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Kelly NE. Spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in surface waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174324. [PMID: 38960195 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies for marine plastic pollution requires a better understanding of the pathways and transport mechanisms of plastic waste. Yet the role of estuaries as a key interface between riverine inputs of plastic pollution and delivery to receiving marine environments remains poorly understood. This study quantified the concentration and distribution of microplastics (MPs) (50-3200 μm) in surface waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) in eastern Canada. Microplastics were identified and enumerated based on particle morphology, colour, and size class. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used on a subset of particles to identify polymers. Generalized linear models (Gamma distribution with log-link) examined the relationship between MP concentrations and oceanographic variables and anthropogenic sources. Finally, a risk assessment model, using MP concentrations and chemical hazards based on polymer types, estimated the MP pollution risk to ecosystem health. Mean surface MP concentration in the SLE was 120 ± 42 SD particles m-3; MP concentrations were highest in the fluvial section and lowest in the Northwest Gulf of St. Lawrence. However, MP concentrations exhibited high heterogeneity along the length and width of the SLE. Microplastics were elevated at stations located closer to wastewater treatment plant outflows and downstream sites with more agricultural land. Black, blue, and transparent fibers and fragments ≤250 μm were most commonly encountered. Predominant polymer types included polyethylene terephthalate, regenerated cellulose, polyethylene, and alkyds. While the overall risk to ecosystem health in the entire estuary was considered low, several stations, particularly near urban centres were at high or very high risk. This study provides new insights into the quantification and distribution of MPs and first estimates of the risk of MP pollution to ecosystem health in one of the world's largest estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen E Kelly
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS, Canada.
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2
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Pawak VS, Bhatt VK, Sabapathy M, Loganathan VA. Multifaceted analysis of microplastic pollution dynamics in the Yamuna river: Assessing anthropogenic impacts and ecological consequences. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:135976. [PMID: 39369675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive contaminants that pose significant ecological and human health risks, emerging as one of the most widespread anthropogenic pollutants in natural environments. This study investigates the abundance, characteristics, and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the Yamuna River, encompassing 29 sampling points across urban, rural, and industrial zones in and around Delhi, Mathura, Haryana, and Agra. Microplastics were identified and quantified using Nile red dye staining and Micro-Raman spectroscopy, with particle size distribution predominantly between 2 μm to 80 μm and the largest detected particle measuring 256.5 μm. The average MPs concentration was 14,717 ± 4444 L-1, with a significant abundance of hazardous polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). The study found that MPs were predominantly fragments and films (65.6 %) and fibers (30.6 %), with transparent particles being the most prevalent. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) consistently indicated high-risk levels (PLI > 100) at all sampling sites, highlighting substantial MP contamination. These results underscore the urgent need for continuous monitoring and the development of robust management strategies to address microplastic pollution in the Yamuna River. This study provides valuable insights into MPs spatial distribution and persistence, contributing to an improved understanding of their environmental impacts and guiding future mitigation and regulatory efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Singh Pawak
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, 140001, Punjab, India
| | - Vinod K Bhatt
- Atulya Ganga Trust, Gurugram, 122009, Haryana, India
| | - Manigandan Sabapathy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, 140001, Punjab, India; The Centre of Research for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization (CREED), Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, 140001, Punjab.
| | - Vijay A Loganathan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, 140001, Punjab, India.
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3
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Amal R, Devipriya SP. Severe microplastic pollution risks in urban freshwater system post-landfill fire: A case study from Brahmapuram, India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124132. [PMID: 38735464 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
To investigate the escalating issue of microplastic (MP), pollution in urban water bodies, this study focuses on the aftermath of the Brahmapuram landfill fire in Kochi, India, analyzing its impact on MP concentrations in nearby freshwater system. The study conducted sampling sessions at the landfill site immediately before and after the fire. Post-fire, findings demonstrated a substantial increase in MP concentrations in surface waters, with levels rising from an average 25793.33 to 44863.33 particles/m³, featuring a notable presence of larger, predominantly black MPs. Sediment samples showed no significant change in MP count, but there was a significant increase in mass concentration. SEM/EDS analysis revealed changes in surface morphology and elemental composition, suggesting thermal degradation. Risk assessment using the Microplastic Pollution Index (MPI) and Risk Quotient (RQ) methods indicated heightened MP pollution risk in surface water post-fire. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the landfill's proximity as a significant factor influencing MP characteristics in the aquatic system. The study highlights the escalated challenge of MP pollution in urban water bodies following environmental disasters like landfill fires, underscoring the urgent need for policy and environmental management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishnan Amal
- School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, 682022, India
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4
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Ziembowicz S, Kida M. The effect of water ozonation in the presence of microplastics on water quality and microplastics degradation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172595. [PMID: 38642756 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics in water treatment plants poses a concern for the quality of treated water. When microplastics pass through water treatment plants, they can be oxidized, changing their surface characteristics and the quality of the treated water. This work aimed to investigate the impact of ozone and the association of ozone and hydrogen peroxide on five different microplastic particles that are commonly detected in water samples. The changes in the concentration of total organic carbon and the change in the pH of the water, the leaching of phthalic acid esters, as well as the changes in size and chemical changes in the structure of the tested microplastics were evaluated. The influence of ozonation time, water pH, and type of microplastics, as well as the influence of the addition of hydrogen peroxide, was analyzed. The effect of ozonation was an increase in DOC values ranging from 0.8 to 28 mg/L. The eluting substances included phthalic acid esters, plasticizers with a proven negative impact on organisms. The percentage loss of the surface area of the microplastic was in the range of 1.3 to 26.7 %. PE was more susceptible to degradation. LDIR analyzes were carried out to investigate the effect of O3 and O3/H2O2 treatments on the surface of MPs. This study demonstrated that MPs could change their physical and chemical characteristics if they are subjected to oxidation processes used in water treatment plants. The parameters of purified water change to unfavorable ones due to the leaching of additives. Although much research has been conducted on the occurrence of microplastics in treated water, awareness needs to be raised about the interactions between plastic particles and water treatment technology processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Ziembowicz
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Rzeszów University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszów, al. Powstańców Warszawy 6, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Kida
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Rzeszów University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszów, al. Powstańców Warszawy 6, Poland
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5
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Ma M, Huo M, Coulon F, Ali M, Tang Z, Liu X, Ying Z, Wang B, Song X. Understanding microplastic presence in different wastewater treatment processes: Removal efficiency and source identification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172680. [PMID: 38663631 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Municipal effluents discharged from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a considerable source of microplastics in the environment. The dynamic profiles of microplastics in treatment units in WWTPs with different treatment processes remain unclear. This study quantitatively analyzed microplastics in wastewater samples collected from different treatment units in two tertiary treatment plants with distinct processes. The influents contained an average of 15.5 ± 3.5 particles/L and 38.5 ± 2.5 particles/L in the two WWTPs with in the oxidation ditch process and the integrated fixed-film activated sludge process, respectively. Interestingly, microplastic concentrations in the influent were more influenced by the population density in the served area than sewage volume or served population equivalent. Throughout the treatment process, concentrations were reduced to 1.5 ± 0.5 particles/L and 1.0 ± 1.0 particles/L in the final effluents, representing an overall decrease of 90% and 97%, in WWTPs with the oxidation ditch process and integrated fixed-film activated sludge process, respectively. A significant proportion of the microplastics were removed during the primary treatment stage in both WWTPs, with better performance for foam, film, line-shaped and large-sized microplastics. Most microplastics were accumulated in activated sludge, indicating its key role as the primary sink in WWTPs. The multiple correspondence analysis identified laundry washing and daily necessities such as packaging and containers as the major contributors to microplastics in WWTPs. The study proposed recommendations for upgrading WWTPs, modifying designs, and implementing strategies to reduce microplastic sources, aiming to minimize the release of microplastics into the environment. These findings can shed lights on the sources of microplastics in WWTPs, and advance our understanding of the mechanisms for more effective microplastic removals in wastewater treatment technologies in future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mingxin Huo
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Mukhtiar Ali
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhiwen Tang
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhian Ying
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Judicial Expertise Center, Dalian Public Security Bureau, Dalian 116031, China
| | - Xin Song
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
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Jiang Y, Yang Y, Zhan C, Cheng B. Impacts of rainfall and lakeshore soil properties on microplastics in inland freshwater: A case study in Donghu Lake, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:891-901. [PMID: 38591146 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00500c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has garnered global attention in recent years. Although anthropogenic factors have been extensively studied for their impacts on MP pollution, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between non-anthropogenic factors and MP occurrence in inland freshwater. This study investigated MP pollution in Donghu Lake, the largest urban freshwater lake in China, to examine the effects of rainfall and lakeshore soil properties on MP pollution. The MP abundance in the surface water of Donghu Lake was 5.84 ± 2.95 items per L under the equilibrium state. However, during and after rainfall, the MP abundances significantly increased to 8.27 ± 5.65 items per L and 7.60 ± 4.04 items per L, respectively (p < 0.05). This increase could be attributed to an increase in the amount of MPs transported to the lake via atmospheric deposition and rainfall runoff, as well as the re-suspension of MP debris in sediment during stronger hydrodynamics. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between MP abundance and lakeshore soil particle size. It suggested that a high proportion of large-sized soil particles created large pores that enabled MPs to be deposited in the surface layer of soil to migrate to deeper layers. As a result, the amount of MPs in the surface soil and transported to the lake via surface runoff was low. It is of practical significance to understand the sources and distribution impact factors of MPs in urban lakes. The fate and effects of MPs retained in the inland freshwater environments should receive more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Geographical Process Analysis & Simulation of Hubei Province, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Yinuo Yang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chenxi Zhan
- Key Laboratory for Geographical Process Analysis & Simulation of Hubei Province, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Bo Cheng
- Key Laboratory for Geographical Process Analysis & Simulation of Hubei Province, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.
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7
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Talang RPN, Polruang S, Sirivithayapakorn S. Influencing factors of microplastic generation and microplastic contamination in urban freshwater. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30021. [PMID: 38707367 PMCID: PMC11068644 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This research analyzes data on the microplastic (MP) contamination in the environmental systems (atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere) and the levels of MPs in freshwater of cities with different levels of national income. This study investigates the influencing factors of MP generation, i.e., mismanaged plastic waste, untreated wastewater, number of registered motor vehicles, and stormwater runoff. The statistical correlations between the MP contamination in urban freshwater and the four influencing factors of MP generation are determined by linear regression. The results indicate that MPs are most abundant in aquatic systems (i.e., hydrosphere) and pose a serious threat to the human food chain. The regression analysis shows a strong correlation between mismanaged plastic waste and microfragment smaller than 300 μm in particle size in urban freshwater with high goodness-of-fit (R2 = 0.8091). A strong relationship with high goodness-of-fit also exists between untreated wastewater and microfragment of 1000-5000 μm in particle size (R2 = 0.9522). The key to mitigate the MP contamination in urban freshwater is to replace improper plastic waste management and wastewater treatment with proper management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutjaya Prateep Na Talang
- Environmental Modeling Consultant Center, Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Sucheela Polruang
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Thailand
| | - Sanya Sirivithayapakorn
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Thailand
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8
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Ferreira O, Barboza LGA, Rudnitskaya A, Moreirinha C, Vieira LR, Botelho MJ, Vale C, Fernandes JO, Cunha S, Guilhermino L. Microplastics in marine mussels, biological effects and human risk of intake: A case study in a multi-stressor environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115704. [PMID: 37944437 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115704] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
This study documented seasonal levels of microplastics (MPs) and biomarkers (condition index, neurotoxicity, energy, oxidative stress) in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), and water physico-chemical parameters in the Douro estuary (NE Atlantic coast), and estimated the human risk of MP intake (HRI) through mussels. Mussel stress was determined through the Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR). HRI was estimated from mussel MP concentrations and consumer habits. MPs were mainly micro-fibres (72 %) with varied chemical composition. Seasonal MP means (±SEM) in mussels ranged from 0.111 ± 0.044 (spring) to 0.312 ± 0.092 MPs/g (summer). Seasonal variations of mussel stress (IBR: 1.4 spring to 9.7 summer) and MP concentrations were not related. MeO-BDEs, PBDEs, temperature, salinity and other factors likely contributed to mussel stress variation. HRI ranged from 2438 to 2650 MPs/year. Compared to the literature, MP contamination in mussels is low, as well as the human risk of MP intake through their consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlanda Ferreira
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR / CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health and Research Team of Contaminant Pathways and Interactions with Marine Organisms, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - L Gabriel A Barboza
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR / CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health and Research Team of Contaminant Pathways and Interactions with Marine Organisms, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Alisa Rudnitskaya
- Chemistry Department and CESAM, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Moreirinha
- Chemistry Department and CESAM, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Luís R Vieira
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR / CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health and Research Team of Contaminant Pathways and Interactions with Marine Organisms, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - M João Botelho
- CIIMAR / CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health and Research Team of Contaminant Pathways and Interactions with Marine Organisms, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA - IPMA, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Vale
- CIIMAR / CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health and Research Team of Contaminant Pathways and Interactions with Marine Organisms, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - José O Fernandes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara Cunha
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Lúcia Guilhermino
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR / CIMAR-LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health and Research Team of Contaminant Pathways and Interactions with Marine Organisms, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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Hee YY, Hanif NM, Weston K, Latif MT, Suratman S, Rusli MU, Mayes AG. Atmospheric microplastic transport and deposition to urban and pristine tropical locations in Southeast Asia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166153. [PMID: 37562616 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric microplastic transport is an important delivery pathway with the deposition of microplastics to ecologically important regions raising environmental concerns. Investigating atmospheric delivery pathways and their deposition rates in different ecosystems is necessary to understanding its global impact. In this study, atmospheric deposition was collected at three sites in Malaysia, two urban and one pristine, covering the Northeast and Southwest monsoons to quantify the role of this pathway in Southeast Asia. Air mass back trajectories showed long-range atmospheric transport of microplastics to all sites with atmospheric deposition varying from 114 to 689 MP/m2/day. For the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, monsoonal season influenced microplastic transport and deposition rate with peak microplastic deposition during the Northeast monsoon due to higher wind speed. MP morphology combined with size fractionation and plastic type at the coastal sites indicated a role for long-range marine transport of MPs that subsequently provided a local marine source to the atmosphere at the coastal sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yet Yin Hee
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia.
| | - Norfazrin Mohd Hanif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Keith Weston
- Independent environmental consultant, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Suhaimi Suratman
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Uzair Rusli
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Andrew G Mayes
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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10
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Tse YT, Lo HS, Tsang CW, Han J, Fang JKH, Chan SMN, Sze ETP. Quantitative analysis and risk assessment to full-size microplastics pollution in the coastal marine waters of Hong Kong. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:163006. [PMID: 36966838 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Given the potential risk to the ecosystem, attention has increased in recent decades to the contamination of the aquatic environment by microplastics (MPs). Due to the limitations of conventional analysis methods of MPs, little is known about the size distribution and abundance of a full-size MPs from 1 μm to 5 mm. The present study quantified MPs with size ranges of 50 μm - 5 mm and 1-50 μm in the coastal marine waters from twelve locations in Hong Kong using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry respectively, during the end of wet (September 2021) and dry (March 2022) seasons. The average abundance of MPs with size ranges of 50 μm - 5 mm and 1-50 μm from twelve sampling locations marine surface waters were found ranging from 27 to 104 particles L-1 and 43,675-387,901 particles L-1 in the wet season respectively, and 13-36 particles L-1 and 23,178-338,604 particles L-1 in the dry season respectively. Significant temporal and spatial variations of small MPs abundance might be observed at the sampling locations, which were contributed by the influences of the estuary of Pearl River, sewage discharge points, land structure, and other anthropogenic activities. Based on the MPs abundance information, ecological risk assessment was conducted and revealed that the small MPs (< 10 μm) in coastal marine surface waters may pose potential health risks to aquatic organisms. Additional risk assessments are needed in order to determine whether or not the MPs exposure would cause health risks to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuet-Tung Tse
- School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Homantin, Hong Kong
| | - Hoi-Shing Lo
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chi-Wing Tsang
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), Chai Wan, Hong Kong
| | - Jie Han
- School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Homantin, Hong Kong
| | - James Kar-Hei Fang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Sidney Man-Ngai Chan
- School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Homantin, Hong Kong
| | - Eric Tung-Po Sze
- School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Homantin, Hong Kong.
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Anuar ST, Abdullah NS, Yahya NKEM, Chin TT, Yusof KMKK, Mohamad Y, Azmi AA, Jaafar M, Mohamad N, Khalik WMAWM, Ibrahim YS. A multidimensional approach for microplastics monitoring in two major tropical river basins, Malaysia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 227:115717. [PMID: 36963716 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) with the size of 1 μm-5 mm are pollutants of great concern ubiquitously found in the environment. Existing efforts have found that most of the MPs present in the seas mainly originated from land via riverine inputs. Asian rivers are known to be among the top in microplastic emissions. However, field data are scarce, especially in Malaysia. This study presents the distribution and characteristics of MPs in the surface water of two major river basins of Malaysia, namely Langat River (West Coast/Straits of Malacca) and Kelantan River (East Coast/South China Sea). Water samples were collected at 21-22 locations in Kelantan and Langat rivers, covering the river, estuary and sea. MPs were physically classified based on sizes, shapes, colours and surface morphology (SEM-EDS). The average of 179.6 items/L and 1464.8 items/L of MPs had been quantified from Kelantan and Langat rivers, respectively. Fibre (91.90%) was highly recorded at Kelantan, compared to Langat whereby both fibre (59.21%) and fragment (38.87%) were prevalence. Anthropogenic activities and urbanised areas contribute to high microplastic abundance, especially in the Langat River. Micro-FTIR analysis identified 14 polymers in Kelantan River, whereas 20 polymers were found in Langat River. Polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, phenoxy resins, poly(methyl acrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane and rayon were discovered in both rivers, although only polyethylene was significant (>1 ppm) when further analysed using pyrolysis-GC/MS. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to explain the relationship between water quality and MP abundance, suggesting only turbidity was positively significant to the microplastic occurrence. This comprehensive study is first to suggest a full-scale monitoring protocol for MPs in Malaysian riverine system and is significant in understanding MPs abundance in correlation to in-situ environmental factors. Consequently, this will allow the right authorities to develop mitigation strategies to address riverine plastic pollution in major river basins in Malaysia and the South East Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabiqah Tuan Anuar
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Nor Salmi Abdullah
- Water Quality Laboratory, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Lot 5377, Jalan Putra Permai, Rizab Melayu Sungai Kuyoh, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Nasehir Khan E M Yahya
- Water Quality Laboratory, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Lot 5377, Jalan Putra Permai, Rizab Melayu Sungai Kuyoh, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Teen Teen Chin
- ALS Technichem (M) Sdn Bhd., Wisma ALS, No. 21, Jalan Astaka U8/84, Bukit Jelutong, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Ku Mohd Kalkausar Ku Yusof
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Yuzwan Mohamad
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Alyza Azzura Azmi
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Maisarah Jaafar
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Noorlin Mohamad
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd Khalik
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
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Silva I, Rodrigues ET, Tacão M, Henriques I. Microplastics accumulate priority antibiotic-resistant pathogens: Evidence from the riverine plastisphere. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121995. [PMID: 37302790 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) might accumulate and transport antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in aquatic systems. We determined the abundance and diversity of culturable ciprofloxacin- and cefotaxime-resistant bacteria in biofilms covering MPs placed in river water, and characterized priority pathogens from these biofilms. Our results showed that the abundance of ARB colonizing MPs tends to be higher compared to sand particles. Also, higher numbers were cultivated from a mixture of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), compared to PP and PET alone. Aeromonas and Pseudomonas isolates were the most frequently retrieved from MPs placed before a WWTP discharge while Enterobacteriaceae dominated the culturable plastisphere 200 m after the WWTP discharge. Ciprofloxacin- and/or cefotaxime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (n = 54 unique isolates) were identified as Escherichia coli (n = 37), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 3), Citrobacter spp. (n = 9), Enterobacter spp. (n = 4) and Shigella sp. (n = 1). All isolates presented at least one of the virulence features tested (i.e. biofilm formation, haemolytic activity and production of siderophores), 70% carried the intI1 gene and 85% exhibited a multi-drug resistance phenotype. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes were detected in ciprofloxacin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae [aacA4-cr (40% of the isolates), qnrS (30%), qnrB (25%), and qnrVC (8%)], along with mutations in gyrA (70%) and parC (72%). Cefotaxime-resistant strains (n = 23) harbored blaCTX-M (70%), blaTEM (61%) and blaSHV (39%). Among CTX-M producers, high-risk clones of E. coli (e.g. ST10 or ST131) and K. pneumoniae (ST17) were identified, most of which carrying blaCTX-M-15. Ten out of 16 CTX-M producers were able to transfer blaCTX-M to a recipient strain. Our results demonstrated the occurrence of multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the riverine plastisphere, harboring ARGs of clinical concern and exhibiting virulence traits, suggesting a contribution of MPs to the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens. The type of MPs and especially water contamination (e.g. by WWTPs discharges) seem to determine the resistome of the riverine plastisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Silva
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal; CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies) University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Elsa T Rodrigues
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta Tacão
- CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies) University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Henriques
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Nantege D, Odong R, Auta HS, Keke UN, Ndatimana G, Assie AF, Arimoro FO. Microplastic pollution in riverine ecosystems: threats posed on macroinvertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27839-9. [PMID: 37248351 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants of emerging concern that have been reported in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well as in food items. The increasing production and use of plastic materials have led to a rise in MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems. This review aimed at providing an overview of the abundance and distribution of MPs in riverine ecosystems and the potential effects posed on macroinvertebrates. Microplastics in riverine ecosystems are reported in all regions, with less research in Africa, South America, and Oceania. The abundance and distribution of MPs in riverine ecosystems are mainly affected by population density, economic activities, seasons, and hydraulic regimes. Ingestion of MPs has also been reported in riverine macroinvertebrates and has been incorporated in caddisflies cases. Further, bivalves and chironomids have been reported as potential indicators of MPs in aquatic ecosystems due to their ability to ingest MPs relative to environmental concentration. Fiber and fragments are the most common types reported. Meanwhile, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (polyester), polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride are the most common polymers. These MPs are from materials/polymers commonly used for packaging, shopping/carrier bags, fabrics/textiles, and construction. Ingestion of MPs by macroinvertebrates can physically harm and inhibit growth, reproduction, feeding, and moulting, thus threatening their survival. In addition, MP ingestion can trigger enzymatic changes and cause oxidative stress in the organisms. There is a need to regulate the production and use of plastic materials, as well as disposal of the wastes to reduce MP pollution in riverine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Nantege
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria.
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Robinson Odong
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Helen Shnada Auta
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Unique Ndubuisi Keke
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Gilbert Ndatimana
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Attobla Fulbert Assie
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Francis Ofurum Arimoro
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
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Pashaei R, Sabaliauskaitė V, Suzdalev S, Balčiūnas A, Putna-Nimane I, Rees RM, Dzingelevičienė R. Assessing the Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics in Surface Freshwater and Wastewaters of Latvia and Lithuania. TOXICS 2023; 11:292. [PMID: 37112519 PMCID: PMC10146209 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic concentrations in surface water and wastewater collected from Daugavpils and Liepaja cities in Latvia, as well as Klaipeda and Siauliai cities in Lithuania, were measured in July and December 2021. Using optical microscopy, polymer composition was characterized using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The average abundance of microplastics in surface water and wastewater samples was 16.63 ± 20.29 particles/L. The dominant shape group of microplastics in water was fiber, with dominant colors found to be blue (61%), black (36%), and red (3%) in Latvia. Similar distribution in Lithuania was found, i.e., fiber (95%) and fragments (5%) with dominant colors, such as blue (53%), black (30%), red (9%), yellow (5%), and transparent (3%). The micro-Raman spectroscopy spectra of visible microplastics were identified to be polyethylene terephthalate (33%) and polyvinyl chloride (33%), nylon (12%), polyester (PS) (11%), and high-density polyethylene (11%). In the study area, municipal and hospital wastewater from catchment areas were the main reasons for the contamination of microplastics in the surface water and wastewater of Latvia and Lithuania. It is possible to reduce pollution loads by implementing measures such as raising awareness, installing more high-tech wastewater treatment plants, and reducing plastic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Pashaei
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, 92294 Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | | | - Sergej Suzdalev
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, 92294 Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | - Arūnas Balčiūnas
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, 92294 Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | | | - Robert M. Rees
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Reda Dzingelevičienė
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, 92294 Klaipeda, Lithuania
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15
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Prata JC, Silva CJM, Serpa D, Soares AMVM, Gravato C, Patrício Silva AL. Mechanisms influencing the impact of microplastics on freshwater benthic invertebrates: Uptake dynamics and adverse effects on Chironomus riparius. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160426. [PMID: 36427728 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chironomids inhabit freshwater benthic ecosystems which are prone to microplastic contamination. This work aimed at understanding the factors and mechanisms influencing microplastic uptake and related adverse effects on Chironomus riparius, by exploring an extensive project database, conducting a literature review, and performing an agent-based model to explore trends in data. Results reveal that high concentrations of small microplastics fill the gut of fourth instar C. riparius (99.7 %). Ingested microplastics had an average size of 38-61 μm, presenting slower elimination rates than undigested organic or mineral particles. Ingestion rates of microplastics depend mainly on encounter rates, and therefore on available concentrations, until reaching a plateau corresponding to the maximum gut volume. Short-term toxicity of microplastics seems to result from damage to gut epithelium, with inflammatory reactions, production of reactive oxygen species, and a negative energy balance exacerbated by the lack of food (organic matter). Long-term toxicity is characterized by a reduction in larval body length and increase in mean time to emergence, seemly from increased energy costs rather than a decrease in nutrient absorption. Wild chironomids already present microplastics in their guts and environmental concentrations in hotspots may already exceed no effect concentrations. Therefore, environmental exposure to microplastics may induce adverse effects to wild C. riparius in freshwater benthic ecosystems, which could compromise their ecologic role as deposit-feeders (e.g., reducing their nutrient cycling ability) and key-stone species in aquatic food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos J M Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dalila Serpa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon & CESAM, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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16
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Development of an Inexpensive and Comparable Microplastic Detection Method Using Fluorescent Staining with Novel Nile Red Derivatives. ANALYTICA 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/analytica4010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent staining of microplastics as a detection method is consistently gaining importance in microplastics research, as it is fast, easy to use, and requires low technical effort. In this study, a complete procedure was developed, from sample collection to sample processing and detection, to measure microplastics with low cost and time requirements. The developed procedure was tested by measuring the microplastics in the effluent of a German wastewater treatment plant over a period of one year. The results show that the process is especially well suited to investigate temporal variations of microplastic contamination, which requires a large number of samples to be processed. Further, the precision and selectivity of the detection process could be improved by applying newly developed Nile red derivatives for fluorescent staining. A low budget modification of a microscope for fluorescent imaging is compared to a modification with precise optical bandpass filters. A script enabling automated microplastic detection and counting was developed, improving the accuracy and comparability of the process.
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Barboza LGA, Otero XL, Fernández EV, Vieira LR, Fernandes JO, Cunha SC, Guilhermino L. Are microplastics contributing to pollution-induced neurotoxicity? A pilot study with wild fish in a real scenario. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13070. [PMID: 36711285 PMCID: PMC9880392 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pollution-induced neurotoxicity is of high concern. This pilot study investigated the potential relationship between the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the brain of 180 wild fish (Dicentrarchus labrax, Platichthys flesus, Mugil cephalus) from a contaminated estuary and the activity of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. MPs were found in 9 samples (5% of the total), all of them from D. labrax collected in the summer, which represents 45% of the samples of this species collected in that season (20). Seventeen MPs were recovered from brain samples, with sizes ranging from 8 to 96 μm. Polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid and one biopolymer (zein) were identified by Micro-Raman spectroscopy. Fish with MPs showed lower (p ≤ 0.05) AChE activity than those where MPs were not found. These findings point to the contribution of MPs to the neurotoxicity induced by long-term exposure to pollution, stressing the need of further studies on the topic to increase 'One Health' protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Gabriel A. Barboza
- CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal,ICBAS – School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Populations Study, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal,Corresponding author. CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Xosé L. Otero
- CRETUS Institute, Department of Edaphology and Agricultural Chemistry - Faculty of Biology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain,REBUSC, Network of Biological stations of the University of Santiago de Compostela, Marine Biology Station A Graña, Ferrol, Spain
| | - Ezequiel V. Fernández
- RIAIDT, The Network of Infrastructures to Support Research and Technological Development of the University of Santiago de Compostela, Edificio Cactus, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Luís R. Vieira
- CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal,ICBAS – School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Populations Study, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - José O. Fernandes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C. Cunha
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcia Guilhermino
- CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal,ICBAS – School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Populations Study, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
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Lepot L, Vanhouche M, Vanden Driessche T, Lunstroot K. Interpol review of fibres and textiles 2019-2022. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2022; 6:100307. [PMID: 36588587 PMCID: PMC9794884 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ribeiro A, Gravato C, Cardoso J, Ribeiro CA, Vieira MN, Rodrigues C. Microplastic Contamination and Ecological Status of Freshwater Ecosystems: A Case Study in Two Northern Portuguese Rivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192315956. [PMID: 36498031 PMCID: PMC9735593 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315956] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most European rivers have not yet achieved "good" ecological status. In addition, the presence and abundance of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater is a matter of great concern to the scientific community. METHODOLOGY This study assesses the ecological status of four sampling sites of Selho (S1-S4) and Costa-Couros (C1-C4) rivers (Guimarães, Portugal), and the abundance of MPs in sediments and benthic macroinvertebrates (Oligochaeta) from those sites. RESULTS All sites of both rivers under higher pressure did not reach a "good" ecological status (S2-S3, C2-C4) based on the macroinvertebrate community. High levels of nutrients were observed at all sites in both rivers (except C2), especially phosphorus. In the Oligochaeta's gut of Costa-Couros river, the high number of MPs seems to be associated with their weight (95.25 ± 25.61 to 1069.00 ± 385.30 MPs g/fresh weight), suggesting the existence of malnutrition and digestive disorders, whereas the highest number of MPs in gut (134.00 ± 30.36 to 558.6 ± 100.70 MPs g/fresh weight) were found for the heaviest organisms of Selho. CONCLUSIONS Thus, sites with higher ecological status do not necessarily have lower abundance of MPs. In the sediments, urbanization seems to be the main driver for MP contamination. MP contamination is pervasive across the sediments and Oligochaeta's gut in both rivers. Since MPs have the potential to cause harm to environmental and human health, it is essential to monitor not only the ecological status of freshwaters, but also emerging pollutants such as MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Ribeiro
- Landscape Laboratory, Rua da Ponte Romana, Creixomil, 4835-095 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences of University of Lisbon & Centro de Estudos de Ambiente e Mar (CESAM), University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Cardoso
- Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Maria Natividade Vieira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina Rodrigues
- Landscape Laboratory, Rua da Ponte Romana, Creixomil, 4835-095 Guimarães, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Wang X, Xing Y, Lv M, Zhang T, Ya H, Jiang B. Recent advances on the effects of microplastics on elements cycling in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157884. [PMID: 35944635 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) are an emerging pollutant which have received increasing concern in recent years. Microplastics pose a serious hazard and potential risk to the environment due to their migration, transformation, adsorption and degradation properties. The effects of different types of microplastics on the elemental cycles (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles) in ecosystems were comprehensively summarized. The impacts of microplastics on the element cycle occur mainly in the soil environment and to less extent in other environments. Microplastics affect carbon sources, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and carbon conversion processes, mainly by affecting plant and animal activities, changing gene abundance, enzyme activity, and microbial community composition. Microplastics can affect nitrogen sources, nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification and denitrification processes by changing gene abundance, enzyme activity and microbial community composition. Microplastics can also influence phosphorus content and phosphorus conversion processes by stimulating enzyme activity and changing the composition of microbial communities. Future research needs to analyze the coupling of multiple microplastics and influencing factors on elemental cycling processes. This work provides a better view of the impacts of microplastics on element cycles and the interaction between microplastics and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Mingjie Lv
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Tian Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Haobo Ya
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Zhejiang Development & Planning Institute, Hangzhou 310030, PR China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing 100015, PR China.
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Morgado V, Gomes L, Bettencourt da Silva RJN, Palma C. Microplastics contamination in sediments from Portuguese inland waters: Physical-chemical characterisation and distribution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155053. [PMID: 35390385 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155053] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are the major constituent of waste accumulated in inland waters and subsequently transferred to the ocean. The smaller plastic particles, typically obtained from the fragmentation of larger pieces, are vehicles for food chain accumulation of plastic components and contaminants sorbed to these particles through their ingestion by small organisms. The monitoring of the level and trends of the contamination by microplastics is essential to determine the relevance and potential sources of this contamination necessary to define strategies to reduce this threat. This work presents microplastic contamination levels and trends of sediments of four Portuguese inland waters, namely Ria de Aveiro, Ria Formosa, Mira river, and Mondego river, between 02/2019 and 09/2020. The contamination is classified considering the type of polymer and size, shape, and colour of particles. Polymers are identified by micro-ATR-FTIR with true and false identification rates larger and lower than 95% and 5%, respectively. Duplicate analysis results are used to quantify contamination heterogeneity subsequently applied to assess if a specific contamination trend is not meaningful for a 99% confidence level. The analytical procedure is described in detail to clarify the scope of the analysis. Tests' quality is controlled by following strict quality control measures. Results from sixty-three sediment samples proved the ubiquitous presence of microplastic (MP) in these inland waters with contamination levels ranging between 20 MP kg-1 and 1090 MP kg-1, excluding six samples not contaminated with these particles. Overall, more than 86% of the microplastics were fragments lower than 1000 μm, and 33% were identified as polyethylene or polypropylene. A large diversity of microplastic colours was observed. For the Mondego River and Ria de Aveiro locations monitored for consecutive years, no significant variations of microplastic contamination were observed for a 99% confidence level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Morgado
- Instituto Hidrográfico, R. Trinas 49, 1249-093 Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Luís Gomes
- Instituto Hidrográfico, R. Trinas 49, 1249-093 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J N Bettencourt da Silva
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carla Palma
- Instituto Hidrográfico, R. Trinas 49, 1249-093 Lisboa, Portugal
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22
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Pérez-Guevara F, Roy PD, Kutralam-Muniasamy G, Shruti VC. Coverage of microplastic data underreporting and progress toward standardization. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154727. [PMID: 35331761 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of microplastics in various environmental matrices is becoming more prevalent in almost every region of the world. Microplastics are underreported depending on how they are extracted and analyzed, and their magnitude and impacts are unknown or unstudied. This paper aims to synthesize a concrete assessment of the important factors that underpin microplastics data underreporting. Our analysis revealed that there is considerable evidence to highlight data underreporting on microplastic abundance and characteristics, which stems from a combination of partial evaluation, economic constraints, recovery efficiency of microplastic extraction, filter pore size used for microplastic separation, and the detection limit of the quantification and characterization method. The majority of unreported data fell into the category of significantly smaller-sized microplastic particles (1-300 μm), which are known to be more harmful to the environment and human health. Recommendations toward the improvement of methodologies for improving microplastic data, as well as the critical areas that will drive standardization ahead, are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Priyadarsi D Roy
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - V C Shruti
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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23
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Prata JC, Venâncio C, Girão AV, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Effects of virgin and weathered polystyrene and polypropylene microplastics on Raphidocelis subcapitata and embryos of Danio rerio under environmental concentrations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151642. [PMID: 34822904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants of freshwater ecosystems. However, few ecotoxicity assays have been conducted on freshwater organisms using environmentally relevant concentrations of virgin and weathered microplastics. This work assessed the adverse effects of virgin and artificially weathered fragments of polystyrene and polypropylene on the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata (72 h growth inhibition assay) and on embryos of the fish Danio rerio (96 h fish embryo assay) under environmentally relevant concentrations (2000-200,000 MP L-1) and high concentrations (12.5-100 mg L-1). Sizes of microplastics were measured as tens (polystyrene) to hundreds (polypropylene) of micrometers, while aging was assessed by measuring the carbonyl index. In the microalga, the tested high concentrations promoted growth, while environmentally relevant concentration induced either growth inhibition or promotion. In zebrafish embryos, environmentally relevant concentrations decreased body length and heart rates. No relevant effects were observed in organisms exposed to high concentrations for mortality, malformations, hatching rates, and swimming bladder inflation. Virgin microplastics presented slightly higher toxicity but direct comparison was hindered by the lack of a linear dose-response curve. Despite the lack of a clear pattern, adverse effects were often observed in the lowest environmentally relevant concentrations, raising concerns over the impacts of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Cátia Venâncio
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana V Girão
- Department of Materials Engineering and Ceramics (DEMaC) & Aveiro Institute of Materials (CICECO), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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24
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Liu Q, Liu L, Huang J, Gu L, Sun Y, Zhang L, Lyu K, Yang Z. The response of life history defense of cladocerans under predation risk varies with the size and concentration of microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 427:127913. [PMID: 34865906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are an emerging and increasingly serious pollutant in freshwater environment, which have become a threat to freshwater organisms. However, whether microplastics interfere with the responses of organisms to their predators is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of microplastics with tiny different particle size (diameter: 0.7 and 1 µm) on the anti-predation (Rhodeus ocellatus as the predator) defense responses of different body-sized cladocerans, Daphnia pulex and Moina macrocopa. Results showed that microplastics had a size-based inhibitory effect on the induced defense of both D. pulex and M. macrocopa. Specifically, 0.7 µm microplastics had stronger effects on reduced survival time, delayed maturation time, and decreased offspring numbers. In addition, the effects of microplastics also varied with different body-sized cladocerans, i.e. medium-sized cladoceran (D. pulex) were more sensitive than the small-sized one (M. macrocopa) regarding the maturation time. This study illustrated for the first time that the effect of microplastics on induced defense was related to cladoceran species and microplastics size, and further revealed the extensive negative effects of microplastics from the perspective of interspecific relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Leihong Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lei Gu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yunfei Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Kai Lyu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Rimondi V, Monnanni A, De Beni E, Bicocchi G, Chelazzi D, Cincinelli A, Fratini S, Martellini T, Morelli G, Venturi S, Lattanzi P, Costagliola P. Occurrence and Quantification of Natural and Microplastic Items in Urban Streams: The Case of Mugnone Creek (Florence, Italy). TOXICS 2022; 10:159. [PMID: 35448420 PMCID: PMC9025813 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The terrestrial environment is an important contributor of microplastics (MPs) to the oceans. Urban streams, strictly interwoven in the city network and to the MPs' terrestrial source, have a relevant impact on the MP budget of large rivers and, in turn, marine areas. We investigated the fluxes (items/day) of MPs and natural fibers of Mugnone Creek, a small stream crossing the highly urbanized landscape of Florence (Italy) and ending in the Arno River (and eventually to the Tyrrhenian Sea). Measurements were done in dry and wet seasons for two years (2019-2020); stream sediments were also collected in 2019. The highest loads of anthropogenic particles were observed in the 2019 wet season (109 items/day) at the creek outlet. The number of items in sediments increased from upstream (500 items/kg) to urban sites (1540 items/kg). Fibers were the dominant shape class; they were mostly cellulosic in composition. Among synthetic items, fragments of butadiene-styrene (SBR), indicative of tire wear, were observed. Domestic wastewater discharge and vehicular traffic are important sources of pollution for Mugnone Creek, especially during rain events. The study of small creeks is of pivotal importance to limit the availability of MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rimondi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Alessio Monnanni
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
| | - Eleonora De Beni
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
| | - Gabriele Bicocchi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Fratini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (E.D.B.); (D.C.); (A.C.); (T.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Guia Morelli
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Stefania Venturi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
| | | | - Pilario Costagliola
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (A.M.); (G.B.); (S.V.); (P.C.)
- IGG-CNR, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (P.L.)
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26
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Seasonal Abundance and Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in the Lis River, Portugal. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14042255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The majority of microplastics (MP) found in the marine environment have land-based sources and rivers are known as carriers of these particles to the ocean. This work is the first to study MP in the Lis River Basin and coastal shoreline (total nine sampling sites) and the potential relationship with inputs from 105 companies/units. We report the seasonal abundance, typology, colour, size, and polymer distribution of MP in surface water and sediment. To the collected samples, a digestion protocol was applied, followed by filtration. For sediment, an MP density separation was performed prior to filtration. MP were mostly fibres (0.02 to 1111.11 items.m−3 in water and 10.66 to 1609.64 items.kg−1 in sediment) and fragments (0.02 to 2311.11 items.m−3 in water and 10.66 to 501.01 items.kg−1 in sediment). The most frequent colours were transparent and blue, and MP were mostly smaller than 1 mm in water and 2 mm in sediment samples. The most abundant polymers in water were polyethylene (37%), polyacrylate (18%) and polystyrene (18%), and in sediment, polyethylene terephthalate (29%) and polyacrylate (23%). Population density, plastic processing companies and meteorological factors were found to be associated with seasonal MP abundance and distribution patterns in the Lis River Basin.
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27
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Shruti VC, Pérez-Guevara F, Roy PD, Kutralam-Muniasamy G. Analyzing microplastics with Nile Red: Emerging trends, challenges, and prospects. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:127171. [PMID: 34537648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The development and applications of effective analytical techniques for identification and quantification of microplastics in diverse spheres are increasing in the scientific arena. Nile Red (NR) staining has progressed as a low-cost, simple-to-use approach for analyzing the environmental impact of a wide spectrum of microplastics (e.g., ≥ 3 µm - ≤ 5 mm; polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride etc.). Given the recent surge of research into this methodology, it is critical to examine the findings and present future directions. Herein, we review accomplishments to date of the current protocols describing the sample preparation, staining and fluorescence conditions, contamination measures, and data analysis based on 56 field observations focusing on microplastic pollution and NR staining technique. Additionally, we discuss the challenges in current analyses towards standardization and recommendations related to it. Finally, we conclude that, despite methodological discrepancies, the NR method has emerged as a viable standalone substitute for visual identification; yet not all that fluoresce with NR are microplastics, which necessitates extensive sample preparation or additional spectroscopy techniques for chemical analysis to validate the results. This article informs the reader about how the NR technique is advancing microplastic research and identifies current needs for future advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- V C Shruti
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Priyadarsi D Roy
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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28
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Tamminga M, Hengstmann E, Deuke AK, Fischer EK. Microplastic concentrations, characteristics, and fluxes in water bodies of the Tollense catchment, Germany, with regard to different sampling systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:11345-11358. [PMID: 34533749 PMCID: PMC8794927 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics in multiple environmental compartments has largely been demonstrated. Assessing the ecological risk that microplastics pose is, at the present stage, hindered due to methodical differences. Moreover, different methods hamper meaningful comparisons between studies and data on microplastics <300 μm is scarce. Therefore, we focused on microplastics >20 μm in freshwater and sampling-related aspects in this concern. Sampling was conducted between 2018 and 2020 in the Tollense catchment in northeastern Germany and was carried out by in situ pump filtration. Two different sampling systems (cutoff sizes 20 μm and 63 μm) were applied to filter water volumes of 0.075-1.836 m3. Retained particles were analyzed by a combination of Nile red staining and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Thereby, we found microplastic concentrations between 123 and 1728 particles m-3 using the 63-μm cut-off size and between 1357 and 2146 particles m-3 using the 20-μm cut-off size. Local hydrodynamics (discharge and flow velocity) and land cover are likely influencing the observed microplastic concentrations and fluxes. The variability between both sampling systems cannot fully be explained by the different mesh sizes used. We argue that differentiation between a theoretical cut-off size (finest mesh) and a factual cut-off size (reliable quantification) can help to understand sampling related differences between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Tamminga
- Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Elena Hengstmann
- Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Deuke
- Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elke Kerstin Fischer
- Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
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29
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Peng H, Li P, Yang Q. Investigation on the reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and synergistic effects in co-pyrolysis of polyester and viscose fibers. REACTION KINETICS MECHANISMS AND CATALYSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11144-022-02167-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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30
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Ding L, Han X, Cao L, Chen Y, Ling Z, Han J, He S, Jiang S. Characterization of natural fiber from manau rattan (Calamus manan) as a potential reinforcement for polymer-based composites. JOURNAL OF BIORESOURCES AND BIOPRODUCTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jobab.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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31
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Microplastics in Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Plants: Occurrence and Removal of Microfibres. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112110109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), and specifically microfibres (MPFs), are ubiquitous in water bodies, including wastewater and drinking water. In this work, a thorough literature review on the occurrence and removal of MPs, and specifically MPFs in WWTPs and DWTPs, has been carried out. When the water is treated, an average microfiber removal efficiency over 70% is achieved in WWTPs and DWTPs. These high percentages are still inefficient for avoiding the presence of a large number of microfibres in treated wastewater and also in tap water. RSF, DAF, oxidation ditch and CAS processes have been described as the most efficient treatments for eliminating MPFs from wastewater treatment. It is remarkable the wide range of the data reported on this topic; for example, treated wastewater contains between not detected and 347 MPFs/L, whereas tap water contains between not detected and 168 MPFs/L. Microfibres constitute more than half of the MPs found in treated wastewater and sewage sludge, whereas in DWTP effluents the percentage of MPFs is around 32%. Nevertheless, the relative amount of MPFs reported in tap water is notably higher (71%). Microfibres from WWTPs are discharged to the environment, being a source of MP pollution. Additionally, MPs released by DWTPs directly enter the drinking water lines, which constitute a direct route for MP human consumption, so that it has been estimated that an adult may ingest an average value of 7500 MPFs per year only via tap water. Thus, this review provides an update on the performance of WWTPs and DWTPs in removing MPs from water, which is an issue of great interest.
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32
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Bermúdez M, Vilas C, Quintana R, González-Fernández D, Cózar A, Díez-Minguito M. Unravelling spatio-temporal patterns of suspended microplastic concentration in the Natura 2000 Guadalquivir estuary (SW Spain): Observations and model simulations. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112622. [PMID: 34146860 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) patterns in a weakly-stratified estuary were investigated using a combined approach of observations and modeling. The study was conducted in the Guadalquivir River Estuary, which is of high environmental value, yet significantly altered by human activities. The study aims to contribute to understanding and quantifying the land-ocean transport of MPs. Mean concentrations of MPs in the estuary were 0.041itemsm-3, with maximum values up to 0.20itemsm-3, in agreement with the range reported in other estuaries. Polyethylene floating MPs were predominant. Relationships between increases in MP concentration and local rainfall events were identified in the middle estuary when there were no significant discharges from the head dam. Modeling results mimicked observations and revealed the effects of tidal straining, density-driven, and river flow-induced circulation on the net transport. Convergence of transports favors the MPs trapping in the vicinity of Doñana National Park, overlapping the location of the Estuarine Turbidity Maximum.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Bermúdez
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA), Dept. Structural Mechanics and Hydraulics Engineering, University of Granada, Avenida del Mediterráneo s/n, Edificio CEAMA, Granada E-18006, Spain
| | - César Vilas
- Instituto de Investigación y Formación Agraria Pesquera (IFAPA), Centro El Toruño, Camino Tiro de Pichón s/n, El Puerto de Santa María E-11500, Spain
| | - Rocío Quintana
- University of Cádiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Departamento de Biología, Puerto Real E-11510, Spain
| | - Daniel González-Fernández
- University of Cádiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Departamento de Biología, Puerto Real E-11510, Spain
| | - Andrés Cózar
- University of Cádiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Departamento de Biología, Puerto Real E-11510, Spain
| | - Manuel Díez-Minguito
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA), Dept. Structural Mechanics and Hydraulics Engineering, University of Granada, Avenida del Mediterráneo s/n, Edificio CEAMA, Granada E-18006, Spain.
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Picó Y, Soursou V, Alfarhan AH, El-Sheikh MA, Barceló D. First evidence of microplastics occurrence in mixed surface and treated wastewater from two major Saudi Arabian cities and assessment of their ecological risk. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:125747. [PMID: 33819645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, water of the channels and ponds that conduct residual water in two most important cities of Saudi Arabia were assessed to ascertain the influence of the population on the occurrence and pollution characteristics of microplastics (MPs) (> 20 µm in size). Riyadh has 7.6 million inhabitants and is an urban city even though also have industry while Al-Jubail has only 0.78 and is the biggest industrial city. MPs showed an average of 3.2 items/L in Riyadh and 0.2 items/L in Al-Jubail showing a statistically significant difference between both cities. Sampling with a Turton Tow Net of 20 µm mesh, fibers were dominant in all sites (60%). MPs size was mainly distributed between 80 and 250 µm (60%), and their major colors were white (40%), red (25%) and blue (20%). Infrared spectral analysis revealed that most of the selected particles were identified as MPs of polypropylene and polyethylene (48.3%). The risk assessment was carried out using both the hazard index (HI) and the pollution load index (PLI). The results showed that, in this case, the decisive index is the PLI since the main difference in the MPs characteristics between the two cities is their concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Picó
- Environmental and Food Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Desertification Research Centre CIDE (CSIC-UV-GV), Moncada-Naquera Road Km 4.5, 46113 Moncada, Spain.
| | - Vasiliki Soursou
- Environmental and Food Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Desertification Research Centre CIDE (CSIC-UV-GV), Moncada-Naquera Road Km 4.5, 46113 Moncada, Spain
| | - Ahmed H Alfarhan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A El-Sheikh
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA- CERCA, Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003, Girona, Spain
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