances, such as potentially toxic trace metals, are used as plastic additives to improve the performance of polymers and extend the service life of plastic products. However, these added trace metals are likely released from plastic into the environment when the plastic becomes a pollutant, although the process is poorly understood. In this study, chemical ageing of commercial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and natural ageing of PVC that had been added to an alkaline paddy soil were undertaken to evaluate the potential release of trace metals from PVC. Enhanced release of trace metals from PVC with the increasing H2O2 concentrations was observed, in which the released Pb was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than other metals (p < 0.01). The released Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Mn accounted for 87.37%, 79.27%, 22.02%, 20.93%, 17.06%, 15.11%, and 11.02% of their total concentrations (0.28 ± 0.03, 0.08 ± 0.01, 13.67 ± 0.18, 1.07 ± 0.02, 2.20 ± 0.18, 0.05 ± 0.00 and 1.26 ± 0.08 mmol kg-1) in PVC after ageing with 30% H2O2, respectively. Compared with the control treatment without PVC addition, the concentrations of CaCl2-extractable Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soil treated with 5% PVC are significantly increased after incubation for 60 days (p < 0.01). In conclusion, chemical and natural ageing have the potential to lead to the release of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn from the commercial PVC into aquatic and terrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Meng
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Institute of Eco-environmental Research, School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Baile Xu
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Wenjin Li
- Institute of Eco-environmental Research, School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Nathan Sy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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44
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Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge as a Threat of Microplastic (MP) Spread in the Environment and the Role of Governance. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14196293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants is commonly used as a soil amendment on agricultural land. Unfortunately, more and more research indicates that large amounts of microplastic (MP) are re-introduced to soil with sludge. This study aims to present the impact MP has on soil ecosystems, global trends in agricultural sludge management resulting from a high concentration of micropollutants in sludge, and finally propose a high-level strategy for sustainable sludge management. This strategy is mostly dedicated to the European Union and involves multiple stakeholders and the links between each of them to achieve appropriate sludge management to avoid soil pollution with MP. Governance, Technology, Consumer Acceptance, and Economy and Commercial Viability is explored in depth. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to discuss these topics in the context of a changing agricultural scene and identifies ways of which sewage sludge can limit MP pollution whilst still fitting into a circular economy. As total elimination of agriculturally used sludge is not a viable option, more stringent regulation on sludge quality before its use is necessary, especially on contaminant concentrations. This includes MPs limits, to improve sludge quality, in turn improving soil health. More alternative management options for sludge that does not meet land usage requirements are necessary and will be explored in this study. Overall, the combination of factors discussed will inevitably lead to more emphasis on sewage sludge management, therefore it can be expected that the information presented in this review will be of high demand and importance for sludge producers and serves as a comprehensive foundation for researchers to build off.
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45
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Teuber S. A cultural ecosystem service perspective on the interactions between humans and soils in gardens. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Teuber
- Collaborative Research CenterEberhard Karls Universität Tübingen Tübingen Germany
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